Ultimate guide to Canada fraternities and Greek Life
Not only in USA, fraternities and sororities exist all over Canada (and also in many parts of the world). Fraternities and sororities are a rich part of student university life, filled with traditions, cultures, rumours, speculations and curiosity.
In this article, we dive into the world of Greek Life, and answer some of the most commonly asked questions about them.
A “frat” is a shortened, colloquial term for the word “fraternity.” A fraternity is any secret society, where members band together in a brotherhood, to pursue a mission. Nowadays, fraternities usually refer to academic fraternities, which exist on university campuses, and often have 2-4 Greek letters as their organization name.
Fraternities first started in the late 1700s as elite, honorable societies – where the elite, upper class, intellectuals, and great thinkers gathered – as a force for good. It is only in modern time (within the mid and late 1900s), where some fraternities turned into the stereotypical “frats,” that are commonly depicted in movies. This is far from what fraternities are about.
Fraternities continue to exist today, and have evolved into many forms – from cultural-specific (e.g. African-American, Asian, Latino etc.), multicultural, to profession-specific (e.g. business, medicine, law). Many continue to be a force for good, and stay true to this original purpose. Xi Alpha Pi is such an organization, founded as the first multicultural fraternity in Canada – in one of the friendliest, most diverse and inclusive countries in the world. Because of our dedication to do good in the world, we prefer to use the term “fraternity” and not “frat.”
What is a fraternity? Frat?
🏛️ Across North America, there are 9 million members in fraternities/sororities (commonly referred to as 'Greeks').
💼 86% of the 50 largest corporations, are headed by fraternity/sorority members.
🏅 85% of the Fortune 500 executives are fraternity/sorority members.
🚀 The 1st Female Senator, 1st Female Astronaut, & all Apollo 11 Astronauts, were fraternity/sorority members.
Fraternity fun facts
Although fraternities are most prominent in American universities, Canada has its fair share as well! Including University of Toronto and its 3 campuses (UofT, UTSG, UTSC, UTM), York University, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryerson University), McGill University, University of British Columbia (UBC), Carleton University, University of Ottawa and lots more! In fact, UofT alone has 21 fraternities and 9 sororities!
Some fraternities are founded directly in Canada as well – e.g. Phi Kappa Pi (ΦΚΠ) and Xi Alpha Pi (ΞАΠ).
Are there fraternities in Canada?
Internationally, fraternities exist as well. There are pockets of alumni groups all over the world, where there are members present. Many form alumni associations overseas, and continue to congregate as a community and do good.
Fraternities in the UK and Europe are rarer, apart from a few social fraternities or alumni groups. Though in 1867, the Chi Phi fraternity did establish a chapter at the University of Edinburgh, in Scotland. Fraternities have also started to take popularity in the Philippines.
Are you looking to join a fraternity? Are there none where you live? Find out how to start a chapter.
Do fraternities exist in other countries?
One of the biggest differences between fraternities in Canada and fraternities in USA – is that many Canadian universities don’t formally recognize fraternities. This means fraternities can't host official events on campus, use campus facilities, or apply for university funding. In essence, fraternities in Canada operate much like how fraternities did when they first started - as a secret society, and hidden away from university eyes. One exception to this is University of British Columbia in Vancouver, which does recognize fraternities and sororities.
This doesn't mean that Canadian fraternities don't operate legally though. Many continue to operate as legally-recognized organizations, recognized by their Canadian provincial governments. Not only this, but they're also governed by constitutions, by-laws and membership code of conduct, with a growing membership base from the student population.
Not being recognized by universities is a key factor why fraternities in Canada may seem less prominent, than in the US. However, this does give fraternities in Canada a strong advantage, as they have the freedom to partner with larger organizations, and work at a much larger scale outside of the university. Thus, managing to establish much stronger long-term connections and relations in the real world.
E.g. Xi Alpha Pi in Toronto partners regularly with Canadian charities and local businesses to engage with local communities city-wide, beyond just the university. In 2023, Xi Alpha Pi was also one of the first UofT groups to initiate a relief fund to support search and rescue operations, within the first 48 hours of the 2023 Turkey/Syria Earthquake. This initiative not only engaged UofT students, but also the Toronto-wide community, in partnership with AKUT and Canadian Red Cross Red Crescent.
How do fraternities operate in Canada?
They are commonly referred this way because of their use of Greek letters to represent their organization.
This movement dates back to the first Greek letter organization (GLO) in 1776, Phi Beta Kappa. They were an elite honour society who first used Greek letters to represent their motto. This was later adopted by other secret societies in American institutions.
Why are fraternities and sororities called Greeks?
Fraternities have been gaining popularity since the 18th century, as a way for like-minded intellects to band together. By doing so, they form secretive networks, that can collectively support one another, with a common pool of resources. These benefits are still relevant today. People join fraternities to make the most out of their university experience, serve their communities, commit to closeness as a Brotherhood, be a part of a community, develop skills, pool in resources, and join an extensive network.
Why do people join fraternities in Canada?
Unique terms are used in all Greek Life, which may sound foreign to those unfamiliar to them. Though their meanings may vary slightly between organizations, these terms will generally mean the same thing, and be understood by fraternity and sorority members.
Rush: Rush is the formal recruitment period of fraternities (~1 month), where social events are organized to recruit potential members, and for them to meet current members. The timing and style of rush vary depending on the fraternity. But it's usually two times a year, during the first month of the semester.
Prospect (or rushee): A prospect (or rushee) is someone who is interested in joining a fraternity, and is a potential candidate for full time membership.
Bid: A bid is an invitation to join a fraternity. A bid is usually only issued, after members of the fraternity vote.
Bid dinner: A bid dinner is a formally dressed event where prospects are issued bids, and get to meet more members of the fraternity.
Pledge: A pledge is someone who has accepted a bid, and is going through pledgeship. They are a probationary member of a fraternity, sort of like a 'brother in-training.' 'Pledging a fraternity' refers to 'joining a fraternity.'
Pledgeship: Pledgeship is the educational phase of a fraternity. Every fraternity is different, but generally, pledges complete tasks and education about fraternity ideals (about 2-3 months). Once completed, they will become full time members (brothers).
Pledge class (or class): A pledge class is a group of new members who crossed together in the same semester. Every pledge class is assigned a Greek letter or letters.
Pledge Master (PM or New Member Educator): A member who leads pledgeship and takes on the responsibility of incorporating new members into the fraternity.
Brother: Fraternities are about creating a family, and forming a brotherhood bond. Because of this, members refer to each other as 'brothers.' This applies to sororities as well, where members refer to each other as ‘sisters.’
In Xi Alpha Pi, we only use the term “Brother” to refer to our members. We refrain from using the term “bro” for our members, to distance ourselves from the negative perceptions of stereotypical frats, as commonly depicted in movies.Fraternity name (or nickname): A fraternity name is a name assigned or chosen when you cross into the fraternity. It usually represents you or something you live up to.
Fraternity number: A fraternity number is an assigned number representing either when you crossed into the fraternity, or your position within your pledge class.
Big brother, little brother (or big, lil, B1, L1): A big brother is someone assigned to a new member (the little brother) to mentor and guide. A big brother is usually someone that the new member looks up to and has the skills to help the new member grow. B1 refers to your big brother, B2 refers to big brother's big brother, and so on. Same applies for L1, L2.
Active: An active member is a member who is currently enrolled in university.
Inactive: An inactive member is a member no longer enrolled in universit,y or no longer active in fraternity activities.
Alum (alumni, alumnae): An alum member is a member who has graduated from university.
Legacy: A legacy member (or legacy) refers to any family member of an existing fraternity member. Legacy members can receive an automatic bid, and do not require members to vote on their bid.
Crossing (or crossed): Crossing is a term that refers to ‘entering the Fraternity’, representing the official transition from pledge to brother. This is usually used to refer to the semester, when someone became a full-time member. E.g. I crossed in Fall 2023.
Roster: A roster is a list of all members who have crossed into the fraternity.
Letters: Letters refer to the Greek letters of the organization. Usually used in context to describe the right to wear your fraternity's letters after crossing.
Line: A line refers to either the group of members that you crossed into the fraternity with, or the lineage of your Big Brothers that trace all the way back to a founding member.
Initiation: Initiations are secretive and symbolic rituals of fraternities, where pledges complete to become brothers. These are often filled with tradition.
Ritual Master: A Ritual Master is a member who leads and conducts the rituals of the fraternity.
Probate (or coming out): Probate is a public performance for a fraternity to showcase their newest members. Members of the same pledge class usually perform, chant and is welcomed into the fraternity by all.
Stroll (or strolling): A stroll is a synchronized group dance-like march to music performed by new members of a fraternity together. Signifies their crossing into the fraternity.
Installation (installs): Installs are events, usually a dinner of some form, after pledgeship and initiation, where family, friends and significant others are invited to attend and celebrate.
Philanthropy: Philanthropy refers to all community service and fundraising related intiatives that a fraternity contributes to.
Convention: A convention is an annual event that brings together all members across different chapters in one location, to celebrate and honour fraternity achievements.
Reunion (or homecoming): A reunion is an event focused on inviting alum members to return and celebrate.
Yardshow: A yardshow is a performance on campus or in public to showcase fraternity pride and what their fraternity is about. Can consist of chants, strolls, steps, singing, dances and stunts.
Expansion: Expansion refers to a fraternity establishing a new presence, colony or chapter in a university or city.
Chapter: A chapter is a branch or operating presence of a fraternity at a speific university or city. Larger fraternities will have many different chapters at different universities. Each chapter would have an assigned Greek letter, e.g. Beta chapter. Members join a fraternity, but are also part of a chapter.
Colony: A colony is a new chapter in probationary status, usually just starting out and still growing. If a colony is deemed successful, it will become a chapter, and earn an assigned Greek letter.
Greek Life terms explained
Stepping is a dance-like performance where the performer stomps, claps, slaps and chants - to create beats, movements and rhythm. Not all fraternities step. It is often associated with more modern fraternities. Stepping is most strongly known amongst African-American fraternities, but has also been adopted by cultural and multicultural fraternities. Stepping conveys unity and fraternity pride.
Why do fraternities step?
Every fraternity is different, but most important is to find the right fit. The fraternity should be right for you, and you should also be right for them. The best thing to do is to read up on what the fraternity stands for, contact them, and go meet its members. Do you align well with their values? Are the members the type of people who would be a good influence to you? Are there opportunities for you to contribute and grow as a person? If so, then chances are, it's the right fraternity for you.
We also recommend that you pledge or join with a ‘contributive’ mindset. As in, be willing to contribute, commit, make time and participate in the fraternity. Think hard about your commitment. A good fraternity is a serious one, and membership shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Many people only seek to join, so that they can reap the rewards, and not contribute. If you do this, we think you’ll be missing out on the true value of what fraternity life is about. Be all in, lead teams, give ideas, organize events, serve your community, make a difference in the world. Do these things, and you’ll grow as a person, develop life skills and form everlasting bonds that you can always rely on. These are things no university course can teach or give you. We hope this helps!
Which fraternity should I join?
