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Greek Life Cheat Sheet for CU Boulder Students
Published March 9, 2026
New to Greek life at CU Boulder? This cheat sheet breaks down every term you need to know, from bids and formals to intake and the Divine Nine so you can walk into recruitment with confidence.
The Ultimate Greek Life Cheat Sheet for CU Boulder Students
So you're thinking about rushing? Or maybe you just got a bid and have no idea what half the words people are saying mean? You're not alone. Greek life at CU Boulder has its own language, its own rituals, and its own unwritten rulebook — and figuring it out on your own can feel overwhelming.
Whether you're a prospective new member (PNM, as they say), a nervous freshman, or a parent trying to decode what your kid is texting you, this cheat sheet breaks down everything you need to know about Greek life at the University of Colorado Boulder — in plain English.
What Even Is Greek Life?
Greek life refers to the network of fraternities and sororities on college campuses — social organizations named with Greek letters (think Alpha, Beta, Gamma, etc.) that bring together students around shared values, service, and community. At CU Boulder, Greek life is governed by four main councils:
College Panhellenic Council (CPC) — oversees the NPC sororities, the ones you typically see during formal recruitment in the fall.
CU Interfraternity Council (CUIFC) — governs the men's fraternities on campus.
Multicultural Greek Council (MGC) — the umbrella organization for culturally-based sororities and fraternities.
National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC) — represents the historically Black Greek-letter organizations, also known as the Divine Nine (D9).
Each council has its own culture, recruitment process, and traditions, so it's worth knowing which one fits your interests before diving in.
Greek Life Glossary: The Terms You Need to Know
The Basics
Active — A fully initiated, dues-paying member in good standing. If someone says they're "active," they're a full member of their chapter.
New Member / Associate Member — You've accepted a bid but haven't been initiated yet. This is the period where you're learning about the organization and building relationships before becoming a full member.
Bid — The official invitation to join a fraternity or sorority. Getting a bid is a big deal — it means the chapter wants you.
Initiation — The formal ceremony where new members officially become active members. Details are typically kept private to members only.
Alumni / Alumna — A graduated, former active member. Alumni stay connected through alumni chapters and remain part of the community long after graduation.
Chapter — The local branch of a national fraternity or sorority on CU Boulder's campus. Think of the national organization as the parent company and the chapter as the local office.
Dues — The fees you pay to be a member. These cover everything from events and formals to philanthropy projects and chapter operations. The amount varies by organization.
Recruitment 101
Formal Recruitment — The structured, week-long process in the fall when Panhellenic sororities and potential new members get to know each other through organized, timed events coordinated across chapters.
Potential New Member (PNM) — That's you, before you've joined. Also sometimes called an "Interest."
Mutual Selection — The key thing to understand about recruitment: it's a two-way street. Both the PNM and the chapter are making choices about fit. You're not just auditioning — they are too.
Rho Gamma — An active sorority woman who temporarily disaffiliates from her chapter to serve as a neutral recruitment counselor for PNMs during formal recruitment. She's your go-to guide and a great resource for questions.
MRABA (Membership Recruitment Acceptance Binding Agreement) — The card you sign at the end of Panhellenic recruitment indicating your preference. Take this seriously — it's a binding commitment.
Quota — The maximum number of new members each sorority can accept during formal recruitment. It's set to keep things fair and balanced across chapters.
Continuous Open Recruitment (COR/COB) — Also called informal recruitment. This happens outside of formal recruitment periods and is how many fraternities and some sororities fill their membership throughout the year.
Legacy — A potential new member who has a close family member — typically a mother, sister, or grandmother — who was initiated into that same organization. Many chapters give legacies special consideration during recruitment.
Recommendation Letters — Letters written by alumnae on behalf of a PNM. Not required for membership, but they can be a helpful introduction for some organizations.
Chapter Life
Big Brother / Big Sister — An active member assigned to be a mentor and friend to a new member. Your "Big" is like an older sibling in the organization and usually one of the most important relationships you'll build.
New Member Period — The time between accepting your bid and getting initiated. You'll learn the history, values, and expectations of your organization during this time.
Depledge — To leave the organization before initiation. It happens, and it's okay.
Badge (Pin) — The outward symbol of membership, typically a pin or badge given at initiation. Many organizations also have separate new member pins.
Ritual — The sacred, private ceremonies and traditions that are central to each organization's identity. These are taken seriously and kept confidential by members.
Crest — The official insignia of a fraternity or sorority, often called a coat of arms or shield. Each crest has symbolic meaning known only to members.
Colors and Philanthropy — Every Greek organization has official colors and a national charitable cause. Philanthropy events are open to the public and a great way to engage with Greek life even before joining.
Social — An event hosted between two or more Greek organizations. Socials are a core part of Greek social life.
Dry — An event that is alcohol-free.
NPHC and MGC Terms
If you're interested in NPHC or MGC organizations, there's an entirely different vocabulary to know — and a different process altogether.
Intake / Membership Intake — The equivalent of recruitment for NPHC and MGC organizations. It's a more selective, invitation-based process.
Informational / Interest Meeting — The starting point for exploring NPHC and MGC membership. These forums let you learn about the organization before anything formal happens.
Crossed — When a new member has fully completed initiation into an NPHC or MGC organization. You'll hear people say someone "crossed" or ask when someone crossed.
Line — The group of individuals going through intake together. Your line becomes a deeply bonded group.
Line Brother / Line Sister — Members of your line. These are lifelong bonds.
Neophyte (Neo) — A brand-new member of an NPHC organization, just after crossing.
Prophyte — A member who has already initiated new members into their organization.
Probate / New Member Presentation — A public performance where the newest members of an NPHC or MGC organization reveal themselves, share history, and typically step or stroll.
Stepping — A powerful tradition where members perform synchronized movements — stomping, clapping, jumping — without music. It's a form of artistic expression and pride.
Strolling — Members moving together in a line, expressing pride through calls, signs, and custom dances. Important note: don't imitate or cut into a stroll — it's considered disrespectful.
Call / Chant — Audible sounds used by members to greet or acknowledge each other. Don't repeat a call back to members unless you're part of that organization — it's considered disrespectful.
Sign — A hand symbol unique to each NPHC or MGC organization. Don't imitate these.
Soror — NPHC term for a sorority sister.
The Yard — NPHC term for the campus. "On the Yard" means a chapter is currently active and chartered on campus.
Living Near Greek Row: The Hill Advantage
If you're going through recruitment or you're an active member, where you live matters. The Hill neighborhood, just steps from CU Boulder's campus, is the heartbeat of off-campus student life — and the closest neighborhood to Greek row.
Living on The Hill means walking distance to chapter houses and campus, easy access to all the restaurants, coffee shops, and hangout spots where Greek life socializes, and a built-in community of CU students right outside your door.
Whether you're a freshman figuring out your options or a sophomore ready to live off-campus closer to your chapter, Tour the Hill can help you find housing that fits your life — and your budget. Visit tourthehillboulder.com to browse available rentals.
Quick-Reference Glossary
PNM — Potential New Member, you before joining
Bid — Official invite to join a chapter
Active — Fully initiated, current member
New Member — Accepted bid, not yet initiated
Rho Gamma — Neutral recruitment counselor during formal recruitment
MRABA — Binding preference card signed at end of Panhellenic recruitment
Big / Little — Mentor-mentee pair within a chapter
Ritual — Private initiation ceremonies
COB / COR — Informal recruitment outside the formal period
D9 — The Divine Nine NPHC organizations
Intake — NPHC/MGC recruitment process
Crossed — Completed NPHC/MGC initiation
Probate — Public new member reveal for NPHC/MGC organizations
The Yard — NPHC term for campus
Dry — Alcohol-free event
Final Thoughts
Greek life at CU Boulder is a big, diverse, and rewarding community — if you find the right fit. Understanding the language is the first step to navigating it confidently. Whether you're going through Panhellenic formal recruitment, exploring NPHC intake, or checking out an MGC organization, walk in knowing the terms and you'll already be ahead of the curve.
And when you're ready to find your perfect off-campus home close to it all — The Hill is waiting.