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Since you are asking on a public board, and what you see the College Greek system as is probably through entertainment and other media, let me start by letting you know that part of the mystique of Greek Fraternities and Sororities are the secrets and rituals that only members share. These shared "secrets" are what holds members together through time and place.
That being said, here is a list of some things that may be "secret" or "ritual":
- the meaning of your organization's name (so asking a group of strangers what a good name would be is like asking strangers what to call your child - no one knows but you and whomever else is close to the cause)
- your organization's purpose. Many groups have PUBLIC and PRIVATE purposes.
- the way you enter a room - a particular knock or greeting
- creeds (similar to a prayer) - something like "As members of AB Fraternity, our purpose is to -----------. We believe in (insert the virtues you embody, your organization's goals, etc.)"
- Mottos - a phrase or sentence that connects members. Many groups have PUBLIC and PRIVATE mottos.
- how you recruit, if you vote on new members, etc.
- ceremonies a.k.a. rituals. Ritual is "simply" something you do on a regular basis (each meeting, once a year, etc.). The purpose of any ritual may be to commemorate or celebrate something, like the introduction of new members, anniversary of your founding date, how you start or your meetings (do you say your creed together? shake hands? bow? how do you ask for agreement? raise hands? snap fingers?) etc.
- methods of inducting new members - for example, do you have a ceremony in which you give a new member a pin? Some groups may give new members flowers, recite a creed or poem, sing a song. You might incorporate items that are special to your group or purpose - like reading from a bible or document, planting a tree, lighting a candle, or even dancing.
---final thoughts---
The most important thing is to figure out what your group will stand for - literally (social? service? patriotism?). What are the ideals of your group? Then figure out what your ideal member embodies - are they kind? friendly? hard working? Then seek out these people. These are the people who will hopefully bond through their shared experiences.
All of this type information should be put on paper and made accessible for all members to read, and over time perhaps, for new members to learn.
Lastly, a fraternity or sorority is about the PEOPLE. Regardless of who or how you find new members, your group will not exist without people who share your ideals. Even after college, many members remain close friends with others who shared their time and experiences. Many people meet new friends later in life who were members of the same group. They are all connected through what they experienced as a member of the collegiate fraternity or sorority.
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