Hello, from MuMu alum in NoVa

[emb021]

Originally Posted by GMUAPhiOAdvisor

Well, silly or not, since the advisor has been emailing the president of the chapter, the "tone" of the president's emails to me have changed a great deal. This advisor is a faculty advisor, as well as the advisory chair, so when the chair position was mentioned to me, I thought it was because there wasn't one. Now, I find out there is, and I'm sure it's been mentioned between the president and current advisory chair. This advisor also told me herself that she hadn't been regularly involved with the chapter, so maybe she feels like I'm trying to push her out. Not the case, of course, but sometimes people read into things. I just want to be an active advisor and do what is best for the chapter.

The chapter determines who is to be their advisors and who is to be their advisory chair. Its usually a good idea for chapters to 're-elect' their advisors each year. This would also be the appropriate time to determine who will be thier advisory chair.

And as I said, its also a good idea for chapters to make it clear what their needs and expectations are from their advisors (want advisors to attend events, want atleast one advisor at each event, etc) as a group and individually (make use of specific skills, want advisor X to advise the Treasurer, advisor Y to advise pledge master, etc)

Sounds like prehaps your Section Chair may want to look into this and help clear things up.

As for the "ritual" there is an oath that's taken by the advisor, similar to the initiation oath....my application is on file with National, along with my membership number, so that's taken care of.
I guess we'll see what happens after this Sunday.

There is no oath taken by advisors, other then what may be given by the officers when they are sworn in. This is separate from and totally apart from the Initiation Ceremony. If this chapter wants to swear you in as an advisor, that's fine, but they should not refer to this as an initation.

Such a swearing in is separate from the pledge & initiation rituals. It can be done as part of these, thus ensuring that most of the chapter is present, etc. It can be done at a chapter meeting (useful if you aren't going to do a ritual any time soon).

[GMUAPhiOAdvisor]

Originally Posted by emb021

There is no oath taken by advisors, other then what may be given by the officers when they are sworn in. This is separate from and totally apart from the Initiation Ceremony. If this chapter wants to swear you in as an advisor, that's fine, but they should not refer to this as an initation.

I know you are an advisor, but I beg to differ. On the application to become an advisor, in the box that is to be filled out by the chapter, it clearly says "The official ritual (will be) (has been) administered on _______ day of __________, 20____." With a place for the signature of either the Chapter President or Vice President.

Perhaps things have changed since you became an advisor? I know when I spoke with Julie Regos, Chapter Services Asst, she indicated that there was a "new" form with a check box for advisory chair. Maybe this is even newer than the one you filled out when you became advisor? She also indicated it was a simple ceremony, not as in depth as an initiation ceremony. I'm happy to forward the form she emailed me.

I've taken the oath as a brother, but I am preparing myself to take another when I become advisor.

Luckily, the Section Chair will be there, as will the Chapter's Section Rep, so I'm looking forward to getting some guidance from them.

[Senusret I]

Originally Posted by GMUAPhiOAdvisor

I know you are an advisor, but I beg to differ. On the application to become an advisor, in the box that is to be filled out by the chapter, it clearly says "The official ritual (will be) (has been) administered on _______ day of __________, 20____." With a place for the signature of either the Chapter President or Vice President.

That space on the form is for people who have not already been initiated.

emb201 is correct: there is no other ritual or ceremony for advisors outside of the officer installation.

[GMUAPhiOAdvisor]

Then I stand humbly corrected. *bowing head*
I wonder why I was told to expect a ceremony, when I told Julie my national member number when I talked to her.

Oh well....less pressure on me.

[emb021]

Originally Posted by GMUAPhiOAdvisor

I know you are an advisor, but I beg to differ. On the application to become an advisor, in the box that is to be filled out by the chapter, it clearly says "The official ritual (will be) (has been) administered on _______ day of __________, 20____." With a place for the signature of either the Chapter President or Vice President.

As noted, that is refering to the Initiation ceremony, and would be applicable ONLY to advisors who were not previously a Brothers, and thus would go thru the full Initiation Ceremony.

Perhaps things have changed since you became an advisor? I know when I spoke with Julie Regos, Chapter Services Asst, she indicated that there was a "new" form with a check box for advisory chair. Maybe this is even newer than the one you filled out when you became advisor? She also indicated it was a simple ceremony, not as in depth as an initiation ceremony. I'm happy to forward the form she emailed me.

Uh, I recommend you re-check my sig. Am a very active alumni volunteer, including a chapter advisor. Am fairly well versed in what's going on.

The advisor form indicated what advisory position(s) you will fill. Always has. The only 'ceremony' would be the quickie officer swearing in ceremony that is included in the ritual manual, as I previously indiciated.

[GMUAPhiOAdvisor]

As I was corrected, I humbly admitted. I know you're well versed, but I was (and still am) getting some conflicting reports about a ceremony. I think, perhaps, they thought I wasn't a brother before, but they do now.
'Nuff said.

New topic:
I was made a turtle when I was an active brother and can't remember what the ceremony was or what it stood for. The one thing I DO remember is being tickled and thrilled to have been asked to become one.

The chapter here has never heard of it and I'd like to introduce them to it. Can anyone refresh my memory? I think it would be fun to introduce them to something new. Feel free to PM me here or at gmuaphioadvisor@yahoo.com.
Thanks a bunch

[emb021]

Originally Posted by GMUAPhiOAdvisor

[LEFT]
I was made a turtle when I was an active brother and can't remember what the ceremony was or what it stood for. The one thing I DO remember is being tickled and thrilled to have been asked to become one.

The chapter here has never heard of it and I'd like to introduce them to it. Can anyone refresh my memory? I think it would be fun to introduce them to something new.

What you are refering to is the "Royal Order of Turtles" (and a few other varient names). Keep in mind that the ROT is not a "APO thing". Its pretty much a joke group that many people around the world are 'part' of. There are resources around the net with info on it.

AFAIK, there is no official position in APO regarding the Turtles. I think that so long as things don't get out of hand (ie, not violating Membership Policies), so what?

Oh. YBYSAIAT. (no, I will not explain that).

[Quala67]

Several years ago, the BOD took a stance on 'turtling,' b/c some of the penalties for incorrect answers could be perceived as hazing and detrimental to the Fraternity's well-being. It used to be that if someone was speaking, they'd get asked if they were a Turtle. Now, anyone with authority will answer that we no longer condone 'turtling.' I've seen Jerry Schroeder, Jack McKenzie, and others give about the same answer.

If you need further clarification, talk to your Section Chair or your Region Director.

[GMUAPhiOAdvisor]

Seriously? That sucks! I got in touch with one of the brothers I was at sectionals and she filled me in on what happened, with the questions and everything. In no way do I feel I was hazed.
Does this mean it's a big no-no to turtle the brothers in ADD?
I think it's meant all in fun....at least the way it was done to me and the way I'd do it for them. *sigh*

[GMUAPhiOAdvisor]

Originally Posted by emb021

Oh. YBYSAIAT. (no, I will not explain that).

No need to explain....ybysaiat, too!