Co-Ed, Pre-Law Fraternity at the
University of Maryland, College Park
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Still got questions? Check out the categories below to find that answer you've been searching for.
If it's not here, send us an email on our Contact page.
General Topics
When are weekly chapter meetings?
Chapter meetings are every Tuesday from 8-9pm in room #2309 of the Parren J. Mitchell Art Sociology building unless explicitly stated otherwise Announcements about venue or time changes will be sent out to members via email by our Secretary.
Are chapter meetings mandatory?
All active members must attend chapter regularly. Absence notes must be emailed to our Secretary prior to the chapter in question. But if you really need to finish a homework assignment, we won't tell.
What is the dress code for chapter?
Dress code for chapter is casual unless otherwise stated. We require business casual when hosting guest speakers.
Who are my Executive Board and Officers, and what do they do?
Information about your Executive Board and Cabinet Officers can be found on their respective pages under the Chapter Involvement tab.
I genuinely can't attend a PAD-sponsored community service event, what should I do?
In the rare case that you can't attend any of the PAD-sponsored community service events, you must submit documentation of and approval for an alternate community service event or project. This alternate project can fulfill your formal requirement, but you will not earn points as the project was not undertaken with PAD.
Involvement
Topic - the points system.
Points are how we keep track of our members' involvement. Members are awarded points for attending events (ex. chapter, semi-formal, pumpkin patch trip, community service). At the end of the semester, the 50-60 members with the most points are invited to our Formal. Points and formal are incentives for participation.
What events are mandatory?
All active members must attend chapter regularly and at least one community service event over the course of the semester. We recommend attending as many events as possible - you'll get out of PAD what you put into it.
I'm not on Executive Board or a Cabinet Officer, but I'm interested what they do. How can I get involved?
Reach out! Talk to an Executive or Cabinet member after chapter or whenever you see them on campus. Specific Cabinet Officers chair smaller informal committees dedicated to their role - and are always looking to take others under their wing. For example, you never know if the Professional Development chair needs help organizing speakers for an event or if the Public Relations chair needs a with media outreach. Meet your Executive Board and Cabinet Officers.
Membership
Topic - Recruitment and Becoming a Member
We host two recruitment weeks per school year, once per semester (September in the Fall and February in the Spring). Recruitment schedules are posted on all social media accounts and on this website, with more information on the Membership page. Potential new members are strongly encouraged to attend all events during the week (typically 3-4) and will be given the opportunity to do a recruitment conference. Membership invitations are extended to recruits the following Tuesday at chapter.
Do I have to pay dues to become a member?
Yes. Prior to initiation, all new members must make one-time payments of $150 in local dues and $125 in national dues ($275 total). After that, the only payments you'll make are for specific events (ex. $5 ice skate rentals).
How do recruitment conferences work?
Recruitment conferences typically last 10-15 minutes and are conducted by a current PAD member. These conferences operate as a get-to-know-you session for both the potential new members.
Topic - Initiation
Initiation is an event, taking the place of a weekly chapter, where all new members become official brothers/sisters of our Phi Alpha Delta chapter at UMD. Initiation typically takes place in Memorial Chapel. Dress code is all black, snappy casual.
What is our hazing policy?
We are a strict no hazing organization and any instances of hazing, or other dangerous conduct, will not be tolerated.
More information can be found on the Membership page.
Formals
Question: When is Formal?
Formal takes place at a D.C. restaurant at the end of each semester.
Question: What are requirements for Formal?
To attend Formal, members must at least attend a community service event, a social event, and a professional development event. Along with this, members should try to get as many points as they can by being actively involved. The 50-60 members with the most points at the end of the semester receive an invitation.
What is the dress code for Formal?
The dress code for Formal often depends on the venue we have booked. So while finer details of the dress code will be revealed as Formal approaches, here's some safe bets: cocktail dresses for ladies and collared shirts and blazers (tie optional but encouraged!) for men. Dress up and have fun!