College fraternities and sororities

In North America, fraternities and sororities (Latin: fraternitas and sororitas, 'brotherhood' and 'sisterhood') are social clubs at colleges and universities. They are sometimes collectively referred to as Greek life or Greek-letter organizations, as well as collegiate fraternities or collegiate sororities to differentiate them from general, non-university-based fraternal organizations and fraternal orders, friendly societies, or benefit societies.

Generally, membership in a fraternity or sorority is obtained as an undergraduate student but continues thereafter for life by gaining alumni status. Some accept graduate students as well; some also provide honorary membership in certain circumstances. Individual fraternities and sororities vary in organization and purpose, but most – especially the dominant form known as social fraternities and sororities – share five common elements:

Secrecy

Single-sex membership

Selection of new members based on a two-part vetting and probationary process known as rushing and pledging (or orientation)

Ownership and occupancy of a residential property where undergraduate members live

A set of complex identification symbols that may include Greek letters, armorial achievements, ciphers, badges, grips, hand signs, passwords, flowers, and colors

Fraternities and sororities engage in philanthropic activities; host social events; provide "finishing" training for new members, such as instruction on etiquette, dress, and manners; and create networking opportunities for their newly graduated members. Fraternities and sororities can be tax-exempt 501(c)(7) organizations in the United States.

History

Establishment and early history

The term fraternity is derived from the Latin word frater, which means "brother". Similarly the term "sorority", is derived from the Latin word soror, meaning "sister". However, use of the word sorority began only in 1874, spreading slowly, well after the establishment of the first "women's fraternities", a moniker some groups still use today. As a result, a fraternity can consist of men, women, or a mixture of the two.