What is a Fraternity and What is Alpha Gamma Omega?
A fraternity is a social organization for men, typically on college campuses, fostering community through social, academic, and philanthropic activities.
Alpha Gamma Omega (AGO) is a Christ-centered, national fraternity founded in 1927, with chapters across the United States. Unlike a church or campus ministry, AGO serves as an additional faith-based network to support and enhance members’ spiritual growth. It is an inter-denominational group that welcomes men regardless of their current faith, encouraging exploration of Christianity within a supportive brotherhood. AGO upholds traditional Christian beliefs and personal conduct policies but does not require members to be professing Christians.
The fraternity is substance-free and hazing-free, distinguishing itself by fostering a Christ-honoring environment. Members are encouraged to engage with local churches and ministries while developing leadership and faith.
Why should I join AGO and how do I join?
Benefits of Joining Alpha Gamma Omega
Alpha Gamma Omega offers a strong brotherhood that provides leadership opportunities, social events, community service, and personal and professional development. What sets AGO apart is its commitment to spiritual growth through a Christ-centered community. Members experience deep, discipleship-style relationships during pledgeship, especially with their Big Bro and fellow Pledge Brothers, and have opportunities to grow in their faith within the context of fraternity life.
Recruitment Process
Joining AGO begins with “Rush,” a 1–2 week period of casual events where potential members meet current Brothers and learn about the fraternity. Interested students submit an application, and if seen as a good fit, are extended a “bid” to join. Accepting the bid marks the start of the pledgeship process. If a bid is not extended, it generally means the Brotherhood does not see alignment at that time.
What are the requirments to Join?
To join Alpha Gamma Omega, you must:
Be male, be an enrolled student at a university where an AGO chapter exists, and maintain good academic standing with your university
Additional considerations:
You do not need to be a professing Christian to join, but all members must respect the Fraternity’s Statement of Beliefs and follow the Code of Conduct
Members may be:
A committed follower of Christ seeking deeper friendship and leadership, a believer looking to grow in faith and accountability, a non-believer exploring Christianity and drawn to AGO’s values and brotherhood
Members who do not uphold the Code of Conduct may be removed from membership
No AGO chapter on your campus?
You’re encouraged to explore starting a chapter through our AGO Chapter Founding process.
What is the Time Commitment?
Joining Alpha Gamma Omega is similar to taking on a 3-unit college class in terms of weekly involvement.
Weekly involvement includes chapter meetings, events, and retreats
Pledgeship requires studying fraternity history and attending events (also about 3 units of time)
Leadership roles involve additional time depending on the position
Despite the time, the value of deep friendships, spiritual growth, and leadership experience makes it more than worth it. It is also very flexible with former men completing the process while in rigorous programs like Pre-Med, ROTC, and full-time jobs
What is Pledging?
The pledge process typically lasts between 5 to 8 weeks, depending on the university’s academic calendar. During this time, new members learn about Alpha Gamma Omega’s history, values, and traditions. The process is inspired by 2 Timothy 2:2, where Apostle Paul entrusts Timothy with his teachings to “reliable people.” Pledges are seen as reliable individuals who are entrusted with carrying on the fraternity’s legacy.
Each pledge is assigned a Big Brother and a Pledge Name. They participate in special pledge events, Bible studies, and an Initiation weekend. Successfully completing this process leads to formal membership in Alpha Gamma Omega.
Alpha Gamma Omega strictly prohibits hazing. The pledge experience is designed to foster strong bonds among brothers through activities with a biblical purpose, even when they are challenging. Prospective members are expected to uphold the fraternity’s values and traditions throughout the process; failure to do so may result in removal from consideration for membership.
How Much is it to Join AGO?
Like most fraternities, Alpha Gamma Omega requires members to pay dues that help cover daily operations. However, because AGO is a substance-free organization, its costs are often lower than typical fraternities.
Chapter dues generally range from $300 to $400 per semester or quarter, depending on the campus.
All active members pay a yearly $250 national fee that supports liability insurance, administration, and other national expenses.
Newly initiated members also pay a one-time Initiation Dues fee, which includes regalia, a personalized Bible, and access to the alumni network.
If finances are a concern, AGO offers scholarship opportunities to offer support to students. Money will not be an issue joining AGO.
What Are Alpha Gamma Omega’s Policies on Alcohol, Substance Use, Hazing, and Sexual Abuse?
Alpha Gamma Omega is a substance-free organization. No recreational drugs or alcohol are allowed at any AGO events or meetings, including before or after events. All AGO houses are “dry,” strictly prohibiting alcohol and drugs on the premises.
Members may consume alcohol only if legally of age and must avoid drunkenness.
Underage drinking and encouraging it are prohibited and may lead to removal.
Recreational marijuana use is banned, regardless of state laws.
AGO enforces a strict no-hazing policy since hazing is illegal. Any suspicion of hazing should be reported to a regional advisor immediately.
Sexual harassment and abuse are strictly forbidden, with any allegations potentially leading to permanent removal from the fraternity.
All these rules are outlined in AGO’s Risk Management Policy, Biblical Standards, and Code of Conduct. Violations may result in removal from the fraternity.
A Message to Parents
We understand that if your son is considering joining a fraternity, you may have concerns or disapproval. We encourage you to explore Alpha Gamma Omega (AGO) because our mission is to differ from the stereotypical fraternity experience. We believe that the benefits of joining AGO far outweigh any concerns you may have.
Alpha Gamma Omega is a Christian fraternity dedicated to upholding the teachings and standards of Jesus Christ and the Bible. We are not like the fraternities commonly portrayed in movies. Activities such as drinking, drug use, promiscuity, hazing, and bullying are strictly prohibited within our organization. Our goal is to help your son grow into a strong, confident, and committed scholar and future leader, breaking the negative stereotypes often associated with fraternities.
AGO provides a supportive social network. Studies show that one of the primary causes of college dropouts is depression and a lack of meaningful friendships. We aim to combat the epidemic of loneliness and depression among young men. College can be challenging, and AGO helps young men navigate both academic and social struggles. The friendships formed in AGO often extend well beyond college years.
We also offer a supportive faith network. For many young men, deciding to follow Christ in college is a significant decision. Each day presents new temptations and questions. AGO provides a space for young men to explore and strengthen their faith during their college years. Over 80% of our alumni report that AGO played a crucial role in shaping them into the Christian men they are today. While AGO is not a church, we encourage attendance and membership at local churches, fostering an “Acts 2” community that aids in spiritual growth.
Alpha Gamma Omega enhances the college experience by providing numerous leadership opportunities. In addition to academic excellence, our members can serve in executive leadership positions during their time at school. Executive officers participate in our annual leadership summits, gaining practical training and exposure to some of the best leaders in the Christian community. Positions vary in responsibility and focus on areas such as sales and marketing, recruitment, member care, financial management, event planning, team building, community service, and general leadership development. Many alumni credit their career success to the early leadership opportunities they received through AGO.
Lastly, Alpha Gamma Omega offers valuable connections to the post-college job market. AGO has thousands of alumni across many generations, with many individuals entering fields such as ministry, missions, and the secular marketplace. Many brothers credit their career advancements to support from AGO alumni. Our exclusive alumni network provides mentorship, letters of recommendation, and job or internship opportunities, which are often among the “unseen” benefits of joining AGO.
We encourage you to consider these advantages for your son. If you have any specific questions, we invite you to reach out to one of our Regional Advisors, who oversee our collegiate chapters.
For Campus Ministries or Local Churches:
Alpha Gamma Omega (AGO) is a Christian fraternity for male students, led by students themselves. We are neither a church nor a para-church organization and do not replace pastoral oversight or campus ministries. Our members are often passionate followers of Christ, though sometimes still growing in maturity. One of our core values is to promote Christian fellowship and foster unity within the family of Christ.
We encourage our men to be active in local churches and ministries. AGO seeks to partner with local ministries, not compete. Our fraternity’s strength lies in accountability and flexibility, enabling members to be engaged and quick to mobilize for ministry. We want our men to lead alongside you, and we invite your support, encouragement, and partnership.
We understand the challenge of finding meeting space on campuses. Our chapter houses often provide affordable housing options for Christian men, and can also serve as alternative venues for Bible studies, worship nights, and other ministry events — fostering unity and spiritual growth within the broader body of Christ.
If you have questions or would like to explore partnership opportunities, please contact our Regional Advisor team.