[20357] in APO-L
FW: [APO-L] Cultures of Alpha Phi Omega
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (Krutz, Jill E)
Thu Mar 25 14:51:12 1999
Date: Thu, 25 Mar 1999 14:43:34 -0500
Reply-To: "Krutz, Jill E" <jkrutz@HIXSON-INC.COM>
From: "Krutz, Jill E" <jkrutz@HIXSON-INC.COM>
To: APO-L@LISTSERV.IUPUI.EDU
>
>[Jill ] I have a couple of comments and questions in regards to Randy's
>comments about the cultural differences between Historically Black Colleges
>and that of the "general" universities. My first comment is that there are
>major differences (and cultures) between State universities and Private
>universities, Colleges in the east vs midwest vs west, technical/engineering
>based universities vs liberal arts, on campus-housed vs commuter schools.
>But within each of these "cultures" there is Alpha Phi Omega, and each
>chapter is different due to the environment (Culture) in which they reside.
>
>Some cultural differences between Alpha Phi Omega at "general"
>universities(APO/APhiO) and Historically Black Colleges/
>Universities(APhiQ) (There are some exceptions here, but theyare small)
>[Jill ] What does the Q stand for anyway?
>
>[Jill ] What is the reasoning behind not wanting co-ed organizations outside
>of academic ones on campus? And is it reasonable or should it be questioned?
> Once you get out of school, you have to beable to communicate with the other
>sex at work, and why not have a co-ed organization that is focused on
>Leadership, Friendship and Service? I think I learned a lot about
>communication between men and women in a professional (platonic) relationship
>thru Alpha Phi Omega.
>
> 1) Harder Pledging. For APhiQ chapters pledging is emotionally stressful
>beyond any additional physical requirements. A pledge class/line is forced
>together by pressures from the brotherhood. (This often includes physical
>stresses)
>
>[Jill ] I don't know the "rules and regulations" at other universities, but
>what you have described, is a dead ringer for the description of hazing at
>Purdue as well as other literature on Hazing i have read.
>
> 3) "Stepping". As part of the direct competition, APhiQ chapters "step"
>which is a a rhythmic synchronized spoken group routine. (I'll let JayBee
>give a better definition of "stepping")
>
>[Jill] I have always though that is fun to watch and have great respect for
>the participants. But why is this so different from having a "Little 500"
>(bike race @ Indiana) or "Grand Prix" team (go-cart race @ Purdue)? (<-- just
>a couple examples) I also have great respect for those participants who
>practice hours a day for these races.
>
>4. Alumni. Just as NPHC greeks tend to keep more of their alumni
>interested than the NIC(General Frats) and NPC(General Sororities), it
>also seems that the APhiQ chapters keep more of their alumni involved than
>the APO chapters. This is all part of pledging Alpha Phi Omega for life.
>
>[Jill] Where did you get your information for this statement? Have you been
>apart of NIC or NPC? I know that there are many alumni that stay very
>involved with NIC, NPC, and APO. I am involved with RVAA, Sect 52AA, as well
>as NIC alumni and NPC alumni. I have personally seen how any dedicated
>alumni stay involved, with each other as well as support their respective
>chapter. That comes from friendship and respect for an organization.
>
>There are other differences in culture, but these are some of the major
>points. Most APO brothers don't have much experience with this culture.
>There are active A Phi Q chapters in less than 10 of the 52 sections and
>only 3 of the 10 regions. I'll go into this more in my next post.
>
>[Jill] I know there are many differences in culture, but there are just as
>many differences from one college to the next. That is why no two chapters
>are the same and even sections have their own individual traditions. I had
>the chance to visit many chapters thru the midwest while I was an undergrad
>and found that each chapter has it's own traditions, service projects, and
>focus. The differences between each college and chapter are what make the
>roadtrips to other chapters, sectional, regionals, and nationals fun. Who
>said each chapter had to be exactly the same? But being a tradionalist, the
>Gentleman's Agreement was a Unanimous decision in 76, so I believe if
>everyone could agree to it then, it should be upheld.
>
>In L,F,and S,
>Jill Krutz
>Alpha Gamma Alumna (GO Lady Boilers!)
>Sect 56 Staff
>RVAA Charter Member
>Lifetime Member
