Important Terms to Know for Sorority Rush
Words and Phrases to Learn Before Greek Membership Recruitment
Feb 21, 2008
Sororities can seem to have a language all their own. But it isn't as complicated as it might seem! These are the key terms to know if you are interested in joining a sorority or just want to know what in the world they are talking about!
Sorority
A group of college/university women who have chosen to commit to each other in sisterhood for the purpose of striving for excellence in education, service and friendship.
Greeks
The informal name given to members of sororities and fraternities. The name is used because the sororities and fraternities choose to identify themselves by combinations of Greek letters.
Membership Recruitment
Formerly known as Rush, Membership Recruitment is the time when sororities select new members and women on campus have the opportunity to join a sorority. It is made up of four rounds: Open Houses, Skits, Philanthropy, and Preference.
Potential New Members
Formerly known as Rushees, these are the women going through Membership Recruitment in hopes of joining a sorority.
Mutual Selection
The process during Membership Recruitment when the sorority members seek the women who will best enhance their sisterhood and the Potential New Members determine which sorority will be the best fit for them.
Quota
The number of women a sorority can offer a bid to during Recruitment. This number is determined by the Panhellenic Council.
Recruitment Counselor (RC or Rho Chi)
Formerly known as Rush Counselors, these are sorority women who disaffiliate with their own chapter during Recruitment in order to help the Potential New Members with the selection process. They offer impartial support and answer questions during Membership Recruitment.
Panhellenic Council
The governing body that oversees the cooperation of the member sororities. This is the local body of the larger National Panhellenic Council. Also known as Panhel, this council is made up of officers elected from the various sororities on campus.
Legacy
A Potential New Member who is closely related to a woman with membership in a National Panhellenic member sorority. The definition of a legacy varies from sorority to sorority, but it almost always includes a woman whose mother, sister, aunt or grandmother was a member of a particular sorority. Legacies are usually given special consideration for membership, but sororities are not required to invite them to membership.
Reference
A form completed by a member of a sorority that provides information about a potential new member. A reference is usually completed by an alumna who knows the potential new member. The reference is mailed to the sorority and provides the chapter with advance information about the woman going through recruitment. A reference also includes a photo.
Symbols and Mottos
Each sorority has their own special colors, symbols and mottos. Some are shared freely with the public and some are secret.
Badge or Pin
Each sorority has a special pin worn by members. Potential New Members are given a pledge pin when they join and receive their membership badge after initiation.
Initiation/Ritual
A beautiful, secret ritual during which time new members learn the secrets of the sorority including terminology, mottos, handshakes and legends.
Chapter House, Suite or Lodge
Depending on the campus, this is where the sorority either lives or holds their meetings. Chapters with houses or lodges have members who live in the house. At colleges and universities where the sororities have suites, the women use the area for meetings and gatherings.
Part of being comfortable with going through sorority recruitment or rush is understanding the language ahead of time. By learning these basic terms or words used by sorority members, you can focus on making the most of the time and enjoying getting to know the sisters in each chapter.
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