Q: Is it true that joining a fraternity is just buying your friends?
A: Contrary to all of the rumors, pledging or joining a fraternity does not “buy” your friends. A former President and Recruitment Chairman for Troy ATO put it this way: “We’re just a group of poor boys that pool our money to have a great time.” We become friends just like any other group does: we hang out, get to know each other, and have a good time together. That is what makes us friends.
Q: What does my money go to?
A: Over the course of a semester, ATO holds dozens of events, events that make being in a fraternity worth being in a fraternity. During the fall, there are Socials with each sorority on campus, tailgating at every home football game, and even a Formal, which is similar to Prom, but without all the sappy decorations. Each semester, we also go on brotherhood retreats; check out the PICTURES LINK to see photos of our camping trips, fishing trips, bowling, white water rafting, Six Flags Trips, etc. We do something different every time and it is always a memory filled time of fun and fellowship. Your money goes to pay for the stuff we do together.
Q: What does my money NOT go to?
A: In ATO, we have a strict risk management policy that FORBIDS any chapter funds from going to purchase alcohol. Your money will never go to purchase alcohol for parties, girls, or anyone else. If you want to drink, that’s your business, but ATO will never buy it for you.
Q: How does ATO dues compare to dues of other Fraternities on Campus?
A: Because of our strict risk management policies which have kept us from ever having any claims filed against us, ATO has the cheapest liability insurance costs on campus, which allows us to have the cheapest dues on campus.
Q: What must I pay to pledge ATO?
A: To pledge ATO, you will first pay a $50 pledging fee that goes to pay for your pledging books and materials, as well as your pledge pin. You will also pay $250 local dues to our chapter, which will pay for all of the activities that your pledge class will hold—socials with sororities, pledge retreats, pizza parties, community service activities, or anything else your pledge class decides to hold.
Q: After the pledging process is over, what must I pay?
A: After you have pledged for 10 weeks, and have met all requirements of you to become a brother, you must pay a one time $150 initiation fee, which pays for your ATO BADGE, and also inducts you into the National Fraternity which you will always be recognized in as a Brother of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity.
Q: As a brother, what must I pay?
A: Each semester, as a fully initiated brother of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, you first pay $91.38 to the National Fraternity for the liability insurance mentioned earlier; you will then pay $45 for National Fraternity dues, and $300 to Troy ATO. This totals less than $450 per semester, significantly lower than any other fraternity dues on campus.