Quote:
Originally Posted by yabs
I have a question for the boards...
My chapter is having some issues with our Chapter Advisor in the sense that on numerous occasions he has displayed actions that brothers not only disagree with, but also pose as a conflict of interest to the Chapter.
To list a few things, he has taken on positions as our Chapter Advisor, Chapter Advisory Board Chairmen, President of our Alumni Corporation, Regional Counselor, and also serves as a member of the National Standards and Risk Management Committee. He uses these titles to Suspend both local and national by-laws at will, and throws around interpretations of our by-laws that most brothers do not feel are correct. Not only that, but the Standars/RM Committee is one of the only groups that can reorganize a Chapter, and he has threated our Chapter with that notion on more than one occasion. (I would like to note that our Nationals really like our Chapter, and other Chapters look up to us and ask us for advice. It is extremely unlikely that we deserve even the thought of being reorganized)
The other major issue which some of the guys have expressed is that he sits in on every one of our Standards Board hearings and essentially tells the Board how to handle a situation, aka how to vote and sanction each person.
Is there any way to approach this situation repsectfully? Trying to talk to him directly has not worked because he dismisses any other opinion besides him own. The Board's suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
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From what you have written, it sounds like your advisor may be abusing his authority. However, in the eyes of your HQ, he may not. Which may be *why* your nationals like your chapter. They know it is in "good hands" as it were. Or maybe they don't know anything. As such, I would strongly suggest that you understand what are his duties and perhaps responsibilities. And once you have your facts, then contact HQ with any concerns you might still have.
I would like to point out that it may be that he is simply following directions from your HQ. I noticed from another post that you are a re-founding father of your chapter. So I am guessing here that at some point, your chapter was closed. Duh right? I mean closed for a period of time. Not knowing officially why, this is pure speculation on my part. Perhaps he is there to ensure that certain requirements that were set forth by your HQ, and maybe the university, for your return to campus is met. As an example, it may be that your HQ requires a chapter advisor to be present at Standards Board hearings due to past actions of the chapter. If so, it would make sense that he might also be a member of your National Standards and Risk Management Committee. This wouldn't be a conflict of interest by your HQ. Also, it is not unheard of the chapter advisor serving as chairman of your chapter's advisory board or even alumni corporation. He might have been selected to serve in these areas because he is a regional counselor. Again, these things all seem rather legit and perhaps not a conflict.
As such, (not saying this is the case, but again just speculating as to *why*), he may be coming off as hard handed simply because he has been entrusted by your HQ to ensure that the chapter does not revert to past unacceptable actions. Perhaps he hasn't communicated that to the chapter.
Now having said that, he may very well be abusing his authority. Frankly, I don't know of any situation where someone can suspend the national by-laws. Unless, perhaps, it is written *in* the by-laws. Are you sure he is suspending national by-laws? Again, be sure you have the facts.
In any case, as FSUZeta pointed out, do contact other members of the advisory board, the alumni corporation, and any other alumni to get a better understanding of what his duties might be. It may be that he is doing everything "by the book", but is a jerk about it. Or it may be that he doesn't have any authority to act the way he does at all. Once you know *for sure*, then contact your HQ for any action necessary.
One other suggestion if I may. You asked if there was a way to approach this situation repsectfully. If he does have the authority, then perhaps ask him to come to an E-board or general meeting to discusses his duties. And if that happens, don't be combative or question his motives per say. That isn't going to get you anywhere. Ask him what you - as a chapter - can do to help him, help the chapter.
Good luck.