Member - someone who has been initiated into their chapter
Membership Intake - recruitment process used by the NPHC and NALFO organizations
National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) - The governing body for 26 national and international women's fraternities/sororities. (See also www.npcwomen.org)
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) - The governing body of nine historically African American Greek-lettered fraternities and sororities. (See also www.nphchq.org)
National Association of Latino Fraternal Organizations (NALFO) - Established in 1998, NALFO is the governing body of 23 Latino organizations from across the country.
Neophyte (Neo)- a newly initiated fraternity or sorority member, though this term is not used by all organizations
New Member - A person who has accepted a bid to join a fraternity or sorority chapter but has not yet been initiated. Also see Associate Member
North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) - The governing body for 66 national and international men's fraternities. (See also www.nicindy.org)
Panhellenic Association- an organization consisting of 14 nationally recognized sororities established to promote the Greek system and maintain relations among Greek groups
Philanthropy - Community service events done by fraternities and sororities to raise money for local and national charities. Each organization has their own philanthropy to which they donate time, money, and energy.
Pledge-a young man or woman preparing to become an initiated member of a fraternity or sorority
Pledging - The term used by Greek organizations for individuals who are becoming members
New Member (Pledge) Program - A time before initiation during which new members learn about their fraternity, its new members, activities, and responsibilities
Recommendation or Reference-a written letter or statement recommending a potential new member for membership in a sorority
Ritual - The traditional beliefs and oaths of a sorority or fraternity usually used in reference to the Ceremonies of Initiation as well as weekly chapter meetings. These traditions do not include any forms of hazing, because hazing weakens the bonds of brotherhood / sisterhood, and undermines the common experience of the fraternity or sorority. Ritual does however, ensure that all members share a common experience across multiple campuses and generations
Rush Chair - The person from each fraternity or sorority who is in charge of each chapter's rush functions
Rush - A program (and period of time) of membership recruitment by Greek organizations. Rush is primarily a process for exchanging information: Fraternity and sorority members give information about their respective organizations to potential new members (Rushees). The Rushees give information about themselves and inquire about the missions, philosophies, financial obligations, Alumni opportunities and membership commitment of the organization that he or she is Rushing. It is an active process on both sides to ensure that new members are properly matched with a Greek Letter Organization (GLO). Every fraternity is not for every potential new member and vice versa
Rushee - A person who is going through rush to join a Greek organization
Sister - An initiated member of a sorority/women's fraternity. It is used as a form of address when one initiated member is refers to another member