FAQ

An initiated, dues-paying member who is enrolled at UCSB.

An alum or group of alum who serve as a resource for the chapter members and liaison between the parent organization and the local chapter.

A member of the organization that has graduated from college and continues to stay active with the organization by way of a graduate or alumni chapter.

Also known as a pin, it is an item of jewelry/insignia given to members upon initiation. The badge is usually worn at all official functions.  In some organizations, upon a member's death it is returned to the sorority or fraternity headquarters. The badge must be worn with business like attire, usually over the heart and above all other pins.

A formal invitation to join a fraternity or sorority.

Nickname for big sister or brother, a mentor assigned to a new member.

A yell used mostly by NPHC organizations (although some other orgs have calls as well). Used to identify and greet brothers and sisters; non-members are not permitted to use the call.

The local collegiate branch of a fraternity or sorority.

A weekly meeting held to discuss sorority or fraternity business.

The official document drafted by an Inter/National fraternity or sorority that allows for the creation of a local chapter that is affiliated with a college or university campus.

A term used to name new members of a Panhellenic Council or Interfraternity Council organization who all joined during the same semester.

An opportunity for Collegiate Panhellenic chapters that do not reach quota during primary recruitment to bid to total. The continuous open bidding/continuous recruitment process is less formal, and not all chapters will participate each year.

Insignia used by sorority and fraternity members. Most Greek lettered organizations reserve the crest for initiated members only. Each crest has hidden, secret meanings behind it. Also known as a coat or arms or shield.

The quarterly membership fee charged by fraternities and sororities. Dues cover the cost of operation, events, activities and socials.

A new organization that is awaiting official recognition from their headquarters to have a chapter at a campus. These groups will usually receive higher levels of support from the parent organization, and will have a list of requirements to complete before being granted their own charter. 

A group of individuals bound together by ritual, common ideals, and a strong bond of friendship and brotherhood or sisterhood.

An event celebrated by fraternities and sororities to highlight the founding of their organization and celebrate its history. It's not necessarily held on the day the organization was founded.

Members of a fraternity or sorority. The term “Greek” is used because a majority of fraternities and sororities use Greek letters to distinguish themselves.

An organized week of activities to unite all councils.

The University of California has a zero-tolerance policy in regards to hazing. Hazing is defined as any action taken which produces bodily harm or danger, mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, fright, or ridicule. Permission or approval does not make hazing acceptable, legal, or defensible. Once a common tradition, hazing has been banned by all national, local, and international fraternal organizations and institutions of higher education. The University of California, Santa Barbara strictly enforces this policy, and organizations found in violation are subject to immediate suspension of campus recognition and privileges, as well as negative legal repercussions.

A physical facility, usually used to house members, hold meetings and other events. CPC and IFC chapters at UCSB have chapter facilities in Isla Vista.

The entity that holds the title to property that a chapter lives or meets in. This is usually an alum group like an advisory board, but can also include the parent organization.  Not all organizations with chapter facilities have a House Corporation.

A person hired to live in the chapter house and supervise the chapter members. All CPC sororities employ a house director to take care of sorority house operations.

Infractions can be given to any fraternity or sorority that violates a rule or policy outlined in its respective council’s governing documents.

A traditional ceremony that brings a new member into full membership of a sorority or fraternity. Once you are initiated into an NPC sorority, you are ineligible for membership in any other.

Term for the process by which individuals are selected to become new members of a culture- or identity-based organization. This process can be more secretive than recruitment, but generally includes an application and an interview process, followed by an educational program, and then an initiation (generally known as “crossing”).

To be a legacy means that you have an older family member (brother, sister, mother, father, grandmother, or grandfather) who was a member of a fraternity/sorority. Please note: Panhellenic chapters at UCSB do no review this information as part of the recruitment process.

The first Greek letter of each word of a chapter's name that identify a particular fraternity or sorority; these are generally displayed on clothing and other paraphernalia.

A statement or letter from an alumnus/alumna or an active member of a fraternity/sorority, which recommends a prospective member for membership. Please note: chapters at UCSB do not review these (for all councils).

A term somewhat equal to a new member class, most commonly used by culture- or identity-based fraternities/sororities. They are the potential new members of the organization. Lines are often given names.

A term in some culture- and identity-based fraternities and sororities denoting the newest initiated members of the organization.

After receiving and accepting a Bid, the person becomes a new member for Panhellenic sororities and IFC fraternities. For culture- and identity-based organizations, new members are recently crossed individuals. 

Philanthropy is a term used to describe charitable events performed by fraternities/sororities.

Refers to the cause or charity that each chapter/national organization chooses to support with their philanthropic dollars. Each organization supports a different cause or charity.

Now known as a Potential Member (PM), this term refers to any individual going through a recruitment process in interest of joining a sorority or fraternity.

A term in some culture- and identity-based fraternities and sororities signifying an older member in the organization.  Prophytes can have either active or alum status.

A Panhellenic sorority specific term specific to the primary recruitment process. Quota refers to the number of potential members each chapter can offer bids to during primary recruitment for Panhellenic sororities. This is determined with a formula involving the number of chapters and the number of individuals still participating recruitment at the time.  Quota adjusts to the size of Panhellenic primary recruitment. If more people go through recruitment, quota increases to accommodate the growth. 

The process where sororities and fraternities take in new members.

A secret ceremony of a fraternity/sorority. Ritual elements are sacred to each sorority and fraternity and have been handed down through the generations. Only initiated members are exposed to the secret rituals of their chapter.

A Panhellenic sorority member who is disassociated from their sorority to serve as a recruitment guide for individuals going through Panhellenic primary recruitment. Each PM is assigned a Rho Gamma (RhoGam) during primary recruitment.