Greek Advisor: Friend or Foe?

by Amanda Moser, President, Epsilon Zeta, Drexel University and Natalie Shaak, Xi Tau, Millersville University of Pennsylvania, Assistant Director for Fraternity & Sorority Life, Drexel University


The Student Point of View
By joining a sorority, we are offered so many opportunities - friendships, networking opportunities, leadership, community relations, academics and so much more. Many of us reflect on all of the wonderful advantages of joining a fraternity or sorority often. There is one benefit to joining a sorority that sometimes goes unnoticed but is extremely important: the relationship between student leaders and their fraternity/sorority advisor.

As President of the Epsilon Zeta Chapter at Drexel University, I am blessed to have two amazing advisors in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) to work with in addition to our chapter’s faculty advisor and our Collegiate Chapter Director (CCD). The benefits of developing a strong relationship with the professionals in your campus’ office for fraternity/sorority life are numerous.

Our advisors are dedicated to enriching our experience and committed to the values represented by Delta Zeta and all fraternities/sororities. They are constantly working to bridge the connection between the University and greek-letter organizations. Members receive details about events and programs with which they can get involved through the FSL Office. By forming a closer relationship with their campus advisors, students not only are able to participate in events and programs, but they are also able to be a more integral part of planning the details of these types of programs. By helping to plan the programs, students can gain aleadership experience and provide input from the student perspective. I had the honor of helping our advisor to plan our Greek FIRE program for new members and was able to shape the future of the program.

Another important benefit of having a relationship with your advisor is the ability to be open and ask for advice. Our advisors are our mentors. We are able to have deep conversations when we, as students, feel comfortable opening up about goals, questions, and concerns, both personally and for the sorority. When we can be honest with our advisors, our advisors can give us honest advice. As mentors, they challenge us to think outside the simple message and see the bigger picture beyond just our chapter or campus.

Fraternity/sorority advisors have committed themselves to the advancement of the fraternity/sorority community as a whole. They are models of life-long involvement. In Delta Zeta we reflect on the three stages of membership: first, the new member period; next, the collegiate experience; and last, the period when alumnae educate the collegians. Both advisors and the students can get a more fulfilling lifelong experience when the students are able to form a close, professional relationship with their advisors and see their commitment to their own organization as an alumnus.

The Campus Advisor Point of View
As a campus fraternity/sorority advisor I wear many hats on a daily basis: advocate, counselor, cheerleader, educator, researcher and friend. While job descriptions and titles may vary from campus to campus, one thing remains constant for all campus professionals working with fraternities and sororities – we got into the field to work with you, our students. You are the reason we come to work every day and passionately put in long hours. And despite what some may think, we do not want to shut down all chapters (that would put us out of a job!). Our main priority is for you as an individual and as an organization to be successful.

I know that within Delta Zeta we have a strong network of volunteers advising each of our chapters, so I’m sure you are asking why you need to develop a relationship with your campus advisor.

Resources – Your advisor works for the college or university and is connected to more offices and resources on campus than you could ever imagine. No matter the issue, topic or need they are likely to know a faculty/staff member on your campus or at a neighboring school who can help you out. They can direct you to an office to provide academic resources or a faculty member whose research specialty supports your philanthropy or other programmatic efforts.

Event Planning – Additionally, your advisor should know the policies of the campus and can advise you through event planning process. They can help you work through items such as risk management, contracts, space reservations and even help identify supplemental funding opportunities. Many of us have observed programs and events on numerous campuses over the years and can offer ideas for your event or share what has worked or not in the past. We also have an overview of what other chapters are doing and direct you to collaboration opportunities, so you don’t duplicate a program another group did last week.

Advocacy – You have no bigger advocate on your campus than your campus’ fraternity/sorority advisor. Our job is to promote the interfraternal community and share its contributions to the campus mission and goals with other administrators and even parents. If you have regular contact with your advisor and share all the great things your chapter is doing, he/she can then share that when asked. I have no greater joy than sending out our office newsletter or an email announcing the accomplishments of my students/chapters, such as awards or a successful philanthropy event. But we cannot share that information unless you share it with us.

Opportunities – On the flip side, many times when colleges and universities need student representatives or volunteers, they look to faculty and staff to suggest students for those roles. Chances are if you know your advisor, he/she will share you or your chapter’s name when these opportunities arise. I have recommended chapters for involvement in Admissions Open House events and individuals to represent the fraternity/sorority community and/or students in general on various university committees and at events.

Mentoring – I think this is the most important benefit of having an advisor. You can go to your advisor about anything – whether it is related to your chapter or your personal life. Over the years I have advised members through career decisions, personal life crisis, relationships, and tough times in their chapters. Sometimes I offer advice, sometimes I refer you another individual better suited and sometimes I am just there to listen. It is important to have someone you can go to who is outside of your organization/campus who will challenge you to think bigger, support you in making the tough decisions, and celebrate your accomplishments. Advisors have also been known to be great references for awards, graduate school and jobs. If you take the time to get to know them, they can be the best to talk about your leadership skills and experience.

In the end, your campus fraternity/sorority advisor is there for you and your chapter. It is up to you to decide how you will utilize this amazing resource to better yourself and your organization.