[emb021]

Originally Posted by ree-Xi

[*]How did you end up advising the chapter?

Well, I stopped being a student with my chapter, and still wanted to be involved, so became an advisor.

This is not a route I recommend for most people. There is a big difference between being an active and being an advisor, hence its usually a good idea for both the chapter and the individual for the individual to go away for awhile (they could get involved as an alumni volunteer at other levels) before coming back as an advisor. Too often people loose site of the fact they are no longer active and need to conduct themselves differently.

For me, I was an non-traditional student when I pledged and was active, was a good 10+ years older then most of the rest and was already experienced with being an advisor in scouting. So the transition was easy for me.

[*]How much time do you devote to the chapter - including paperwork, meetings, etc. (Excluding recruitment).

Advisors really don't do paperwork in APO, but I do help out the chapter with theirs. I usually spend a few hours each week. How much will depend on the time of the year. More so during early semester, little during the summer, etc.

[*]Do you attend weekly meetings??

We don't have weekly meetings, we do them biweekly. But yes, I attend most. Its good to have atleast one advisor at meetings, especialy for certain ones (elections, pledge review, etc). No one should feel obligated to attend them all, but should be at enought to know whats going on in the chapter and be able to assist.

I also attend, as best I can, other events such as service projects, fellowship events, rush events, ceremonies, etc. advisors have a role to play in our initiation ritual.

[*]What day/time are the chapter's meetings?

Currently on Sunday afternoons.

[*]How would you describe your relationship with the collegiates? Friendly? Like a big sister? Like a mom? Like someone from Nationals?

'sister'? 'mom'. Keep in mind that some of us are male.

I prefer the 'uncle' style, not 'big brother'. An uncle would be an older relative who helps you out and is supportive, not adversarial like a sibling can be at times. I try to build a good, positive relationship with the actives. In APO we address Brothers by first names, no surnames or titles, regardless of age or position. I want them to be able to trust me and come to me with issues and concerns.

While I am an alumni volunteer at other levels of the fraternity, I try to avoid being the 'someone from Section/Region/National staff'. If I do see a problem or need to inform them of policy, I will do so. But mainly because I probably know policy better then they, rather then they are intentioning volating it.

[*]What are the biggest challenges you have faced?

Trust.

We had an issue with a certain group in our chapter at one time who felt the advisors were too involved (we were because we were trying to save the chapter from going under due to membership numbers), and wanted to restrict our involvement more then was proper. Fortunatly subsequent members dropped that nonsense.

Also had an issue with another chapter I was working to save and having other who go involved with saving it making accusations and questing my motives for being involved (uh, forgetting that I was asked by the section chair to help save the chapter???). Lot of bad things were sad about me and such, and never did get an apology from anyone or even any thanks from anyone involved with the chapter for the time and effort I put in to helping them (not that I was looking for such, but would have been the decent thing to do).

[*]How much unreimbursed money do you spend on the chapter, traveling, etc.? How often do you have to travel outside of the chapter (regionals, HQ)?

No reimbursement. I write it off on my taxes. (donation to a charitable group).

I do a bit of travel outside the chapter, more because of my other involvement as an alumni volunteer. I attend our state-wide conference each year, which is $100-200 for travel and hotel and fees. Regionals and Nationals each year (one or the other), which can be a lot more because I probably have to fly and stay longer at a hotel, so close to $1000. I spent about $500 to go to PR for their conference this year.


Hope this helps.