So what is Alpha Phi Omega (APO, A-Phi-O)? It is the largest collegiate fraternity in the nation. Alpha Phi Omega is based on the three cardinal principles leadership, friendship and service! Being a part of APO is a rewarding experience, allowing you to grow as a leader and make great friends along the way.
Like other collegiate fraternities and sororities Alpha Phi Omega has a big/little program, paddle/jersey exchange and tons of social events to make great friends. Alpha Phi Omega is a great alternative to other greeks because we are co-ed and inclusive to all majors, we prioritize providing service to the community and as an added bonus our dues are a lot cheaper!
What is the first step?
Get involved! We have a RUSH program at the beginning of both the fall and spring semesters. The RUSH will host a series of events for about two weeks, and it is basically an introduction into the organization. To receive a bid (consideration for membership) you should attend one service event, one social event, and an info session. If you choose to accept, you can continue the process to joining the brotherhood.
What happens after RUSH? Next starts the pledging process. This process takes up almost the entirety of the semester. Sometimes the pledge requirements vary, but generally it remains the same semester to semester. These requirements are listed below:
- Paying your dues All members must do this, but it can be split up in increments throughout the pledging process
- Attend two committee meetings They are about an hour long once a week, and you will have different committees to choose from
- Interview brothers Interview brothers and get their signature in your brother book, this is one of the easiest ways to get to know your fellow brothers!
- Attend retreat This is one of the best ways to really bond with your brothers, and we all have a lot of fun
- Attend pledge class They are once a week for 8 weeks, where you will learn everything you need to know about APO
- Get community service hours A portion of these hours must be earned with the chapter, and the rest can be done on your own or with the chapter
- Attend at least two chapter meetings They occur once a week, and are the best way to keep up with what's going on in the chapter
- Attend fellowships Fellowships are events where you bond with your brothers, and you will be required to attend a certain amount of these
- Get leadership points there are several ways to get leadership points, either by completing the weekly leadership challenges, or by demonstrating your leadership capabilities by setting up certain events or going above and beyond to help the chapter
- Pledge class fundraiser event You and your pledge class come up with a fundraising event and execute it all on your own!
- Pledge class service event You and your pledge class host a community service event
- Pledge class fellowship event You and your pledge class host a fellowship event. i.e. bowling, dinner
- Attend induction and initiation These are two separate ceremonies. One is held at the beginning of the semester, to induct you as a pledge, and one at the end, to initiate you into brotherhood
- Pass midterm and final You take these test in pledge class towards the end of the semester. It is based on the important info about APO and the Psi Omega chapter that you learned throughout your pledging process
Although it might seem like a lot, once you are involved, you meet your requirements in no time. Once you become initiated, you will be able to wear your Greek letters, and you will be a brother for life!
For questions regarding Rush email our Membership Vice President at apoucfmvp@gmail.com or Visit our facebook page!
Facebook: Alpha Phi Omega at UCF - Psi Omega
