Greek Life Glossary

-Bid

The formal membership invitation of a particular fraternity or sorority.

–Bid Day

The last day of formal recruitment when everyone is officially placed in a new home. (The equivalent to Hogwarts students getting sorted into their houses by the sorting hat in Harry Potter).

-Chapter

A chapter refers to a local operating body of a national organization. Most organizations have different chapters located on college campuses across the nation.

-Crossing

The same as being initiated. Generally means transitioning from from being an aspirant to being an official member.

-Intake

The process some organizations perform to recruit, interview, select, and educate new members.

-Line or Pledge Class

Refers to a group of members who are initiated at the same time. Lines are usually designated by semester and initiatiion year.
-Line Name

A form of nickname given to newly initiated members meant to describe their character.

-Nalia

Short for paraphernalia. The different items of Greek clothing or items someone is wearing.

-Neophyte (aka “Neo”)

A newly initiated member of a Greek organization.

-New Member Presentation (aka Probate)

A formal revelation of a new line to campus. Usually done in a public forum after members have been initiated.

-Prophyte

Term used to refer to an older brother/sister from your chapter

-Sands 

A member of your organization that was initiated at the same time you were.

-Strolling

A syncronized line movement done by members Greek organizations; usually done at a parties or step shows.

-Yard

The term used to refer to the campus or university a chapter is at.