Sororities: from Alpha to Zeta

There are many Greek-letter organizations in the United States, including sororities or women's fraternities. Here's a comprehensive list of sororities, complete with their Greek letters and national websites. Go Greek!

Alpha Chi Omega -- ΑΧΩ

Alpha Delta Chi -- ΑΔΧ
Alpha Delta Pi -- ΑΔΠ

Alpha Epsilon Phi -- ΑΕΦ

Alpha Gamma Delta -- ΑΓΔ

Alpha Kappa Alpha -- ΑΚΑ

Alpha Omicron Pi -- ΑΟΠ, AOII

Alpha Phi -- ΑΦ

Alpha Sigma Alpha* -- ΑΣΑ

Alpha Sigma Tau -- ΑΣΤ

Alpha Xi Delta -- ΑΞΔ

Chi Omega -- ΧΩ

Delta Delta Delta -- ΔΔΔ

Delta Gamma -- ΔΓ

Delta Phi Epsilon -- ΔΦΕ

Delta Sigma Theta* -- ΔΣΘ

Delta Zeta -- ΔΖ

Eta Phi Beta*

Gamma Phi Beta -- ΓΦΒ

Gamma Phi Delta* -- ΓΦΔ

Gamma Sigma Sigma -- ΓΣΣ

Iota Phi Lambda* -- IΦΛ

Kappa Alpha Theta -- ΚΑΘ

Kappa Delta -- ΚΔ

Kappa Delta Phi Nas (Non-Affiliated Sorority) -- ΚΔΦ

Kappa Kappa Gamma -- ΚΚΓ

Phi Mu -- ΦΜ

Phi Sigma Sigma -- ΦΣΣ

Pi Beta Phi -- ΠΒΦ

Sigma Alpha Iota -- ΣΑΙ

Sigma Delta Tau -- ΣΔΤ

Sigma Gamma Rho* -- ΣΓΡ

Sigma Kappa -- ΦΣK

Sigma Sigma Sigma -- ΣΣΣ

Theta Phi Alpha -- ΘΦΑ

Zeta Delta Phi*

Zeta Phi Beta* -- ΖΦΒ

Zeta Tau Alpha -- ΖΤΑ

*traditional African-American organization

Chapter Leadership -- Executive Council

One of the main reasons that I decided to get involved in Greek life was to be a leader on campus and find a group of women to connect with.  As soon as I was offered the chance, I became a council member and have been for two+ years now; that was something that I was interested in from the beginning and have loved it since.  Sororities offer amazing opportunities to directly impact your Greek chapter and network with talented women across the country.  Are you wanting a particular company position or looking for experience while in college?  Networking with your sisters (both those you know personally and reaching out to sisters you don’t know yet) can give you an upper hand in an employment environment.

Whether you’re interested in a chapter leadership position or would prefer a behind-the-scenes job (there are many different types of jobs, and benefits too!), being on council or having an officer’s position are what keeps sorority chapters going.  Your sorority wouldn’t have an incredible Bid Day without your New Member Ed/Membership chair, and philanthropy events wouldn’t be nearly as successful without your Philanthropy/Community Service Chair.  While the titles of each position and chain of command varies by chapter and by Greek organization, the hard work comes directly from those who volunteer their time to lead within the sorority.  New members can get involved, too!

This list provides a good example of an executive council.  Keep in mind that some chapters don’t necessarily need all potential positions on council, or some may be appointed officer jobs underneath specific council positions.  The basic positions are the same, even though the title may vary:

•      Chapter President

•      Vice President of [New] Member Education

•      Vice President of Recruitment

•      Vice President of Philanthropy/Community Service

•      Vice President of Housing

•      Vice President of Finance/Treasurer

•      Vice President of Communications (may be known as Public Relations)

•      Vice President of Sisterhood Event Planning

•      Vice President of Administration

•      Vice President of Membership Development

•      Vice President of Operations

•      Secretary

•      Panhellenic Conference Representative

In order to have a leadership position on council, you typically need to be nominated by someone else or yourself.  In my sorority, we have a “slate” committee of individuals from each class with our advisory board who are not running for office; these women discuss who they think would be best for each job for the chapter overall.  This helps in case one position isn’t generating a lot of interest, to clarify what each position does, and highlight the talents of individuals who might be better for a different job.

Following nomination, sometimes you will be expected to make a short (2-minute) speech as to why you would be best for that position or why you want it.  Don’t use this time to bash any of the other candidates- it just makes you seem insecure and doesn’t showcase positives about yourself.  Be honest and find out what each position is responsible for!  Council officers have to fill out paperwork, be very organized, and work with the executive council to unite the chapter and relay information to other sisters.  Being on council can be a stressful job, and it’s not one that you get paid for; however, I think it’s so incredibly rewarding to directly influence what is going on in my sorority and be responsible for so much.  I’d highly recommend working closely with your alumni advisor in order to come up with the best ideas and take someone else’s opinion into consideration.  Just remember that you are the one in your position!

When it comes to being on executive council or having an officer’s position, lead by example.  Whether you’re the chapter president or are in charge of finances, you’re the face of your sorority!  It’s never a good thing when council members are constantly on bad standing within the chapter, are failing classes, or are huge embarrassments at social events, because those are elected members who are representing their sisters.  Your leaders should be very responsible and organized, willing to compromise and hear other’s ideas and opinions, and be humble (not putting themselves on high pedestals over other members).  An effective, intelligent council must work together; each officer is responsible to her council and her chapter to do the best job that she possibly can.  It’s perfectly fine to reach out and rely on others for help, so don’t think that you have to do everything alone!  Council must be like a well-oiled machine, where everyone must do their positions to the best of their abilities.  There’s nothing worse than a sister who comes to council meetings unprepared with nothing to say, no updates on any upcoming events, and poorly thought-out ideas (if any).  Leadership positions require a lot of outside work and planning, so don’t take the job if it’s not something that you can do well.  Have faith in yourself and your abilities when running for office; having my positions within my chapter have probably been my absolute favorite part about my overall Greek life experience so far, and I’d highly recommend pursuing it to anyone who is interested.  Some council officers even go on to be Leadership Consultants for their sorority's national headquarters, traveling and meeting sisters in chapters around the country!

If you're interested in learning more, do your research and explore council applications for various universities online!  I love this article from Wayne Unger, former President of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity at Arizona State University.  There are so many amazing reasons to get involved in Greek life; chapter leadership is a great one for someone who truly loves her sorority and prepares leaders for future positions.  Good luck!

Greek Life Terms

Curious as to what certain things pertaining to Greek life mean? Here's an extensive list of terms and their definitions:

A
Active Member – An initiated fraternity or sorority member in a Greek organization who is affiliated with a campus chapter and typically an undergraduate student

Alumna – A graduated member of a women’s sorority/fraternity (plural is alumnae)

Alumni Association – An organization of alumni from an individual fraternity or sorority. The association may be based on geographical location or chapter.

Alumnus – A graduated member of a men’s fraternity (plural is alumni)
B

Badge/Pin – the insignia of an initiated member received during the Initiation ceremony that is typically worn on the left side over the heart

Bid – a formal invitation for membership into a Greek organization

Bid Day – The last day of recruitment when new members accept their bids and officially join a sorority

Big Brother/Big Sister – An initiated member of a fraternity or sorority who is assigned to serve as an advisor/mentor and friend to a new member. A “Big” guides the “Little” (Little Brother/Sister) during their new member period and beyond.

Brother – An initiated member of a men’s fraternity
C

Chant/Call – A vocal sound or cheer that is used by Greek organizations to acknowledge one another, boost spirit, and express their chapter

Chapter – The local collegiate group of a fraternity or sorority on a campus. The first chapter of a sorority/fraternity is known as the Alpha chapter, and as chapters are established, they are given Greek names to designate them.

Chapter Advisor – An alumna/alumnus who establishes and maintains a close advisory relationship with a chapter and serves as a teacher, counselor/mentor, and friend to active members.

Chapter House/Suite/Lodge – Depending on the campus, the location where the sorority members live and/or hold their meetings.

Colony – A newly-organized collegiate group working with their National Headquarters to become an established, chartered chapter. The members of a colony are referred to the chapter’s “founders.”

Crossed – The actual date of initiation into a cultural Greek organization, which is used to represent the symbolic “crossing of the burning sands”
D

Deferred Recruitment – A time when the Formal Recruitment process occurs during the second semester

Debadge/Depin – The process of terminating one’s membership anytime following Initiation and leaves the sorority/fraternity

Depledge/Break a Pledge – The process of terminating one’s membership before Initiation when one is not yet an active, initiated member

Dues – Monthly or semesterly (depending on the established plan) costs of being in a fraternity or sorority. Consistent failure to pay dues could result in bad standing or termination of membership.
E

E-Board – “Executive Board,” also referred to in some sororities as Executive Council, which includes the elected executive officers of the chapter (i.e. President, Vice Presidents, Secretary, etc.)
F

Formal – Like prom, only better. Typically every sorority/fraternity hosts a formal once a year where each member is allowed one date, they are often themed, and awards are given

Founders – The founding sisters or brothers of the national sorority or fraternity

Fraternity – A men’s Greek organization. Some sororities do use the title in their official name, as well as co-ed Greek organizations.
G

GDI – “God Damn Independent,” refers to a college student not in a fraternity or sorority. This term is used in a derogatory way in some colleges, but used proudly by the non-Greeks themselves in other colleges; see “Non-affiliated.”

GLO – “Greek Letter Organization” (social, honor, or professional)

Good Standing – A sorority or fraternity member who has fulfilled all membership obligations, such as paying their dues, maintaining the required GPA, etc.

Greeks – Members of Greek-letter fraternities and sororities

Greek Week – A annual week of activities in which Greek chapters come together and participate in athletic events, chanting or singing, community service, brotherhood/sisterhood activities, a ceremony, etc.
H

Hazing - Any action taken or situation created, intentionally, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule, which is prohibited by university policy, state law, and the policies of national fraternities and sororities. Hazing does not promote or build true brotherhood/sisterhood and goes against the formal beliefs of a Greek organization.

House Chair/Manager – The position of an appointed officer or person who has been hired to supervise the chapter house
I

Inactive Member – Members who are not actively participating in the chapter, which may be someone studying abroad, taking a semester off, or are in some other category that really depends on the specific organization.

Infraction – When a sorority or a sorority member breaks a recruitment rule set forth by the Panhellenic council at her school

Initiation – A traditional, secret formal ceremony that officially gives someone membership into a Greek organization. Formal Initiation is different depending on each fraternity/sorority.

Intake – The educational process of membership that one goes through in order to become an NPHC member
J
K
L

Lavalier – necklace bearing the letters of a fraternity/sorority

Lavaliering – When a fraternity man gives his letters to his girlfriend, which indicates a romantic or close commitment. The seriousness of this act varies from campus to campus and often ‘permits’ the woman to wear the fraternity letters on a necklace.

Legacy – A potential new member whose grandparent, parent, brother, or sister is a member of a fraternity or sorority. Traditionally, a legacy is more likely to receive a bid from that particular fraternity/sorority and is only a legacy for the organization that the relative was a member of.

Letters – The Greek letters of an organization that are worn or displayed on various items, such as an article of clothing embroidered with the letters and worn by an initiated member

Little – Each new member is given a “Big” sister that has been a mentor to her throughout her new member period.  The new member is called a little.  This bond remains even after the new member has initiated.  Fraternities also have big/ little brothers
M

Meet the Greeks – An information session typically held as a meet-and-greet for the purpose of recruitment
N

Nationals – Every chapter is a member of a national organization which sets policies for the entire sorority or fraternity

National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) – The governing body for 26 national and international women’s fraternities/sororities

National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) – The governing body of nine historically African-American Greek fraternities and sororities

New Member Educator – This is an initiated member of the sorority/ fraternity who will serve as the new member class’s “teacher” of the chapter. She or he will be their guide throughout their new member period.

New Member/Pledge/Associate Member – A person who has accepted a bid from a Greek organization, received the proper pin, and is preparing for membership through Initiation.

New Member Education Process – The time period where new members learn about their organization and responsibilities, bond with the other new members, and participate in brotherhood/sisterhood activities

North-American Interfraternity Conference (NIC) – The governing body and trade association representing 75 International and National Men's Fraternities

Non-affiliated – “Independent” individuals not involved with a Greek-letter organization
O

Order of Omega – A national honor society that recognizes fraternity and sorority members who excel in academic achievement, Greek leadership, and campus involvement
P

Paddle – This is seen as a gift in the Greek world and is often given from chapter to chapter as a crafted thank you gift or an honor. It is also given between Littles and Bigs or close sisters/friends.

Philanthropy – A community service and/or fundraising project sponsored by a chapter to raise money or donate community service hours, which typically aligns with the Greek organization’s chosen charities

Pin – Sometimes known as an initiated member’s badge (see “badge”); may refer to pledge/new member pins are worn by new members who are in the process leading up to initiation

Pledge – Refers to the men that have accepted a bid to a particular fraternity chapter but are not yet initiated

Pledge Class – New members who pledge during the same period, who typically form a closer bond as they go through the new member process together

PNM – A “Potential New Member,” sometimes known as a Rushee, which is someone going through a recruitment process and could potentially receive a bid from a sorority or fraternity

Probation – A member of a sorority or fraternity is put on probation if they have not fulfilled part of their membership, such as GPA requirement, financial obligations, or social standards. Typically members on probation cannot vote in chapter elections while on probation among other restrictions.
Q

Quota – The number of members a Greek chapter must have, which determines the number of bids that can be extended during recruitment
R

Recruitment – The process by which sororities select new members, which typically consists of several “rounds” or “parties.” Many collegiate chapters hold formal recruitment in the Fall and informal recruitment (if necessary) in the Spring.

Ritual – The traditional beliefs, oaths, and ceremonies of a fraternity or sorority that are secret and usually implemented in weekly meetings and initiation and are especially important to members

Recruitment Counselor (Phi Chi/ΠΧ, Rho Chi/ΡΧ, or Gamma Chi/ΓΧ) – A representative from a sorority who disaffiliates from her chapter during the recruitment process in order to help potential new members
Rush - A program (and period of time) of membership recruitment by Greek organizations.  It is primarily the IFC fraternities that use this term, although it is often used unofficially by other organizations.

Rushee – see “PNM”
S

Sister – An initiated member of a sorority/women’s fraternity

Sisterhood/Brotherhood – Intangible, yet the most cherished of assets among all Greek members, sisterhood and brotherhood are the foundations of sorority and fraternity life. Both are difficult to explain, but they can be basically characterized by their most common and identifiable element.

Scholarship – A minimum grad point average is required by sororities and fraternities in order to become an initiated member. Each chapter has a scholarship program to provide incentives, coordinate study hours, and to encourage members to achieve their highest academic goals.

Social/Mixer – When two organizations, usually a sorority and fraternity, but can also be two sororities or two fraternities, get together to do a planned activity

Sorority – A woman's Greek organization. This is the term commonly used to distinguish between men's (fraternity) and woman's (sorority) organizations, although many sororities identify as a fraternity in their official name.

Stepping/Stroll – A performance or line dance involving marching and the traditional culture of an organization (usually at a party or step show)

Strict Silence – A policy where members are forbidden to discuss recruitment and related topics with non-sorority members outside of recruitment events. Some chapters even forbid members from talking to non-members during the end of recruitment until Bid Day unless absolutely necessary (such as for a class).
T

Twiddle: “Twin Littles;” when a Big has two Littles at once 
U
V
W
X
Y
Z