Glossary of Terms
Fraternity and Sorority Life has its own terminology that you may encounter throughout the joining process and membership experience. Whether you’re exploring our community for the first time or looking up a specific term, this glossary is designed to help you better understand the language, traditions, and programs that make up Fraternity and Sorority Life at Grand Valley State University.
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Hazing | Hazing defined by Grand Valley is an act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or that destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization. Participation or cooperation by the person(s) being hazed does not excuse the violation. Failing to intervene to prevent (and/or) failing to discourage (and/or) failing to report those acts may also violate this policy. For more information, visit: https://www.gvsu.edu/policies/policy.htm?policyId=266C25E2-0736-9C37-5B87EF6860EB113A |
| Hand Sign | Symbol or gesture made with the hand(s) that signifies membership in a particular organization, typically used by culturally based Greek-letter organizations. |
| Handshake/Grip | A special handshake unique to each organization. Only initiated members will know the handshake. |
| Greek Life Board (GLB) | A student executive board comprised of member of each governing council that does not have a judicial capacity. |
| Greek Life | The on-campus community of fraternities and sororities. |
| Grand Valley Police Department (GVPD) | The local law enforcement is located on Grand Valley's campus. The Department of Public Safety is committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment for students, faculty, staff and visitors. The Department of Public Safety patrols campus 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to provide a safe environment for the Grand Valley community. Non-emergency number: (616) 331-3255 |
| Governing Council | A student executive board, usually an extension of a National governing council, which functions as an overseer of multiple chapters. These executive boards have judicial authority over the chapters they work with. |
| Fraternity | A Greek-letter organization for men or a co-ed organization. |
| Faculty/Staff Advisor (RSO Advisor) | An advisor for a student organization that also works for the host institution in some capacity. In Fraternity and Sorority Life, the advisor is also often affiliated with a Greek organization. |
| Dues | The monetary costs of membership in a fraternity or sorority. The fees are used to cover the costs of operation, formal events, social activities, and other events, depending on the organization. |
| Drop Line | A student who withdraws from a chapter after accepting bid or being inducted, but before initiated, typically used by culturally based Greek-letter organizations. |
| Division of Student Affairs | The Division of Student Affairs is comprised of departments, programs, facilities, and services supported by more than 150 professional and graduate staff. The Vice President for Student Affairs serves as the university's senior student affairs officer and provides divisional leadership. |
| De-letter/Disaffiliate | A member of an organization that chooses to no longer be a member of that organization. They are removed from membership. |
| Daughter/Son | A term referring to a mentee member of an organization. |
| Culturally Based Greek Lettered Organization | A fraternity or sorority that has aspects of specific or multiple cultures incorporated into its ritual, purpose, and ceremonies. |
| Crossing | A term to denote when a person was initiated, typically used by culturally based greek-letter organizations. |
| Crest | A coat of arms or other symbolism that represents the organization and its principals. |
| Continuous Open Bidding (COB) | A process in which an individual can be offered a bid after the formal recruitment process. |
| Colony | A newly formed affiliate of a national organization that has not yet received its charter. The members of a colony are referred to as "founders". |
| Charter | Office documentation that an individual chapter is recognized and operates according to the national organization. |
Page last modified June 30, 2026