Frequently Asked Questions
Why AKPsi?
As one of two business fraternities on campus, AKPsi offers much more than just balanced professional and social development. Our brothers are highly accomplished students who are motivated to achieve more. Our alumni go on to rewarding and exciting careers by utilizing the resources that AKPSi provides to help individuals reach their potential. We also recognize that business talent comes from all majors, and believe our openness to students of different backgrounds and all majors is one of our greatest strengths. We invite you to learn more about us and look forward to meeting you.
If AKPsi is a fraternity, how come women can join?
Alpha Kappa Psi was founded as an all male fraternity in 1904, with one of their objectives being to help set up business schools at colleges. The Federal Government was more than happy to assist financially with AKPsi’s mission. In 1976, the Equal Rights in Education Act stated that if you ever received federal funds, you could not discriminate on the basis of gender. Thus, Alpha Kappa Psi (and many other professional fraternities) were told either A) disband or B) allow the initiation of strong, business-minded women into their ranks. The choice was then made to allow women to join.
What is RUSH?
Rush is a series of events hosted by our fraternity for prospective members to learn about our fraternity and for the active chapter to learn about potential future members. Our Rush consists of an information session, a professional event, social events, as well as interviews and other individual evaluations. At the end of this period, applicants will be evaluated and bids will be distributed.
Do you have to attend all Rush events in order to qualify for membership?
While it is not a requirement to attend all events, we highly recommended prospective members to attend as many events as possible. It is difficult to thoroughly know each prospective member given the large number of applicants, so every moment in which we interact with a particular person helps make for a much more accurate decision process. Quality time leads to quality decisions that result in quality members.
Who does Alpha Kappa Psi look for?
There is not one specific type of person that AKPsi looks for, because we recognize that each individual has different strengths. However, our expectations are no different than those from any professional organization; we expect prospective members to be bright and motivated individuals who work well with others. Every individual that is given a bid earns it based on individual merits, and we look for potential just as much as present qualities.
What is a 'Bid'?
A 'Bid' is an invitation to participate in the pledge process in preparation of joining our fraternity.
How do I receive a Bid?
To receive a bid, the vast majority of the Brotherhood must vote favorably for your admittance to become a pledge. In order to have the Brotherhood vote favorably on your behalf, it is important that they have had an opportunity to meet you and get to know you. It is therefore recommended to attend as many rush events as possible.
If I do not get a bid the first time, can I rush again?
Rushing multiple times is allowed and even encouraged if one truly wants to join AKPsi. There is absolutely no penalty for coming another semester. In fact many members in our fraternity have rushed more than once.
What is a 'Pledge'?
A pledge is a person who has accepted their bid, and undergone a ritual conducted by the fraternity. It is a promise made by the individual to strive to become a full member of the Brotherhood.
Is there a pledge time period?
Yes. If invited to join our fraternity, you, along with your pledge brothers, will have to complete a series of events and tasks that are designed to foster a better understanding about the fraternity, brotherhood, and professional development. Our pledge process is a six-week course designed to challenge and test individuals, pushing them toward their full potential. Among the tasks required are hosting a professional, service, and social event; a fundraising goal; learning about the history of Alpha Kappa Psi and the Psi Omega Chapter; meeting and bonding with fellow pledge brothers as well as the active brothers in the fraternity.
Do you haze?
No. All pledge and active brother events are designed to build teamwork, trust, professional development, creativity, and brotherhood.