Glossary

Active: A member of a sorority who is currently enrolled in college or university.

Alumna: A woman who has graduated from college and is a member of a sorority.

Badge: The pin or emblem worn by sorority members to represent their affiliation.

Bid: An invitation to join a particular sorority.

Big: An older member of the sorority who serves as a mentor and friend to a new member, known as a Little.

Chapter: A local group or branch of a national sorority.

Dues: The fees paid by members of a sorority to cover the operational costs, events, activities, and other expenses associated with maintaining the chapter.

Formal Recruitment: A structured period during which potential new members (PNMs) visit sorority houses and participate in events to learn about different chapters and potentially receive bids.

Founders: The individuals who established or founded a particular sorority.

Greek Life: The collective term for sororities and fraternities on college campuses.

House: The physical building where a sorority's members reside, if applicable.

Initiation: The formal ceremony in which new members become members of a sorority.

Legacy: A potential new member whose mother, sister, or grandmother is an alumna of a particular sorority.

Little: A new member who has been paired with an older member, known as a Big, for guidance, support, and mentorship.

National Panhellenic Council: The organization that serves as the governing body for 26 international women's sororities or women's fraternities in North America.

New Member: A woman who has accepted a bid to join a sorority but has not yet been initiated.

Philanthropy: Charitable activities and fundraising efforts organized by sororities to support various causes.

Potential New Member: A woman who is participating in Formal Recruitment but has not yet accepted a bid.

Quota: The maximum number of new members that each sorority chapter is permitted to extend bids to during Formal Recruitment.

Rho Gamma: A sorority member who temporarily disaffiliates from her own chapter to serve as a neutral guide and support system for potential new members during Formal Recruitment.

Ritual: Ceremonies and traditions that are unique to each sorority and are often kept private among members.

Silence: The period during the Formal Recruitment process when sorority members are prohibited from communicating with potential new members.

Sisterhood: The bond shared among members of a sorority.

Sorority: A social organization for women, typically found on college campuses, focused on sisterhood, personal development, and community service.

Sponsor: A current member of a sorority who recommends or vouches for a potential new member.

Values: The principles and ideals that guide the activities and behavior of a sorority.