I remember when I was going through Recruitment. Everything, including the verbiage, was extremely foreign to me, and many times, I felt lost. (I was also the first person in my family to Go Greek.) When I look back on my experience, here are the 15 terms I wish I knew ahead of time!
Active Member – a sorority member who has been initiated
Alumna – a sorority member who has graduated and is a forever member of the sorority. Remember, it’s not four years, it’s for life!
Bid – an official invitation to become a member of a sorority
Chapter – a term used by sororities for their local group at their campus
Greek – a term used to refer to fraternity and sorority members and their organizations
Hazing – any type of action or activity that does not contribute to the positive development of a person. Hazing is illegal!
Initiation – the traditional ritual that brings a new member into full membership in the fraternity or sorority
Interfraternity Council (IFC) – the governing body of fraternities
Legacy – a potential new member with a close relative (parent, grandparent, sibling) who is a member of that same sorority. For example, a double legacy would be if your mom and your grandmother were members of the same sorority!
New member – someone who has accepted a bid, but has not yet been initiated
Panhellenic Council (PHC) – the governing council of sororities
Philanthropy – a charitable project or organization that a sorority supports
Potential New Member – a student interested in joining a sorority
Recruitment – the process used by sororities to enlist new members. Go Greek!
Rho Gamma or Recruitment – disaffiliated sorority members who helps potential members during recruitment
Sister – a term used by sorority members when referring to one another
Recruitment was such a special time! I felt so many emotions during the recruitment process – excitement, nervousness, you name it! However, I found the sorority that was right for me, and I couldn’t be happier! I hope you all have the most incredible time and find the place that is right for you! Make sure you keep me posted on which sorority you end up calling home. You got this, girl! 🥳
Lydia
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