At my college, it's still casually referred to as "houses" even though there's been a significant effort in progress to phase it out, and some members always say "chapters".

This is partially due to a particular Greek Life advisor that raises a huge row every time someone says "house" outside the context of the physical place. (eg. it's OK to say: Which house is the event at?, but not: Which houses are participating in this event?)

At my school, when I rushed, the terms "house", "fraternity", and "chapter" were used pretty much interchangeably for fraternities and independent living groups*. Sororities were generally referred to as sororities or chapters, as only one out of five sororities actually had a physical house - although our chosen welcome chant on Bid Day refers to the "house of AEPhi".

* ILGs are local organizations. Most are co-ed but one is open only to women. All ILGs own houses.

At Illinois we always said house. It wasn't disrespectful in any way - it was just campus culture.

We all had houses, but back in the day both sororities and fraternities on my campus were referred to as "groups." i.e. "What group are you in?" or "That's a great group." Odd, now that I think about it.

You were there before me, right? I feel like they made a conscious effort to change over to "chapter" when I was a sophomore...around the same time we had to stop using the word "rush".

They may have tried to push chapter, but it doesn't seem as though it was successful. Everyone used "house" when I was there ('06-'10).

What is the former Theta house being used for?

Good to see you, KR! The last I heard, the Theta house was being used for multi-cultural housing. My understanding is that Theta wouldn't sell, in hopes that they will be back fairly soon. I have to stress that this is second hand info, though.

Pitt renting from somebody else - how surreal is that?