The fraternity was created to strengthen Filipino unity by removing the divisions between regions, class levels, and language barriers.[4] However, men from every culture are welcome to join the fraternity.[4] Its mission is "to promote the understanding, enrichment, and appreciation of the Pilipino culture, history, and heritage through a brotherhood/family environment; to instill the desire for self-improvement, scholastic excellence, and the cultivation for civic responsibility."[3][5] Its pillars are academics, brotherhood, culture, and community.[2]
Soon after its creation and official recognition by the university, ΧΡΟ expanded with Beta chapter at San Francisco State University in 1996.[1] Other colonies were established, resulting in eight additional chapters being chartered elsewhere in California.[2]
The fraternity was incorporated in the State of California on March 24, 2006.[6] Since its founding, Chi Rho Omicron has initiated more than 700 members.[7]
Community service
The fraternity's community service projects tend to have a link to the Filipino community.[8][2][5] Projects include supporting the equity for Filipino World War II veterans and the reconstruction of the International Hotel in San Francisco.[8][5] The fraternity raises funds for the Pinoy/Pinay Educational Program, providing school supplies and Filipino history books to elementary students in San Francisco.[2] The fraternity also hosts Filipino Heritage Week activities on campus and in its various communities.[9][10]
Chapters
Following is a list of Chi Rho Omicron chapters.[3] Active chapters are indicated in bold. Inactive chapters are in italics.
^Formed as a colony in 1999. In 2015, the chapter lost its registration with the university for at least five years for hazing.
^Formed as a colony in 2008. This chapter has not been officially recognized by San Diego State University for some ten years but is still operating as of the fall of 2022.