WRITTEN BY JENNIFER KING, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS OF THETA PHI ALPHA
Learning about Greek Life is a new and exciting experience that can leave you with questions and sometimes confusion about what to do or say and what not to do or say when referring to organizations by name. However, it’s also a place where you can call home. Sorority life is a membership experience that will continue to evolve you to the best of your ability, with fellow members to cheer you on along the way. We recognize how the Greek naming system can be confusing for potential new members (PNMs) and, at times, for existing members. Learning the correct terminology will make recruitment feel less overwhelming and show respect to the organization and its members.
A common mistake is referring to sororities by the first letter of their name. For example, referring to Theta Phi Alpha as “Theta,” is inaccurate. When you say “Theta”, you are referencing Kappa Alpha Theta, one of the other 26 National Panhellenic Conference (NPC) sororities. Theta Phi Alpha has an official trade name solely dedicated to their unique history and experience. The proper “nickname” for Theta Phi Alpha is Theta Phi. Imagine if both organizations referred to themselves by “Theta”! It would cause confusion between sorority members and non-members. That is why it is so important to respect and use accurate trade names.
Another common mistake is referring to sororities in short-hand by their English letters. Some NPC organizations use their English alphabet letter initials because they stand for their full name in the Greek alphabet, such as Zeta Tau Alpha or “ZTA.” For some, there is no equivalent letter represented in the Greek alphabet, an example is Chi Omega or “XO.” That is not the case for Theta Phi Alpha. “TPA” is inaccurate because the letters “T” and “P” in the English alphabet stand for the letters Tau and Rho in the Greek alphabet. “TPA” means Tau Rho Alpha, not Theta Phi Alpha. Therefore, members and national staff will continue to educate everyone on the correct terminology.
Each organization will have a list of accepted tradenames. It doesn’t matter if you refer to this organization as Theta Phi Alpha, Theta Phi, or ӨФA; we proudly acknowledge all those names and letters! Being true to our identity is the creed of loyal Theta Phis, and as our National President, Kristin Henkenius, always states, “If we can’t be true to our identity, how can we expect others to know who we are?”
Here are some tips on how to learn more about organizations on your campus or your potential organization’s naming system:
- – Research your prospective organization’s history in depth and learn its original name and letters.
- – Research the Greek alphabet and learn what each Greek letter stands for.
- – Call organizations by their appropriate names. It is an easy way to show respect to the members and organization.
- – Always be open to growing your knowledge with research, confirmation and asking questions.
