Fraternity and Sorority Life at UofL: From Bids to Brotherhood

Is your student thinking about Greek life but not sure what all the terms and traditions really mean? Does what you see in popular media scare you about the process? In this episode of From the Ville to the Nest, we’re joined by Stephanie Schroeder and Derek Woodruff from UofL’s Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) to break it all down for you.

Whether your student has already mentioned joining a chapter, or you’re just curious about the possibility, we’ll walk you through what fraternity and sorority life looks like at UofL, how recruitment works, the importance of values-based membership, and how these organizations positively impact student success. We also break down common vocabulary so you’re never left wondering what a “bid” really means.

Want to dig even deeper? Scroll down to see definitions of common Greek Life terms below—so you can feel confident and informed when your student starts using them.

Fraternity and Sorority Life Definitions

• FSL (Fraternity and Sorority Life): The umbrella term for all Greek-letter organizations at UofL. Learn more

• Chapter: A local group of a national or international fraternity or sorority. Each chapter is a student-run organization connected to a larger national body. Chapters at UofL

• Council: A governing body that oversees a group of related fraternities or sororities. UofL has three:

  • IFC (Interfraternity Council): Governs most traditionally men’s fraternities. About IFC

  • Panhellenic Council: Governs most traditionally women’s sororities. About Panhellenic

  • NPHC (National Pan-Hellenic Council): Serves as the governing body for all nine chapters of the “Divine Nine” sororities/fraternities and one associate sorority. About NPHC

• Philanthropy: The cause or nonprofit each fraternity or sorority supports through fundraising and service.

• Bid: A formal invitation extended to a student to join a fraternity or sorority. Recruitment Info

• New Member Process: The educational period between accepting a bid and becoming an initiated member. This includes learning about the organization’s values, history, and expectations.

• Recruitment is typically used for IFC and Panhellenic organizations and refers to the formal or informal process of meeting organizations and receiving a bid.

• Intake is more commonly used by NPHC and includes a more formal application and interview process before membership begins.

💬 Still have questions? Email [e-mail] for more information or reach out directly to the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life.

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UofL Fraternity and Sorority Life

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UofL Parent and Family Association

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