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It is usually the recommendation of the National Alumni Association Board that alumni only attend collegiate meetings when invited by the chapter. When alumni are invited to attend (and keep in mind this could be an open invitation to attend almost any meeting if the collegiates so choose), the alumni are encouraged to keep their opinions and discussion to a minimum to allow collegiates to direct their chapter as suits them best at that time. Remember, like Jennifer said, under no circumstances should alumni participate in a collegiate meeting as voting members. Alumni should be thought of as "supporters" of a chapter as they are no longer members. Since alumni have already experienced many ups and downs, their opinions and guidance can be valuable though.
Part of being an alumni is realizing that there may actually be times that collegiates want to discuss items that they feel are very personal to themselves. In that case, I would hope that alumni would understand the situation and give the collegiates the privacy they need with their advisor to conduct their business. It should never be assumed that just because you're an alumni of a Sigma Alpha chapter that you are allowed to attend whatever event you feel like.
I've heard horror stories in the past of alumni insisting on coming to all collegiate functions, taking over meetings, and trying to force collegiate opinions in certain directions. The Alumni Board's positions on this issue are designed to help discourage this from happening. Perhaps your alumni chapter could look into electing a Collegiate/Alumni Liaison who's responsibilites would include serving as the primary contact between the two groups and letting the alumni know about events that the collegiates would like them to attend.
I believe the NAB has a one-page flyer that outlines the basics of an "Ideal Alumni/Collegiate Relationship." I'll try to track that down and get it to anyone who would like to have it.
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