Meet our newest student blogger, Hannah Wolverton!
She’s just started her second year at Pepperdine University in Malibu, California as a Creative Writing major. She is an active member of a sorority, and next year she is going abroad to Lausanne, Switzerland for her the remainder of her sophomore year. Here, she introduces first-year students to one new section of university life.
Just as you commit to a school, pack your things, and settle in to life on campus, another huge wave of decisions hits you. One of the biggest decisions that can affect your university experience is whether or not to “Go Greek”. To most people, Greek letters are just a language. However, to those who are a part of Greek life, your letters symbolize a lifetime commitment to a brother or sisterhood. Here in Canada, it’s not that common to come across Greeks, Greek houses, or even Greek letters. However, Greek life is a growing and thriving community on many campuses across the United States. On my campus alone, 30% of students “Go Greek”. When I decided to Rush at the beginning of my first year, I was going in completely blind. I didn’t know any of the Rush “lingo”, how the “Rush” process worked, or what kind of reputation each Sorority had. There is a lot to know about the Greek community, but the easiest way to start learning is to know the terms Greeks use!
Rush – “Rush”, also known as Recruitment, is the week-long period during which new students and non-affiliated students visit the sororities and fraternities on campus and consider becoming a member.
Non-Frills Recruitment – This means that the events during Rush will have no food, drinks, or fancy decorations. This style of Recruitment ensures that all sororities and fraternities are considered equally.
Panhellenic and ICF – Panhellenic is the national governing body of all nationally recognized sororities, while ICF is the governing body for all nationally recognized fraternities.
Chapter – The campus’ group of the national Greek organization.
Philanthropy – A philanthropy is a charity or cause. Each fraternity and sorority has a philanthropy that they support and raise money for.
Potential New Members (PNM) – Those who have signed up to go through recruitment and are in the process of going through Rush week.
Rho Chi – Recruitment counselors that guide PNM’s through the Rush process, taking them to each house, answering questions, and giving advice. Rho Chi’s are members of a sorority, but their affiliation is kept secret until they reveal it on Bid Night.
Dirty Rushing – When a sorority or fraternity member breaks a rule and does something to have influence over those going through Rush. For example, giving PNM’s gifts or promising them a bid.
Bid – An official invitation to join a Greek organization.
Pledge – A new member of a Greek organization that has not yet been initiated.
Dropped – When a girl is not invited back to a house during Rush week. This term is also used when a girl turns down an invitation to visit a house. Dropping out of recruitment itself means that you have completely withdrawn from the recruitment process and are ineligible for a bid.
~ Hannah Wolverton
