History of Greek Honor Society

Omega's History

Order of Omega was founded at the University of Miami (FL) in 1959 by a group of outstanding fraternity men, who felt that individuals in the Greek community should be recognized for their service to the fraternity community and the University.

The idea of an honorary for fraternity men at the University of Miami is attributed to Parker F. Enright, the advisor to fraternities at the time. Enright was later to accept a position at the University of Pittsburgh. He was also responsible for the founding of the Chapter (Pennsylvania Alpha) at the University of Pittsburgh in the spring of 1964.

The original constitution was approved by the Organizations Committee at the University of Miami on April 14, 1959, the recognized founding date. The first member class was initiated the following fall.

The Omega Alpha chapter at the University of Miami (FL) had long desired for their organization to expand to other colleges and universities. The Chapter gave its sanction to Dean Patrick W. Halloran to make initial inquiries and to further grant charters to universities that were accredited and interested in the purpose of The Order of Omega.

On December 1st, 1967, a Chapter (Omega Beta) was chartered at the University of Southern Mississippi. The Order of Omega voted to become a co-ed organization in the spring of 1977. There are now almost six hundred chapters in the United States and Canada with approximately ten new chapters being chartered each year.

Considering the age of the American college fraternity, the “active honorary” concept was long overdue. There must continue to be a common means by which the most outstanding fraternity men and women can stand united to further the philosophy of the college fraternity.

Order of Omega Position Statements

PRIMARY STATEMENTS

WHEREAS, The Order of Omega serves to recognize outstanding leadership in fraternity and sorority community on college and university campuses, and

WHEREAS, the recognized leadership serves to promote fraternity and sorority life on campuses, and

WHEREAS, outstanding leadership requires being a role model for fraternity and sorority chapter leaders and members, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED: that Order of Omega Chapter members adopt and promote the following position statements with their campus Order of Omega chapter, Greek governing bodies, and individual fraternity and sorority chapters.

RESOLUTION ON HUMAN DECENCY

WHEREAS, Harassment based upon gender, race, sexual orientation, religion, or national origin is inappropriate, insensitive, and sometimes violent, and

WHEREAS, this type of human interaction is contrary to the principles of the Order of Omega and fraternities and sororities, and

WHEREAS, such human interaction is reportedly practiced by some collegians, and

WHEREAS, this type of human interaction is destructive and contrary to human decency, therefore

BE IT RESOLVED: that The Order of Omega urges each member chapter to make every effort to educate its members and the members of its fraternity and sorority community regarding principles of human decency.

RESOLUTION AGAINST HAZING

WHEREAS, The Executive Board of the Order of Omega and its member chapters recognize and are concerned about any pre-initiation or initiation practices which constitute hazing, and

WHEREAS, hazing is contrary to everything fraternities and sororities stand for, and

WHEREAS, hazing is demeaning and illegal, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED: that The Order of Omega disapproves, in the strongest possible terms, of any activity that constitutes hazing on college and university campuses.

POSITION STATEMENT ON ALCOHOL AND ILLEGAL SUBSTANCES

WHEREAS, The Executive Board of The Order of Omega and its member chapters recognize and are deeply concerned with the continued abuse of alcohol and illegal substances in our fraternity and sorority community and in society, and

WHEREAS, the dangers of misuse and abuse of alcohol and illegal substances to individuals and groups are becoming increasingly evident, and

WHEREAS, the misuse and abuse of the substances are inconsistent with the goals and missions of The Order of Omega, fraternities and sororities, and higher education institutions, therefore,

BE IT RESOLVED: that Order of Omega members accept and promote the following:

that each Order of Omega member be encouraged to make a responsible decision concerning the use of alcohol and promote within his/her fraternity and sorority community this decision,
that when alcohol is present, responsibility be encouraged and promoted,
that all chapters develop and implement guidelines for responsible use of alcohol, and
that events and activities sponsored by chapters of The Order of Omega will comply with all university or college policies and local and state laws regarding the purchase, sale, and distribution, and use of alcoholic beverages,
that the purchase of alcohol with Order of Omega funds will be prohibited, and
BE IT RESOLVED: that use, sale, or distribution of illegal substances be forbidden and considered as grounds for expulsion from The Order of Omega chapter.

RESOLUTION ON SEXUAL MISCONDUCT

WHEREAS, Sexual misconduct based upon sexual harassment, discrimination, or sexual assault and all forms of discrimination relating to one’s sex or gender identity violates the rights and dignity of individuals and will not be tolerated, and.

WHEREAS, domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual coercion, and non-consensual sexual contact will not be condoned, and

WHEREAS, sexual misconduct is considered to be abusive and aggressive, whether physical, mental, or emotional, and is not welcome within this organization, and

WHEREAS, this type of conduct is contrary to the values and principles on which fraternity and sorority organizations and the Order of Omega were founded, and therefore

BE IT RESOLVED, Order of Omega members and chapters will work to educate their respective chapters and campus communities on available resources, promote healthy interactions amongst all people, to foster a campus climate that is supportive of collaboration creating a safe campus environment.

ORDER OF OMEGA DEI STATEMENT

Order of Omega is dedicated to meeting its purpose “to bring together members of the faculty, alumni, and student fraternity and sorority members of our host institutions on a basis of mutual interest, understanding, and cooperation.”

Order of Omega’s Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging:

Order of Omega recognizes diversity, inclusion, and belonging in an academic environment adds value to the educational experience. We are committed to fostering communities that value and support diversity, equity, and inclusiveness for individuals of all backgrounds, orientations, and abilities.

Constitution & Bylaws

Order of Omega operates under fundamental principles and specific rules written in the constitution and bylaws.

(Last ratified by chapters: 11/16/2022)

See Constitution and Bylaws

Purpose

To RECOGNIZE those fraternity men and women who have attained a high standard of leadership in interfraternity activities

To ENCOURAGE them to continue along this line, and to INSPIRE others to strive for similar conspicuous attainment

To UNITE outstanding fraternity men and women to create an organization which will help to mold the sentiment of the institution on questions of local and intercollegiate fraternity affairs

To BRING TOGETHER members of the faculty, alumni, and student members of the institution’s fraternities and sororities on a basis of mutual interest, understanding and helpfulness

To help CREATE an atmosphere where ideas and issues can be discussed openly across Greek lines and to help work out solutions

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