FAQ: Greek Language

We get a lot of questions about what certain words mean that we use on a regular basis here is a little explanation!

Bid: Your invitation to a sorority, you will get one bid on "Bid Day"

Big Sis/ Little Sis: The mentoring program every sorority has, a big sis is an upperclassman or someone who has been a member longer then the little sis. Some chapters pair bigs and littles on bid day, and some pair them later in the fall!

PNM: Potential New Member - You! Anyone who goes through fall formal recruitment is what we call a "PNM"

Pref Night: Preference Night, the final night of fall formal recruitment where you go to up to three chapters and make a big decision!

Function: The term we use for events with fraternities, like dances, trips, paint-balling excursions, etc.

The difference between a Philanthropy and Community Service- A philanthropy is an event to raise money or items for an organization like the boys and girls club, we do these events on campus completely separate from the organizations. Community service would be something like actually going to the boys and girls club  and playing with the kids.

Panhellenic: There are two things associated with this term, one is the local Panhellenic or PHC. This is the council comprised of women from many of the chapters on our campus. They oversee all aspects of sorority life (like recruitment) and keep everyone going in a positive direction. National Panhellenic is the organization comprised of all 26 member chapters. They oversee ALL of us and there are representatives from every chapter on that council. Learn more about National Panhellenic here.

Any more terminology that confuses you? Tweet us those words at @UO_Panhellenic