THE ROLE OF THE CHAPTER ADVISER
A chapter adviser can be an excellent form of support. Therefore, it is important to emphasize the significance of an adviser to the members of a chapter. Together, the adviser and the chapter members must strive to gain a better understanding of the relationship that exists between the chapter and the institution. The relationship between the chapter adviser and chapter members is important, as a committed chapter adviser can make a significant positive impact in all areas of chapter operation.
Objectives of the Chapter Adviser
1. To assist the Faculty Adviser in the promotion of scholarship generally among the members of the chapter and promoting an atmosphere conducive for study conditions within the special intereest house (if applicable)
2. To assist the chapter officers.
3. To advise the chapter in the understanding of electing and training competent chapter officers.
4. To work with the chapter officers in preparing and completing the yearly Basic Expectations Packet, budgets and other strategic goals (including those for the SMART Goals meeting).
5. To keep current with the University policies in general and, in particular, those pertaining to fraternity/sorority chapters and all student organizations.
6. To work with chapter leadership in confronting members delinquent in their financial obligations to the chapter.
7. To work with chapter leadership in educating and explaining inter/national fraternity/sorority policies and actions to the chapter membership.
8. To assist the chapter membership in promoting and establishing good communication between the chapter and local alumni, the house corporation, and the inter/national fraternity/sorority.
9. To attend a majority of active chapter meetings.
10. To make every effort to attend each major chapter event, ritual, and ceremony.
11. To work with the chapter house corporation, the house manager, and the chapter members to ensure the chapter house is in proper condition (if applicable).
12. To attend national and regional meetings.
13. To give assistance and advice in recruitment planning and membership education functions.
14. To discuss individual problems with members and give personal guidance if/when appropriate.
16. To be an active participant in alumni groups.
17. To work with chapter leadership and chapter members to verify the chapter is familiar and in compliance with local, state, and national policies and regulations, as well as those of the inter/national fraternity/sorority.
18. To assist the chapter leadership with the implementation of a purposeful chapter retreat.
*Chapters can have alumni advisery boards. The chair of the alumni advisery board would be, for UD’s purposes, the chapter adviser.
Where to find a Chapter Adviser
1. Inter/national or regional headquarters.
2. Campus advisers.
3. Housing corporations.
4. Alumni.
5. Other local chapters.
6. Use of a newsletter.
How do you know if the person is a "good fit?"
1. Can the person be depended upon for close and prompt cooperation?
2. Is the person on good terms, and in good standing, with the University administration, faculty, the inter/national chapter, and house corporation (if applicable)?
3. Does the person have a good understanding of the chapter (including possible issues) and the fraternity/sorority community in general?
4. Does the person work well with college students?
5. Does the person have enough time to commit to the chapter?
6. Is the person fair-minded?
Possible ways to honor the Chapter Adviser
1. Nominate him/her for an inter/national chapter award.
2. Nominate him/her for a campus award.
3. Thank them publicly and have special adviser appreciation events.
THE ROLE OF THE FACULTY/STAFF ADVISER
A faculty/staff adviser can be an excellent form of support. Therefore, it is important to emphasize the significance of an adviser to the members of a chapter. Together, the adviser and the chapter members must strive to gain a better understanding of the relationship that exists between the chapter and the institution. The relationship between the chapter adviser and chapter members is important, as a committed faculty/staff adviser can make a significant positive impact in all areas of the chapter operation, not simply scholarship alone.
Objectives of the Faculty/Staff Adviser
1. To assist the chapter leadership in the promotion of scholarship amongst the members of the chapter and promoting an atmosphere conducive for study conditions within the special interest house (if applicable).
2. To assist in educating the chapter membership and house corporation (if applicable) of the University of Dayton’s policies and procedures.
3. To become and remain aware of the local chapter’s values and assist the local chapter in their promotion of these values on a daily basis.
How to recruit a Faculty/Staff Adviser
1. Ask each member to nominate his/her choice for a faculty/staff adviser and present list at a chapter meeting.
2. Ask members of the Office of Leadership Development for assistance in acquiring Faculty/Staff Adviser.
3. Invite potential faculty/staff adviser(s) to lunch, dinner, or a program to introduce them to the chapter.
4. Provide potential faculty/staff advisers with a current list of the activities the chapter is engaged in and what contributions the faculty/staff adviser might be able to give.
5. Use alumni as a resource.
6. Possible areas of consideration for advisery assistance: academic improvement, study skills development, new member education, leadership development programs, officer training, alumni development programs, relationships with other faculty and administration.
Possible ways to honor a Faculty/Staff Adviser
1. Nominate him/her for an inter/national chapter award.
2. Nominate him/her for a campus award.
3. Thank them publicly and have special adviser appreciation events.
4. Invite adviser to all scholarship banquets (If you do not currently have a scholarship banquet, implement one).
5. Invite him/her to all chapter events and activities.