Active:  A fully initiated member of a fraternity or sorority, often called a “brother” or “sister.” Applies to collegiate members.
      
Alumna(ae) or Alumnus(i):  An initiated sorority or fraternity member who has graduated from college.
      
Bid:  A formal invitation to join a Greek chapter.
      
Chapter:  1) The collegiate group of a national fraternity or sorority. 2) Weekly meetings of individual Greek organizations.
      
Continuous Open Bidding (COB):  The period during which any group not having its quota of members may rush and recruit individuals.
      
Fraternity:  The name that applies to all Greek-letter organizations. Each is symbolized by its ritual, a badge/pin, and a strong tie of friendship.
      
Greek:  A student affiliated with a fraternity or sorority.
      
Initiation:  The formal ceremony in which pledges/associates become full members of a Greek organization.
      
Interfraternity Council (IFC): The governing body of all fraternities.
      
Legacy:  A potential member who has a family member that is an active or alumnus of a fraternity or sorority.
      
Quota:  The maximum number of women a Panhellenic sorority may recruit during formal rush.
      
New Member:  Someone who has accepted a bid to join a fraternity or sorority. To “pledge” is also the process of joining a Greek-letter organization.
      
Panhellenic Council:  A local organization affiliated with a national counterpart and composed of representatives of each local sorority chapter.
      
Philanthropy:  A charity/service project sponsored by chapters.
      
Sorority:  The term applied to women’s Greek organizations; in actuality, sororities are formally termed “women’s fraternities.”
      
Recruitment:  The activity by which Greek organizations seek new members.