Greek Life is an ever changing community. Houses arrive on a campus one year and some are gone the next. The opportunities while in greek life and post greek life are endless. Many will meet lifelong friends, some may even meet their soul mates. Career opportunities often become available through greek networking. A person can learn so much about themselves and who they want to become. On the other hand, the challenges greek life faces are similar nation wide. The same rules are being broken and the same penalties are being enforced. Arguments between friends and thoughts about disassociating are frequent. Let's share our stories! We can always learn something from one another.
This site was developed to counter balance the stereotypes we often see about greek life. Whether it be in television, film, or the awful "truths" on those "anonymous" posting sites. Here at It's a Greek Kind of Life we want the true feelings from members of the Greek Community. We want to hear your success stories and your struggles. The posts on this site are not limited to any school or any Greek Organization. It is for everyone with an interest in Greeklife. We will not post terrible pictures of people or allow the degradation of organizations. We all know times can get tough, if you need some advice from people in similar situations feel free to send it our way. Don't worry we will tailor them to keep them anonymous.We prefer to leave out specific names of organizations & people. Send in pictures to enhance your stories. This allows a free and open discussion without fear of consequence. So let us forget everything we learned in formal recruitment. Let's talk about what we want, & shed some insight on the real greeklife.
A person who is an older member in an organization that acts as a mentor to a Little Brother/Sister.
Chapter
Refers to the specific organization on a college campus. Greek organizations have a different chapter at each college campus they exist on. Chapters are often designated by greek letters to differentiate between other chapters within one organization.
Composite
An annual photo compiled of portrait pictures of each individual member in a house.
Dry
Refers to the absence of alcohol. There are certain events in which alcohol is prohibited. Some fraternities maintain a dry house to decrease their amount of insurance premiums. Most sororities are mandated by their national organization to maintain a dry house.
Exec
A slang term used for Executive Council. An Executive Council is the governing body within a chapter. A chain of command beginning with the president. Depending on an individual organization they contain numerous positions with specific titles and roles within the house. Some examples are V.P. Member Education, Treasurer, Historian, Chaplain, Vice President.
Function(s)
A Social event(s) held between a fraternity and sorority. They are usually themed with some activity taking place. They can be dry (see Dry) or include alcohol.
House
Reference to an individuals fraternity or sorority not necessarily the house as a building.
House Dad/Mom/Parent's
An adult who acts as a groundskeeper of sorts within an fraternity and sorority. They live within the house itself in an apartment style room. They are a contact in case of emergencies. They act as a helping hand within the house.
Jump Day/Bid Day
Celebratory days in which large ceremonies are held to reveal the newest members in fraternities and sororities.
Letters
Refers to an article of clothing bearing the greek letters of an individuals fraternity or sorority.
Little Brother/Sister
A person who is a younger member in an organization that is new to the greek world. Often seeking guidance throughout their process of becoming an initiated member.
Nationals
Referring to the national headquarters of an organization. The top tier in the chain of command in greek organizations. They manage and monitor all chapters of a specific organization.
Philanthropy
An event held to raise money for a specific charity. Many philanthropies include week long events in which the entire greek community participates in. Some events are specific to fraternity competition and others only sorority competition.
Rush/Recruitment
Specific times in a school year in which fraternities and sororities recruit new members to join. Most houses (see House) have some form of Rush/Recruitment continuously throughout the year.