These last few days at Syracuse have been a blast. #NPHC #DanceParty #NALFO #IFC #PHC #PFC #MGC #GreekLifeBBQ https://www.instagram.com/p/B1-GZenJC_i/?igshid=15trvla0sz5qh
I’ll tell you, with as many Greek Life Council meetings as I’ve been to, I realize that they just don’t get us and we just don’t get them, but I want to try and bridge the gap! Let’s talk about some basic differences!
1. Rush vs. Recruitment
Rush is a NPC/NIC process of joining an organization, where PNMs (potential new members) socialize with members at social events and get a feel for each “house” and its members. Finally, members choose PNMs and PNMs choose houses in a mutual selection and will be regarded as new members or pledges. They will then participate in a new member education program culminating in their initiation as active members. Some great articles to explain this process are:
Recruitment in LGLOs is a bit different. We don’t rush. Rush events are translated to informationals where interests dress in professional attire and participate in a presentation about one single organization hosted by its members. They may then decide to join an interest group and show their interest. Interests may also privately ask for an application and move forward towards membership. Once interviews are had and applications are accepted, the applicant will undergo a membership educational process or go on line culminating in their initiation as a fully fledged members. Some articles to explain this process:
The big difference here is that rush is a more public process where recruitment is very private. In both cases, new members or any person on line still has the opportunity to discontinue the membership education process at any point before initiation.
2. Letters
The way we handle our letters is a source of debate and discomfort for NPC/NIC and LGLO Greeks. Let’s start with a NPC/NIC example: Lavaliering or Pinning is the custom of giving a significant other your lettered necklace or sorority/fraternity pin as a sign of love and commitment. It is so serious that it may be considered the Greek equivalent of a promise ring. This is something that just doesn’t translate. We have very strict rules and customs about our letters that make this custom not doable. We consider letters to be something hard earned and if you didn’t cross into that org, you don’t get to wear their letters no way, no how. NPC/NIC orgs often have the tradition of using different fabric patterns to signify different lineages and chapters within their org. LGLOs often do not do this. For orgs that have more than one national color, we may invert them, but overall we do not stray from established national colors. This is to build our brand and keep in line with tradition.
3. Mixers vs. Kickbacks/Punchouts
NPC/NIC organizations often have mixers, often closed themed parties, between sororities and fraternities so as to get to know each other. These mixers can be semi-formal or informal, it really depends on those involved.
Kickbacks are the informal LGLO way to, well, kick back and enjoy ourselves. Often times you’ll see strolling, food, and dominoes. Not every kickback is closed and they aren’t always solely between one fraternity and one sorority. We may leave it open for people to come by as they please or we may privately plan a kickback and invite other LGLO/BGLOs. Again, it depends on those involved.
Punchouts are parties where alcohol is served but it’s a little more interesting than that. Informally, different organizations may have different alcoholic punch recipes for parties and will bring their punch to Punchouts. Recipes are secret, only to be known by members of the org serving it, but all partygoers can sample the punches and have fun.
4. Having a house
Many NPC/NIC organizations have nationally instituted housing programs that allow their members to live in an on or off campus house. LGLOs do not have these kinds of housing programs, but we may have spots on or off campus where we congregate.
While there are quite a few differences, the biggest being how we conduct membership intake, what binds us all as Greek-lettered organizations is our values, standards, service to the community, and sense of brotherhood/sisterhood.
It's officially #humpday meaning you've made it through the toughest part of the week. School's let back in and the Greeks are back on campus, so in light of the Great Greek Return, I would like to pay homage: To the Greeks!!! May Wednesday forever be your day and may you always be dressed to impress. 🍾🍻🎉🎊
