FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ)
Interested in Greek Life but don’t know where to turn? Check out some of the most common questions parents and students have about Greek Life. If that is not enough, there are plenty of resources out there such as getting in touch with the Office of the Dean of Students and Sorority and Fraternity Life. Our national website is www.OmegaDeltaPhi.com is also filled with information. If you have more questions, please contact our President, or any other brother for more information.
WHAT IS THE RUSH PROCESS LIKE? PLEDGE PROCESS? AND A BID?
Rush is the formal recruitment process of fraternities. Students can see where their interest lies as they choose the fraternity for them. Omega Delta Phi Fraternity, Inc. is part of LPHC, not the Interfraternity Council (IFC) and therefore doesn’t participate in their rush schedule. However, keep an eye for our rush events. If you become interested in Omega Delta Phi or any fraternity, they will offer you a bid. A bid is a formal letter inviting you to partake in the pledge process. Pledging a fraternity is the process where you learn about them before becoming a brother. Omega Delta Phi Fraternity Inc. (ODPhi) has a strict no hazing policy. During the prospective member process you will learn and practice our four sacraments, those being Unity, Honesty, Integrity and Leadership, in order to become a Brother. These sacraments focus on growth, graduation and giving back to the community.
ARE THERE REQUIREMENTS IN ORDER TO PLEDGE?
Yes. In order to begin the pledge process you must have completed at least 12 hours of college credit, a minimum 2.5 grade point average, enrolled full time (12 hours or more) at UT, and you MUST attend one information session about or brotherhood during rush.
WHAT IS LPHC?
The LPHC was established with the goal of promoting unity and positive collaboration between other fraternal organizations on campus. Learn more about the council by visiting their website: utlphc.org
IS OMEGA DELTA PHI ONLY FOR LATINOS?
Although founded mainly by Latinos, the Fraternity has traditionally always been open to men of different backgrounds, as demonstrated through its “One Culture, Any Race” motto. Our Chapter (Chi) has Brothers from different nationalities and religions, and nationwide is no different.
WHAT IS A PROBATE/NEW MEMBER PRESENTATION?
A probate is a ceremony where the newest members of a fraternity or sorority are introduced to the Greek community. This normally includes masks covering the faces of those who were pledging until they are revealed as the newest member of their respective organization. You can watch our most recent probates/new member presentations here.
HOW MUCH ARE DUES?
Omega Delta Phi is a non-profit organization. Dues are $275 per semester and go directly to insurance for Brothers, as well as supporting National and Regional conferences that occur every semester, and to support Brotherhood events. If monetary issues concern you, please contact our Director of Finance or our President for more details.
WHAT TYPE OF EVENTS DOES THE CHAPTER HOST?
ODPhi prides itself on being a diverse Fraternity on all aspects. We have held social and service events with a variety of organizations at The University of Texas at Austin. These range from an annual Comedy Night to co-hosted service events, and club parties downtown. You will have the ability to make a difference in the community by being involved with various service projects, such as Young Knights or Project.
WHAT IS THE TIME COMMITMENT AS A BROTHER?
ODPhi can become whatever you make of it. We currently have 40+ Active Brothers; every Brother holds at least one leadership position in the Fraternity or holds one in another organization. While there is no concrete time commitment, there is a chapter meeting every week, which lasts about an hour and a half. However, we understand Academics are a priority, issues come up, and Brothers may be busy. If that is the case, the Brotherhood makes sure to take the load off of a busy Brother in order for him to focus on other priorities.
WILL JOINING A FRATERNITY HURT MY GPA?
The all-Greek grade point average is consistently higher than the all-student grade point average. That being said, ODPhi makes sure to have study rooms every week in which Brothers go to and study together. Brothers are always helping each other in different subjects in which we excel. Our Internal Vice President watches over Brothers’ grades every semester. If they fall below a 2.5, that Brother must fill quarterly progress reports and meet with their professors for Office Hours.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGE OF BECOMING A BROTHER?
While we cannot say Omega Delta Phi is the right choice, we can give you an insight to the Brotherhood. Becoming a Brother of ODPhi allows you to go to numerous service and social events as well as meet a unique and diverse community. You will have an opportunity to become a leader in the UT community and you will form a network of Brothers, both Undergraduate, and Alumni, throughout the country that will always support you and offer their help.
WHAT IS OMEGA DELTA PHI’S PRIMARY GOAL?
When the Fraternity was founded by seven young visionaries at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, the goal was, and still is, to graduate all Brothers while giving back to the community. Omega Delta Phi identifies itself as a Service/Social Fraternity.
WHAT LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES EXIST FOR ME?
ODPhi enables each and every single one of our brothers to become a leader in the community. Brothers can rise and truly show their greatness, making a big impact in the community. Leadership is comprised of anything from taking initiative in Service Programs, such as the Young Knights Leadership Academy, to taking leadership roles in Greek Life or other student groups. We have had Brothers take leadership roles in various organizations around the 40 Acres.
I AM A PARENT AND HAVE MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT THE FRATERNITY. WHO CAN I CONTACT?
We are more than happy to provide parents and families with additional information. To understand Omega Delta Phi better, you can contact our President and/or our Vice President. These two will be more than happy to answer emails, talk over the phone, or meet in person to discuss fraternity life. If you would like to contact the Office of the Dean of Students, please click here.