Is Alpha Nu Omega, Inc. a co-ed fraternity?
This question is likely to be the most frequent that we get asked and for good reason; you will notice that at most schools where there is a chapter of Alpha Nu Omega, Inc., men and women wear the same letters, recite the same purpose, and share the same shield. Although the bond that the Eagle Brothers and Dove Sisters of Alpha Nu Omega, Inc. is paramount to the organization and an aspect of the organization that we hold great pride in, there are very subtle and crucial differences that our founders decided upon. Alpha Nu Omega, Inc. has different levels of organization and is governed by one constitution. On the undergraduate level, we are constitutionally required to operate as two distinct entities: a fraternity (for men) and a sorority (for women). As a family, we operate as Alpha Nu Omega, Inc. Individually, we operate as Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity, Inc. and Alpha Nu Omega Sorority, Inc. We have legal ownership and incorporation of all 3 names. Our Dove Sisters of Alpha Nu Omega Sorority, Inc. are a valued and irreplaceable part of our family, and on the undergraduate level you will find us doing several programs together, but we hold separate meetings and govern our own Orientation Processes to educate and induct new members.
Is Alpha Nu Omega, Inc. a black or multicultural fraternity?
It is easy to understand why this question comes in second for frequency. Even if the question is not asked directly, it usually surfaces as a legitimate inquiry. There are probably two main reasons that people wonder if we are a Black or multicultural fraternity: 1) The vast majority of our membership identifies themselves as Black or African American, and 2) We have adopted a lot of our Greek practices from Black Greek-Lettered Organizations (BGLOs). It is important to understand that even though these identity markers are true and could normally point toward us being a BGLO, we are not. Alpha Nu Omega was founded at Morgan State University, which happens to be a Historically Black College/University (HBCU), and when our founders set out to organize Alpha Nu Omega into a fraternal organization they sought the help and advice of the most visible and easily accessible Greek system as an example, namely a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. The Greek organizations at Morgan State University were a part of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, and a lot of what the Founders knew about Greek life came from the influence the NPHC had at Morgan State University. In addition to being founded at an HBCU, Alpha Nu Omega has many chapters located at HBCUs. Another reality about ANQ that supports the falsehood that we may be a Black or multicultural Greek-lettered organization is strongly rooted in the way we operate, which historically has ties to BGLOs. These traditions, such as stepping and even the way we orient our members have some clear differences from the traditional social fraternities found on non-HBCU campuses.
The reality of Alpha Nu Omega’s identity is found in Christ, and although we are proud of our ties to HBCUs and the traditions of BGLOs, we welcome men from any ethnic, racial, or cultural background. Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity, Inc. is committed to be more reflective of the Body of Christ and intends to be so by actively seeking to attain a more diverse population. Xi Chapter Fraternity, for instance, has inducted three brothers of Asian descent.
The reality of Alpha Nu Omega’s identity is found in Christ, and although we are proud of our ties to HBCUs and the traditions of BGLOs, we welcome men from any ethnic, racial, or cultural background. Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity, Inc. is committed to be more reflective of the Body of Christ and intends to be so by actively seeking to attain a more diverse population. Xi Chapter Fraternity, for instance, has inducted three brothers of Asian descent.
Are we simply a campus Christian ministry with Greek letters?
Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity, Inc. is not just that. We are very much so a Christian ministry that operates on college and university campuses by holding Bible Studies, organizing time for campuses to join in prayer, and facilitating programs that are designed to enrich the relationship between the attendees and Christ. We are also just as much a fraternity with a new-member Orientation Process that must be completed in order to attain membership.
How much time is required to be a member?
Joining Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity, Inc. is a lifetime commitment, and the time Eagle Brothers are expected to offer the organization should span their life, though we understand that the specifics of that time commitment will change and adjust with your life. Likewise, time commitment in the fraternity as an undergraduate brother will depend on the position held on the chapter level and how well it can be balanced with other responsibilities such as academic study, work, church, involvement in other campus and service activities, etc. One of the most important skills a new member learns while enduring the Orientation Process of Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity, Inc. is how to prioritize commitments and optimize time, balancing one's academics, church, work, and commitments as an Eagle Brother.
How do I know if Alpha NU Omega Fraternity, Inc. is right for me and how do I join?
Seeking membership in any fraternal organization is a very serious undertaking that should not be taken lightly, and the best way to make sure that Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity, Inc. is the right fraternity for you is to get to know the members of Xi Chapter at Rutgers. It is very important that you pray, do your research, carefully watch the Christian character and integrity of the members at Rutgers, and how well the Eagle Brothers exemplify the purpose of Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity, Inc. We organize a few interest sessions each semester when non-members can come to specifically hear about the brotherhood, get to know the brothers, and ask any questions. After deciding if Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity, Inc. is the right organization, pay attention for the advertisements of our Informal and Formal Interest Sessions and feel free to approach an Eagle Brother and ask about our Formal Interest Session, which is the business professional meeting where applications and the process to join are explained in detailed. These Formal Interest Sessions are held during the second half of each semester.
Is hazing a problem?
As a Christian Fraternity, hazing does not align with our principles, is forbidden throughout Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity, Inc., and is also prohibited by the Rutgers Office of Fraternity & Sorority Affairs. You will never encounter hazing during the Orientation Process. The Orientation Process is a time when the Eagle Brothers of Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity, Inc. encourage spiritual growth, accountability, and brotherhood, and teach about our fraternity’s history and traditions - it is not an experience designed to be harmful in any way. There are many checks and balances to ensure that hazing does not happen. Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity, Inc. has a hazing policy that all members must be educated on and comply with. And if all that weren't enough, hazing is a violation of NJ State Law.
What will I learn?
As a young man undergoing the Orientation Process for Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity, Inc., you will learn the foundational truths of the Christian Faith and through discipleship learn how to walk as a Mighty Man of Valor at Rutgers with character and integrity. Our desire is to mold prospective members into effective ministers of the Gospel and campus leaders through spiritual development. The goals of the Orientation Process are to: impart a sense of dedication and pride for Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity, Inc.; develop and enhance your gifts and talents; and develop a brotherly bond between you, the other prospective members, and Eagle Brothers. You will learn the history of the Greek tradition throughout the country as well as the traditions specific Alpha Nu Omega Fraternity, Inc. and the Zealous Xi Chapter. You will become a part of many years of traditions, learning, and fun. Most importantly, by becoming a Greek, you will learn more about who you are and what you can be.