David L. Batts Ed.D, Tau Chapter Advisor and 2007 Professional Fraternity Association Recipient of the Faculty Advisor Award of Excellence

It is important that advisors understand the responsibilities involved before making a commitment to a Phi Sigma Pi chapter. Those responsibilities include:

• Assist officers in understanding their responsibilities, administering programs and plans, organizing projects and making appropriate transitions.
• See the continuity of the organization is preserved through a constitution, minutes, files, and traditions.
• Encourage that meetings are run in an orderly, efficient manner.
• Attend as many chapter meetings and events as possible.
• Articulate campus policies and procedures and help cut through the "red tape" when necessary, and consult with other University departments when problems arise with the chapter.
• Be a sounding board for student ideas, especially for officers, and be supportive of all members.
• Be a facilitator both among officers and between officers and members.
• Be familiar with structure and services of the National Headquarters.
• Consult on programs and program planning.
• Consult with individual students, when necessary.
• Be generally available to assist the organization.

It is important that the chapter understands the responsibilities when inviting someone to serve as an advisor. Those responsibilities include:

• Notify the advisor of all meetings and events.
• Be clear and open about the chapter's expectations for the advisors role.
• Provide regular communication to the advisor.
• Consult him/her in the planning of projects and events.
• Consult him/her before any changes in the structure of the chapter, or in the policies of the chapter are made, and before major projects are undertaken.
• Understand that although the advisor has no vote that he/she should have speaking privileges.
• Remember that the responsibility for the success or failure of the chapter project rests ultimately with the chapter, not the advisor.
• Talk over any problems or concerns with the advisor.
• Acknowledge the advisor's time and energy are donated, and express appreciation.
• Periodically, evaluate your advisor and give appropriate feedback.

The meaning of the word Advisor can be expressed as:

• Aware – Knows what is happening with the chapter at all times - problems, dates of functions, etc.
• Dedicated – Always willing to assist the chapter when necessary. Enjoys being associated with the chapter and is very involved.
• Visible – Attends meetings, social functions, and other special activities of the chapter.
• Informed – Familiar with rules, policies and regulations of the University and the by-laws and National Constitution. Is prepared to render assistance with their interpretation.
• Supportive – Provides encouragement and praise to the chapter members.
• Open-minded – Willing to consider new ideas and approaches although they may not totally agree with them.
• Respected – Earned through being trustworthy and honest and demonstrating a genuine interest in the welfare of the chapter.

If you would like more information about what it means to be a Faculty Advisor, please contact the National Headquarters at pspoffice@phisigmapi.org. We believe that being an advisor offers many opportunities to assist students and it's a great way to feel good about helping others. You might even win an outstanding advisor award!

Existing advisors can find additional resources by visiting the Behind the Login page.