THE ROLE OF THE ADVISOR

A faculty/staff advisor can be an excellent form of support. Without reciprocal support from those being advised, however, nothing will be accomplished. Therefore, it is important to emphasize the significance of an advisor to the members of a chapter. Together, the advisor and the chapter members must strive to gain a better understanding of the relationship that exists between the chapter and the institution. It is also important to realize that having a committed faculty/staff advisor can make a significant positive impact in all areas of chapter operation, not scholarship alone.

ADVISING PHILOSOPHY

The goal of Fraternity and Sorority advisors is to assist in the development of students involved in the organization. Advisors encourage and motivate members to take advantage of various opportunities that are available to them at UNCW and to share these learnings with their fellow members. Recognizing that fraternities and sororities are excellent opportunities for student learning and community governance, advisors can focus on learning outcomes as well as task completion. Through advisor involvement, guidance, appropriate intervention and questions, students will be able to make meaning of their experiences, develop their leadership potential, and learn to work effectively as contributing members of a community.

Adapted from Supervisor's Journal, PaperClip Communications.

ADVISOR'S ROLE

The role of the advisor is to serve as a primary resource for the fraternity / sorority groups with which the advisor is associated.

We expect advisors to:

• Advise (i.e, provide counsel) organization leadership on issues such as membership development, financial matters, and service opportunities.
• Work with organization leadership to develop semester and year goals.
• Attend organization meetings.
• Attend executive board meetings.
• Attend high profile organization events such as mixers, banquets, or philanthropy events sponsored by the organization.
• Use Coordinator of Greek Affairs as a resource. Ask questions!!
• Serve as a resource for all chapter officers.
• Have an understanding of UNCW and Greek Affairs Policies.
• Partcipate in annual Greek Affairs training and events
• Continually adapt his/her activities to fit the ever-changing situations in the chapter.
• Continually help the chapter become as self-sufficient as possible.
• Be interested in the individual and in the collective welfare of the chapter members, not just in the chapter's academic standing.
• Recognize and accept the fact that there may be no direct results of his/her labors.

Advisor's Impact

The impact of being an advisor goes far beyond the success of the organization. Advisors touch and impact the lives of those with whom they work.

Advisors:

• Serve as a positive role models
• Instill a desire to excel academically
• Develop future leaders
• Prepare students for a global community
• Improve the reputations of the organizations they are affiliated with
• Teach healthy choices about day-to-day life

Advisors have:

A desire to help students Enthusiasm
A sense of humor The ability to motivate
Listening skills

DO'S AND DON'TS OF ADVISING Do:

    Do:

1. Be visible Close communication
2. Be consistent with your actions
3. Keep your sense of humor
4. Trust yourself and the group
5. Allow others to fail
6. Allow others to succeed
7. Know your limits
8. Learn when to speak and when not to speak
9. Inform the group of policies
10. Teach the art of leadership
11. Create 'check-in' time and Have fun!

    Do Not:

1. Take everything so seriously
2. Know it all
3. Be afraid to try new ideas
4. Control the group
5. Manipulate the group
6. Take ownership for the group
7. Be the leader
8. Forget to set boundaries!
9. Make meetings all business—Have fun too! 

FACULTY/STAFF ADVISOR

How to recruit a Faculty/Staff Advisor

1. Ask each member to nominate his/her choice for a faculty/staff advisor and present list at chapter meeting for selection.
2. Invite these faculty/staff members to lunch, dinner, or a program to introduce them to the chapter.
3. Provide nominees with a list of the things your chapter is currently doing in regards to scholarship and what contributions the faculty/staff advisor will have.
4. Use alumni as a resource.

Possible ways to honor a Faculty/Staff Advisor

1. Nominate him/her for an Inter/National chapter award.
2. Nominate him/her for a campus award.
3. Nominate him/her for a community service award.
4. Invite advisor to all scholarship banquets (If you do not currently have a scholarship banquet, implement one).
5. Take pride in the fact that you have a faculty/staff advisor and invite him/her to chapter events.

Suggested Ways the Faculty Advisor Can Become Involved with the Chapter

Working directly with Freshmen:

• Help students understand and complete academic requirements
• Provide information about study skills, test-taking, and note-taking workshops

Working directly with Sophomores:

• Help students declare a major
• Help students understand the limited enrollment programs

Working directly with Juniors:

• Help students explore study abroad opportunities
• Help students explore internship opportunities

Working directly with Seniors:

• Help students with resume writing
• Help students with graduate school applications

General Suggestions for Faculty Advisors regarding poor academic performance of chapter members:

• Meet monthly with each individual who achieved a grade point average between 2.5 - 3.0 the previous semester.
• Meet every two weeks with each individual who achieved a grade point average between 2.0 - 2.5 the previous semester.
• Meet every week with each individual who achieved a grade point average below a 2.0 the previous semester.
• Help organize weekly study hours for members
• Help organize a scholarship ceremony each semester
• Meet with the new member class during the new member education period to discuss good study habits and the importance of academic achievement