Alpha Theta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc

Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. the first intercollegiate Greek-letter fraternity established for African American men. Our organization was founded at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York by seven college men who recognized the need for a strong bond of brotherhood among Black men.

Since its founding on December 4, 1906, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. has supplied voice and vision to the struggle of African Americans and people of color around the world; marching at the forefront of the African-American community’s fight for civil rights through leaders such as W.E.B. DuBois, Adam Clayton Powell, Jr., Edward Brooke, Martin Luther King, Jr., Thurgood Marshall, Andrew Young, William Gray, Paul Robeson, and many others. Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. develops leaders, promotes brotherhood and academic excellence, while providing service and advocacy for our communities.

About this chapter

  • Nickname: The Uncanny Alpha Theta Chapter
  • Colors: Old Gold & Black
  • National organization website
  • Notable Alum:
    • Louis B. White ‘27 – 1st Black Phi Beta Kappa Key Scholar at Iowa in the 20th century. The only Black Soccer player in the Big 10 Conference in 1927 & 28
    • James E. Peeples ’34 – Longtime civil rights activist
    • Ozzie Simmons ’34 – One of the first Black All-American college football players, responsible for the creation of the Floyd of Rosedale Trophy.
    • Dick Culbertson (circa 1940s) – 1st African American Basketball player in the Big 10 Conference in 1944 on the University of Iowa team.
    • Clifton R. Jones (circa 1930s) – 1st Black student to receive a doctorate in Sociology from the University of Iowa.
  • Social Media Links:

Community service

Finances

  • The fees include a $325.00 non-refundable application processing fee, $60.00 non-refundable background check, initiation fee, intake assessment, grand tax (membership fee), National Housing and Building Assessment, copy of Alpha Phi Alpha’s Constitution & By-Laws, shingle (membership certificate), passcard (identification of membership), volume 1 and volume 2 of the official Alpha Phi Alpha history book, Sphinx pin, fraternity pin, Alpha blazer, and shipping and handling fees.
  • The following are the application fees based on classification according to a candidate’s official transcript.
  • New member fees are paid once and covers National Dues for the brother throughout the continuous duration of their time in college. Chapter dues of $100 are assessed on an annual basis.

New member fees

  • Freshman - $1,336
  • Sophomore - $1,261
  • Junior - $1,186
  • Senior - $1,111

Give range for entire community (listed on family guide)

Joining requirements 

GPA: >=2.5/4.0

Any male student of an accredited college may be presented as a candidate for membership in a college chapter provided that he:

  • Attends an institution where an active chapter is located (Membership is not available for individuals attending an online university that does not have a chapter seat. Membership is only available for individuals attending the school where the chapter seat is located.)
  • Has successfully completed one semester or two quarters of a regular year’s program
  • Is a full-time student taking courses leading to his first academic degree
  • Is in good academic standing with a cumulative grade point average of not less than 2.5 on a 4.0 grade point scale or equivalent except where the minimum grade required by the college for graduation is greater; then the minimum grade for graduation must be used for eligibility
  • Is of good character
  • Is registered to vote, if eligible and qualified
  • Is sponsored by a member in good standing from the chapter in which the candidate is seeking membership
  • Is recommended by a member in good standing from the chapter in which the candidate is seeking membership

Application Checklist:

  • Official College Transcript
  • Proof of Voter Registration (Proof of citizenship from country of origin, visa or permanent resident card for candidates not eligible to vote in the United States); voter registration application will NOT be accepted
  • Essay
  • Current résumé
  • Current headshot photo
  • Background check
  • Payment of national application fee

Intake process

  • Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. strictly prohibits hazing in any form whether physical or mental as a term or condition of membership in the organization. Hazing is illegal and a crime in most jurisdictions. Candidates to the organization should participate only in the sanctioned membership process of the fraternity. Candidates must not agree to submit to hazing in order to obtain fraternity membership.
  • Pledging has been officially abolished as a means of obtaining membership in Alpha Phi Alpha, and pledge “lines” have been officially abolished by the fraternity. Candidates must not submit themselves, or agree to submit themselves, to any membership activities that are prohibited by the fraternity. Members of Alpha Phi Alpha are forbidden from requiring any candidate to engage in prohibited membership activities. Members of Alpha Phi Alpha are not authorized to require any candidate to engage in prohibited membership activities.

Looking to join this organization?

Reach out to the organization president: Nikeil Fleming (nikeil-fleming@uiowa.edu).