Glossary
Active Member
A currently enrolled student who is an active member of their sorority or fraternity.
Chapter/Organization
An individual sorority or fraternity.
Crossing
A term used to describe the point when new members officially become initiated members.
Initiation
The formal process through which a new member becomes an official member of an organization.
IFC - Interfraternity Council
UCSB’s Interfraternity Council (IFC) is the governing board for the fraternities, comprising seven executive officers who work in conjunction with the president of each member fraternity.
Line
A group of individuals who go through a membership process together.
NPHC - National Pan-Hellenic Council (Divine Nine)
UCSB’s NPHC has the purpose and mission of achieving “Unanimity of thought and action as far as possible in the conduct of Greek letter collegiate fraternities and sororities, and to consider problems of mutual interest to its member organizations.”
Neo
A newly initiated member of a fraternity or sorority who has recently joined the organization and is beginning their journey as a member.
New Member Presentation
A new member presentation is a ceremony where a Greek organization officially introduces and celebrates its newest members to the campus community.
Panhellenic Council
UCSB's Panhellenic Council is the largest women's organization on campus, representing more than 1,500 women in nine different inter/nationally recognized sorority chapters.
PFC - Professional Fraternity Council
UCSB’s Professional Fraternity Council (PFC) embraces both similarities and differences to foster a community which shares the unifying values of professionalism, leadership, scholarship, service, and fraternalism.
Philanthropy
Philanthropy is when a Greek organization supports a charitable cause through fundraising, community service, and awareness events.
Pledging
Pledging is the process of learning about an organization, building relationships with its members, and developing a deeper understanding of its values and traditions before becoming an active member.
Strolling
Strolling is a coordinated, rhythmic group performance traditionally associated with the Divine Nine (D9), where members move together using synchronized steps, chants, and signature traditions.
USFC - United Sorority and Fraternity Council
The governing council that represents culturally based sororities and fraternities at UC Santa Barbara.