How do you pick a fraternity name?

Because fraternities are a part of the Greek system you should pick between two or three letters of the Greek Alphabet. These letters should represent the Greek words for values you want your fraternity to embody. Make sure you choose a name that isn't already taken.
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How are fraternity names chosen?

The names of almost all fraternities and sororities consist of a sequence of two or three Greek letters, for instance, Delta Delta Delta, Sigma Chi, Chi Omega, or Psi Upsilon. There are a few exceptions to this general rule, as in the case of the fraternities Triangle, Acacia, and Seal and Serpent.
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What is it called when you first join a fraternity?

Initiation – A formal ceremony during which a man or woman begins full membership in an organization. Interfraternity Council (IFC) – The representative body of all men's fraternities. Legacy – A potential new member whose grandparents, parents, or siblings are members of a particular organization.
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Why do fraternities have Greek names?

The founding members surmised that the Greek name would only be decipherable to students in the know who had the intellectual savvy to recognize the language. In the early days of fraternities, membership in one was consummate to being a member of a secret society, and using the Greek alphabet was a form of encryption.
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Why do fraternities haze?

Many people view hazing as an effective way to teach respect and develop discipline and loyalty within the group, and believe that hazing is a necessary component of initiation rites. Hazing can be used as a way to engender conformity within a social group, something that can be seen in many sociological studies.
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Frat Members Answer Commonly Asked Questions About Fraternities



Why do fraternities use paddles?

The Paddle's Place in the Greek Community

To show their appreciation, little brothers and sisters present their mentor with a paddle as a sign of gratitude, loyalty and respect. Also, many fraternities give paddles to newly pledged members as a welcoming sign of inclusion into the chapter.
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What is a frat sweetheart?

Sweetheart is a title affiliated with fraternities. Sweethearts are women chosen by the brothers, women who have "been around (the fraternity), who have hung out a lot," said John Gilbert, a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity.
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What is frat hazing like?

The most frequently reported hazing behaviors among college students involve alcohol consumption, humiliation, isolation, sleep deprivation, and sex acts, a recent Association for the Study of Higher Education report revealed. Jake, a pledge whose story I closely followed for a year, experienced many of these.
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What do frat brothers call each other?

Brother – Term that fraternity members call each other. Bullhorn – The first person of the line. Call/Chant – A yell used mostly by NPHC organizations (although some NIC, NPC, NALFO, NMGC and local orgs have calls as well). Used to identify and greet brothers and sisters.
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What does ACE mean in fraternity?

Ace: The first person in a new member line of an NPHC organization. Active: An initiated member of a fraternity or sorority. A member in good standing. Alumna/Alumnus: An initiated member who has graduated. Female and male, respectively.
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How can I join a fraternity?

Once you sign that bid you will begin your journey to brotherhood.
  1. Step 1: Be a Male College Student. Fraternities are scholastic organizations that are only open to men.
  2. Step 2: Begin Informal Rush. ...
  3. Step 3: Sign Up for Formal Rush. ...
  4. Step 4: Begin Formal Rush. ...
  5. Step 5: Wait for Bid Day. ...
  6. Step 6: Sign the Bid. ...
  7. 2 Comments.
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How can a fraternity drop a pledge?

The most important step in leaving the pledging process is to let the active brothers know of your intentions before formal initiation. Just like participation in any other extracurricular activity when you're in college, joining a fraternity is your choice.
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What is the richest fraternity?

Founded in 1904 at Syracuse University, the average Alpha Gamma Delta property is worth $1.74 million based on our study. Meanwhile, Chi Psi fraternity properties ranked as the most property-rich for men. Even older than Alpha Gamma Delta, Chi Psi was founded in 1841 at Union College in Schenectady, New York.
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What is the most prestigious fraternity?

The Most Prestigious Fraternities in America
  • Most Celebrity Alums: Alpha Phi Alpha. ...
  • Best Leadership Program: Pi Kappa Alpha. ...
  • Most Undergraduate Chapters: Tau Kappa Epsilon. ...
  • Biggest: Sigma Alpha Epsilon. ...
  • Best Vision for the Future: Sigma Phi Epsilon. ...
  • Oldest: The Kappa Alpha Society. ...
  • Most Philanthropic: Sigma Chi.
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What's the point of a fraternity?

Fraternities and sororities were created as a place to foster academic, community service, and social initiatives that are unique to each chapter. Fraternity and Sorority life is based on the tenets of friendship, leadership, scholarship, and philanthropy.
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What are the 3 types of hazing?

The following are some examples of hazing divided into three categories: subtle, harassment, and violent. It is impossible to list all possible hazing behaviors because many are context-specific.
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How hard is pledging?

Being a pledge requires time management skills and resilience. Pledges have to navigate their first semester of college classes, countless hours of fraternity activities and manage to get some sleep along the way.
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What is an elephant walk fraternity?

The email said Delta Chi fraternity participants simulated an “elephant walk,” which is described in the letter as “a form of known hazing in fraternities.” The hazing practice usually requires members to walk naked in a single-file line while holding the genitals of the person behind them.
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What's a dream girl in a frat?

One of the many traditions of Pi Kappa Alpha is the Dream Girl. The Pike Dream Girl is any woman from a sorority who best represents and unselfishly supports the fraternity. Each year a new Dream Girl is chosen.
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What is a rose in a frat?

This honorary title signifies a woman who embodies class, character, and elegance. The selection is announced at the chapter's annual Rose Ball formal. The “Rose” is given a bouquet of the official flower of Pi Kappa Phi, the red rose, and is serenaded with the fraternity's traditional song.
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Do fraternities still have little sisters?

Fraternities across the nation are disbanding their ''Little Sister'' programs, under which women become associated with the men's groups, often paying small-scale dues. Little Sisters serve as hostesses for parties and help with service projects.
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What does taking wood mean?

Finally, this year pledges of University of Akron's Alpha Phi Alpha chapter were hospitalized after “taking wood,” or being paddled, over multiple nights of beatings. 30. D.
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Does hazing still happen?

Indeed, hazing is not only banned by most colleges and universities but also violates laws in nearly every U.S. state, but these incidents continue to occur. A recent NBC News report noted that, from 2000 to 2021, at least 50 college students died from hazing incidents.
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Where did hazing come from?

Hazing has a deep history dating back to 387 B.C. with the founding of Plato's Academy. At the time, hazing was called “pennalism,” which meant “a system of mild oppression and torment practiced upon first-year students.” While Plato criticized the practice, it continued throughout the middle ages.
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