What is Alpha Chi Omega

It is a national women’s organization founded on October 15, 1885, at DePauw University and headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. 

Since the founders started the first fraternity in the School of Music and they thought it might be the last such fraternity, they chose Alpha, the first letter of the Greek alphabet and Omega, the last Greek alphabet to form the name. “Kai”, which means end, was chosen as the middle word, which was later replaced with “Chi”, which is also a letter of the Greek alphabet.

Alpha Chi Omega is a group of talented women who take pride in sisterhood and support other women in meeting their goals and pursuing their interests. It helps women reach their potential, enrich their college experience, and forge bonds that extend into their alumnae life.

The passionate and talented women are committed to the growth and empowerment of their community.

Symbols and Traditions of Alpha Chi Omega

The brand tagline is Real. Strong. Women. The motto of Alpha Chi Omega is “Together let us seek the heights”. The Patron Goddess of Alpha Chi Omega is Hera, guardian of women.

The flower is the red carnation. Domestic violence awareness, prevention and education is philanthropy. The badge is a Grecian lyre, reflecting musical heritage. The colors of Alpha Chi Omega are scarlet and olive green.

Alpha Chi Omega Organization

It is an affiliated organization comprising of four corporations:

• Alpha Chi Omega Fraternity
• Alpha Chi Omega Foundation
• The National Housing Corporation
• Pearl Stone Partners

Requirements to Join

Any potential member who meets the college/university requirements and the membership standards mentioned in the policies of Alpha Chi Omega can join Alpha Chi Omega. The women must be a full-time student.

The academic requirements differ from college/university to college/university. A minimum of 2.9 GPA is required to become a member of Alpha Chi Omega.

The membership standards that must be met are academic interest, good character, financial responsibility, leadership abilities and personal development.

How to Join

There are two ways in which collegiate women can join Alpha Chi Omega. These are formal recruitment and continuous open bidding.

Formal recruitment- The recruitment is done at colleges and universities where Alpha Chi Omega has established chapters. Every college and university has its own formal recruitment dates and registration procedure.

Continuous Open Bidding- New members are also recruited through continuous open bidding. In this process, the organization recruits prospective in casual settings such as campus activities or other events. It is a less formal process where the organization considers the young women recommended by its current members.

Alumnae Initiates

The National Alumnae Initiate program offers membership to those women who are not a part of any national sorority and are in their post-grad life and want to be a part of an organization that enriches and inspires them.

The alumnae initiate program lets women in different life stages join the Alpha Chi Omega organization.

How Much It Costs To Join

There are two types of fees: the individual fee and the second is national fees. The major part of individual costs includes costs of meals, housing, dues and programming, and it differs from school to school. Other than individual fees, members need to pay national dues and fees.

The current national dues and fees are as follows:

1. One-time New Member Dues and Fees

• National new member fees- $199
• Sisterhood Packet- $23
• New initiate bond card and certificate- $8
• Badge fee (minimum cost)- $158

1. Annual Collegiate Dues and Fees

• The national dues and fees- $215

Alpha Chi Omega Dues (Per Semester)

The costs of joining Alpha Chi Omega depends on chapter location and member. Alpha Chi Omega also offers scholarships and grants to some students, but the availability of scholarship and grants vary yearly.