FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
- What is Alpha Phi Omega?
- If APO is co-ed, why is it called a fraternity?
- How large is APO?
- Who can join APO?
- So you don't have a house?
- So is Alpha Phi Omega a Greek fraternity?
- So then is APO just a club?
- How do I join?
- I'm already in another fraternity or sorority, can I still join?
- What is required of me if I join APO?
- What is APO's policy on hazing?
- What about the initials APO? Doesn't that actually mean Alpha Rho Omicron?
- What kind of Service events does APO do?
- What kind of Fellowship events does APO do?
- What kind of Leadership opportunities does APO offer?
- Does Alpha Phi Omega host parties?
- What is the APO schedule like?
- What if I have more questions?
Alpha Phi Omega, also known as APO, is a National Service Fraternity -- college students gathered together in an organization based on fraternalism. APO is founded on the principles of Leadership, Friendship and Service. Its aim is to further the freedom that is our national, educational and intellectual heritage. APO is the only major national fraternity with the main objective of service.
Our chapter of APO is Kappa Omicron, or KO. We are located at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
2. If APO is co-ed, why are you still called a fraternity?
Alpha Phi Omega was originally an all-male fraternity. Then, in 1976, women were nationally allowed to become members (Kappa Omicron started allowing women in 1986). APO is still called a fraternity to help keep its traditions, and to ensure that people understand how we operate. Terms such as "brother" apply to members of any gender, again for the sake of tradition and for ease.
APO is a very large organization. Nearly 300,000 members have been initiated since our founding in 1925. Our current membership exceeds 17,000 students at 350 colleges and universities. It has also expanded to other countries with chapters in the Phillipines. Bill Clinton is a brother of APO. Our current chapter has about 25 active members, plus many alumni who are still in the area and continue to help out.
APO, specifically Kappa Omicron Chapter, is open to any UMass Amherst student who would like to join. Since we do not have a house, members of social fraternities and sororities are welcome, as well as anyone who lives in a dorm or off-campus.
APO is offers a very unique fraternal experience. One part of this is that no chapter has an official house on campus. Our national bylaws forbid us from having a house for a few reasons. Mainly, it is to avoid the logistics that come with having a house. That means insurance and upkeep, which would make dues expensive. It would be sad to lose brothers because they couldn't pay dues. Another reason is that the time lost to the upkeep of the house (as well as additional work hours to pay for dues) would mean less time for service. Lastly, by not having a house, we avoid conflicts with social fraternities; if you are a member of a social fraternity or sorority, you are still welcome to become a brother in Alpha Phi Omega.
6. So is Alpha Phi Omega a Greek fraternity?
No. We are a fraternity in the aspect of brotherhood and camaraderie. Although we use a Greek name, and have many of our own rituals and traditions, we are not affiliated with IFC or Panhel.
7. So then is APO just a club?
Though technically APO at Umass is a Registered Student Organization (RS), no, APO is not just a club. Despite not having a house, APO shares a lot of characteristics with social fraternities and sororities, including having a pledging process, using similar terms, and mores. We have a heritage dating back to 1925 that we value. Similarly, there are many traditions and rituals that we maintain which are only open to members. We also strive to build brotherhood through the service we do. And, like other fraternities, we work toward maintaining that sense of belonging for life. "Once a brother, always a brother!"
Essentially, APO is technically a club (at UMass, it's an RSO), but it operates just like a real fraternity.
To join Kappa Omicron, you take a series of steps. We have our Rush period at the beginning of each semester; check out our Rush page for more information on the current Rush situation. During this time, there are informational meetings and several opportunities to meet the members of KO Chapter. After meeting the brothers, you will receive a bid. The next step is to proceed through the Induction ceremony. This is when you official become a "pledge" of APO. This period lasts approximately 10 weeks. During this time, you learn about the history of APO and the standards that are expected of members, and you will experience first-hand the cardinal principles of Leadership, Friendship, and Service. At the end of this period, your completion of requirements will be evaluated. You will then decide whether or not you wish to proceed and become initiated into APO. This is when you become an official member and brother of Alpha Phi Omega.
9. I'm already in another fraternity or sorority, can I still pledge APO?
Yes. APO is open to any student on campus. Joining APO will not conflict with your ability to join or remain a member of any other fraternity or sorority.
10. What is required of me if I join APO?
If you decide to pledge, you must then fulfill a series of requirements. These often include attending fellowship events, interviewing current brothers, and planning your own events. The requirements can change from semester to semester. However, you can see this semester's current pledge requirements here. As a pledge, you will have approximately 10 weeks to finish the requirements.
Also, every member--pledges and brothers alike--must complete 20 hours of service.
11. What is APO'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."To make a long story short: APO does not have hazing of any kind.
12. What about the initials APO? Doesn't that actually mean Alpha Rho Omicron?
Technically, yes. Since there are no exact alphabetic equivalents for the Greek letters Phi and Omega, the first letter of each is often used for an abbreviation. Some chapters use APhiO or APhiQ for an abbreviation, but the majority use APO.
13. What kind of Service events does APO do?
Alpha Phi Omega does many different kinds of service projects. At Kappa Omicron, these include working with the Boy and Girl Scouts, running blood drives, helping out with the Boston Marathon, organizing a Locks of Love hair drive, working with the special olympics, and many, many more. Check out our Service page for more information.
14. What kind of Fellowship events does APO offer?
APO offers many different fellowship opportunities, so that pledges can meet and get to know brothers, and so that brothers can continue building relationships with other brothers. These include games nights, laser tag, dinners, and more. Check out our Fellowship page for more information.
15. What kind of Leadership opportunities does APO offer?
APO creates almost limitless possibilities for leadership growth and advancement. Our current Executive Board consists of six members. Additionally, there are various other positions, such as Sergeant at Arms, Ritual Chair, Security Chair, and various service project chairs. There are leadership opportunities for pledges, too. Click here for more information.
16. Does Alpha Phi Omega host parties?
Kappa Omicron Chapter does not host parties in the normal sense, because it is a dry fraternity at UMass. However, there are plenty of alcohol-free social events.
17. What is the APO schedule like?
Most APO events are held after late afternoon, usually in the evening or at night, or they are held during the weekends. Brotherhood meetings are held every Sunday at 7pm, and pledge meetings are held every Sunday at 6pm. There are some regular events that happen weekly: Prison Book meets Sundays from 1-4pm, and Frank's Troop meets Wednesdays from 7-8:30pm. There are also two full camping weekends: pledge retreat, at the start of the semester, and cabin, at the end. Following cabin at some point is our banquet. Check out our calendar for more information.
18. What if I have more questions?
Feel free to contact any of the executive board if you have futher questions. And make sure you explore the site!