1. What is Alpha Phi Omega?
Alpha Phi Omega, also known as A-Phi-O, is a National Service Fraternity for college students founded on the principles of Leadership, Friendship and Service. Its aim is to further the freedom that is our national, educational and intellectual heritage. A-Phi-O is the only major national fraternity with the main objective of service.
Our chapter of A-Phi-O is Alpha Zeta Theta, or AZT. We are located at the University of Alaska Southeast in Juneau.
Alpha Phi Omega was originally an all-male fraternity when it was founded in 1925. In 1976, women were nationally allowed to become members. A-Phi-O is still called a fraternity -- and we still call our fellow members Brothers -- to help keep its traditions alive. Of course, the term "Brother" applies to members of any gender, but A-Phi-O prides itself on its history and traditions.
3. How large is A-Phi-O?
A-Phi-O is huge! Nearly 300,000 members have been initiated since our founding in 1925. Our current membership exceeds 17,000 students at over 350 colleges and Universities. It has also expanded to other countries, with chapters starting in the Philippines. Fun Fact: Bill Clinton is an Alumni Brother of Alpha Phi Omega.
4. So, is Alpha Phi Omega a Greek fraternity?
No. We are a Fraternity in the aspect of forming a Brotherhood and a social and support network around UAS. Although we use a Greek name, and have many rituals, ceremonies, and traditions, we are not affiliated with Greek Fraternities or Sororities.
5. So then is A-Phi-O just a club?
Though technically APO at UAS is a registered student club, no, A-Phi-O is not just a club. Though we are not a social Fraternity (Animal House comes to mind), A-Phi-O shares a lot of characteristics with social fraternities and sororities, including having a pledging process, using similar terms, and strong ethics and mores; we have a heritage dating back to 1925 that we deeply value. We strive to promote Brotherhood and provide Service to our community. Like other Fraternities, we work toward maintaining a sense of belonging for life. "Once a brother, always a brother!"
Essentially, APO is technically a student club, but it operates as a Fraternity on a national level as well.
6. How do I join and what do I have to do?
To join Alpha Zeta Theta, there are a series of steps you can take. RUSH week (the first two weeks of each semester) is when we hold informational meetings, fun activities, and service projects for prospective members to get to know us and get a taste of what we do on and off campus. If you're interested and you see us around, ask us how you can get involved! We're always willing to point you in the right direction. After RUSH, we hold our Pledging Ceremony, where individuals officially become a Pledge recognized nationally. This begins your Pledge period, which lasts about 7-9 weeks. During this time, you learn about the history of A-Phi-O and the standards that are expected of members, and you will experience first-hand the cardinal principles of Leadership, Friendship, and Service. Pledges must satisfy a list of requirements to finish their Pledge period. At the end of this period, you will then decide whether or not you wish to proceed and become initiated into Alpha Phi Omega.
7. What is A-Phi-O's policy on hazing?
From the National Pledge Standards: "Hazing during pledging. An appropriate period of pledging has no place for hazing practices. These include the degradation of individuals, personal service demands, and any other practices inconsistent with the spirit and principles of Alpha Phi Omega.
Rationale: The concept of Pledge Membership long ago progressed beyond such practices since they violate the Member's obligation to state law, the National Bylaws of the Fraternity and the regulations of most campuses. Alpha Phi Omega Members respect the worth of human dignity and, in firm support of our heritage of intellectual freedom, do not tolerate unequal or abusive treatment of any person."
Rationale: The concept of Pledge Membership long ago progressed beyond such practices since they violate the Member's obligation to state law, the National Bylaws of the Fraternity and the regulations of most campuses. Alpha Phi Omega Members respect the worth of human dignity and, in firm support of our heritage of intellectual freedom, do not tolerate unequal or abusive treatment of any person."
8. What kind of Service projects does A-Phi-O do?
The kinds of Service projects Alpha Phi Omega conducts are limitless! In the past, Alpha Zeta Theta has run massive canned-food drives, held pancake feeds at University Housing, volunteered to paint public use buildings, made blankets for the Glory Hole shelter downtown, organized blood drives, helped clean and sanitize a daycare -- you name it! There's always so much we can do, and so many things we haven't even thought of yet; join us and let's hear your great ideas!
9. What's a Fellowship event?
Fellowship events are opportunities for Pledges to meet and get to know Brothers, and so that Brothers can continue building relationships with other Brothers. These include games nights, dinners, capture the flag, group movie nights, bowling or ice skating, dances, and so much more.
In 2010, our favorite Fellowship event was our Apples Night. Each Brother made an apple dish -- caramel apples, apple pie, apple juice, etc -- and we all played Apples to Apples. :)
In 2010, our favorite Fellowship event was our Apples Night. Each Brother made an apple dish -- caramel apples, apple pie, apple juice, etc -- and we all played Apples to Apples. :)
10. What kind of Leadership opportunities does A-Phi-O offer?
A-Phi-O creates almost limitless possibilities for Leadership growth and advancement. Two of the biggest ways we help develop Leadership skills is through Officer positions, and Pledge class requirements. Elections for Officer positions are held in the first month of each semester, or when an Officer wishes to step down, or if the Executive Committee wishes to hold a special election when Officer positions are open. Pledges are required to head at least one service project, either by themselves or in pairs, during their Pledge period.
11. What is the A-Phi-O schedule like?
Most A-Phi-O events are held on the weekends, or in late afternoon, usually in the evening or at night, on weeknights. Chapter meetings are held every Sunday at 12:00pm. Pledge meetings are Sunday at 11:00am before the Chapter meetings. Since we are a small Chapter, we like to work with our Members as much as possible. Therefore, it is possible that meetings for the Fall could be rescheduled if the current times listed above cannot be met.
12. What if I have more questions?
Feel free to contact us if you have further questions!
