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How Do I Rush?

Just show up and have a good time! Rush starts off with two open info nights, traditionally called "Smokers."  The dates of these two events will be advertised on campus, table tents, facebook, fliers, and also on this Rush APO page. Come to Rush events, meet our brothers, and enjoy the great food.  Also, you are strongly encouraged to facebook and AIM us with any questions you may have.
 

If you have an interest in Alpha Phi Omega, but miss the "Smoker" info night, you should let us know as soon as possible by contacting the Pledge Committee using the contact info below.  That way we can be sure to bring you up to date about the Rush events we've got going on.

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Does Rush Cost Anything?

Of course not!   You are our guest, we've got it covered!
 

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If I Rush, Will I Get In?
 

There is no obligation to pledge, if you Rush and are offered a bid, you may choose to accept it or decline it.  That being said there is no guarantee of being extended a bid.  However, not receiving a bid should not be taken to reflect negatively on your Rush participation.  Many factors influence the extension of a bid including the number of Rushes, the number of Brothers available to take a Little, whether Brothers will take twin Littles, the Rushes number of classes and other activities that may limit the ability for them to fulfill requirements, and many other considerations.  APO always encourages those that are not extended a bid to Rush again the next semester.  Many of our most outgoing and successful members made were extended a bid during their second Rush.  During Rush never let the number of Rush attendees negatively influence your decision to complete Rush, attend as many events as possible, remember names, make friends, and show us that you exemplify the three principles of Leadership, Friendship and Service.  Let us know that APO is where you belong!

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Is There Any Hazing?

All APO Rush events are dry, rush event attendees who are thought to be under the influence of alcohol will not be allowed to participate in the rush event.  There is absolutely no Hazing ever and any individual found guilty of Hazing will be subject to an Article XII disciplinary action and criminal prosecution under Virginia Law.

HAZING POLICY J17-100
In keeping with JMU’s expectations for a positive academic environment, the university unconditionally opposes any situation created intentionally to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Hazing, under Virginia law, is defined as activities for the initiation or induction into an organization which include calisthenics or other strenuous physical activity; exposure to inclement weather; consumption of food, liquid, beverage, drug or other substance; confinement in any room or compartment; spraying, painting or pelting with any substance; burying in any substance; burning, branding or tattooing or another activity which may result in physical injury or endanger the health or life of the individual being hazed.
 

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Are Girls Also Called Brothers?

Yes!  Alpha Phi Omega is a co-ed Fraternity, thus the women and men are both referred to as Brothers.

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What Are A Pledge's Responsibilities?

At the end of Rush, we offer bids (a formal invitation to pledge) to select individuals that we think will be a good fit in our Brotherhood. If you are offered a bid, and choose to accept it, you will become a Pledge.

The pledging process is a time during which you will be taught how to be a valuable member of the fraternity. During this time, pledges get to know the Brothers and their fellow Pledges very well through various social, educational and philanthropic activities and by spending a lot of time together. Pledges are asked to learn things about the Fraternity, including our Chi Gamma chapter history, national history, Fraternal rituals, and  become familiar with the social and moral values we are founded on; Scout Oath and Law.

The goal of the pledge process is to educate, and instill a sense of brotherhood and does not include or condone hazing of any kind.  Pledging is meant to be a useful, rewarding, and most importantly fun time. Successful pledging leads to your becoming a full Brother of the Fraternity, which is a lifetime membership and commitment.

 
Your pledge program will include various activities that will introduce you to the fraternity and its members. Pledges attend committee meetings and learn how the frat is run. We'll also have social activities, time with brothers, and many weekly  intramural sports.

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Does it cost anything to pledge?

All active brothers pay dues, these cover expenses from National, as well as chapter operating costs.  Pledges will have to pay an initiation fee at the time of Pledge Ritual and dues at the time of Brother Ritual. If this presents a problem, we can work out payment plans, etc so please let us know.
 

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