What Is Rush?
Rush takes place every semester. During Rush, all the fraternities on campus plan various events for the purpose of meeting new people, and recruiting potential new members. RUSH WEEK for Alpha Phi Omega usually takes place during a different week than the Social Fraternities and Sororities and we are Co-Ed, that means that guys and girls can both rush APO ;-)
Rush events are an opportunity for you to hang out with us and to get to know our Brothers. When you Rush, you will be able to see the differences between a co-ed fraternity and other frats. There is no obligation or commitment. Even if you don't think you're going to be interested in pledging anywhere, check out the APO Rush events! You can come by and meet people, grab some free food, and hang out - if you are offered a bid and decide Greek Life is not right for you, that's cool too.
After Rush ends, we identify men and women who have expressed an interest in our fraternity that we think will be a good fit in our Brotherhood and offer them bids.
What Is A Bid?
A "bid" is a formal invitation to pledge a fraternity and to become a Brother. If you are offered a bid, you are being offered a spot in our next Pledge Class. Should you chose to accept it, you will become a Pledge, and soon a Brother of APO.
Who Can Rush?
Rush is open to all undergraduates, freshmen, sophomores, juniors and seniors.
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.
Does Rush Cost Anything?
Of course not! You are our guest, we've got it covered!
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!
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
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.