There are many terms that are specific to sororities and fraternities or have a different context in our community.
Active
A person that has been initiated into the chapter. They are considered an active member by the Office of Greek Life starting their second semester in the chapter.
Alumna / Alumni
A person that has graduated from a collegiate chapter. Alum will often support the chapter through advising, donations, or time.
Bid
A formal invitation to join a fraternity or sorority. This is usually a physical card that is signed by the chapter. It can be accepted or denied.
Big
An active member that is paired with a new member to serve as a mentor in the chapter. Not all chapters have this program.
Chapter
The CWRU unit of a fraternity or sorority. Each chapter has a special designation within the inter/national organization to distinguish it.
Continuous Open Bidding (COB)
Sororities: an opportunity for chapters to select more members if they are not the desired size.
Initiation
A ritual ceremony that brings new members into full, active membership. This timeline for this depends on the organization.
Interfraternity Congress / IFC
The governing body of the fraternities on campus
Little
The new member that is paired with the Active / Big and will be mentored and supported as they start their membership experience. Not all chapters have this program.
Membership recruitment acceptance binding agreement (MRABA)
Sororities: the contract that a PNM signs to join a chapter. If the PNM leaves the chapter before initiation they cannot participate in recruitment until the next Primary Recruitment.
National Pan-Hellenic Council / NPHC
The governing body for the historically African American fraternities and sororities. Some are city wide.
New Member
A person that has recently accepted a bid. They are considered new members by the Office of Greek Life for their first semester in the chapter.
New Member Orientation
Hosted by the Office of Greek Life and IFC/PHC to help New Members complete required trainings and learn more about the Greek Life community at CWRU.
Office of Greek Life / GLO
The office / space that houses professional staff that support the governing bodies, chapters, and students in Greek Life
Panhellenic Council / PHC
The governing body of the sororities on campus
Philanthropy
A national and/or local organization or cause that a chapter supports, usually through hosting fundraisers or volunteering.
PNM
Potential New Member; any eligible student
Primary Recruitment
Sororities: the main period of time for all sororities to select new members.
SMARRT
Students Meeting About Risk and Responsibility Training; an organization of Greek Life students that support peer education initiatives.
SMARRT Quiz
A short risk and safety quiz required for all New Members.