The Ultimate Sorority Glossary: Q-R

Quota: Refers to the number of new members a sorority chapter can invite to join during a formal recruitment period. For example, if there are 100 potential new members (PNMs) invited to the Preference Round and 5 sororities, the quota might be set at 16 new members per chapter, accounting for the fact that some PNMs drop out before or after Pref without completing an MRABA.

Quota is determined by each school’s Panhellenic Council and varies each year based on the number of PNMs and participating chapters. It serves as both a target and a maximum, ensuring every chapter has an equal opportunity to grow and thrive, fostering a balanced and cohesive Greek community. 

Quota Addition: Used during sorority recruitment to ensure that every potential new member (PNM) has a chance to join a chapter, even if they didn't match with their top choices. It's like a safety net for both the PNMs and the sororities. Here’s how it works: after the final preference round, PNMs submit their ranked preferences and MRABA. Normally, a computer algorithm matches them with a sorority based on mutual selection.

Sometimes, a PNM might not match with their preferences if the PNM's rank list doesn't align with the sororities' rankings—if none of the sororities she listed placed her high enough on their bid lists, she won’t receive a bid from any house. When a PNM does not match her preferred houses, instead of leaving her without a bid, quota addition places her on the bid list of a sorority even if it has already reached quota, ensuring that the PNM still has a chance to join a chapter. A PNM is not required to accept a bid generated via quota addition.

Recommendation Letter (or Rec or Letter of Recommendation or Letter of Support): A personal letter of reference provided by a sorority member to the local chapter where a PNM is seeking membership. Policies on rec letters vary from campus to campus and from sorority to sorority. However, letters of recommendation do not guarantee an invitation to join a sorority. They can, nevertheless, help a PNM stand out during recruitment, so it’s worth learning more before you register for recruitment (rec letters are due before recruitment).

Whether you need a rec letter, who you should ask, and what should be included are topics worthy of a deeper dive. We wrote guides to traditional rec letters, an overview of rec letters and other forms of referral and recommendation, and we collected each sorority’s policies on rec letters and legacies, too.

Recruitment: see Formal Recruitment and Informal Recruitment

Recruitment Counselor (also Rho Chi, Rho Gamma, Gamma Chi, Pi Chi, and Sigma Rho Chi): An experienced sorority member who temporarily disaffiliates from her sorority during the recruitment period to guide an assigned group of potential new members (PNMs) through formal recruitment. To appear unbiased, recruitment counselors remove all signs of their sorority affiliation during recruitment, which means they edit their social media, don’t wear letters, and don’t attend chapter events. The idea is to make the PNMs feel comfortable discussing any concerns about a sorority without worrying about offending the counselor.

Recruitment Counselors support PNMs navigating the recruitment rounds, answer questions, and offer encouragement, ensuring a positive and smooth experience. The counselors are not allowed to discuss recruitment with their own chapter and are not part of the membership selection process. Recruitment counselors usually rejoin their sorority on Bid Day to celebrate with the chapter and new members.

Recruitment Information Form (RIF): This is a “fill-in-the-blank” style of standardized document that can be found on most sororities' websites, and can be accessed by an alumna or collegiate member. This information is directed to the chapter where the PNM seeks membership but the form does not guarantee any special treatment. Each sorority and school handles RIFs differently, so we’ve created a guide to RIFs, MIFs, legacies and more.

Recruitment Resume: see Social Resume

Release Figure Method (RFM): A system used during formal sorority recruitment to help manage and balance the number of potential new members (PNMs) against the available spots in each sorority chapter. The goal is to make sure everyone has the best shot at finding their perfect match. Here’s how it works: RFM helps set the "quota," which is the number of PNMs each chapter can invite to join. It’s a mutual selection process where both PNMs and chapters rank their preferences, and RFM aligns these preferences to increase the chances of successful matches. As part of this overall process, chapters are given "release figures," which tell them how many PNMs they should let go after each round of recruitment. This prevents chapters from holding on to too many PNMs they won’t end up inviting back and ensures that PNMs have a real chance of getting bids. The ultimate goal of RFM is to maximize the number of PNMs who receive bids and ensure that chapters meet their membership goals. It relies on historical data and statistical analysis to keep things fair and efficient, making the whole recruitment process smoother for everyone involved. (We’re wondering when AI is going to get involved!)

Retreat: A retreat is a weekend getaway designed for the new member class or the exec team, or the entire sorority chapter to bond, learn, and have fun. These retreats often have overarching themes such as sisterhood and recruitment, as well as fun themes that generate excitement. Retreats are typically held off-campus in inviting locations or dedicated retreat centers.

Activities at retreats are varied and engaging, including team-building exercises, leadership workshops, and outdoor adventures like hiking or zip-lining. These events are designed to strengthen relationships and foster personal growth among members. Guest speakers, including advisors, alumnae, or professionals, are often invited to lead activities or give talks on topics such as career development, mental health, and effective recruitment strategies.

Workshops and seminars on event planning and philanthropy initiatives are also common, providing valuable skills and insights. Interactive, reflective sessions are often incorporated to allow members to share their experiences, provide feedback, and discuss how to implement what they've learned. Follow-up activities and meetings are planned to address any new ideas or concerns that came up, to reinforce the lessons learned, and to maintain the momentum.

In addition to formal activities, retreats usually include informal social activities like movie nights, bonfires, or craft sessions to help members unwind and connect on a personal level.

Overall, retreats are a comprehensive experience that brings the sorority closer together, promoting unity, personal development, and chapter development.

Reveal: see Big/Little Reveal

Rho Chi (RX): see Recruitment Counselor

Rho Gamma: see Recruitment Counselor

Ritual: The traditional secret ceremonies performed by sorority chapters, which are prescribed and endorsed by their national headquarters. These rituals are an essential aspect of sorority life, embodying the core values, history, and principles of the organization. They are carefully crafted to create a sense of unity and continuity among members, both past and present.

Rituals include initiation ceremonies, which mark the formal acceptance of new members into the sorority. During these ceremonies, new members affirm the sorority's values, symbols, and traditions, and they take oaths that bind them to uphold the sorority's principles. The specific details of these rituals are closely guarded secrets, known only to initiated members, to preserve the mystique and significance of the traditions.

In addition to initiation, sorority rituals may also encompass other significant events such as new member ceremonies, chapter meetings, and special anniversary celebrations. These events often follow a prescribed order and include symbolic actions, recitations, and the use of specific regalia or symbols unique to the sorority. The rituals are designed to reinforce the bonds of sisterhood, instill a sense of pride and belonging, and connect members to the larger legacy of the sorority.

Rounds: The different segments of formal recruitment. A round is a structured set of events where potential new members (PNMs) have the opportunity to learn about different chapters and meet members, while members get the chance to evaluate PNMs. Each round of formal recruitment has a distinct focus, designed to introduce PNMs to various aspects of sorority life.

The process typically begins with the Philanthropy round, where PNMs visit every sorority participating in recruitment. During this round, they learn about each sorority’s national and/or local philanthropic partners and events, gaining insight into the community service and charitable efforts that are central to the sorority's mission. 

Some schools hold a Convocation round before Philanthropy where PNMs watch professionally produced videos of the sororities introducing themselves. The first round of cuts happens immediately after convocation, before PNMs even visit the sorority houses. Because the sorority members don't have much information to go on, these cuts are generally based on GPAs, videos, and other details the PNM included in their registration materials.

Either way, after Philanthropy, the next round is usually Sisterhood, where PNMs attend fewer sorority parties as determined by the matching process. This round emphasizes the bonds of friendship and support that are integral to the sorority experience. PNMs get a closer look at the sisterhood and connections within the chapters, often through more personal interactions and discussions about the chapter's values and activities.

The final round is the Preference round, where PNMs typically attend only 2-3 sororities' events. This round is the most intimate and emotional, often featuring heartfelt ceremonies and speeches. PNMs and members share meaningful conversations about their experiences and what the sorority means to them. The goal is for PNMs to find a chapter where they feel a strong connection and envision themselves as part of the sisterhood.

Throughout each round, both PNMs and sorority members make decisions that influence the matching process, leading up to the final bid day when new members are officially invited to join their chosen sorority. This structured approach ensures that PNMs get a comprehensive understanding of each sorority, helping them make informed decisions about where they feel most at home.

The Row (or Sorority Row): In the context of sorority life, "The Row" refers to a specific area on or near a college campus where multiple sorority and fraternity houses are located. This area is often a central hub for Greek life activities and serves as the heart of the sorority and fraternity community.

Sorority houses on The Row typically host a variety of events, including chapter meetings, social gatherings, philanthropy events, and recruitment activities. The proximity of the houses to each other fosters a sense of community and camaraderie among the Greek organizations. 

Living on The Row can be a significant aspect of the sorority experience, offering members the opportunity to live closely with their sisters, participate in house traditions, and engage in daily sorority life. The Row often becomes a vibrant, bustling area filled with Greek letters, house decorations, and a lively atmosphere, especially during major events like recruitment and homecoming.

Some schools have separate areas for "Sorority Row" and "Fraternity Row", and the idea's the same. Overall, The Row is not just a physical location but also a symbol of the close-knit and dynamic community that defines sorority life.

Rush: The term "rush" is outdated and doesn't accurately reflect the thoughtful, mutual selection process of joining a sorority. "Rush" suggests a hurried or pressured experience, whereas "formal recruitment" emphasizes a well-organized, considerate approach to finding a home within the Greek community. The term “rush” comes from the early days of Greek Life in the late 19th and early 20th century, when sororities and fraternities used to literally "rush" to the train station to meet new students and pitch them on joining their organization. See Formal Recruitment for more.

Rush Crush: When a sorority member really connects with a potential new member (PNM) who becomes that member’s top pick. The member will hype this PNM to other members to make sure the PNM has the best chance of receiving a bid. (While we generally don’t use “rush” anymore, we haven’t given up this cute rhyme.)

Rush Resume: see Social Resume

RushTok: A corner of TikTok where potential new members (PNMs) share their sorority recruitment journeys and sorority members share scenes from the other side. From outfit-of-the-day (OOTD) videos, confessionals, and "get ready with me" to behind-the-scenes glimpses of the rush process, RushTok offers an entertaining and often insightful look into sorority life. It's a place where PNMs can connect, get tips, and share their experiences, while also giving outsiders an inside look at the excitement and challenges of rushing. Whether you're participating in recruitment or just curious, RushTok is the go-to hashtag for all things sorority rush on TikTok and it also works on Instagram!