Chapter advisement

[ree-Xi]

I have a few general questions for those of you who advise collegiate chapters. NPC advisors are especially encouraged to reply.

• How did you end up advising the chapter?
• How much time do you devote to the chapter - including paperwork, meetings, etc. (Excluding recruitment).
• Do you attend weekly meetings?
• What day/time are the chapter's meetings?
• How would you describe your relationship with the collegiates? Friendly? Like a big sister? Like a mom? Like someone from Nationals?
• What are the biggest challenges you have faced?
• 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)?

If you want to answer anonymously, that's fine.
Thanks for any feedback.

[Titchou]

Someone asked me!
Depends on which officer I am advising. Advisory Team Chairman can take a minimum of 2-5 hours a week. Recruitment is heavy at certain times. Same with programming, rituals, member ed, etc.
I've always preferred for the advisers to rotate chapter meetings. Honor Board requires the ATC. Recruitment requires the Membership Adviser and sometimes the ATC.
Sunday at 6 PM
Mentor...friendly...I'm a straight shooter and they know it. They can count on me to be honest with them.
Disruptive behaviour issues
$$$$$$$$$$$$Heaven only knows! As for travel, as ATC, at least once per year. Other advisory positions as training comes around. Varies from year to year.

[lauralaylin]

I've advised at lots of chapters, and each experience was very different from the rest. I'll do my best on your questions though.

1. I fell into one position, was asked to do another, and the third I offered to help a sister who needed it with the chapter she was advising.
2. I am a recruitment person, although I've held other advising positions, but my answer may not be accurate. I'd guess I spent 3 hours or so a week if I was doing a good job (and wasn't involved with recruitment).
3. I attended every meeting. I think this is very important because it shows dedication to the chapter members. If you show up once a month, you won't have any idea what is going on too, even if someone is sending you the meeting notes.
4. Most chapters had their meetings start between 7-8pm, but I had one that was at 9pm. Usually they were on Sundays or Mondays.
5. Usually my relationship would be friendly, but not like a big sister. They often treated me with a little distrust, as if I was going to rat them out. At the one chapter that really trusted me, I felt like a mom or big sister a lot. It was a ton of fun and I made life long friendships with the collegians, but it also made things uncomfortable when I had to put my foot down or be a disciplinarian. And I think in that respect I didn't do as good of a job because of the relationship.
6. My biggest challenges were chapter members who didn't want my help and when there were issues outside of sorority stuff (boyfriend abusing a sister, eating disorders, etc) as I didn't feel as confident helping/directing them to help.
7. My unreimbursed money was very small and usually because I was too lazy to fill out the reimbusement form. Traveling was once a year to somewhere in the region and once every other year to convention. There were other things I could do, but I never did them.

It really depends on what position though. The chapter adviser is a lot of work as that's the "head" adviser for lack of better term. However, the marketing adviser doesn't have as much work or time commitment.

I hope that helps!

[gpb1874]

I haven't advised in a few years, but I'll answer from when I was one:

How did you end up advising the chapter? The advisor before me wasn't very beneficial for the chapter and I volunteered. I had been on the adv board before that, but only for a year.

How much time do you devote to the chapter - including paperwork, meetings, etc. (Excluding recruitment). A couple hours a week. Exec meetings were about 90 min on average and chapter about the same, although I was there early and often stayed a little late to answer questions or talk to people. I also met with the president every week and sometimes it was for 10 minutes and sometimes an hour.

Do you attend weekly meetings? Yes, especially formal meetings. I didn't always attend informal meetings, depending on my schedule.

What day/time are the chapter's meetings? They were Sundays at 6:30 for chapter and Exec was usually Wed or Thur at night (like 7-9 or 9-11pm).

How would you describe your relationship with the collegiates? Friendly? Like a big sister? Like a mom? Like someone from Nationals? I was friendly with everyone, aunt like to many (got told the crazy stuff mom probably never heard about, but they wanted my advice and not just my acceptance) and had to act like HQ rep sometimes (when they broke rules or were being or wanted to do something really stupid)

What are the biggest challenges you have faced? The hard things, like terminating sisters or confronting them about their alcohol/drug/behavior problems. Never fun! I also joind through AI, so it I was still learning a lot about sorority operations while I was their advisor. It can also be challenging to keep them on the right track when they want to stray off it and violate policies or not get things done. Sometimes you have to convinve them that changing their mind about X is really their idea, when it's something you don't want them to do in the first place.

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)? Not much. The chapter budget for at least some of my travel expenses to convention and regional conference (travel once a year and sometimes I couldn't attend due to work). I spent more on candy and other goodies for them over the years!

It was an amazing experience and I cherish the time I advised my chapter. I still keep in touch with some members and several make regular trips back to campus (i work on the campus), so I get to see them often. Several are now advisors themselves and it makes me real proud to see them giving back and then a couple mentioned how they felt I was a good advisor and they're not sure they can advise like me. Almost made me cry!

[Zillini]

How I became an advisor: I had no idea what advisors did. If I knew then what I know now, I'd have run screaming for the hills. I joined House Corp as a way to meet local women since I was new to the state. The House Corp Treasurer who was also the Finance Advisor quit. I swear all I said was I'd be willing to put my name on the bank signature card thinking I’d sign an occasional check. Next thing I knew I was getting mailings from Inatl addressed to the Finance Advisor. Huh? What's that and what am I supposed to do? I hung in there and was later asked to be the Chapter Advisor too.

Time commitment: Depends on the time of year, what’s going on and how many other advisors are on board. At times I was the only advisor and did everything. (Hubby was ready to divorce me!) I’ve lost my Recruitment Advisor so I’m covering that again until I find and train a new one. I've never tracked my hours per week on the phone or email. Obviously problems require more time. I talk/email regularly with chapter officers, other advisors, our Province Director and House Director. As needed with House Corp, our accounting firm, other Inatl officers, members and parents.

Typical attendance for me (not counting Recruitment):

- Weekly lunch at the house with Treasurer and Pres. All officers are invited to join us. Any form/report/check requiring my signature needs to be there & ready. If not it's up to them to drive to my house. (Part of learning responsibility and time management.)

- Exec Board once a month, Sun evenings.

- House Corp meetings (non-voting member) 2-3x a semester, Sun afternoons.

- Some Chapter meetings each semester, Wed's at 6:15, 1 1/2 hours +/-. In addition to random regular meetings, always prior to elections, Bylaws revisions and Initiation to explain procedures. Also there for elections and Bylaws voting.

- Some Exec Committee meetings each semester (occasionally via speaker phone), last spring on Mon’s at 9pm.

- Officer candidate interviews in late fall, 2-3 evenings.

- Officer Transition, weekend in January just prior to classes starting.

- At least 1 new member meeting in fall, preferably the 1st.

- At least 1 spring Recruitment workshop to cover procedures for new members.

- Monthly campus-wide advisors luncheon to cover topics affecting all Greeks.

My advisors and I share the burden of attendance so no one gets burned out, is away from her family too much or simply scheduling conflicts. One must be at: Initiation, Chapter Retreat, date parties, Standards meetings including grades. One tries to be at: philanthropy events, Parents Weekend, Officer Installation, alumnae events. I know I've forgotten some things.

Relationship with collegiates: I try to teach my members to be good leaders by example. I'm a straight shooter and speak my mind, but always calm, polite and with respect. I admit when I’ve made a mistake. I admit I don’t know everything, then research the policy/procedure. I listen to legit complaints, but not unfounded bitching. I always explain the how’s and why’s behind decisions. I will go to bat for my girls with the Administration, Panhellenic, Inatls, House Corp, angry parents, etc. I will not tolerate being lied to. I can’t support you if you aren’t entirely honest with me. I will play the bad guy and announce/take the blame for unpopular yet necessary decisions so officers don't have to.

Challenges: The biggest was when I accepted the responsibility as Finance Advisor. I discovered the Chapter was basically bankrupt due to poor financial management and dues not being collected. It took a year of hard work with the Treasurer to turn things around. They've been financially sound ever since.

The most annoying and too frequent challenges are dealing with unhappy parents when I'm not at liberty to tell them the whole story. They only know what their daughter told them. She's always the innocent angel and we're the big bad meanies persecuting her.

Unreimbursed money: None, unless you count gas money to and from the house. We even budget for babysitting reimbursement to help our advisors, though it's only been requested a few times over the years. Registration, gas, airfare, hotel, etc for Inatl events are reimbursed. I believe advising is voluntary and shouldn't cost anything otherwise few would continue to do it.

Travel: Once in February for district training. It's within driving distance, leaving on Fri afternoon and home by Sun afternoon. All advisors are encouraged to attend. I've only missed a few over the years. In June there is Convention or leadership training depending on the year. This usually involves air travel, leaving on Wed and returning on Sun. Only 1 advisor attends. It depends on who can work out her schedule, but it often ends up being me because I’ll make my schedule work if I have to.

[groovypq]

How did you end up advising the chapter?
I actually was not Greek as an undergrad, but my sister was. I still work at my alma mater and my sister's old chapter needed an advisor last fall. Some of the girls knew me and since there were not any alumnae in the area, they asked me!

How much time do you devote to the chapter - including paperwork, meetings, etc. (Excluding recruitment).
It really varies. On average, probably just a few hours a week. I live very close to campus so the travel doesn't add up. I try to support the women during things like Greek Week so that adds a few extra evenings to the schedule, but nothing major.

Do you attend weekly meetings?
I attend the chapter meeting and the exec board meeting each week.

What day/time are the chapter's meetings?
Chapter is Tuesday evenings, exec is Sunday evenings.

How would you describe your relationship with the collegiates? Friendly? Like a big sister? Like a mom? Like someone from Nationals?
I would say it's more in the big sister range. Or like a coach - in fact, a lot of the girls call me Coach (I coach one of them and she just couldn't break the habit of calling me Coach - and it stuck!).

What are the biggest challenges you have faced?
The things I didn't know because I wasn't a sister - although I have since been initiated, so that should be better this year! I would say that this year has been a learning experience and hopefully I will do a better job next year.

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)?
So far I don't think there's been anything major that has not been reimbursed. I traveled for advisor training but was reimbursed for gas and such. I've only had to travel outside of the chapter twice so far. I'd like to go to Convention but that would have been out of my own pocket, and I can't afford it this year.

[Tom Earp]

Originally Posted by ree-Xi

I have a few general questions for those of you who advise collegiate chapters. NPC advisors are especially encouraged to reply.

• How did you end up advising the chapter?
• How much time do you devote to the chapter - including paperwork, meetings, etc. (Excluding recruitment).
• Do you attend weekly meetings?
• What day/time are the chapter's meetings?
• How would you describe your relationship with the collegiates? Friendly? Like a big sister? Like a mom? Like someone from Nationals?
• What are the biggest challenges you have faced?
• 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)?

If you want to answer anonymously, that's fine.
Thanks for any feedback.

Many excellent questions!

From a Fraternity stand point:

While I was never and offical advisor, I was on the House Corp. for 12 years

LXA likes to have it broken down this way:

House Corp. if one is needed.
Alumni Advisery Board.
Alumni Association of which I am President going on my second term.
Mentoring group from all Alumni who are familiar with those officerships.

Much of the above can be done on line, phone calls, and email.

We have an overall meeting twice a year=Homecoming and Founders Day.

Adisor is from the local area.
Meetings are on Sunday nights.
Advisor should be there for two things.
Formal meetings.
Executive Board if needed.

I would also suggest having a faculty advisor who can work as a go between with the chapter and the school.

If you have a member there even better! But not knowing how Sororities work, if we find someone on the faculty who is intereseted and works at it, they are initiated as a member. They realy feel more part of the chapter and can be of great help.

Don't worry so much about the time, I will gaurentee you, it will be rewarding!

It also can help keep you younger thinking!

[ISUKappa]

I was an adviser for five years before stepping down in 2007 to focus on my family.

How did you end up advising the chapter?
I contacted the Province Director as soon as I moved to this area because I knew I wanted to be an adviser.

How much time do you devote to the chapter - including paperwork, meetings, etc. (Excluding recruitment).
When I first started, I had a small advisory role and only spent a few hours a month contacting my advisee and going to meetings. As I changed positions and eventually moved up to Advisory Board Chair, that time increased to approximately 5-7 hours per week.

Do you attend weekly meetings?
It depends on the advisory position. Some are required to attend weekly or bi-monthly meetings with the chapter. Others only have to attend the monthly Advisory Board meetings. When I was ABC and Chapter Council Adviser, I attended the weekly Chapter Council meeting and about one Chapter meeting per month.

What day/time are the chapter's meetings?
Chapter Council met on Sunday afternoons. Chapter meetings were Monday evenings. I lived 30 minutes away from the chapter.

How would you describe your relationship with the collegiates? Friendly? Like a big sister? Like a mom? Like someone from Nationals?
Friendly but not their BFF. It can be a challenge, especially when you're not much older than the active members (I was 22 when I started advising). I wanted their trust and respect as an alumna and adviser. I listened when needed, gave advice when asked but still maintained that I was the alumna.

What are the biggest challenges you have faced?
Resistance to change. The chapter had fallen away from some of the main values of the Fraternity and was not following proper procedure for a number of things. They needed to be reminded, and taught in some cases, of the "right" (meaning Fraternity-mandated) way of doing things. It wasn't easy and I'm sure I was not the favorite person of many chapter women, but that was my job. And I do think I made a difference. It took the entire 5 years I advised, but there was a difference.

Also, I had to remind myself that was not *my* chapter. The women were different, the university was different and the personality of the chapter was different than what I was used to. It took me a year or two of advising and constant reminding that I was there to advise the women in the chapter, not turn it into what I had known. Sometimes that meant biting my tongue or phrasing things differently. Instead of saying "at my chapter we..." I'd say "have you ever thought about..."

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)?
Because I lived 30 minutes away from the chapter, I spent quite a bit on fuel - especially the last 2.5 years when I was traveling to and from the chapter 1-2 times per week. I also spent personal money on little things for the chapter and chapter council (treats, gift certificates, etc...) I'd say maybe $500/year, but a large chunk of that was due to fuel costs. Outside of that, I traveled to two Province Meetings and a Convention, but some of that money was either paid for by the House Corporation or reimbursed by the Fraternity.

[Cutie_Hootie]

How did you end up advising the chapter?
An advisor had sent out an email requesting help for Recruitment, I responded, and loved every minute of it. I've been involved as an advisor for five years now, and I can't imagine not being involved.

How much time do you devote to the chapter - including paperwork, meetings, etc. (Excluding recruitment).
In my roles as New Member and Ritual advisor, I'm only busy during the time we have New Members and are planning Initiation. I have to attend Initiation, some social events, elections, the occasional Panhellenic meeting, three Advisory Board meetings, officer training/retreat, and various other events each year. I live over an hour away from campus, so we do a lot of communication via email/phone. Because I'm one of the most "seasoned" advisors, I tend to get a lot of questions not necessarily related to my position, so I'm communicating with some officer/advisor at least twice a week. I don't really have a good estimate on how many hours/week I devote, because it varies so much depending on the time of year.

Do you attend weekly meetings?
I attend about one Chapter a month. I call into Exec Board the night before and participate via conference phone (many thanks to our House Corp for providing that to us!!). We have an advisor at Chapter every week--all of us live about an hour away but make the drive.

What day/time are the chapter's meetings?
Exec Board meets Sunday nights. Chapter is Monday at 6:30, and the NM meeting is at 8:00. Traditionally, that was the night set aside for Greek activities by the College, but now there are some classes that occur that evening. We've discussed changing it to Sunday night, but it would interfere with church for some of the girls.

How would you describe your relationship with the collegiates? Friendly? Like a big sister? Like a mom? Like someone from Nationals?
I've developed very close relationships with some of the girls, but mostly I would say I'm a "older cousin"--someone who they aren't afraid to cuss around or talk about issues in front of, but yet someone who they listen to when asked. I'm friendly with them, and I've spent a lot of time with them over the years, but that doesn't mean that they always like what I have to say or some of the actions I take.

What are the biggest challenges you have faced?
Seniors who are unwilling to follow rules, be current financially, etc. It's always a hard situation when it comes to seniors. Luckily, I'm not alone--I have other advisors to work with. I've also struggled mightily in the past with one senior in particular who held a definite grudge against me for a past issue and did her best to try and drive me away from being an advisor. It was a great deal of fun (haha).

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)?
Fuel is my number one expense. When I travel down there for a long event (Recruitment/extensive meetings/etc), I stay in the chapter house. But driving a hundred miles round trip to attend Chapter can get expensive. Also, I always buy my officer a gift, so that is about $20-25 a year, plus I make a (very small!) donation to the Chi Omega Foundation in their honor. And I send a bouquet of carnations each year on our chapter's founding date. Do I have to do any of this? Not really, but I enjoy doing it.

I attend Firesides/Convention whenever my advisory position is called or if no one else on the board can attend (as a school counselor, I'm very available in the summer). I've attended the past three years. Those expenses are picked up by the chapter, however. I am attending Convention this year, but I'm paying for my registration fee and the house corporation is picking up my hotel (I'm rooming with their delegate). The reason I'm picking up my own registration fee is that I'm attending as an alumnae president, not an advisor. Otherwise the chapter would be paying. I've also gotten to attend other Chi Omega conferences and events, and those have either been paid for from the chapter/house corporation or by the Executive Headquarters/Foundation.

[acuisla]

How did you end up advising the chapter?
In one instance I volunteered, in four others I was asked. To my everlasting dismay, it's been a lot more fun that I expected. I say dismay, because I've enjoyed it so much I haven't stopped, even when my family has gotten on my case. In many instances my life would be much easier if I didn't advise any more.

How much time do you devote to the chapter - including paperwork, meetings, etc. (Excluding recruitment).
This depends on the chapter and what sort of situation it is in. Some chapters have taken an average of 2 hours a week. Then there are others where I have spent upwards of 40 hours a week. It all depends. I think if I were to average it out over the years, during the school year it's about 3 hours a week, and during the summer it's 1/2 hour a week.

Do you attend weekly meetings?
Like someone else mentioned, I prefer to have multiple advisers attend weekly meetings - spread the love! It's too much for one adult who likely has a job, family, and other activities to devote that much time to advising. It leads directly to burnout.

What day/time are the chapter's meetings?
Again, it depends on the chapter. Usually chapter meetings are either Sunday or Monday evening.

How would you describe your relationship with the collegiates?
I prefer to have a friendly working relationship with the chapters I advise. I'm there as an alumna, and as an adviser, and I prefer to be professional. I'm way past the age where I want to "hang out" with the chapter members. Frankly, they frequently look at me as the "source of all knowledge about the organization" which I actively discourage, or as the "iron fist in a velvet glove" who is going to make sure they toe the line, which I also discourage (although not as actively). So the chapter members tend to mind their manners around me, but I also work to have a very open, straightforward, honest relationship. I tend to tell them that if they want me to keep something secret that doesn't pertain to ritual, they have to actually TELL me that, because I'm very big on everyone being on the same page.

What are the biggest challenges you have faced?
Alumnae who have been advisers for too long who aren't open to doing things other ways, and stupidity regarding alcohol. 'Nuff said.

How much unreimbursed money do you spend on the chapter, traveling, etc.?
As little as possible. I don't have a lot of extra, and what I do have I tend to give to charity, including my foundation. So if I had to add it up, it's probably less than $50 a year on the chapters and travelling and so on that's unreimbursed.

How often do you have to travel outside of the chapter (regionals, HQ)?
I have to travel once a year to events. With gas prices the way they are, I'm very very VERY glad of this.

[ree-Xi]

I wanted to thank everyone who took the time to answer my questions here and in PM. You gave me a lot to consider. You should all be very proud of the work you do/have done.

[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.

[amanda6035]

• How did you end up advising the chapter? The regional Big-Whigs new I wanted to stay involved. I expressed interest, and was told before I even graduated that they had plans for me to advise somewhere in the local area. The Financial Advisor for the chapter I'm advising for now left for a job overseas, so the position was available and they asked me if I wanted it.
  
  
• How much time do you devote to the chapter - including paperwork, meetings, etc. (Excluding recruitment). Probably more than I should. They put me where I am to play "clean up" and while things are currently much much better...eh, there's still some work to be done.
  
  
• Do you attend weekly meetings? Yes. Exec is an hour prior to chapter, so depending what time I get off work that day, I'll either go to both meetings, or at the very minimum, chapter.
  
  
• What day/time are the chapter's meetings? Tuesdays at 5:30 for exec, 6:30 for chapter.
  
  
• How would you describe your relationship with the collegiates? Friendly? Like a big sister? Like a mom? Like someone from Nationals? I think I'm more like a big sister/mentor. I try to maintain a friendly relationship with them, but I dont want to be "that creepy advisor who is still living her college days through us," so I usually just sit back and watch, and offer advice when asked for.
  
  
• What are the biggest challenges you have faced? I'll have to send you my answer to this one in a PM....
  
  
• 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)? a few times a year. So far, I've only been to regional officer training, but I was recently asked to help a chapter in another state...so, I'm still trying to get the info on that one so I can go visit...

[AOIIalum]

I'm a former adviser currently serving in another capacity, so some of these may be a bit out of date:

• How did you end up advising the chapter?

I volunteered and was put to work! Started out as Education Adviser in the early 1990s and held a variety of positions including Chapter Adviser.

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

When I was only holding one position it was maybe six or so hours a month, which included attending one Leaders Council and Chapter Meeting plus a monthly Adviser Committee meeting. As Chapter Adviser it was much more time consuming, depending on chapter programming and needs.

• Do you attend weekly meetings?
• What day/time are the chapter's meetings?

Yes, I attended at least one LC and Chapter meeting per month. These were held on Sunday and Wednesday nights.

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

Depended on the position and the need, as I feel something like advising the Chapter Standards committee requires a different approach than say Scholarship. I strove for friendly but knowledgeable, but not like a Mom or a collegian!

• What are the biggest challenges you have faced?

Low chapter numbers and continuous recruitment efforts were the biggest challenges for that chapter.

• 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)?

None, I think most everything was reimbursed...however I'm remembering a formal recruitment where return numbers were much higher than we could have ever dream of for Preference, and I had to run to a grocery store to buy more cheesecakes for desserts. That was probably one of the happiest donations I ever made to AOII!!!

I did travel to our Convention and Leadership Institute as Chapter Adviser and my expenses were paid.