18/08/2021
Q. Is APO Greek?
A. Not exactly... We are a fraternity in that we are a Greek letter organization, yet we are not a social fraternity. We are a national organization with rituals, tradition, and a good sense of camaraderie and bonding among our members. Service, however, is our primary focus. At Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation we we welcome both Greeks and non-Greeks to join - we are actually part of the Service & Advocacy Council.
Q. Do I have to go through a "rush" process to join APO?
A. Technically, yes, but it is extremely easy and not very similar to the rush you would participate in for the traditional Greek system. During our "rush" period, we hold several events which are open to anyone interested in joining APO (these often include informational meetings, service projects, and fellowship events like a movie or game night). It gives you a chance to get to know members of APO and see if it's something you'd like to be a part of. There is no "bid" process -- anyone who wants to be a member can join.
Q. What does it mean to be a "new member" of APO?
A. Your first semester in APO will be full of opportunities to learn about the organization and find your place in it. That is the essence of the new member period. You will undergo a pinning ceremony, and be assigned to a "big" -- an older APO member who will answer any questions you have and help you figure out the ins and outs of APO.
The new member period lasts anywhere from six to ten weeks. You will attend weekly new member education classes, which will help you to get to know other people as well as the history and purpose of APO. New members must complete a minimum of 12 hours of service. At least seven 7 hours must be completed through chapter organized projects. The new member class must organize and participate together in a service project. Also during the new member period, each new member must attend a minimum of 1 general assembly meeting. You are initiated as an active member at the conclusion of the new member period.
Q. Does APO haze?
A. No, absolutely not. Hazing is against Virgen Milagrosa University Foundation and Alpha Phi Omega policy.
Q. Does APO have a house?
A. No. We do not have an office on campus either. We use many of the resources provided by the Student Organization Center , often holding committee meetings there. Our chapter meetings are all done via online (zoom, Facebook, Viber etc.) due to the covid pandemic .
Q. I already belong to a Greek fraternity or sorority. Can I still join?
A. Absolutely. APO is open to any undergraduate student in good academic standing, and joining APO does not conflict with your ability to join or remain a member in a Greek house.
Q. What are APO's membership requirements?
To be an active member, you must complete 20 hours of service per academic semester. At least ten of those hours must be completed through chapter organized projects.
You must attend at least ten general assembly meetings per academic semester.
You must attend three fellowship events per semester.
You must also participate in a minimum of one fundraising event per semester.
You must attend a minimum of half of all recruitment events.
There are options for members who encounter a particularly hectic semester and need to cut back (referred to as "Associate Membership").
but due to the Covid pandemic we are finding ways to complete the requirements online.
Q. How much is joining going to cost me?
Alpha Phi Omega does have dues, but they are significantly less than other Greek organizations. Dues for your first semester are roughly Php60. You may have to pay small fees to participate in certain fellowship events. Each semester we order T-shirts and other APO gear, so there would be a cost for that if you are interested.
Q. I'm interested in finding out more. What's my next step?
Please feel free to message our general account and to join the recruitment group on Facebook or call us @ 09067288742 / 09174139559 / 09125259559 / 09283217963 . We are eagerly waiting to hear from you!
