Frequently Asked Questions

- Must be a current, full-time GW student with a passion for science, technology, engineering, and math-- all majors are welcome! - Seek to be involved in a professional organization and improve real world skills - Aspire to join and be involved in a lifelong community - Cannot be an existing member of any social or professional sorority/fraternity on campus (honorary and service organizations are welcome) - Must have at least 2 semesters left at GW

Everyone joins a sorority for different reasons, but all of us are bound by our common values. Being a sister of Alpha Omega Epsilon means that you will be surrounded by like-minded individuals who will support, encourage, and uplift you in all aspects of your life. In addition, membership in A.O.E. means gaining a networking system unlike any other. Our active and alumnae sisters are professionals in their own right and will be a support system for life, bound by our lifelong ties of sisterhood.

Our recruitment lasts 2 weeks at the beginning of the fall semester. We host 4-6 events varrying from craft nights to research panels, with the intention of showing potential new members (PNMs) all that AΩE has to offer. These events are for PNMs to express their interests in the sorority as well as get to know the members and what we do! You can attend any number of events, but the more the better! At the end of the recruitment period PNMs with the intention of joining must attend at least one of our invite-only nights.

Candidacy is the process by which new potential members of our organization learn about our sisterhood, history, and traditions. During this period, we strive to get to know you better through one-on-one conversations with each sister and events throughout the semester. The 6 to 8-week process is for you to determine if the sorority is a good fit for you and for the sorority to determine if you are a good fit for us. Candidates have mandatory 1 hour meetings weekly, as well as other non-mandatory events ad individual meetings with current members. Overall, candidates spend 2-5 hours a week participating in candidacy events.

As an active member there are weekly chapter meetings that typically last around 30 minutes. There are numerous other events hosted throughout the semester, both mandatory and optional. As an active member you are expected to attend a certain amount of events. Overall, most active members spend 2-5 hours a week participating in AΩE activities.

Dues are between $75 and $275 per semester, depending on your activity status. However, the Chi chapter never wants finances to be what stops someone from joining, so a fund has been started to provide scholarships for members who need them. If at any point dues become too much of a burden, a member simply has to speak to the current treasurer about receiving a scholarship.

We have Unity events that are quite casual, such as Boba Runs, Thrift Shopping, and Paint Nights. These events are more relaxing, providing you a little moment away from all your work. We also host Professional events, such as Resume Workshops, Mock Interviews, and Study Hours. These events help you to be as successful as possible in the challenging world of STEM. All of these events have the exchange of knowledge from upperclassmen, with real world experience, to anyone who needs it. We also hold events under the categories of Philanthropy, Fundraising, Risk Management, and Diversity Equity & Inclusion.

The Chi Chapter of A.O.E. is not a part of GWU’s Panhellenic Association and does not participate in the formal recruitment and rush processes in conjunction with the Panhellenic sororities. We also don’t have dedicated housing, although many of our members room together in dorms and apartments, and our social events primarily take place during the day and are limited to our members. One of the largest differences is what connects our members. We are a group of gender minority students in STEM. We understand the struggles associated with not being treated fairly or taken seriously in our fields and we actively work to combat that. By supporting each other academically, professionally, and interpersonally, we uplift each other and create incredibly strong, meaningful connections. Having an established community allows you to find support inside and out of the classroom. Members and alumni are always willing to offer their advice and connections. Having another member in your class means that you already have a connection with them, regardless of how well you know them.