Advisor Resources

Advisor Resources

To support you in your role as an advisor, the Fraternity & Sorority Life Team has compiled the following resources and helpful links for you in your role. If you would like to contribute to the list of resources or for more information about any of the resources below, contact Armando Rijo, Associate Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life at  [email protected]. 

Your Role as an Advisor

All registered student organizations at MSU Denver are required to have a full-time MSU Denver faculty or staff advisor. Advisors have a variety of roles with an organization including a mentor, teacher, leader and follower. The advisor and students must have regular communication in order for them to advise the organization on its day-to-day operations and activities. Ideally, the advisor assists the organization members and officers in staying in compliance with their charter, constitution and bylaws, MSU Denver policies as well as local, state and federal laws and ordinances. Advisors should also assist student leaders in developing critical thinking skills in the areas of event planning, risk management, organization management, group processes and ethical decision making among other areas for personal development.

Responsibilities of a Fraternity & Sorority Faculty/Staff Advisor

• Provide guidance and advice to the chapter
• Discuss the importance of academic excellence with the chapter, and support them in their academic efforts
• Meet with the chapter president at least once a semester to discuss important chapter information
• Be knowledgeable about university policies and procedures such as The Student Code of Conduct, MSU Denver Student Organizations Policies, and all Fraternity & Sorority Life Polices/Resources
• Sign all documents that require an advisor signature for the institution
• Read and understand the Olympians Accreditation Program to support the chapter’s adherence and their ultimate accreditation status
• Serve as an on-campus connector to relevant resources and services

Tips for Fraternity & Sorority Faculty/Staff Advisors

• Consider joining and becoming involved in the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA), or simply visit their website to gain resources?
• Use the Fraternity and Sorority Life Team as a resource
• Access University resources and connect chapter members to these resources
• Determine which mode of communication works best when interacting with chapter members (email, phone calls, in-person meetings, etc.)
• Create a trusting relationship with chapter officers by building rapport
• Serve as a positive role model to chapter members
• Let the group know you’re there to help and assess their needs
• Respond to all questions and request for help in a timely manner
• Assist the chapter in developing an academic support program that helps encourage individual and collective success
• Review the chapter’s Olympians Accreditation Program submissions to support their efforts toward accreditation and improvement
• Initiate communication with the chapter/alumni/advisor, regional/province officer and/or inter/national headquarters to provide your contact and background information and solicit accurate names for local and regional contact people.