You’re an Advisor… Now What?

1. You’re an Advisor…Now What? Fraternity and Sorority Life Office of Student Engagement

2. Mission Statement The Fraternity & Sorority Community of Missouri State University strives to promote academic excellence; to provide leadership opportunities; to support and serve our University and community; and to foster integrity, responsibility, and character through the practice of unity and socialization as a whole. Fraternity and Sorority Life

3. Fraternity & Sorority Life • 6 National Panhellenic Sororities • Alpha Chi Omega, Alpha Delta Pi, Alpha Sigma Alpha, Delta Zeta, Gamma Phi Beta, and Sigma Kappa • 2 Local Sororities • Sigma Alpha Chi and Xi Omicron Iota • 13 Interfraternity Council Fraternities • Alpha Gamma Sigma, Alpha Kappa Lambda, Delta Chi, Kappa Alpha, Omega Delta Phi, Phi Delta Theta, Phi Gamma Delta, Pi Kappa Phi, Sigma Nu, Sigma Phi Epsilon, Tau Kappa Epsilon, and Theta Chi • 6 National Pan-Hellenic Fraternities and Sororities • Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, and Zeta Phi Beta Fraternity and Sorority Life

4. Fraternity & Sorority Life • As of Spring 2010, our community has: • 872 women • 649 men • 3.07 community GPA • $29,664.71 raised • 15,913 hours served Current Grade and Programming Report Fraternity and Sorority Life

5. Advisor Role • In addition to chapter advisors, every student organization is required to have a full-time faculty/staff member serve as an advisor. • Advisors are responsible for assisting the organization by: • Helping to set goals • Evaluating programs • Staying informed about the organization and its activities • Completing the required paperwork for the Office of Student Engagement Fraternity and Sorority Life

6. Advisor Role • Advisors should assist individual members by: • Helping members create balance between academics and extracurricular involvement • Encouraging participation in and responsibility for the organization’s programs • Developing leadership skills of the executive board • Advisors represent the University and should: • Monitor SOFAC and other funding procedures • Be familiar with the policies pertinent to student and Greek organizations Fraternity and Sorority Life

7. Responsibilities • Be accessible to the group for questions, support, and guidance • Be familiar with university policies and procedures regarding student and Greek lettered organizations • Provide signatures on documents to assist in the space and room reservations, finance/funding requests (Some cases may require the advisor’s attendance at the event) • Communicateuniversity information to the organization, including reminders regarding the official student organization recognition process • Participate in advisor meetings and conference calls • Mediate any potential conflicts with members or organization officers Fraternity and Sorority Life

8. Suggestions • Meet early with Organization Officers to establish joint expectations regarding advising attendance at club events; • Provide times for student organization leaders to meet with you one-on-oneto discuss the organization and any potential challenges; • Attend meetings and functions of the organization to show that you are an available resourceto them and can help in many ways; • Make yourself available to the general membership for advising and questioning. • Mark Sjoberg, Theta Chi, 2010 Advisor of the Year Fraternity and Sorority Life

9. Benefits • Watching a group come together to share common interest and work toward common goals and an understanding of differences • Developing a personal relationship with student • Furthering personal goals or interests by choosing to work with organizations that reflect one’s interests • Watching students move from membership to leadership roles, or from being reserved to participating fully • Serving as a mentor for students "Being an Alumni Advisor allows me to try repay the debt I have to the fraternity from my undergraduate years, while helping develop the next generation leaders for the fraternity, businesses, and community." ~ Justin Washburn, Phi Gamma Delta Chapter Advisor Fraternity and Sorority Life

10. Policies • There are a few policies which you should know: • Fraternity and Sorority Life Governance Statement • Annual Meeting Review Process • Respective Council Constitution and Bylaws • Residence Life Housing Policy • Student Organization Policies and Procedures *Policies found on the Office of Student Engagement Website & Advisor Handbook Fraternity and Sorority Life

11. Forms • There are a few forms which will need your attention: • Chapter Update – chapters will use this form to update your contact information • House Inspection – chapters will need a signature • ETC Reservation – faculty/staff advisors will need to sign off indicating they are aware of the rental • Rosters – please make sure to work with the President to ensure the list is up to date • Social Events – it is a good practice to request copies of these *All forms can be found at: http://www.missouristate.edu/studentengagement/23429.htm Fraternity and Sorority Life

12. Contacts Become a fan of Missouri State Fraternity and Sorority Life on Facebook! • Andrea Weber, Assistant Director of Student Engagement for Fraternity and Sorority Life andreaweber@missouristate.edu • Victoria Moger, Graduate Assistant moger00@live.missouristate.edu • Molly Beck, Student Specialist molly987@live.missouristate.edu Fraternity and Sorority Life

13. Thank you! Our community is better because of your support and dedication! “Being a staff advisor for a sorority at Missouri State University has been one of the most fulfilling roles that I have served in during my Greek career.  It has allowed me to work closely with college students as they develop the skills that will be useful to them in their personal, academic, and professional lives.  I am continually impressed by the leadership, cohesiveness, and maturity that the Greek leaders at Missouri State exhibit and I feel fortunate to have the opportunity as a staff advisor to witness these attributes firsthand.” ~Tammy Tindle, Faculty/ Staff Advisor Xi Omicron Iota Fraternity & Sorority Life