This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Jefferson chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

Greek life refers to organizations known as fraternities and sororities. Historically, Greek life dates to the founding of the first fraternity, Phi Beta Kappa, in 1776. This fraternity set the grounds for all chapters to follow. Studying ancient Greek was a sign of higher education at the time, so using Greek letters created a sense of elitism (“What Is Greek Life?”). The founding members inferred that the Greek name would only be decipherable to students who could recognize the language. In the early days of fraternities, gaining membership was akin to being part of a secret society. Using the Greek alphabet was a form of encryption. Although Greek life has become more accessible, chapters still retain this quality of exclusivity (Kissel). Each national organization has chapters at various universities across the nation. Members of Greek life share a common language, behaviors, goals, communication methods, ways to become a member, and rules.

Greek life utilizes specific terms that are well-known across the entire community. Universities with larger Greek life organizations often have websites listing terms for their fraternities and sororities. The most used words include alumnus or alumni (also alumna or alumnae in sororities), bid, big and little, brother, sister, chapter, and philanthropy. Alumnus or alumni refers to an initiated member who is no longer an undergraduate of a chapter. A bid is an invitation to join a fraternity or sorority. A “big” is an older member assigned to a “little”, a newly initiated member. Brother refers to a fraternity member, and sister refers to a sorority member. A chapter is an established unit of a national fraternity or sorority. Lastly, philanthropy consists of fundraising projects sponsored by a fraternity or sorority that support local or national organizations (“Glossary of Terms”). Other important terms are rushing and bid day. Rushing is the process of trying to join a fraternity or sorority (mainly referring to sororities). Universities with a larger Greek life population have what’s known as a bid day, which takes place on the last day of recruitment. A wide range of vocabulary is utilized in Greek life.

“It’s beneficial to have people who hold you accountable. Your grades are tracked, you’re constantly supervised, and everyone has your best interest in mind.”
Lucas Wicen, a sophomore at Thomas Jefferson University in Sigma Nu

Members of Greek life share common behaviors and practices. Recruitment is a significant aspect of fraternities and sororities, but the process differs. Fraternity pledges often undergo hazing, which is forcing someone to undergo humiliating or abusive acts as part of their initiation. Hazing activities include physical challenges, humiliation rituals, and forced consumption of alcohol. Anti-hazing laws exist, but a wide variety of fraternities still haze their pledges. Although this may seem like a stereotype, partying is frequent in Greek Life. While it is true that parties are a big thing, it’s essential to know that’s not all Greek life is about. Philanthropy, for example, is also significant. Community work is an integral part of Greek life, encompassing community service, social events, and fundraising. Greek life chapters often have a charity they support and organize events to fundraise for their cause (Pope). Additionally, being a part of Greek life holds members accountable academically, resulting in a common goal of success.

When asked, “How has being a part of Greek life shaped you personally, professionally, and/or academically?”, Lucas Wicen, a sophomore member of Sigma Nu at Thomas Jefferson University, responded with, “It’s beneficial to have people who hold you accountable. Your grades are tracked, you’re constantly supervised, and everyone has your best interest in mind”. Lastly, Greek life provides networking opportunities, as members share a tight bond with alumni. This bond can lead to internships and job opportunities. In the article, “Benefits of networking in Greek life”, Mish writes, “Students across campus join Greek life to network, find community and develop skills that will help them out later in life. While it isn’t the only way to network, with their extensive database of alumni, it becomes a lot more convenient to find opportunities” (3). The extensive alum network provided by Greek life is a very convenient source to find opportunities later in life. These practices reveal deeper beliefs because they show that Greek life is more than it appears. Greek life poses good opportunities for its members.

Greek life shares a common goal in the aspect of philanthropy. Their primary purpose is to serve the community and fundraise for charitable organizations. These foundations raise funds through donations, events, and partnerships, which support scholarships, educational programs, and community initiatives. By engaging in service projects, members develop a deeper understanding of the world around them and gain a valuable perspective (Pope). When asked, “What do you think it means to be part of a sorority?”, Makenna Disilvio, a junior sorority member of Gamma Phi Beta at the University of Alabama, responded by saying, “Being a part of a sorority is so much more than the stereotype. Every sorority has a philanthropic mission that they support every year. It also adds community to a place so different from home”. Greek life also provides a platform for members to collaborate and work together towards a common goal, fostering teamwork and unity. In terms of unity, it’s very common for Greek life members to live together in houses.

“Being a part of a sorority is so much more than the stereotype. Every sorority has a philanthropic mission that they support every year. It also adds community to a place so different from home.”
Makenna Disilvio, a junior at the University of Alabama in Gamma Phi Beta

Living in a sorority or fraternity house provides many benefits, including a closer connection with fellow members, convenient housing options, and a supportive community. Members who choose this living arrangement often find themselves in a social atmosphere while accessing academic support and personal growth opportunities (Patel). Greek housing allows members to engage in their organization’s activities and traditions. From hosting events to participating in study groups, these houses become central to many aspects of fraternity and sorority life.

One of the most noted parts of Greek life is the recruitment process. Students wishing to become members must abide by the guidelines established by older members. A fraternity or sorority can drop pledges trying to join at any point, possibly due to the organization not thinking they’ll be a good fit. There isn’t anything else that would get someone dropped before initiation (Meiling). On the contrary, numerous factors can lead to members being kicked out after initiation. Each fraternity and sorority has its own rules; violating them could result in members being ejected. Other behaviors, including academic dishonesty, misconduct, failure to appear at meetings, failure to meet standards, and any other behavior deemed inappropriate, would also result in members being kicked out. Rules in Greek life are established through a combination of university rules, house rules, and collective decision-making of the fraternity or sorority.

In her article about Greek life rules, Melissa Pope writes, “It’s true that there will be rules you’ll have to follow in order to maintain your membership in any sorority or fraternity. House rules are made to ensure the safety and well-being of every Greek life member”. Regardless of the fraternity or sorority, all Greek life must adhere to their university’s standards and policies. Regular meetings are held to discuss current rules and events, as well as to create new ones.

Fraternities and sororities also have a set of officers who assist in running the house. These officer roles may include president, vice president, secretary, social chair, recruitment chair, etc. The most authoritative person is the president. The president’s responsibilities include leading and managing activities, maintaining good relationships with the members, conducting meetings, appointing officers, keeping the chapter up to date, and ensuring compliance. A member could become president by connecting with fellow members, gaining an officer role, possessing the qualities of a good leader, and ultimately getting elected.

In conclusion, Greek life is a social system built on shared language, traditions, and values. Although originating in elitism, Greek organizations have become more accessible and community focused. Special terminology, emphasis on philanthropy, and the recruitment process reflect a culture that values identity and belonging. Public perception often focuses on negative aspects like hazing or partying; however, a closer look reveals a system designed to create long-term bonds, professional networks, and responsibility. With structured rules, leadership roles, and strong alum networks, fraternities and sororities offer members a college experience that fosters connection, growth, and lifelong opportunities.