Why Rush?

What is Alpha Phi Omega?

Alpha Phi Omega is a National Service Fraternity -- college students gathered together in an organization based on fraternalism and founded on the principles of Leadership, Friendship and Service. Its aim is to further the freedom that is our national, educational and intellectual heritage.

Who can join?

Membership is open to any student enrolled on a campus where a chapter exists who is approved for membership by that chapter. If there is no chapter at your college, but there is a campus nearby with a chapter, contact that chapter. The chapter may be able to invite you to participate in their service program.

Why should you join?
What can it do for you?

College should be more than the acquisition of facts and figures; it should also broaden your experiences, expand and test your inherent abilities, and sharpen your social skills. Alpha Phi Omega, through its unique program of leadership, friendship and service, can add this necessary but often lacking aspect of college life -- and at the same time enable you to help others while helping yourself.

How is the fraternity governed on the campus?

Under the Chapter Articles of Association and National Bylaws, each chapter is its own self-governing organization, electing its own officers and establishing its own operating rules and programs. Each chapter also elects an Advisory Committee consisting of three or more members of the faculty or administration and one or more Scouting and community representatives. These advisors ensure continuity of operation as the student leaders change, and encourage the achievement of fraternal, scholastic and service goals.

How is the fraternity governed nationally?

Alpha Phi Omega is a student-based organization. The supreme authority of the fraternity is the National Convention, which meets every two years. It is composed of two voting delegates from each of the active chapters throughout the nation. Between Conventions, the National Board of Directors -- elected by the Convention delegates -- runs the fraternity within the framework of the Bylaws established by the chapter delegates. Only the National Convention may amend the Bylaws.

Who is on the National Board of Directors?

Almost all Board members are elected by the student delegates at the National Convention. The Board is composed of the National President, the National Vice President and six other members elected at large; ten Regional Directors elected by the chapter delegates in the respective regions; past National Presidents; Life Members of the Board; and the surviving Founders of the fraternity. In addition, there are four ex-officio members: the National Archivist, the National Legal Counsel, the National Executive Director, and one representative of the National Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

What is the official relationship between Alpha Phi Omega and Scouting?

Alpha Phi Omega was founded on Scouting principles. The Boy Scouts of America is represented on our National Board of Directors; however, BSA does not govern, control or finance Alpha Phi Omega in any way, and previous membership in a Scouting group is not required to join our fraternity.

What is the role of alumni within Alpha Phi Omega?

"Once a member of Alpha Phi Omega... Always a member of Alpha Phi Omega!"
Every National Officer and Regional Director of Alpha Phi Omega is an Alumnus. There are more than 36 local Alumni Associations active throughout the nation helping chapters and maintaining relationships to Alpha Phi Omega. These associations can be formed on either a chapter or geographical basis. Alumni, individually and collectively, are becoming more involved in supporting and expanding our fraternity.

How can you be a fraternity if you don't have a house?

Alpha Phi Omega is unique; it is a Service fraternity. We use the concepts of fraternalism as a means of providing service, to ourselves as well as to others. The fact that our meetings are held in campus meeting rooms or our members' apartments or dorm rooms does not decrease our sense of brotherhood. In addition, since we are unique, we have no conflict with social fraternities; independents, commuters, dorm dwellers, and social fraternity members: all are welcome as members of Alpha Phi Omega.

How can I join?

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