What do you do as a member?
As a sister in Alpha Omicron Pi you will have tremendous opportunity to advance your leadership skills, network with fellow sisters and alumnae, and build friendships that will truly last a lifetime. Members participate in an array of sisterhood events from nights on the town, to movies on the AOII floor, to organized banquets and retreats - each providing the occasion for members to learn and grow with their sisters. Likewise, each sister is invited to represent AOII in intramural sporting events as we compete with other sororities on campus in volleyball, basketball, football, softball, and soccer. At weekly sisterhood meetings members discuss the business of the chapter, organize upcoming events, take part in workshops and educational sessions, and listen to guest speakers. A great deal of our time is also dedicated to raising money for local charities as we participate in a variety of fundraising events throughout the year on and off of George Mason’s campus. In addition, our sisters partake in social events with men’s fraternities, sisters from other universities, alumnae in the area and GMU sports teams. Biannually AOII hosts our Strike Out Arthritis philanthropy to raise money for Arthritis Research and to end each semester sister’s enjoy our Rose Ball Banquet in the spring or Semi-Formal in the fall. This year we are proud to be celebrating Gamma Alpha's 28th year on GMU's campus!
What is the Orientation Period?
The New Member period lasts between 6 and 8 weeks, during which time New Members learn about the history, organization, and policies that shape AOII. Founding tenets are explained to acclimate New Members with AOII as an International organization and as a leading chapter.
If I join, what are the Membership Expectations & Obligations?
Like every organization, AOII is governed by a set of rules that all members agree to follow. International and chapter by-laws ensure the chapter runs smoothly and all members are treated fairly. Upon joining, every member also agrees to pay dues that are used to finance chapter operations. New Members will pay one-time only fees when they join covering their initiation, badge, and their personal AOII magazine subscription.
Does AOII haze?
Alpha Omicron Pi is a NON-hazing sorority. There is a strict policy that each sister abides by, dictated by both George Mason University Greek Life and Alpha Omicron Pi International. Alpha Omicron Pi's New Member period is a fun and memorable time for both the new members and the sisters wherein no hazing activities are tolerated.
What about Academics?
One of the primary purposes of the fraternity system is to encourage and develop high scholastic achievement among its members. AOII ensures its members seriously regard their academic endeavors while at university and maintain our high academic standards in order to better their person and their future. AOII understands that its members are students first and provides academic incentives and recognition to those who excel and improve their academic standing. Through tutoring programs, study hours, creative incentives, and recognition of individual member and chapter achievements, our scholarship program will help you develop expert study skills. In addition, local and international scholarships are awarded annually. AOII is proud to have a chapter GPA above the All Student, All Sorority, and All Greek average at GMU for the past year!
What about Alcohol and Greek organizations?
Alcohol abuse is unhealthy and inconsistent with fraternity and sorority ideals. All fraternities and sororities are expected to uphold provincial, city, and University laws, and IFC/PHC (the governing boards for fraternities and sororities) policies regarding consumption of alcohol. Today’s fraternities and sororities strive to promote responsibility concerning alcohol.
What Does it Cost?
Our chapter is self-supporting, functioning from dues paid by its members. The first semester of membership is generally higher due to initiation fees and a few one-time expenses such as a personal subscription to the fraternity magazine and a lifelong lease on your AOII badge ($576.00). The next semester, members pay “ sister dues”. Sister dues cover items such as operating expenses, socials, insurance, composites, leadership programs, and new member recruitment ($330.00). Payment plans are available for each member and great efforts go into facilitating ease between members and their financial obligations.
Doesn't it Take up a Lot of Time?
Being a member of AOII is a worthwhile investment of one's time. Research has shown that college students who are involved in other activities, besides classes, are more likely to graduate and they report greater satisfaction with their college/university experience. AOII sisters leave university with the ability to manage their time and evaluate their priorities as well as years of irreplaceable memories.
I heard there were certain "Requirements" to join?
A goal of Alpha Omicron Pi is to maintain a well-rounded fraternity whose members make a lifetime commitment to the maintenance and development of AOII. Having said that, George Mason University and AOII, require that any woman interested in joining a sorority must be a fully matriculated student taking at least 12 credit hours or more. In addition, you must be in good standing with the University. The Gamma Alpha Chapter also requires that all potential new members directly out of high school have at least a 2.8 cumulative average. Similarly, all potential new members who are transfers or upperclassman are required to have a minimum 2.7 collegiate cumulative average.
I heard AOII has Greek Housing?
Alpha Omicron Pi was the FIRST sorority at GMU to have Greek housing! The floor is a part of GMU’s living, learning and serving community called The Greek Experience. The AOII residents on the floor complete an on-campus community service project and engage in leadership development seminars while enjoying all of their days and nights surrounded by their sisters. The AOII floor is equipped with AOII furniture and décor, a sitting area with a large screen TV and a meeting area for all sisters to enjoy! Over ten years of AOII history decorates the walls of our floor and within each room resides it’s future.
Why can't I hang out and talk to sisters in AOII about AOII?
Before and during recruitment there is a time we call "Normal Friendly Contact". Normal Friendly contact means that our conversations with non-affiliated women (meaning non-Greeks) should center around topics other than AOII. These rules comply with the regulations set forth by GMU’s Student Activities Office and the Panhellenic ruling body. We assure you the formal days of recruitment allow ample time for potential new members to inquire about our organization and meet our members – The sisters of Gamma Alpha chapter ecstatically look forward to meeting every woman interested in learning about sorority life and AOII! If you have specific questions about AOII, then please contact the SOAP office, or visit our International website.
I'm a legacy of another organization on campus…do I have to rush them?
Of course not! But all sororities hold their legacies near and dear to their hearts, so you should treat each with the utmost respect and enter recruitment with open ears and open minds – home is where the heart is.
