Individual Pledge Requirements
1. Pledges must pay all pledge dues and Initiation fees.
Your pledge dues help to pay for items like your pledge manual, pledge pin, pledge folder, and supplies needed during the pledge period. Pledge dues are due at the time of the pledging ceremony. At the end of the pledging period, if you choose to initiate, there is an activation fee, as required by the National Fraternity. This fee helps to pay for your active pin and membership certificate. If you ever have financial difficulties, please talk to one of the officers; waivers, payment plans, or individual fundraising options are available on an as-needed basis. Don’t ever let pledge dues and fees prevent you from joining; we are more than willing to accommodate if needed.
The current fees for the Spring 2011 season are: a $35 Pledge fee, and a one-time $45 Initiation fee for those who, after Pledging, choose to become active members.
The current fees for the Spring 2011 season are: a $35 Pledge fee, and a one-time $45 Initiation fee for those who, after Pledging, choose to become active members.
2. Pledge Pins must be worn at all times.
Image, on and off campus, is a vital concern of all members, new and old. The prominent and proud display of an Alpha Phi Omega Pledge Pin instills pride through identity with Alpha Phi Omega, and signifies the Chapter’s presence on campus and in the community. However, when engaging in specified events or participating in behavior that does that exemplify the qualities and traits that Alpha Phi Omega Brothers strive to maintain, Pledge Pins must be removed.
3. Pledges must attend all pledge meetings and at least 3 Chapter meetings unless excused by the Executive Committee.
Pledges who miss a meeting due to an emergency should contact the Pledge Trainer or VP of Membership as soon as possible. If a meeting is missed, the pledge will be required to meet with the Executive Committee to discuss options to make up missed information.
In addition, pledges must attend at least 3 chapter meetings during the course of the initiation period, and participate in chapter processes.
Pledges must attend at least half of the fellowship and fundraising events during the course of the pledging period. This promotes leadership and friendship, and involves pledges in decision-making discussions within the Chapter.
4. All Pledges must pass the final exam with a score of 80% or higher.
Pledges scoring above a 70% but below an 80% will be allowed to retake the exam. Pledges scoring lower than a 70% will be invited to return in the spring and attend the pledge classes held at that time. All pledges must correctly state the Purpose of Alpha Phi Omega or they will not pass the exam and will be invited to return in the spring.
5. At all times, pledges must strive to exhibit character traits that are desirable to Alpha Phi Omega and that fulfill the requirements for Brothers set out in the Purpose.
Each pledge is a part of the Fraternity and shares its purpose from the moment he/she pledges. The characters and principles Alpha Phi Omega was founded upon are a commitment to live and act by; Pledges and active Brothers must exhibit these characteristics as not only a part of the fundamental beliefs of the Organization, but as a part of the fundamental beliefs of each Brother. In the unlikely event that a Member exhibits undesirable traits, said Member must attend an Evaluation meeting.
6. Pledges must maintain a Grade Point Average of 2.5 or higher.
Alpha Phi Omega is a collegiate fraternity and has an obligation to both its prospective Members and to its sponsoring college or University to insure that the academic experience is both fulfilling and successful, supporting our heritage of educational freedom. Pledges and Brothers that have a GPA that falls between a 2.0 and 2.5 will undergo an Academic Touchstone Period until the end of the semester, and must meet with the President at his discretion to discuss and promote the academic success of the individual. Brothers are always available to help and support any and all academic interests.
7. Pledges must complete 10 hours of service to the nation, community, campus, or fraternity.
Each pledge must demonstrate an exemplary level of leadership by working singularly or in pairs to head a service project which will benefit the nation, community, campus, or fraternity.
8. Pledges must meet with or contact their Big Brothers weekly.
It is important that the Brotherhood shared between Big Brothers/Litter Brothers remains one of the highest and strongest forms of fellowship in the Chapter. Pledges should feel complete confidence in having open conversation, inquiries, and bringing concerns to their Big Brother. Big Brothers have a responsibility to profess and live by unconditional positive regard toward their Little Brothers.
Pledge Class Requirements
The Pledge Class as a whole entity must complete the following requirements as a singularly functioning group by the end of the pledging period. Inability to complete these requirements as a class, or to request the guidance and direction of active Brothers in order to complete these requirements, will result in a failure to pass the pledging period as a whole, and the Pledge Class will be asked to return for a second pledge season.
1. Must plan and execute a service project as a pledge class.
Pledges must actively work together to plan and execute a service project by ___________________ with the guidance and support of active Brothers, but not direct leadership.
2. Pledges must hold a Big Brother/Little Brother Banquet.
Big Brothers are to be the support for all Little Brothers and pledges as a whole, and dedicate their time and concern to the well-being of the pledge class. To show appreciation and promote Brotherhood, the pledge class is to hold a Big Brother/Little Brother Banquet in which the active Brothers have no input.
3. A Page commemorating your pledge class and its contributions to the chapter must be added to the Chapter Scrapbook.
The purpose of the scrapbook is to keep a record for future pledge classes and to help pledges bond together through fellowship, legacy, and shared pride in their accomplishments.
4. Pledges are given the opportunity and strongly advised to attend the Brotherhood Ceremony.
The Brotherhood Ceremony creates an atmosphere of trust and openness in which pledges and Brothers can share information at their discretion without fear of pressure, judgment, or condemnation from fellow Brothers. Pledges and Brothers will have an open floor in which to freely and uninterruptedly share what they choose with the Chapter. One of the most important and cherished aspects of being a Brother is being able to have complete trust and unconditional friendship with one another. Sharing a piece of oneself with the group instills this trust, and promotes a higher standard of unity for the Chapter as a complete Brotherhood.
