CHARTERING GUIDELINES

The Order of Omega has experienced a tremendous response from educational institutions during the past ten years. The Order was founded at the University of Miami in 1959 and remained a local honorary until April 1, 1967, at which time the second chapter was installed at the University of Southern Mississippi. There are currently over five hundred chapters in the United States and Canada.

The procedures for chartering at this time are as follows:

1. When an information request is received, a brochure is sent to the interested institution along with a copy of the Constitution and Bylaws. Also included is the Petitioning Form, which must be completed by administrative and undergraduate officers. When completed, the form should be returned to the National Office with the $100 chartering fee.
2. The chartering institution may also send an Initiation Form listing the charter members and a $40.00 lifetime membership fee for each student member and a $10 membership fee for each honorary member. The initiation form can be downloaded at www.orderofomega.org.
3. The National Office then prepares a Charter and sends it to the chapter along with a Chapter Reference Manual CD, banner and four stoles for tapping and initiation ceremonies.  Upon receipt of the membership fees and Initiation Form, the National Office sends membership certificates and pins for each new initiate.
4. The question often arises concerning the selection of charter members. Typically, a temporary committee of the Greek advisors and leaders of the Greek Councils is formed to choose the charter initiates.
5. Each time the chapter elects new members, the names of those selected must be sent to the National Office for the proper recording by the headquarters staff and also to ensure that the membership certificates and pins will be forthcoming. A single check covering all membership fees should accompany each new initiation list.
6. Although Order of Omega is an honorary organization, Chapters are encouraged to actively utilize their leadership in the area of service and/or programming.  The various functions sponsored or undertaken by local chapters often include the following:

A. Greek Week
B. Interfraternity Scholarship Program
C. Community Service Projects
D. Fundraising projects to provide financial assistance to fraternity men and women in need
E. Cultural and/or professional lecture programs