Make Sure to Check out our Parents Page!

​

What exactly does all of this fraternity terminology mean?

 

When first encountering Greek organizations it can seem like they are speaking their own languages with all of the terminologies they throw around. Look below for some of the most common phrases used so that you may better understand the fraternity process at WPI.

 

Bid: A bid is an invitation to join a fraternity.

 

New Member Mentor: One of the most important relationships a new member has is a mentor.  This is a member of the chapter who will give the new member support, provide encouragement and offer information to help the new member during the new member education process and collegiate pursuits.  The Fraternity formalizes this relationship through the New Member Mentor program.  A solid relationship between the new member and his Mentor is vital for the success of the important program.

 

Brother: An Initiated member of a fraternity. Being a Brother in Phi Gamma Delta means that you exemplify our 5 values, which are: Friendship, Knowledge, Service, Morality, and Excellence. It also means that you always hold yourself and your Brothers to a higher standard and always act in a manner befitting of a gentleman. Phi Gamma Delta is not for college days alone, but rather a lifetime commitment.

 

Chapter: A local branch of the Fraternity that is chartered and recognized by the International Fraternity.

 

FIJI: FIJI is a nickname for Phi Gamma Delta

 

Graduate Brother: In many places, these gentlemen are referred to as Alumni.  However, since Phi Gamma Delta is not for college days alone, but rather a lifetime commitment, we call these members graduate brothers.

 

IHQ: International Headquarters, Phi Gamma Delta’s headquarters are located in Lexington Kentucky. The address: 1201 Red Mile Road Lexington, Kentucky 40544-4599.

 

Immortal Six: This refers to the six founding members of Phi Gamma Delta, John Templeton McCarty, Ellis Bailey Gregg, James Elliot Jr., Samuel Beatty Wilson, Daniel Webster Crofts, and Naaman Fletcher.  The nickname is a bit as a misnomer seeing as many of the men did not live very long after founding the Fraternity but their memory lives on through every brother today.

 

New Member: A man going through the process of the new member education program.

 

New Member Educator: This man is the brother elected by the chapter to teach and instill the history and values of Phi Gamma Delta to the new class.  

 

New Member Education: New Member Education for Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) focuses on introducing new members to the fraternity's history, values, and expectations while fostering personal development and brotherhood. This process emphasizes the importance of academic success, leadership, and community involvement. It typically includes learning about the fraternity's founding principles, such as friendship, knowledge, service, morality, and excellence. New members are also encouraged to develop strong bonds with their peers and existing members through mentorship and team-building activities. The education program seeks to instill a sense of responsibility and commitment to the fraternity's ideals, while preparing new members to contribute positively to the chapter and larger community. Importantly, FIJI promotes a hazing-free environment, ensuring that new members are treated with respect and dignity throughout the process.

 

Purple Legionnaire: An appointed graduate brother who oversees the Chapter. Our purple legionnaire is David Willens, a Ph.D candidate here at WPI. 

 

Pi Iota (πI): Our Chapter’s name, we are the Worcester Polytechnic Institute chapter of Phi Gamma Delta.