Active: A fully initiated member of a sorority with full chapter privileges and responsibilities.
Alumna: A member who has graduated from college. Sometimes called “alums.”
Badge: The pin or badge that is worn to designate an active member.
Bid: An official invitation to join a sorority.
Big Sis: An active member that mentors a new member.
Chapter: The local undergraduate group representing a segment of the national organization.
Exchange: A closed event for members of a specific sorority and a specific fraternity.
Greek: A member of a sorority or fraternity.
Initiation: A ceremony for new members to take the vows and learn the rituals of full sorority membership.
Legacy: A PNM who is the daughter, granddaughter, or sister of a sorority member.
New Member: A student who has accepted a bid but has not yet been initiated.
New Member Period: The time before a new member has been initiated and is educated on the sorority history, ideals, and traditions.
Panhellenic: The governing body of the sororities.
Potential New Member (PNM): A participant in Recruitment.
Preference: The final round of Recruitment events, after which PNMs sign a card listing their remaining chapters in order of preference.
Recruitment: The mutual selection process in which sororities and students meet and create the new pledge class.
It's All Greek To Me!