Sigma Alpha Mu

Bid - A fraternity's official, written invitation to join their organization.

Depledging - To decide to drop out of a fraternity after having accepted a bid.  Normally, you can not join another fraternity for a specified time after your depledging.

Early Bid - Being offered a bid from a fraternity before bid day.

Formal Parties - Parties that are scheduled to have certain rush groups come through at specified times--in association with formal rush.

Formal Rush - Organized by Interfraternity Council; scheduled parties and time-limited events. Usually held during the fall or spring.

Hazing - Being forced to do things that are against your will, and violate you as a human being. Hazing is illegal in most states.

Informal Parties - Parties that do not follow specific schedules. Rather, rushees are allowed to come and go as they please.

Informal Rush - Not an organized event; up to the individual to meet people at the various houses--can take place anytime.

Initiation - Ceremony in which pledges become actives.

Interfraternity Council (IFC) - Group at every school who make rules for the  fraternity system. The IFC coordinates formal rush and consists of a board of members from the individual fraternities.

Pledge - Status of someone who has accepted a bid, but has not yet been inititated.

Philanthrophy - Organization a fraternity does community service work for.

Pledge Class - Group of people who accepted a bid to the same fraternity and are pledging together.

Sammy - Our nickname for Sigma Alpha Mu: SAM = SAMMY