Responsibilities of a Chapter/Alumni Advisor
- Provide guidance and advice to the chapter
- Attend chapter/executive meetings when needed or as expected
- Advise chapter officers
- Meet regularly with the chapter president and other officers to discuss important chapter issues
- Actively communicate with chapter members, OFSL staff, regional/province offices, and inter/national headquarters as required
- Read and understand the Elevation Accreditation Program to support the chapter’s adherence to their goals and their ultimate accreditation status
- Be knowledgeable about procedures and policies associated with the (inter)national organization
We also recognize your role may be defined by the (inter)national organization and may require more than the responsibilities listed above.
Tips for Chapter/Alumni Chapter Adivsors
- Obtain a copy of the chapter and (inter)national organization’s risk management and anti-hazing policies
- Determine which mode of communication works best when interacting with chapter members (email, phone calls, in-person meetings, etc.)
- Use the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life as a resource
- Review the chapter’s Elevation Accreditation Program submissions to support their efforts toward accreditation and improvement
- Assist the chapter in regularly setting realistic goals and reviewing progress
- Respond to all questions and requests for help in a timely manner
- Create a trusting relationship with chapter officers by building rapport
- Challenge the chapter to grow and develop and then support them in their endeavors
- Know what the chapter expects from you as an advisor and make clear what you expect from them as chapter members
- Ask to receive all meeting agendas and minutes
- Encourage chapter members to participate in leadership development opportunities provided by the inter/national organization
- Provide chapters with support when it comes to recruitment/intake
- Ask questions to determine the culture of the campus and fraternity & sorority community
- Consider joining and becoming involved in the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA)
The following resources have been pulled from the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA) website, which is the national association dedicated to providing exception resources, experiences, and support to fraternity and sorority advisors.