For Our Parents

Moving to college brings many new adventures…a new environment, new friends and definitely new words. In an effort to keep you on the cutting edge of your daughter’s new vocabulary, we want to give you an opportunity to familiarize yourself with some Chi Omega Terminology.

Governing Council

• S.H: National President
• S.T.B: National Vice President
• S.K.A: National Secretary
• S.N.V: National Treasurer
• S.M: National Alumnae Officer

Chapter Officers (Executive Board)

• G.H: Chapter President
• G.T.B: Chapter Vice President
• G.K.A: Chapter Secretary
• G.N.V: Chapter Treasurer
• G.M: Chapter New Member Educator
• Personnel Chair, Recruitment Chair, Panhellenic Delegate

Alumna (alum-na)
Female graduate singular.

Alumnae (alum-knee)
Female graduates plural.

Alumnae Advisory Board
Chi Omega alumnae who volunteer their time to work with a chapter and provide leadership and continuity.

Alumni (alum-neye)
Male graduates plural. Also refers to a group of men and women.

Alumnus (alum-nus)
Male graduate singular.

Bid Day
The day each sorority welcomes new members.

Big Sister
An active member who serves as a friend and confidante to a new member. She is paired with a new member known as her Little Sister. This person may or may not be one of the Little Sister’s Owl Pals.

Cardinal Cabinet
A vehicle through which all members may be involved in the chapter’s programming. Six Directors each lead a team of chapter members. The G.K.A. oversees the Cardinal Cabinet.

Centennial
The 1995 celebration of Chi Omega’s 100th anniversary. The celebration of a chapter’s 100th anniversary.

Chi O Creations
A boutique/merchandising store which markets official Chi Omega sports wear and memorabilia to our members. Chi O Creations is a not-for-profit entity of the Fraternity. All of the proceeds are returned to the Fraternity to underwrite educational programming for our members.

Chi Omega Badge
Chi Omega’s badge is a monogram of the Greek letter “Chi” superimposed over the Greek letter “Omega” in raised gold or silver. Each Initiated member purchases a badge.

Chi Omega Crest
Chi Omega’s Crest was adopted in 1902. The crest portrays emblems known and loved by Chi Omegas.

Chi Omega Foundation
The fund-raising organization of Chi Omega. Its purpose through contributions from members, is to underwrite leadership, educational, and charitable programs.

The Eleusis
The official magazine of Chi Omega Fraternity. Members automatically receive a lifetime subscription!

Executive Headquarters
Chi Omega’s national office where all Fraternity business is conducted. Located in Memphis, Tennessee, the Executive Headquarters is also the home of the Chi Omega Foundation, Chi O Creations, and the Fraternity’s National Archives.

House Corporation Board
Chi Omega alumnae who manage the material assets of a chapter.

Initiation
A ceremony new members experience upon completion of the New Member Program where the secrets of Chi Omega are revealed.

Interfraternity Council (IFC)
The governing body of male fraternities on a college/university campus.

National Consultants
Chi Omega alumnae who assist chapters with leadership and educational programming. Every chapter is visited by one of the National Consultants at least once each year.

New Member Pin
Chi Omega’s new member pin is a black enamel oval edged with gold. The Greek letters Chi and Omega are in the center. Each new member receives a new member pin during her new member period. Once the new member is initiated, she replaces the new member pin for the Chi Omega badge.

NPC
National Panhellenic Conference.

Owl Pal
An active member assigned to a new member on a weekly basis at the beginning of her new member experience.

Panhellenic Council
The governing body of women’s fraternities on the college/university campus. Panhellenic is committed to Greek unity and cooperation.

Prelude
Activities and ceremonies preceding Initiation.

Recruitment or Rush
A time during which new members are selected.

Six Purposes
Six ideals that guide the direction of all of Chi Omega’s programming.

Time to celebrate

Just as high school provided many important, exciting events like the Prom and Homecoming, Chi Omega also provides several significant occasions. Some of these occasions are:

• Bid Day – the day that your daughter accepts her membership into Chi Omega.
• Initiation – the ceremony that celebrates your daughter’s becoming an active Chi Omega.
• Senior Ceremony – the ceremony through which your daughter becomes an alumna member of Chi Omega.

To recognize these significant occasions in your daughter’s Chi Omega experience, you might find it appropriate to call upon a local florist for a small bouquet of white carnations (Chi Omega’s flower.) Certainly Chi O Creations, Chi Omega Fraternity's very own boutique is prepared to recognize these and other special events with a variety of unique gifts, stationery, jewelry, and clothing items. All Chi O Creations profits and proceeds are returned to the Fraternity for scholarships and leadership programming. The Chi Omega Foundation also provides you with an opportunity to show your support through financial contributions that empower the lives of Chi Omegas.