Founded February 4th, 2000
University of Minnesota
BASIC INFORMATION
Founded in a neighboring Fraternity on February 4th, 2000 by Edward Smelser, Michael Green, Matthew Jarosz, Chris Gettler & Jason Nagy (5 undergraduate students of the University of Minnesota); Omega Nu Alpha is one of the first Fraternities of the new millennium.
We are based on the concept that "for every end, there is a new beginning", Omega Nu Alpha is a continuation of a centuries old tradition of men's collegiate Fraternities. The five founding fathers were the remaining members of the Alpha Pi chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity. About to close its doors due a deteriorating chapter house and subsequent low membership, a decision was made to rise “from the ashes of noble tradition” and found Omega Nu Alpha Fraternity.
The opportunity to continue the concepts of collegiate men's Fraternities dating back to the 19th century with a renewed look on managing modern issues of today's Fraternities gave way to our current structure of Fraternity government. Omega Nu Alpha takes pride in the responsibility and independence it gives to its members.
GOVERNMENT
Omega Nu Alpha structures its chapter government on Robert’s Rules of Order. Weekly chapter meetings of the members and new members are held (generally on Monday nights). During these meetings, the chapter will discuss topics such as recruitment, brotherhood events, community involvement, etc. This is also the forum to invite guest speakers, campus representatives, and to perform ceremonies. Five years into the Fraternity’s history, the “National Fraternity Assembly” was founded as a governing body to oversee expansion efforts, maintain the Ritual of Omega Nu Alpha, and develop New Member Education curriculum among other responsibilities. The Assembly occurs every six months and opens participation to all active and alumni members. This is a unique element to the construct of the Fraternity’s growth and encourages undergraduate members to be actively involved in the overall direction of the organization. Every participant has a voice in all matters.
EXPANSION
Omega Nu Alpha is a concept, a commonality, a framework to be applied to your local group of individuals. Omega Nu Alpha is opportunity; opportunity to take ownership of your Fraternity experience.
There are no minimum membership or housing requirements for a chapter to remain open.
Omega Nu Alpha does not require that membership be limited to a single school. Our motto of “academic integrity and civic responsibility” takes a community approach. Whether you are in a college town or a major city, it is rare that you do not have a neighboring academic institution in your area. The ideals of brotherhood aren’t confined to a single campus, they exist in the community. While it is required for any chapter of Omega Nu Alpha to be a recognized student group at a host institution, members may be enrolled at any college, university, or trade-school in the community.
Each chapter chooses its own business status. Some may operate as a non-profit business in the community, others may file as a for-profit organization. Some chapters will rely on their status as a student group with a host institution. Each chapter is required to obtain minimum insurance and liabilities coverage.
Becoming a chapter of Omega Nu Alpha requires an application submission, approval by the National Fraternity Assembly, and a trial “colony” phase. A colony (or interest group) operates as a recognized chapter of Omega Nu Alpha without voting rights or access to the Ritual of Omega Nu Alpha. Colonies participate in local campus activities representing Omega Nu Alpha, they wear letters, they are recognized student groups through local student activities offices, and they provide philanthropy to the local communities.
After certain criteria are met, an official “Charter” is drafted with the names of every member in the group. Representatives from all chapters (active and alumni) are invited to the host campus to initiate the Alpha (first) class of brothers into Omega Nu Alpha. Upon initiation the colony is granted a chapter designation (Alpha, Beta, Gamma, Delta, etc.) in the order of introduction into the Fraternity.
Once a colony becomes an official chapter of Omega Nu Alpha, the members will participate in quarterly National Fraternity Assemblies (a forum to determine the direction of the overall organization), become eligible for Fraternity scholarship programs, and become a part of the Omega Nu Alpha brotherhood.
Once an application form and all appropriate fees have been received a representative of the Omega Nu Alpha National Fraternity Assembly will contact the interest group and arrange a visit to the host campus. Upon approval of the Colony Application the new group will receive officer manuals, chapter supplies, Omega Nu Alpha traditions and events, and assistance in organizing infrastructure, recruitment efforts and campus/community involvement.
TRADITIONS AND RESOURCES
Omega Nu Alpha had "risen from the ashes of noble tradition" carrying with it the style and construct of an Era I Fraternity (mid to late 1800s) with the independence and opportunity to evolve the organization often lacking in today's Fraternities.
The Creed of Omega Nu Alpha
Omega Nu Alpha
Risen from the ashes of noble tradition, consisting of true gentlemen.
Promoting the principles of academic integrity and civic responsibility.
It exists to promote lasting friendship, academic excellence, and model brotherhood.
We believe in personal integrity, which ennobles us to become better men, now, and in the future.
Shown Above
Beta Chapter Bid – Invitation to join the Fraternity
The Creed of Omega Nu Alpha – Print (framed or unframed)
Member Certificate – Ceramic plaque framed in oak with optional desk stand
Fraternity Badge/Pin – Maroon ribbon with gold inlay (lapel pin)
Chapter Charter – Issued to colony upon acceptance as colony (with all colony member’s names)
Officer Manuals – Issued to colony to provide guidance to daily Fraternity operations
In addition to traditional chapter supplies, Omega Nu Alpha maintains a website that can provide custom apparel and products tailor made to each chapter.
For more information, please email admin@omeganualpha.com