For Advisors

For Advisors

Advisors enhance the FSL community and unite with full-time FSL staff to develop values-based leadership development programming; provide training in chapter operations, risk management, health and safety, and membership recruitment; monitor the academic performance of fraternity and sorority members; and recognize the positive achievements and contributions of community members.

Advisor manuals, communication, training/education, and targeted engagement opportunities are housed here.

FSL Advisor Manual
We are pleased to provide the UIC FSL Fraternity and Sorority Life Chapter Advisor's Guide, as our newest manual of resources, for use in your valued and honored volunteer roles.
--> Download the FSL Advisor Manual here

Excellence in sustainable practices for Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) is supported by the outstanding volunteer support of Advisors, including faculty and staff on campus, as well as alumni chapter advisors off campus and throughout the community.

** If you are interested in learning about getting involved or volunteering to guide our community success, please e-mail uicgreek@uic.edu

The Role of a Fraternity or Sorority Chapter Advisor

Each advisor perceives their responsibilities to a fraternity or sorority differently. Some advisors take on very active roles: they attend meetings, work directly with student officers, and assist in program planning and development. Others choose to take on a less involved role with the chapter.

At a minimum, a fraternity or sorority advisor must be available to communicate with chapter members and complete necessary forms. Completing these forms may require discussions about the chapter’s academic growth and event planning for philanthropy and social events. A chapter advisor should be accessible, engaged, and provide guidance to the chapter and its members. They should meet regularly with the chapter president to discuss activities, goals, and organizational challenges. Advisors provide continuity and support during officer transitions.

We have observed that the most successful fraternities and sororities have advisors who maintain regular contact with the chapter. These advisors stay informed about chapter activities and advise officers on the appropriateness of policies and events. Additionally, advisors should assist in holding students accountable for their actions in accordance with the organization’s and University’s policies.

The Role of a Faculty/Staff Advisor

The role of a faculty/staff advisor is to provide academic and leadership mentorship to a fraternity or sorority and to connect the chapter with University resources. This support helps enhance individual members’ involvement within the chapter and the university community. To be most effective, a faculty/staff advisor should:

• Meet regularly with the chapter’s scholarship chair and/or president to discuss scholarship-related issues.
• Attend at least one chapter meeting each semester to emphasize academics and foster open communication with the chapter and its members.
• Be knowledgeable about university resources.
• Be available to meet with individual members who need academic or leadership guidance.
• Attend scholarship banquets or receptions hosted by the fraternity or sorority.
• Participate in advisor trainings or meetings hosted by the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life.
• Help the chapter develop academic incentives to reward members for academic success.
• Review the chapter’s scholastic achievements in accordance with the national organization’s expectations.
• Attend at least one chapter event (other than a chapter meeting) each semester.

*These are just a few examples; the range of advisor involvement can be much broader.