The Ultimate Sorority Glossary: S-Z
Scroll Number: A unique identifier assigned to members at chapter initiation in chronological order. We surveyed friends from all over the country in different National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) and National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) sororities and only one knows her scroll number, so we think they’re not in common use. Let us know if you have more info!
Semi-Formal: A special event that’s a little less everything than a Formal. They are often held at lower-key places than a formal, don’t involve overnights or traveling to other cities, and the dress code is a little less dressy.
Serenade: A singing performance by one Greek chapter to another.
Silence: The period during formal recruitment when sorority members are not allowed to talk to potential new members (PNMs). The goal of silence is to prevent members from influencing or pressuring PNMs, as well as to avoid any appearance of dirty rushing. Different schools have different policies regarding when silence starts, and it generally lasts until Bid Day.
Sigma Rho Chi: see Recruitment Counselor
Single Intentional Preference: Also known as a Suicide Bid, this occurs when a potential new member (PNM) attends more than one preference round event but only lists one sorority when filling out her Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement (MRABA). The reason for doing this is to communicate that they would not accept a bid from any sorority they don't list. PNMs are generally encouraged to maximize their options to ensure they receive a bid, but we think Single Intentional Preference is preferable to signing an MRABA and then dropping, which would make the PNM ineligible to receive a bid via continuous open bidding immediately after formal recruitment.
Sister/Sisterhood: The term initiated sorority members use to refer to one another. While many sororities now do their best to use gender-neutral language, the implied bond of "sisterhood" remains a difficult term to replace.
Sisterhood Round: Typically the second or third round of formal recruitment, during which sorority members focus their speeches and conversations on the tight bonds within their sorority. This round tends to be more heart-to-heart than the Philanthropy Round and is the last chance for potential new members to connect with members before the Preference Round.
Sitting Sister Legacy: A potential new member (PNM) who is considered a legacy because their sibling is an active member of the sorority at the same time the PNM is going through the recruitment process. I.e. the PNM's sibling is currently an initiated member of the sorority while the PNM is participating in formal recruitment. The sitting sister can be active in any collegiate chapter. This type of legacy can sometimes carry additional weight in the recruitment process, especially if the PNM’s sibling is in the same chapter.
Snap Bid: During formal recruitment, a chapter can extend a snap bid to a potential new member (PNM) if the chapter has not reached quota. To qualify for a snap bid, a PNM must not have been matched with any of her choices, which could be because she dropped out of recruitment after attending at least one round or because she exercised a Single Intentional Preference and her only option did not extend a bid. This opportunity occurs after the final membership selection matching is complete but before Bid Day. The term comes from the idea that a sorority chapter "snaps up" a PNM who would have otherwise gone bid-less. The PNM can decline a snap bid with no penalties or accept the bid and attend Bid Day with all the other new members. Out of respect for the PNM’s feelings, the snap bid process is confidential, and other members will never know which new members received bids versus snap bids.
Snaps: One way sorority members express approval, appreciation, or recognition of someone or something. Instead of clapping, members snap their fingers, as it’s less disruptive to the speaker. Members might "give snaps" while another member describes a success, is recognized for achievements, or makes a statement they agree with. Sometimes members say "snaps" instead of literally snapping their fingers. Snaps are a friendly way to express support or agreement and can be given at any time.
Social/Mixer: When two Greek organizations, usually a sorority and a fraternity, get together for a planned activity. Sisterhood socials are parties held within the chapter and can also be mixers that include two sororities.
Soror: How a Divine 9 member refers to a sorority sister, e.g., “I had brunch with my sorors.”
Sorority: For our purposes, a social organization that operates under a set of shared values and principles. Each sorority is governed by a national or international organization and has its own rituals, symbols, and traditions that promote a sense of unity and belonging among its members. A sorority organization will have chapters at colleges and universities as well as alumnae chapters and most colleges and universities have multiple sororities on campus. Sororities usually have a recruitment process to bring in new members and once initiated, members get together to participate in all kinds of activities including social events, community service, sports, pre-professional development, bonding events, and more.
Sorority Man: An outdated term for a sort of honorary membership granted to a man who was elected by the members of a sorority chapter for his dedication and contributions to the success of the chapter. These days, the whole idea is less common, but if a sorority does invite an honorary member, they might call the honoree "Sweetheart" or "Big Brother."
Sorority Row: see The Row
Spec/Spesh: Used primarily in Divine 9 sororities and short for "special," a spec or spesh is a member who is particularly close to another member. Often, this relationship begins during the membership intake period, and a spec can be an established member or another new member.
Spirit Week: see Work Week
Spring Recruitment (or Spring Rush): see Deferred Recruitment
Squirrel Friends: An expression used by Alpha Gamma Delta members to describe the warm friendships between members (their mascot is a squirrel).
Srat: An insider-y, abbreviated term for a sorority. It’s a slang word often used by college students to refer to their sorority or to sororities in general. The term "srat" is a casual and informal way to talk about sororities, similar to how "frat" is used for fraternities. It’s commonly used in conversation and in social media.
Standards: Short for "Standards Board" or "Standards Committee." This is a group within the sorority responsible for upholding the chapter's rules, values, and expectations. The Standards Board typically handles issues related to member conduct, addressing concerns like behavior that may be contrary to the sorority’s principles, conflicts between members, or violations of sorority policies.
Members who are called before the Standards Board may be asked to explain their actions and, if necessary, may receive guidance, warnings, or consequences designed to help them align with the sorority's standards. The overall goal of the Standards Board is to maintain a positive, respectful, and supportive environment within the chapter.
Stitched Letters: Greek letters that are actually sewn on a shirt or bag. In some chapters you must be an initiated member to wear the stitched letters, and in others you may wear them anytime after accepting a bid.
Suicide Bid (or Suicide): see Single Intentional Preference
Swaps: Social events where members of a sorority and a fraternity get together for a themed party or gathering. These events are informal and provide an opportunity for members of the two Greek organizations to socialize and build connections.
Swaps typically involve a theme, which could be anything from "80s night" to "tropical luau," and participants are encouraged to dress according to the theme. These events are a common part of Greek life and help foster relationships between different fraternities and sororities on campus.
Tabling: When sorority members set up a table on campus to promote their chapter to potential new members (PNMs). The table will be staffed by friendly members who are ready to answer questions and "sell" their sorority. Tabling isn’t limited to just a table, though—it can extend to a larger area or tent. Table displays can include large Greek letters, photo boards, crafts, scrapbooks, mascots, paddles, T-shirts, banners, and more.
Throw What You Know: Refers to demonstrating sorority hand signs.
Total: see Campus Total
Twins (or Twiddles): How a sorority member might refer to her Little Sisters if she has two or more littles who joined the family at the same time. We’ve also heard “twiddles” but that’s less widely used.
Unaffiliated: A term used to describe students who are not members of a greek organization. See GDI.
United Greek Council (UGC): Similar to the National Panhellenic Conference and National Pan-Hellenic Council, UGC is an umbrella organization that governs and represents a variety of multicultural and special-interest Greek-letter organizations on a college or university campus. These organizations often include fraternities and sororities that are culturally based, such as Latino, Asian, Engineering, or LGBTQ+ Greek organizations, among others.
The UGC's role is to provide a governing structure, support, and resources for its member organizations. It works to promote unity, collaboration, and cultural awareness among the different groups it represents, while also advocating for their interests within the broader Greek life community and the campus at large. The UGC often organizes events, programs, and initiatives that celebrate diversity, foster leadership, and encourage community service among its member organizations.
Values-Based Recruitment: A sorority recruitment approach that focuses on finding new members who align with the core values and principles of the organization. Instead of emphasizing superficial factors such as appearance, popularity, or social status, values-based recruitment prioritizes the importance of shared beliefs, ethics, and goals.
During a values-based recruitment process, conversations and activities are designed to help both the potential new members and the chapter members assess whether their personal values align with those of the organization. This approach encourages deeper, more meaningful interactions that go beyond traditional recruitment criteria, with the aim of fostering a more cohesive and principled membership.
The goal is to build a chapter with members who are not only compatible with each other but also committed to upholding the organization’s mission, contributing to its legacy, and making a positive impact within the sorority, fraternity, and the broader community.
Work Week (or Polish Week or Spirit Week): The week just before formal recruitment begins, where members come together to prepare the chapter house for recruitment and bid day, work on their recruitment skills, and strengthen sisterhood bonds. Activities during Work Week can include cleaning and decorating the sorority house, practicing recruitment conversations, finalizing event plans, and participating in team-building exercises.
Work Week can feature themed dress days to build camaraderie and make the week more fun. Often, the sorority will showcase their spirit and energy by filming choreographed dances and fun, engaging videos for social media. Work Week days can be long and demanding, filled with a mix of hard work and creative projects. This intense preparation ensures that the chapter is well-organized and ready to welcome new members. It’s also a time for current members to reconnect after summer (or winter) break and set the tone for a successful year ahead.