Advisers
Adviser Role
Advisers play an important role in guiding all student organizations at Penn State, including fraternity and sorority chapters. While the university requires fraternities and sororities to have advisers, the extent of the relationship is left up to the individual organizations.
Chapter Advisers and University Advisers share their expertise and leadership experience with their organizations. Advisers often assist chapters with setting and achieving goals, monitoring academic progress, and meeting with student members.
- Chapter Adviser
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The role of the Chapter Adviser is to guide, advise, and support the chapter and its officers and monitor their progress. The nature and style of that role is left to the determination of the organization and its adviser. Below is a general outline of the University expectations of a Chapter Adviser:
- Supervise the chapters' affairs as they relate to the organization, the campus, and the community. Maintain visibility in the residential community by visiting regularly with the chapter, interacting with members and attending chapter programs and meetings;
- Meet regularly (at least monthly) with the chapter leadership and being available to meet with members upon request. Ensure an effective and timely officer transition;
- Serve as a resource person for planning events and programs, resolving issues confronting the group and being involved in the education of new members;
- Educate the chapter about inter/national policies, state and local laws, and the chapter code of conduct;
- Work with appropriate officers to review plans such as scholarship, membership development, new member program, and risk management;
- Ensure that individual behavior is addressed through a chapter standards board that empowers members to hold each other accountable for their actions consistent with the values of the organization and University;
- Attending meetings of the chapter advisers when requested by the Offices of Fraternity and Sorority Life
- University Adviser
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Below is a general outline of the expectations of a University Adviser. This vital position works closely with chapters on their overall scholarship program including the following:
- Assist the chapter in developing an overall academic achievement program;
- Assist with developing an academic incentive and recognition program for the chapter;
- Attend any scholarship receptions the chapter hosts;
- Be available to meet with individual members who are in need of academic assistance
