Our Purposes and Policies

Chi Omega Fraternity Purposes

Chi Omega’s early leaders believed that a group of harmonious friends devoted to wise purposes contribute to the development of the individual members. Therefore, the six purposes were established in the early beginnings of the Fraternity. Today, they are still valid as these intelligently interpreted purposes help to preserve and enhance the best values of American culture.

Chi Omega’s purposes are:

  • Friendship

  • High Standards of Personnel

  • Sincere Learning and Creditable Scholarship

  • Career Development

  • Participation in Campus Activities

  • Community Service

Chi Omega Fraternity Policies

Policies help to administer the business of the Fraternity, establish a standard of conduct for members and foster friendly relations with university administrators and faculty. The policies of Chi Omega are public documents.

These policies are binding for all members and New Members.

Chi Omega Fraternity Policy on Membership

Chi Omega’s membership selection criteria shall include females and individuals identifying as women of diverse racial, religious, and ethnic backgrounds. An individual selected for membership must meet Fraternity requirements and reflect a genuine interest in realizing the Fraternity’s Purposes, which are Friendship, High Standards of Personnel, Sincere Learning and Creditable Scholarship, Career Development, Participation in Campus Activities and Community Service.

Chi Omega Fraternity Policy on Scholarship

Chi Omega Fraternity recognizes and acknowledges Sincere Learning and Creditable Scholarship as a Purpose of the Fraternity. Chapter scholastic requirements and individual scholastic membership requirements reflect the Fraternity’s long-standing commitment to this Purpose and to the academic mission of each host institution.

Chi Omega Fraternity Policy on Human Dignity

Chi Omega Fraternity believes that dignity, self-esteem, and respect are inalienable rights of each individual and that there is no place for personal degradation within the membership of Chi Omega. Members ascribe to the belief that: every person is important in a civilized society and has something of truth and wisdom to offer; self-respect, esteem, and respect for others are necessary for healthy relationships; and harassment, hazing, or bullying is detrimental in building self-respect. As reflected in the Fraternity’s policies, rules, and procedures, Chi Omega supports the preservation of human dignity and the promotion of self-respect of each individual and does not condone any activity or behavior that is inappropriate, destructive, demeaning, or abusive to anyone including oneself or any group. Each chapter and member of Chi Omega is expected to uphold the honor and dignity of Chi Omega on all occasions.

Chi Omega Fraternity Policy on Diversity Equity and Inclusion

The Chi Omega Symphony charges our Sisters “to choose thoughtfully that course which occasion and conscience demand.” In that spirit, and to deepen the bonds of our Sisterhood, Chi Omega is committed to continued work in relation to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion among our collegiate and alumnae members. As an Organization of purposeful women, it’s imperative to challenge ourselves and each other by listening to and learning from those whose experiences differ from our own to ensure in ever-evolving and more inclusive Chi Omega.

Chi Omega provides a variety of resources and support for our collegiate and alumnae members including:

  • DEI curriculum and educational tools for the required DEI Chair leader along with a library of DEI focused facilitated workshops to be delivered in the format of open Sisterhood Chat dialogue with the chapter.

  • Dollars awarded every semester to Chi Omega collegiate members experiencing financial hardship through the Helping Hands fund for Chi Omega Undergraduate Support. This fund, endowed through a gift from the Fraternity, is designed to assist with financial obligation that may present barriers to membership or hardships in maintaining membership.

  • Best practices for local emergency dues funds for collegiate chapters to assist members who may be a financial need.

Chi Omega Fraternity Policy on Hazing

Chi Omega Fraternity prohibits any activity that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a person and is inconsistent with the Ritual, policies, rules, or procedures of Chi Omega Fraternity or the educational institution. Chi Omega’s membership program is directed toward the realization of the Fraternity’s purposes of Friendship, High Standards of Personnel, Sincere Learning and Creditable Scholarship, Career Development, Participation in Campus Activities, and Community Service, which give New Members and initiated members the opportunity for self-improvement and self-actualization. As a condition of membership, an individual bears the personal responsibility to abide by applicable federal, state and local laws, and college/university rules and regulations as well as Chi Omega policies, rules, and procedures.

Chi Omega Fraternity Policy on Alcohol and Drugs

The abuse and misuse of alcohol and/or drugs are detrimental and counter to the realization of Chi Omega Fraternity’s Purposes of Friendship, High Standards of Personnel, Sincere Learning and Creditable Scholarship, Career Development, Participation in Campus Activities, and Community Service. Each member and New Member should make responsible decisions about alcohol use. As a condition of membership, an individual bears the personal responsibility to abide by applicable federal, state, and local laws, and college/university rules and regulations as well as Chi Omega policies, rules, and procedures.

Chi Omega Fraternity Policy on Community Service and Philanthropy

Chi Omega Fraternity recognizes Community Service as a Purpose of the Fraternity and endeavors to serve local communities and to recognize the needs of others. Chi Omega’s community service and philanthropic projects should be worthwhile and reflect the values of the organization and may involve the members active participation as well as monetary donations.

Chi Omega Fraternity Policy on Visitation

Chi Omega endeavors to protect to the best of its ability the safety and welfare of its members. A Chi Omega chapter facility is provided and maintained for the good of both the residents of the facility and the collegiate chapter. Chi Omega limits visitation at a chapter facility since the visitation of guests in individual members’ rooms or in the sleeping quarters of the facility could infringe on the privacy of roommates and other members and present opportunities for harm to members. During specific times or on special occasions permission may be given to allow guests in the private areas of the chapter facility. These instances are determined jointly by the Executive Board, Advisory Board, and House Corporation Board.