Greek Vocabulary

Greek Terms Sorority A group of women bonded together by their ritual that contains the founding principles, ideals and aspirations of the group. Fraternity A group of men bonded together by their ritual that contains the founding principles, ideals, and apirations of the group. Due to their historical beginnings, some women's organizations are officially referred to as fraternities as well. Active An initiated collegiate member who is currently paying dues to an undergraduate chapter. Alumnus (1m), Alumna (1f), Alumni (2+m or mf), Alumnae (2+f) Members of a fraternity or sorority who have graduated. New Member A new member of a fraternity or sorority aspiring to become an initiated member. Legacy Someone who's mother, father, sister or brother, are members of a particular Greek-letter organization. Some may consider having a Greek aunt or an uncle a legacy also. Bid An invitation to membership extended to a prospective member. Bid Day The last day of recruitment that includes a reception at the chapter house. Big Brother/Big Sister The new member selects an active member to serve as his or her Big Brother/Big Sister. This initiated member serves as a resource, role model and problem solver for the new member. Chapter The local group of undergraduate students on a particular campus recognized by the university and the (inter)national organization. Recruitment The organized period for the recruitment of prospective new members. For IFC fraternities, formal rush takes place in the first few weeks of school. For Panhellenic sororities, formal recruitment occurs at the start of each fall semester. For MGC and NPHC organizations, recruitment is called "Intake" and is conducted separately during the semester with permission of their International organizations. Intake The term NPHC groups use when bringing in new members into the organization. Each NPHC organization determines when they will conduct intake. Initiation A spiritually based ritual which marks the acceptance of a lifetime commitment to the fraternity or sorority. Interfraternity Council (IFC) The governing body of the twelve (12) "traditional" fraternities at Texas State. view site Panhellenic Council (PC) The governing body of the six (6) National Panhellenic Conference sororities at Texas State. National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) The governing body of the six (6) historically African-American fraternities and sororities at Texas State. view site Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) The governing body of the culturally-based fraternties/sororities at Texas State that are not members of IFC, PC, or NHPC. view site Order of Omega National Greek Leadership Honor Society An honor society for Greek members who demonstrate outstanding leadership and superior academic performance. Step Show Throughout the year NPHC and MGC groups may host these events, which feature synchronized dance steps presented in a competetive format. Each fall the NPHC sponsors a Homecoming Stepshow, which is always a huge success provides an opportunity to witness an tradition rooted in African culture that has been handed down through the years. Southern Greek Leadership Conference (SGLC) A regional conference for IFC, PC, NPHC, MGC and Greek leaders to attend. Undergraduate Interfraternity Institute (UIFI) A four day leadership institute held each summer that bring Greek student leaders from across the country. This is one of the best institutes in the country and is tailored exclusively for Greek leaders. Association of Fraternity Advisors (AFA) The professional association for Greek Advisors in North America. An annual meeting is held each fall to educate Greek Advisors and to stay current with trends in the Greek World. All staff in the Office of Greek Affairs at Texas State are members.