A: Paper is a term used to identify a Greek fraternity or sorority member who didn't pledge. This
person became a member through either an intake process, or by joining a graduate/alumni
chapter. Real is a term used to identify those persons who underwent the pledge process. During
the pledge period they learn rituals, secrets, history, and tests of brotherhood & sisterhood through
the teachings of the dean of pledging. *please note: "paper" is also a term of disrespect and
warrants trouble when thrusted upon the identity of someone who considers themselves "real".
Additionally, in all states and institutions of higher learning, pledging is illegal and that you and others
run the risk of university expulsion/suspension and possible criminal prosecution.

Q: Which is better?

A: That is ultimately up for you to decide. Understand that just because one chooses to be "Paper"
doesn't mean they love their organization any less than someone who pledged or is considered
"Real". If you feel in your heart that taking wood is an expression of how serious your intent is
regarding pledging, then I suggest you reconsider the reason why you are pledging.  The issue is not
"paper" or "real" but education and process.   There are both positives and negative benefits to
pledging.
POSITIVE BENEFITS:
*establishes a brotherly/sisterly bond amongst line pledges.
*initiates learn history of the fraternity or sorority from a perspective other than books & a written
test.
*pledge lines work together as one entity instead of on an individual basis.
NEGATIVE BENEFITS:
*wood
*the obvious destruction of your cumulative grade point average.
*being on call at all hours of the night(24/7).

A:  Back in the 80's before pledging was banned, when you were on line, everyone knew who was
pledging. Now it's more less a secret. An underground line can exist for example, when a chapter is
suspended, but they pick up a line off the record.   An underground line usually warrants trouble and
confusion.  The process is null & void in the eyes of nationals and you run the risk that your paperwork will not be processed.  The National Office considers that you don't exist if you were on an underground pledge line.

A: "Black balled" & "balled" are terms used to describe situations when a person doesn't make line for certain reasons or is not voted in by a majority vote by current members.

TOP 5 REASONS WHY YOU MIGHT GET BLACK BALLED:
a. Caught throwing up the hand signal or doing the call in public, before it was time to!
b. Purchasing paraphernalia, before you make line. (Which is usually a sign of bad luck)
c. Expecting to make line because you meet all the requirements or you're legacy.
d. You were on an underground line and the line was revealed.
e. You went to another organizations informational and submitted.

A: 1st option: To my knowledge there's nothing you can do about pledging, if the chapter at your
school is under suspension. The only thing remotely possible is to transfer to another university or
college. But if you take this option then I believe that your real focus for being in college might need
to be evaluated, seriously. Then if you transfer there's no definite guarantee that you'll be selected
on an upcoming line. Transfer students typically have to be a student at the university for two
quarters or one semester after transferring, before one can pledge. Be warned that if you do
manage to accomplish this mission and you decide to transfer back to your previous school. In the
eyes of that chapter and others you might not be well received.

2nd option: Cross pledging at another university. But I've only heard of this happening when the
college or university you attend doesn't have a chartered chapter of it's own. Not if the chapter is
suspended.

3rd option: Sometimes it's best to go "GRAD". I understand there's some of you out there, that doesn't
want to wait that long.

4th option: The last option is to wait out the suspension and bust your ass during the time the chapter
is gone making sure that your total package (community service hours, gpa, recommendations,
etc...) is air tight. Also through a considerable amount of prayer, pray that you make that first line
once a chapter has been reactivated. Typically national headquarters or a graduate chapter
oversees the line, and it's usually large to increase membership, and typically easier than other lines
for they wouldn't want to jeopardize further complications within the organization.

A: "True Family" is a term used by members of Phi Beta Sigma & Zeta Phi Beta for they were the first constitutionally bonded Greek fraternity/sorority, brother/sister organization. Sharing the several of the same cardinal principles within each respective organization. Sigma & Zeta both share the same colors, creed, symbols from their shields, and the name sake of the PHI BETA. They are true originators of the terms "frat" & "soror".

A: Formally the Greek organizations above aren't brother/sister or frat/soror. But each hold a mutual
alliance to each other. "Phi-Skee"& "Skee-Phi" are terms used by the Alpha's and AKA's to represent
their bond of being the first Black Greek Fraternity & Sorority respectively, but they aren't necessarily frat or soror, but in many cases they do respect each organization as frat or soror. But The Alpha's and AKA's are known as the first family of Black Greeks. On some campuses the AKA's & Kappa's call each other frat or soror. United under the cause that "pretty boys like pretty girls, cause pretty girls like pretty boys." There's also the terms "Phi-Oop" & "Oop-Phi" is which the Alpha's & Delta's use to acknowledge each other. The Delta's & Omega's share a bond that can be traced back to the early years of their organizations. Although they aren't constitutionally bonded like Zeta & Sigma, they do indeed consider each other frat & soror. One of Delta's founders Edna Coleman was the wife of Omega founder Frank Coleman. Several Delta's dated Omega men early on within the early establishment of each. Kappa Alpha Psi & Sigma Gamma Rho hold the distinction of both being founded at universities in the state of Indiana. Which are about 50 miles away from each other.

A: An "Omega Man" is the name sake term bestowed upon members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity,
Inc. once it's members cross the burning sands. A "Que-Dog" is a mythical term used to identify
pledges while on line during the final stage of the pledge process. It's important to understand that
"Que Dogs", canine calls, and camouflage paraphernalia doesn't directly reflect the entire outlook
of the organization as set in the guideline by the Grand Chapter. *Please note* Never address or call
a member of Omega a "Que-Dog" for it is rather disrespectful. In essence "MEMBERSHIP HAS ITS PRIVILEGES!"

A: Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc does not have, nor has it ever endorsed a mascot of any type to be
representative of the organization. So why do so many Omega Men like the "dog" image? "…We
are not DOGS even though those who misunderstand us would view us otherwise because we
possess a dog-matic determination to make changes and the tenacity to see them through, the
loyalty of man's best friend and the guardianship to protect the ones we truly love…" This analogy
was written by the chapter members of Fayetteville State.

A: Although credit is given to Alpha Phi Alpha as being the first and oldest Black Greek Lettered
Organization. It must be known that Alpha Phi Alpha is the first to organize successfully and expand
into new chapters. But before Alpha, there was Sigma Pi Phi. Which was founded under the
direction of Henry M. Minton in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This organization was founded for Negro's within the professional ranks of society. So in light Alpha Phi Alpha is the first to successfully grow, and is the oldest to date. But Sigma Pi Phi was the first.

A: Unity amongst Black Greek letter organizations was first implemented in 1930 at Howard
University. In this year The National Pan Hellenic Council was formed as a governing body to aid
organizations in a bond of common causes. Although some Greek persons do take Greek life too
seriously. It is important that these persons have missed the entire purpose of their founders and the
organizations goals for the "upliftment of the black race". Each organization does employ chants,
steps that out right in a Non-Greek persons eyes would be disrespectful. But it's merely a competition
or a rivalry to keep each other on their toes. But each fraternity and sorority has a mutual
understanding and respect for the others, it's just most of the time Non-Greeks don't see that.

A: Well I'm sure we've heard all the misconceptions of each particular organization.  It is important
to realize no matter which particular organization you choose to go into, you will have an image to
uphold. Organizations have long been misconceived for various reasons. It's up to the members of
these Greek organizations to convince the public that the misconception are of false attributes. But
if a Non Greek person views one person doing something, then they attribute that image or act to
the entire organization. You shouldn't judge or dictate an entire frat or sorority on the basis of one
member. Look beyond the misconceptions and see what they're truly about. Are they about
business and community service. Or are they about looking cute, acting an ass in public, and
wearing para. Then that should be an organization you shouldn't want to join. You learn your ways,
from traditions that have been handed down during the pledge process.

A: The origin of Greek letters can be traced back to the first fraternity Phi Beta Kappa. It is important to understand that the Greek writing system and philosophies has connections to Africa, particularly Egypt. For the Greeks went to Africa and stole the writings, philosophies, and lifestyles of the Egyptians. Although each organization does employ Greek letters the objective of the fraternity was founded with the use of Greek letters. So in keeping with the tradition that constitutes the reasons why. But each particular organization employs some type of reference to Africa within the
organization. To become Greek you should know the history that not only did the Greeks study in
Egypt, but Jesus & Moses did as well. Also understand the concept of Phonetics and it's creators the
Phoenicians.

A: There are many arguments whether or not fraternities & sororities are gangs. This basically goes in
reference to the said similarities of the Black Greek pledge process and the gang initiation process.
This statement is totally false. Fraternities and sororities are NOT gangs in any way, shape, or form.