[ What is Omega Phi Alpha? ]

Omega Phi Alpha is a national service sorority that was founded as a national organization in 1967. Omega Phi Alpha sisters are committed to OPhiA's three cardinal principles of friendship, leadership, and service, and spend thousands of hours each year serving their communities. The service aspect of our sorority is what sets us apart from social sororities. Each semester, sisters plan and participate in service projects that benefit the university community, the community-at-large, the members of the sorority, and the nations of the world. We believe in building a strong sisterhood through serving others and making a difference in our world.

Omega Phi Alpha is a dry sorority, which means that sisters and pledges are not permitted to consume alcohol at any of our events. We are also non-selective and very diverse in our membership, qualities that make OPhiA different from many other organizations and things we are very proud of.

Omega Phi Alpha was founded at Kennesaw State in February 2006 and was officially inducted as Alpha Zeta Chapter in October 2006. We are honored to be part of an organization that is dedicated to making a difference, and look forward to beginning a new tradition of sisterhood through service at KSU.

Some frequently asked questions about Omega Phi Alpha:

Who can join Omega Phi Alpha? Any student at Kennesaw State University who is in good academic standing may become a pledge of Omega Phi Alpha. Once initiated, active sisters must complete 20 hours of service each semester through chapter-sponsored projects and events, as well as various other requirements that are voted on by the chapter.

What happens during the pledge period? Pledging is a time where new members get to know the sisters and learn more about Omega Phi Alpha, as well as a time to show your commitment to the sorority and its ideals prior to initiation. Pledges elect their own officers, plan service projects and fundraisers, are paired with a big sister, and get a chance to see what being a sister in Omega Phi Alpha is all about. The pledge period is typically a semester long, after which pledges are initiated as lifetime members of Omega Phi Alpha in an end-of-semester ceremony. Pledging takes time, commitment, and work, but the rewards are many, and the memories made will last forever!

What is the difference between Omega Phi Alpha and the other sororities at KSU? Omega Phi Alpha is a service sorority, while KSU's other sororities are social sororities. We believe in many of the same things and share many similarities - we have big and little sisters, social outings, retreats, and formals - but OPhiA's constant commitment to service is what sets us apart. Rather than several large projects per year, Omega Phi Alpha sisters participate in an ongoing program of service - anywhere from 2 to 6 projects a month - that benefit many different organizations, causes, and areas.

We are also non-selective in our membership, and encourage anyone who is interested to become a pledge. Anyone who completes her pledge requirements is welcomed as a sister. Most other sororities are also members of the National Panhellenic Conference or National Pan-Hellenic Council at a national level, while Omega Phi Alpha is not. Members of other sororities and organizations are always welcome to join Omega Phi Alpha.

How can I join Omega Phi Alpha? Omega Phi Alpha holds rush during both fall and spring semesters each year. During rush, students interested in the sorority can learn more about OPhiA and what it is like to be a member, meet the sisters, as well as play games, mingle with other interested students, and generally have fun. Rush is free and open to everybody! At the end of rush, interested students are invited to become pledges. 

Our next rush will take place in Spring 2010. Please contact our membership director, Jessica Van Gessel, or our president, Kara Frost, at ksu.ophia@gmail.com for more information about Omega Phi Alpha, and see the main page of our website for more details on times and locations. We would love to hear from you and look forward to seeing you at rush!