The Leadership Advisor/Consultant Program
 

[size=1.5]*Disclaimer*
This thread is in no way intended to down the LC/LA Program. I have much respect for the program and what it does for recent graduate alumnae and chapters. However, I know that many of us have had some not so great situations involving them. The purpose of this thread is to get a better understanding of the program and/or to see what solutions or ideas can be generated from those experiences. If you are going to respond please leave out any names or things that may not be appropriate. Thanx! :D [/size]

I have been pondering this since I was an active and as I have heard from many other people about their experiences with LC's/LA's. So if thereare any former ones or anyone who knows some answers, please help out :)

• What things are done and gone over in the training? What does the training involve?
  
• How are the LC's/LA's paired up with the schools they are given?
  
• Should LA's/LC's be paired with schools/systems like they came from? At times you have alums who went to small schools with no so big greek systems that are sent to large schools with a big system. Do you think this could hurt a chapter or that it doesnt matter? We know that some try to implement things that worked with their chapter into the ones they go to as LA's/LC's. While this is not a bad thing. It can become a problem if one tries to make the chapter exactly as their own.
  
• Should LA's/LC's check out how the school's system works (go to Offices of Greek Life, other houses, etc.) before starting to advise a chapter on its recruitment?
  
• How much influence should an LA/LC have on a chapter and its recruitment? Should it be "Whatever you guys want to do" attitude or a "Here's what you WILL do" attitude?

If anyone has anymore questions or situations they would like to discuss, please do. As I said, this is a thread to discuss, better understand, & to get ideas and solutions for the program.

Hmmm...while this is definitely an interesting topic for discussion, I am not so sure if its appropriate for this forum because it deals with internal Alpha Gam business. Maybe we should take this up at weekly chat instead?

Not intended to offend at all, just my opinion! :)

I have to agree. This is why the IHQ site needs discussion boards for members only.

Given that there are only a few LC's each year, it's hard to match personal experience vs school. I don't know that much about them but they prob have geographic areas. Look at your own state and the small/large chapters.


Think of the scheduling and $$ nightmare!

Oh well, when AGD gets every chapter to make quota and into paid-for houses, it would be a wonderful idea!
;)

Are we going to chat tonight? I'm around for once and I just finished my paper, so I'm free. :) If not, I guess I will try next time!

Late but here
 

See u there.

I think some good questions are asked, and I'll speak up on a few things that I feel are appropriate to discuss on a public board... one thing I'd like to point out, however is that training can vary from year-to-year. While I traveled several years ago, it does depend on who is in the trainer position, and what's going on within the Fraternity (if it's a Convention year, new Council members, etc.). So I guess what I'm saying is that this may not apply currently, but it's how it was done back when. :) Also, we did not have any LAs when I traveled (or Graduate Counselors/GCs as they were called!), so I can't speak to that program.


What things are done and gone over in the training? What does the training involve?

Training is extensive and primarily focuses on recruitment during the summer. When I traveled we were there for just over two weeks and it was quite intensive. Now I understand that training is longer. Consultants then go back to IHQ in October (following the busy recruitment times) for leadership development (working with officer teams) and finance training. Our training was conducted by the Director of Chapter Services and other staff members at IHQ, as well as various Council members and VST members. We also worked with other consultant staffs to train on meeting with Greek Advisors, etiquette, program presentation, etc.


How are the LCs/LAs paired up with the schools they are given?

As far as I'm aware, this is done internally based on the input of those who interviewed the LC candidates and reviewed their application and background information (Council and IHQ staff).


How much influence should an LA/LC have on a chapter and its recruitment? Should it be "Whatever you guys want to do" attitude or a "Here's what you WILL do" attitude?

The Consultant is there to do her job by ensuring that the Fraternity's Standing Rules, Governing Documents, and Constitution are upheld - as well as NPC guidelines and local, state/province, and federal laws, of course. If a chapter is not at Quota or Total, then the Consultant has probably been advised by a VST member to implement certain changes – she's not just doing it because she feels like it, or because it was done that way somewhere else. She's working to make the chapter successful - and if something isn't working (the chapter isn't making Quota and Total), then the Consultant can offer ideas and input for improvement. It can be a double-edged sword to have a chapter who is not successful in recruitment keeping things "the way they've always been" just because... when a little change might bring about results. It's also important for all of us to be aware that change doesn't happen overnight! Some changes will take a year or two for benefits to be clearly seen. But in the end, the LC has been thoroughly trained in these areas and oftentimes has been directed by a VST member to initiate change during recruitment.

Hope that helps answer some questions! :)

hmm ....
 

application time is approaching ...

I know that one of us on GC is planning to apply for a position ... just wondering who else is considering it??

~ jen :)

LC/Program
 

Good luck to all of those that apply...Make sure to get your applications in on time.
Training for the LC program is very intense. It is a four week process for recruitment alone. This time is spent traveling to IFC/NPC consultant training seminars and internal meetings with IHQ, IC and other VST staff.
I think that the important thing to remember about LC's is that their ideas and suggestions are sparked from such training and recommendations from VST. And it may not always be things that they agree with or want to change, but have instructions from the "higher ups". The Fraternity has very strict policies and procedures. Many times, the LC goes into a chapter and gives it her all and becomes attached to the women and situation. She wants the chapter as well as the Fraternity to thrive and be successful.
Also, remember that it would be great if an LC could visit other chapters on a campus, especially during recruitment. But the truth is that not many groups are willing to allow such a person to view their events...knowing that such info will be relayed to their respective chapter. A few campuses encourage such support, but not most.

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING TO REMEMBER ABOUT THE LC/LA program is that these women are your sisters!!! They are doing what they do because they love and are devoted to Alpha Gamma Delta. They travel across the country, visiting with strangers (some of whom do not like them bc of their position or such negative, previous experiences) without seeing a familiar face, families and friends for months. All the time putting aside what ever may be going on in their personal life, for the sake of the collegiate women they are to support and lead.

Share your love and support with these women, remember EP.

Re: LC/Program
 

VERY well said!! :)

BTW - welcome to GC rbggal!! :)

Re: hmm ....
 

Who on GC is planning to apply?

Great to hear!

Loyally,
Mai

Re: LC/Program
 

AMEN, sister! I traveled last year and have about a million things I could tell you all. But I agree, judging by the inquisitve tone of the original post, I would say it would be a great topic to chat about. I too wish AGD had message boards for the GC people, but things have to move at the pace they do because the women in charge of our great website are busy trying to do everything!

To add to RBGgal's post, I would say this - don't base your current/future experience with an LC/LA off of the last one. While everyone does get the same training and is very very qualified, every year is different and every sister is different, as someone else mentioned above. Their job, as is yours, is to have an open mind and be grateful for the little things!

For those of you who are interested in the position, I encourage you to at least apply. You'll get a WHOLE new perspective on life, yourself, Alpha Gam, and other people. Was it hard? Yes. Would I do it again? I'm not sure. Was it worth it? Heck yes, no questions asked.

Loyally,
Jenny