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Chapter Advisory Board
Chapter Advisor
Position Impact
As Pi Lambda Phi continues to ensure the longevity of its chapters, the need for talented and involved individuals
to provide support at the local level is at its highest. The chapter advisor enters into a collaborative relationship
with many constituencies to provide direction and consistency in operation between elected leaders. The chapter
advisor makes it possible to align the chapter and local alumni with the Strategic Plan to support progress by building relationships, fostering trust, and challenging the status quo.
Qualifications of a Chapter Advisor
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Fully embraces the Strategic Plan and Mission of Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity
Demonstrates a desire to continue learning how to support the organizational direction
Demonstrates an ability to convey Pi Lambda Phi’s lofty purpose as an organization to others
Complete Advisory training from IHQ
Demonstrates an ability to motivate and organize individuals on a team
Demonstrate an understanding of the overall Fraternity Governance structure
Demonstrates an ability to align the chapter and local alumni with the Strategic Plan while cultivating relationships with all constituencies to challenge the status quo
Primary Constituencies
A primary role of the chapter advisor is to organize the advisory team and chapter leadership to execute effective
strategies to implement the Strategic Plan. Therefore, it is of the utmost importance to maintain open communication and positive relationships with the following individuals.
 International Headquarters
 All appointed advisory team members
 Chapter membership (elected leadership, in particular)
 Chapter Rex
 Alumni Relations Chairman
 Institution administrators (Greek advisor or Dean of Students, specifically)
 Local alumni association and / or housing representatives (if applicable)
Benefits and Return on Personal Investment
Pi Lambda Phi is a not for profit organization. Resources are limited and are always utilized with the membership’s experience in mind. Pi Lambda Phi relies heavily on volunteer leadership to advance its purpose and volunteers realize compensation in many intangible ways.
 Practical leadership experience
 Responsibility for assessing organizational culture and developing change initiatives
 Responsibility for motivating and organizing volunteers to impact the development of young men
 Personal & Professional development
 Development of personal relationships through the mentoring and coaching process
 Networking with alumni and community members as an official representative
 Professional training programs focused on developing the tangible, operational volunteer skill-set
Ensuring the longevity of Pi Lambda Phi
Understand the Strategic Plan, Execute the Mission, and Embrace our Values and our Creed
Page 1
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Chapter Advisory Board
Chapter Advisor
Commitment Required
The chapter advisor can expect to spend between 5 and 10 hours a month working with key constituencies. The
following operational elements should be expected regularly*.
 Maintain weekly contact with the chapter Rex to provide counsel on his leadership abilities
 Maintain contact with the chapter Alumni Relations chairman as needed to provide guidance and assistance
 Maintain regular communication with the IHQ regarding the advisory team’s efficiency and the chapter’s progress towards completing its goals
 Provide leadership and council to advisors and officers to ensure the development of chapter-wide priorities
and implementation strategies, as necessary (a more inclusive list of policies and procedures to implement can
be found later in this document*)
 Attend Pi Lambda Phi annual programming (Convention, Regional conferences, etc)
 Attend one chapter meeting per month and attend all ritualistic ceremonies (pinning, initiation, etc)
 Maintain awareness of email and phone communications from constituents as necessary
 Serve a two-year term (renewable on annual basis thereafter)
Indicators of Success
The chapter advisor is considered the leader of the advisory team. He provides direction and leadership to the advisory team and elected undergraduate leadership. The following indicators can be used to determine the effectiveness of a chapter advisor’s support.
 The chapter qualifies and applies for campus and Fraternity awards
 The chapter Rex demonstrates an ability to lead effectively
 There is a high-quality and consistency of inter-advisor and inter-advisee communication
 Average chapter member is aware of and adheres to International Fraternity and campus standards
 There is positive alumni participation at all alumni events
Necessary organizational and communication policies and protocols
Each chapter and advisory team of Pi Lambda Phi demonstrates different strengths and weaknesses operationally.
The list below will help provide a framework for how the chapter advisor can ensure that the leadership teams are
organized and communicating well. In general, instituting the following items helps to ensure that the Strategic
Plan is being effectively implemented to help challenge the status quo.
 Organize quarterly advisory team meetings to review expectations, establish team priorities and create maintain inter-advisor communication – oversee and rally the advisor team
 Organize the presence of at least one advisor at every chapter meeting and fraternity ritual
 Organize a comprehensive advisory team and officer operating calendar
 Ensure a proper officer transition or retreat occurs every semester in an effort to maintain continuity of the
Chapter’s long range goals and strategic plans and make sure they are aligned with the IEC’s and IHQ’s goals
and objectives
 Assist with implementation of IHQ programs (adapt as needed to fit the needs of the respective CAB)
 Meet at least once a quarter with the Chapter’s college/university Greek Life coordinator (or equivalent title)
in an effort to stay abreast on all things pertaining to the chapter and/or Greek community
 Prepare and submit an annual Chapter review and report to IHQ
*Tip: Take time to understand the culture of the advisory team and of the chapter. It is necessary to understand that relationships are
key when influencing change. It is important to understand the reality of what can be accomplished in a given time frame. Some items
are urgent and important; others are important but not urgent. Prioritize accordingly.
Challenging the undergraduates’ decision-making should be balanced with support. A good rule of thumb for advising and coaching is
to have four positive interactions to every one negative interaction.
Ensuring the longevity of Pi Lambda Phi
Understand the Strategic Plan, Execute the Mission, and Embrace our Values and our Creed
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Chapter Advisory Board
Chapter Advisor
GETTING STARTED
1. Review this orientation with IHQ and ask questions as necessary.
2. Establish a clear communication plan with the IHQ.
3. Meet with advisory team members to determine a meeting schedule and communication plan.
4. Meet with the chapter Rex to review the semester calendar, discuss chapter goals and establish a communication plan.
5. Become familiar with the resources available to advisors at http://www.pilambdaphi.org/volunteerresources.
You will be organizing the advisory team. It is essential that you know what support and education is available.
6. Make plans to attend yearly programming options.
Ensuring the longevity of Pi Lambda Phi
Understand the Strategic Plan, Execute the Mission, and Embrace our Values and our Creed
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