Frequently Asked Questions
What are the principles of Alpha Tau Omega?
The principles of Alpha Tau Omega are focused on Scholarship, Brotherhood, Character and Leadership. ATO is dedicated to developing men of character in an academic setting through the bonds of brotherhood and the foundations of leadership.
How many members does Alpha Tau Omega have?
Since our founding in 1865 we have initiated more than 185,000 men and currently have nearly 140,000 living alumni worldwide and approximately 6,500 undergraduate members in nearly 140 chapters throughout the United States.
What about pledging or hazing?
New members all experience a new member education period. During this time the new members or pledges participate in weekly meetings to learn about the university and the Fraternity, leadership retreats, community service projects, and activities designed to build friendships among the new members and the older Fraternity members. ATO is an interfraternal leader in implementing an anti-hazing policy. ATO risk management policy outlaws any and all forms of hazing. The National Fraternity educates every member on hazing and risk management guidelines. We are committed to a membership education period, which instills a sense of responsibility and commitment in the new members. This period will assist your son in overcoming some of his concerns about success in college.
What educational opportunities do you provide?
Each chapter of ATO has their own unique service projects and programs they create, organize and perform on their own. These project and programs foster organizational development and goal achievement as well allowing our members to develop their skills as leaders. Alpha Tau Omega was a fraternal leader last year raising over $4.1 million when you combine hours performed and dollars donated to worthwhile and charitable causes. Do you know of any other student organization that has this much positive impact on the community?
What impact will fraternity membership have on my son's grades?
Students often find managing their time difficult when moving from the highly structured high school environment to the freedoms of college. Part of the new member program is to assist in that transition by offering scholarship programs, which might include study partners, mandatory study hours, and time management workshops.
At ATO, your son can access the network of brothers who already know how to use campus resources like the library, study skills centers, computer labs, and academic advisors.
Will the fraternity help my son with job placement after he graduates?
Part of the Professional Advantage is to help your son ready himself for the transition to the professional world or graduate school. When you combine the Professional Advantage with a worldwide network of nearly 140,000 living alumni it is likely that there are a significant number of ATO alumni volunteers who would be pleased with recommending or hiring your son for employment after graduation. Being a member of Alpha Tau Omega can expose your son to an incredible number of highly successful ATO alumni who are leaders in all areas of business, education, arts, sciences, politics, technology, and numerous other fields.
Aren't fraternities just like the one shown in the movie "Animal House"?
Unfortunately, after the showing of that movie, fraternity members have been categorized as partiers, irresponsible, and abusive. A stereotype we are trying to reverse on every level. In reality, fraternities are values-based organizations dedicated to the development of character and lifelong friendship.
Alpha Tau Omega has even gone so far as to create a success initiative called ATO Roadshow, focused solely on publicizing our chapters’ good works and the positive affect ATO is having on communities across the U.S. We are dedicated to the success of our chapters and our members, if you would like to see some of the successes of ATO and the chapter your son may join.
Doesn't it cost a lot of money to be in a fraternity?
The Fraternity is self-supported through dues charged to all members. Each chapter may charge a chapter due for local operations, but the National Fraternity asks each member to pay for National dues and all members, pledges and initiates must pay for insurance. There is also a one-time pledging fee of $50 and an initiation fee of $150. You should ask the local chapter president or recruitment chair to give you a breakdown of all local dues and financial obligations. There’s no doubt the return on investment will be great compared to most other student organizations or clubs.
The national dues and insurance are billed to individual brothers once in the fall and once in the spring.
If the chapter on your campus has a house there will be a room rental fee, but you will probably find you get a great deal for your money when you live in an ATO chapter house compared to living in the residence halls.
Being in a fraternity sounds like it takes a lot of time?
Participating in any worthwhile activity always requires an investment of one's time. Research has shown that “involved” college students are more likely to graduate and they report greater satisfaction with their college experience. Through his fraternity involvement, your son will learn how to balance his academic, work, campus involvement, and social commitments. Anything worth having or being a part of is worth working for!
Be supportive and learn as much as you can by asking questions of your son as he meets people through the recruitment process. Fraternity members will be more than happy to tell him (and you) about their chapter. If your son becomes a member of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity there are many opportunities for parents to become involved. Parents are welcome to be a part of the Alpha Tau Omega experience as a volunteer in a Board of Trustees or a parent’s club.