Theta Tau Professional Engineering Fraternity
Chapter Advisory Team
Fact Sheet
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What is a Chapter Advisory Team?
A Chapter Advisory Team is a model whose intent is to promote and enhance the quality of
membership for our student, alumnus, and honorary members and support our chapters
by utilizing multiple volunteers to provide ongoing assistance and advise our younger
brothers in a proactive manner.
This initiative will provide more volunteer opportunities to members and allow for a
longer term vision for all chapters and greater chapter support at the local level.
Why does my chapter need an Advisory Team?
Chapters with engaged alumni and active advisers tend to be more successful, more active
in programming, and provide a more rewarding college experience to its membership. To a
large part, this is attained by advisers motivating the chapter toward greater success. The
Chapter Advisory Team concept spreads the responsibility for advising/mentoring to
multiple volunteers rather than leaving this responsibility with a single adviser. Finally, the
Chapter Advisory Team can provide a continuity of purpose, projects, and goals for a
chapter whose officers and student members “turn over” relatively quickly from year to
year, and even from semester to semester.
Who serves on the Chapter Advisory Team?
Chapter Advisory Team members can be drawn from many sources such as chapter alumni,
local Theta Tau alumni from other chapters, your chapter’s House Corporation Officers,
parents of members, or faculty members. There are no specific requirements, other than
the individual must be willing to volunteer his time to support Theta Tau in a positive
manner consistent with our purpose and policies. It is expected that at least one member
from the university be invited to serve on this team—the most likely choice is to invite the
current chapter faculty adviser to join this team, regardless of whether or not he/she is a
Theta Tau alumnus.
We have a Chapter/Faculty adviser, why do we need a Chapter Advisory Team?
Theta Tau laws call for an Adviser to serve for a two-year term. All too often this model
lends itself to burn out from overload, lack of involvement, and ultimately the “disconnect”
and the potential loss of the volunteer. Additionally, for many of our chapters, their adviser
is not fully engaged in the ongoing operations of the chapter. Having multiple advisers
enables the chapter to take advantage of each individual Chapter Advisory Team members’
strengths.
The Chapter Advisory Team should consist of three to five individuals. The workload and
time commitment will be spread across many, and the quality/timelessness/variety of
support will increase and improve the volunteer and chapter experience.
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How do we start a Chapter Advisory Team at my chapter?
Starting a Chapter Advisory Team requires a couple of key volunteers who are willing to
make a multi-year commitment to serve the chapter in an advisory manner. For more
information, review the Chapter Advisory Team manual posted on the national fraternity
web site.
What is the time commitment for those who serve on the Advisory Team?
This advisory team should try to meet monthly as a board and communicate outside of
these meetings via email as necessary to discuss the chapter, status of the Advisory team,
and review planning, opportunities and issues.
What are the expectations of a member of the Chapter Advisory Team?
The expectations are to lead by example, to serve as a positive role model, and to mentor
and provide advice.
General Responsibilities of the Chapter Advisory Team
 Ensure that the laws and customs of Theta Tau are upheld
 Promote positive and productive Theta Tau traditions
 Facilitate a smooth officer transition
 Provide a continuity of purpose for the chapter from year to year
 Offer advice as needed to ensure stable chapter operations
 Advise the chapters in matters of management and operation
 Encourage compliance with all Risk Management programs
 Organize a recruitment clinic to improve rushing success
 Facilitate goal setting sessions with the chapter at least annually
 Attend at least one chapter meeting each semester
 Promote timely submission of forms, dues, annual reports, and fees
 Assist in fostering positive alumni relations
 Serve as point of contact for the national Fraternity if needed
 Communicate with the Regional Director
For further information regarding Chapter Advisory Teams, please contact your
Regional Director.
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