Greek Terminology

Some Greek terminology for you.

Active

fully-initiated member of a fraternity or sorority.

Alumnus (plural: alumni/alumnae)

member of a fraternity or sorority who has graduated.

Bid

formal invitation to membership from a fraternity or sorority to a prospective member.

Brother

term used by initiated members in a fraternity when referring to each other.

Sister

term used by initiated members in a sorority when referring to each other.

Fraternity/Sorority

group of individuals bound together by common goals and rituals.

Greek

member of a fraternity or sorority.

Potential New Member (PNM)

a person who is not a member of a fraternity or sorority, but is interested in joining.

Initiation

traditional ritual which brings the pledge into full membership in the chapter.

Interfraternity Council (IFC)

representative governing body of all fraternities on campus. All NIC fraternities choose to participate in the Council.

Panhellenic Council (PHC)

representative governing body of all sororities on campus. All NPC sororities choose to participate in the Council.

Legacy

prospective member of a fraternity or sorority who is the son, brother, daughter, sister, or other relative of a member of the fraternity or sorority.

Pin

the member pin is worn on the chest designating an initiate of a fraternity or sorority.

New Member/Associate Member

trial member of a fraternity or sorority who is working to become an initiate.

Recruitment

the activity by which fraternities and sororities seek new members.