In fact, this is how your FAQ should read:
Q. Is Alpha Phi Omega a social fraternity?
A. No. We are a community service based fraternity with rituals, tradition, and a good sense of camaraderie and bonding among our members. Service, however, is our number one focus. We are not associated with the National Panhellenic Conference, Inter-fraternity Council, or National Pan-Hellenic Council - though we welcome both Greeks and non-Greeks to join.
Q. Do I have to go through a "rush" process to join APO?
A. Yes. During our "rush" period, we hold several events which are open to anyone interested in joining APO. These often include service projects and fellowship events like a movie or game night. It gives you a chance to get to know members of APO and see if it's something you'd like to be a part of. We extend the opportunity to pledge to anyone with a sincere desire to serve.
Q. What does it mean to be a "pledge" of APO?
A. Your first semester in APO will be full of opportunities to learn about the organization and find your place in it. That is the essence of the pledge program. You will participate in a pledging ceremony and be assigned to a "big" -- an older APO member who will answer any questions you have and help you figure out the ins and outs of APO.
The pledge period lasts from six to eight weeks. You will attend weekly pledge classes, which will help you to get to know other people as well as the history and purpose of APO. Pledges must complete a minimum of 12 hours of service. At least seven 7 hours must be completed through chapter organized projects. The pledge class must organize and participate together in a service project. Also during the pledge period, each pledge must attend a minimum of 1 general assembly meeting. You are initiated as an active member at the conclusion of the pledge period.
Q. Does APO haze?
A. No, absolutely not. Hazing is against Grand Valley State University and Alpha Phi Omega policy.
Q. Does APO have a house?
A. No. We do not have an office on campus either. We use many of the resources provided by the Student Organization Center (SOC), often holding committee meetings there. Our chapter meetings take place in the larger rooms of the Kirkhof Center.
Q. I already belong to a fraternity or sorority. Can I still join?
A. Absolutely. APO is open to any undergraduate student in good academic standing, and since we are not a social fraternity, joining APO does not conflict with your ability to join or remain a member of an NPC, IFC, or NPHC organization.
Q. What are APO's membership requirements?
- To be an active member, you must complete 20 hours of service per academic semester. At least ten of those hours must be completed through chapter organized projects.
- You must attend at least ten general assembly meetings per academic semester.
- You must pay dues.
- You must attend three fellowship events per semester.
- You must also participate in a minimum of one fundraising event per semester.
- You must attend a minimum of half of all recruitment events.
- There are options for members who encounter a particularly hectic semester and need to cut back (referred to as "Associate Membership").
Q. How much is joining going to cost me?
Alpha Phi Omega does have inexpensive dues. Dues for your first semester are roughly $60. In 2008-2009, the fall semester dues for active members were $60 and the winter semester dues were $25. You may have to pay small fees to participate in certain fellowship events. Each semester we order T-shirts and other APO gear, so there would be a cost for that if you are interested.
Q. I'm interested in finding out more. What's my next step?
Our contact information is given at the left. Please feel free to email our general account and to join the recruitment group on Facebook. We are eagerly waiting to hear from you!
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