Kappa Alpha Pi () or KAPi (pronounced "Kap-ee") is a gender-inclusive pre-law fraternity that started at the University of Michigan. Although related in mission, all chapters operate as local organizations, without a national parent organization. Some chapters are part of regional conferences, such as those chapters that are part of the Southern Conference of Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-Law and Government Fraternity.
History
In 2007, undergraduate members of Phi Alpha Delta at the University of Michigan disaffiliated from the international pre-law fraternity to form a new "close-knit community" at the local level. These pre-law students created Kappa Alpha Pi on October 9, 2007. The purpose of Kappa Alpha Pi is "to foster knowledge of the law for undergraduate students; to provide service to the greater community and campus; to promote a strong sense of fraternalism among members; to uphold the ideals and integrity of Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-Law Co-ed Fraternity; so that each member may advance his or her intellect while contributing actively to the well-being of others."
In the fall of 2009, the Alpha chapter of Phi Alpha Delta at UCLA also withdrew from the national pre-law fraternity. It formed the Beta chapter of Kappa Alpha Pi. Similarly, the Theta chapter at University of California, Davis also formed from a pre-existing Phi Alpha Delta chapter.
Although the fraternity expanded to other campuses, each chapter follows the model of the Alpha chapter, operating as a local chapter without a national structure. However, some chapters are part of regional conferences, such as those chapters that are part of the Southern Conference of Kappa Alpha Pi Pre-Law and Government Fraternity. Each chapter has an executive board that leads the fraternity and its pledge classes.
Symbols and traditions
The Kappa Alpha Pi crest features a shield decorated with a gavel, the Book of Knowledge, and a torch that symbolize law and justice. At the base of the shield is a scroll with the fraternity's name. Above the shield is the Wreath of Victory and a phoenix which represents the fraternity's history.
The fraternity's colors are navy blue, symbolizing harmony and steadfastness, and silver which symbolizes intelligence, maturity, modesty, and security. Its pillars are professionalism, philanthropy, and brotherhood.
Activities
Chapters hold weekly or bi-weekly meetings with guest speakers. Individual chapters plan their own campus programs and offer assistance with preparing for the Law School Admission Test (LSAT) and law school application, host resume workshops, and offer mentorship programs with law school students. The fraternity also does philanthropic work, such as fundraising for local charities and partnering with legal clinics and legal aid nonprofit organizations. Local chapters independently create their own recruitment processes, but most chapters have some rush and pledge process rush and pledge process modeled after social greek sororities and fraternities.
Collegiate chapters
Following is a list of Kappa Alpha Pi chapters. Active chapters are indicated in bold. Inactive chapters are in italic.
See also
Professional fraternities and sororities
Lambda Epsilon Chi (paralegal honor society) The Order of Barristers (law and litigation honor society) Order of the Coif (law honor society) Phi Delta Phi (law honor society)