Greek Dictionary

Active Member:
A fully initiated member of a fraternity/sorority with full chapter privileges and responsibilities.

Alumni Member:
A graduated Greek member from CSUSB, or other campus.

Bid:
Official invitation to join a fraternity/sorority.

Big Brother/Sister:
An active member chosen to assist and advise a new member.

Brother:
A term used by initiated members of a fraternity when referring to one another.

Chapter:
Local group which represents a segment of a local or national organization.

Exchange:
A closed social gathering between one or more fraternities or sororities.

Faculty Advisor:
A full-time University faculty/staff member that assists the organization with issues related to the university.

Greek Advisor:
A full-time CSUSB Staff member who oversees all the programs included within Greek life.

Greek Week:
A friendly competition each spring between recognized Greek organization at CSUSB.

Initiation:
The tradition ritual that brings a new member into active membership of a fraternity or sorority.

Legacy:
A potential new member whose family member is already a member of that fraternity/sorority.

New Member (informal: pledge):
A student who has accepted a bid from a fraternity/sorority. After a period of education, new members may be initiated. This period is referred to as pledging, associate or new membership education depending on the fraternity/sorority.

Philanthropy:
Community service programs or events sponsored by Greek organizations.

Pin:
The active pin or badge, worn on the chest designating an active member of a fraternity/sorority.

Potential member:
A person interested in becoming a member of a fraternity/sorority.

Recruitment/Rush:
A period during the Fall and Winter Quarters in which fraternity and sorority members meet potential new members and acquire new members through the Bid process.

Ritual:
The traditional beliefs of a fraternity or sorority.

Sigma Rho Chi:
Sorority Recruitment Counselors who are available to answer questions a potential member may have about recruitment. These women have temporarily disaffiliated from her chapter to provide objective advice and support to potential new members.

Sister:
A term used by initiated members of a sorority when referring to one another.