Alpha Phi Omega

RUSH FAQS

 

Q: Can I sign up for one service project?
A: You can only sign up for one service project but as many fellowship events as you would like.
 
Q: Does everyone who rushes receive a bid?
A: Unfortunately, we are not able to extend bids to everyone who rushes because if we did it would take away from the sense of community that Alpha Phi Omega encompasses.
 
Q: How many people will be extended a bid?
A: Each semester varies and we are not sure how many people we will be extending bids to until the day of interviews.
 
Q: How many active members are there in Alpha Phi Omega?
A: There are currently around 70 active members.
 
Q: What are the three cardinal principles?

A: Alpha Phi Omega’s three cardinal principles are leadership, friendship and service.

 

What Is It?

 

During Rush, all the fraternities on campus plan various events for the purpose of meeting new people, and recruiting potential new members. Rush Week for Alpha Phi Omega usually takes place during a different week than the Social Fraternities and Sororities… so look out for flyers and banners around campus advertising for the Smokers/Informational meetings!

Rush events are an opportunity for you to hang out with us and to get to know our Brothers. When you Rush, you will be able to see the differences between our co-ed fraternity and other fraternities. Even if you don’t think you’re going to be interested in pledging anywhere, check out the APO Rush events! You can come by and meet people, grab some free food, and hang out. If you are later offered a bid and decide APO is not right for you, that’s cool too. There is absolutely NO obligation or commitment!

 

After Rush ends, we offer BIDS to men AND women who we think will be valuable assets to our Brotherhood. Read more about Bids below.

Remember, Rush takes place every semester, so you certainly have more than one chance of becoming a member!

 

How Is It Done?

 

It’s simple – just show up and have a good time during Rush Week! Rush starts off with two Smokers (advertised above). The dates of these two events will also be advertised on campus through the use of table tents, banners, chalking, and fliers. At the Smoker, you’ll receive additional information about Rush and will receive a list of dates/times of the week’s events. Come to as many of these events as you can, meet our brothers, and enjoy the great food and company! We strongly encourage you to use Facebook or to ask us questions you may have or just give general comments. For Fall 2014 Rush, contact either one of this semester’s wonderful Pledge Co-Chairs:

Cory Keffer & Josh Breeden
jmuapopledgeparents@gmail.com

 

If you are offered a bid, you may choose to accept it or decline it. There is absolutely no obligation to pledge.

However, there is no guarantee of your being extended a Bid. This is a competitive Rush. Remember, though, you should not see your not receiving a bid as a negative reflection on your Rush participation. 

 

Our Hazing Policy

 

We DO NOT Haze!

 

Firstly, all APO Rush events are dry. In fact, any and all Rush event attendees who are thought to be under the influence of alcohol will not be allowed to participate in the Rush event. 

 

In keeping with JMUs expectations for a positive academic environment, the university unconditionally opposes any situation created intentionally to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Hazing, under Virginia law, is defined as activities for the initiation or induction into an organization which include calisthenics or other strenuous physical activity; exposure to inclement weather; consumption of food, liquid, beverage, drug or other substance; confinement in any room or compartment; spraying, painting or pelting with any substance; burying in any substance; burning, branding or tattooing or another activity which may result in physical injury or endanger the health or life of the individual being hazed.

 

Pledging

 

Pledge Responsibilities

 

If you are offered a bid at the end of Rush Week and you choose to accept it, you will become a Pledge. Those accepted in Fall 2014 will make up the Alpha Omega Pledge Class and will be led by Pledge Parents Cory Keffer and Josh Breeden.

 

The pledging process is a time during which you will learn how to be a valuable member of our fraternity. As a Pledge you will get to know and grow close to the Brothers and your fellow Pledges by spending time together during various social, educational and philanthropic activities. You will be asked to become familiar with the Chi Gamma chapter history, national history, fraternal rituals, and the social and moral values which we are founded on, the Scout Oath and Scout Law. Pledges also attend brother and committee meetings to become familiar with how our fraternity is run. This process does NOT include or condone hazing of any kind. These weeks are meant to be useful, rewarding, and fun.

Successful pledging leads to your becoming a new member and Brother of APO. This is a lifetime membership and commitment.

 

In regards to cost, all active brothers pay dues which cover expenses including National dues and chapter operating costs. Pledges will have to pay an initiation fee at the time of Pledge Ritual and dues at the time of Brother Ritual. If this presents a problem, we can work out payment plans, so be sure to let us know. We want you to pledge. If you have any questions about these dues, contact Cory Keffer & Josh Breeden at jmuapopledgeparents@gmail.com