I'm assuming that the letter from HQ was an appointment to the position of sorts. I think it's strange that it sounds like you're supposed to get your manual from the chapter? When I joined my chapter's AB two years ago, the Advisory Board Chair had a bunch of manuals for me - I've kept it in a carrying case to make it easier to lug around. It sounds like you were kind of thrust into this position without a whole lot of training, which is unfortunate. While it may not be as time-consuming as advising recruitment, ritual is still important and I'm sure you want to be adequately informed on all the policies and procedures. Ritual has been one of the positions that I've been advising the past two years as it fall under the Vice-President that I advise.
I also think it's strange that the president said that the one meeting was really that important. Our Advisory Board rotates and takes turns each week attending the weekly meeting because it's required.
When do the officers switch, and new ones come in? Will that be in January? If so, you might have a different experience at that time dealing with your advisee since she'll be brand new to her position and all fired up.

I, too, am a recent Alumane Initiate and am now the Campus/faculty advisor for my chapter, as it is a requirement of every group on campus (not just GLO's) to have a member of the faculty or staff as an advisor, in addition to the Chapter Advisor. I was more than happy to fill the need and although I had NO clue what my official role was, I knew that open communication would be the key with the collegians. I am thrilled to be able to support them as an AI and I really think I have been able to make a connection with them so they can ask me for any advice, suggestions and support as needed. I'm not going out with them to socials or keg parties, but instead attend at least 2 of their meetings a month and keep a steady line of communication via email with the chapter sisters. Since I'm not their Chapter Advisor (actually their chapter advisor just resigned), I wasn't given a manual, but I'm trying to learn as much as possible by asking questions, observing the chapter interaction and inner-workings and by attending meetings.

It's a work in progress being an advisor as an AI, but be patient with the collegians. Remember your life at their age and remember how hectic/crazy things were for you...That's just my 2 cents!

One big difference though is that you are being paid by the University so I would think you have to side with them if there is a conflict of interest.........

Spammer attack!
But I have been meaning to bump this thread anyway to give an update.

My chapter has been working with a consultant. I am so proud of them. They are so awesome, they have come a long way since my post. They just needed a little guidance. I never wanted to tell them what to do with our ceremonies (that is why we have consultants) but now they know and they are doing it. So needless to say I am set with my position and this was a great semester. I dont' think they ever had a RA before. I attempted to contact some other RA's in the area, but there aren't very many, and those I did contact did not get back to me. I may have had a e-mail that no longer works. I met with the consultant as well and that was a great idea.

However, everything is wonderful with the chapter. I am developing a great relationship with the president and we are both attending convention in July. Hopefully, attending convention will help me better understand my role as well.

I really like the girls. I pop in here and there and I try to attend about one meeting a month. They invite me to social things (when it is appropriate for me to be there) and I am really getting to know the girls well. I am developing a good friendship with a few sisters, and I am glad that they consider me more of a mentor/advisor in all areas. For example, a few of them ask me for specific guidance or an opinion on something. I am happy that they are able to open up to me.

I have so much confidence that these ladies will become a crown chapter in no time. (That is a recognition for outstanding chapters in ASA). They are so awesome and I am sad to see the semester end.

Glad You are doing so well and attending You National Convention can be a big PLUS for You!:cool:

If it is like Ours, there are many work shops that are inter active to get information and aid.

It is a lot of hard work but it is a lot of fun.

At our last on, I met a lot of GC LXs there and had a ball, little sleep though!:D