[DeltAlum]

Sorry Kevin,

I can't entirely agree. A weak alumni base can certainly be a factor -- sometimes a large one -- but in most cases they aren't the ones who are pouring drinks for underaged people at parties or breaking other rules on a daily basis. I say most, because I realize that some alums help perpetuate hazing traditions, etc. That's unfortunate. I think it's safe to say that those who are in positions of trust such as chapter advisor know better these days, although that may not be the case in every chapter.

Bottom line is that the undergraduates have the final decisions. The alums are not generally there for every party and/or function.

As James (a wise but sometimes confusing man) pointed out in another thread, training for alumni volunteers is also sadly lacking. I couldn't agree more. I think his specific example regarded alcohol counseling, but the fact is that we get little formal training unless we are able to attend division or national meetings. When I first became an assistant chapter advisor, I got a copy of the chapter management guidelines, risk management documents, etc. Fortunately, I was able to attend (sometimes at my own expense, sometimes not) some meetings and receive some training. Still, spending a weekend on several topics is not terribly enlightening when you consider the depth of some of these problems.

I don't know how to fix that problem. It's difficult enough to find chapter advisors in some cases, let alone assistants, house corporation members and others. We're busy people with full time jobs and families to raise.

In the end, it's the undergraduate officers and members who have to decide whether they want the chapter and national organization to survive.

Alumni can help, but we don't live with you. And we can't force compliance with the rules. That's your job.