Recently, I witnessed a chapter have its charter revoked by their National organization. In our profession, this is nothing new. It’s cyclical and we all know at some point, one of our chapters will close somewhere nationwide. Was I surprised by this particular chapter losing its charter? Not really. The chapter had lost its purpose and they were on probation with their National organization. They didn’t fulfill their probationary requirements which resulted in their charter being revoked.
What did surprise me and the reason for this article is the way in which the National organization went about closing the organization. Specifically, the National organization made no effort to contact the University about its intended plan of action. Now, before I examine their rationale, I think it’s important to express a few points to consider as you read the rest of this article.
First, understand that this article is mainly focused around the partnership National organizations and institutions should have pertaining to risk management related issues or “problem” chapters. I’m fairly certain fraternity/sorority (F/S) advisors don’t care that much about how a National organization monitors the financial issues or legal issues that occur internally within a local chapter (unless the legal issues have University implications).
Second, I have been on both sides as it pertains to working for a National organization and working for a University. Therefore, I think I can relate to the common frustrations faced on both sides of the coin.
Finally, this article isn’t intended to point fingers. It is simply to provide awareness and recognize that at the end of the day we have the same intentions and purpose in mind, we just don’t communicate very well. Thus, below are some thoughts I have as to why each side gets pissed when dealing with “problem” chapters and ways to improving the communication of both National organizations and F/S advisors.
Why University Fraternity/Sorority Advisor(s) Get Pissed:
1. It takes away from the team approach we strive for with the National organization
a. The F/S advisor is the front line of the Greek community at any institution on a day-to-day basis. Therefore, they like to be in the know of what could potentially be an issue within their community. If a National organization decides to handle matters “internally” with their local chapter, it defeats the “team” approach F/S advisors try to create as institutions and National organizations. The students then decide to take a “side” (University or National) which shouldn’t be the outcome.
2. It’s a “slap in the face” professionally
a. The F/S advisors are paid to oversee the National organizations on each campus nationwide. If the National organization tries to handle matters “internally” without their knowledge, it is perceived that the F/S advisor isn’t capable of helping or handling the situation. It results in the F/S advisor feeling upset and frustrated.
3. At the end of the day, the students are still at the F/S advisor(s) institution
a. No matter the decision a National organization makes, the F/S advisor deals with the aftermath. Sometimes, chapters know their fate has been sealed but other times, they are caught off-guard and are left wondering, “What did we do?” Typically, they turn to the F/S advisor to cope and if the F/S advisor has no background knowledge or understanding, it creates a feeling of “helplessness.”
4. It leaves a sour taste in the F/S advisor(s) mouth about that particular National organization
a. We all know our profession is small and if an organization does something behind the F/S advisors back, do you think they are going to forget it? Think about the long term implications of the perception and relationship that F/S advisor will have with that National organization.
Why National Organizations Get Pissed:
1. The University refuses to help in a risk management issue
a. When the National organization has lived up to its mission and has decided to address the issues with the local chapter, they would appreciate some help. If an F/S advisor or institution doesn’t provide help to enforce what the National organization is trying to do, that sucks. This also creates a divide when that problem chapter causes more trouble and the F/S advisor states, “HQ just slapped them on the wrist.” This also tells me the F/S advisor isn’t willing to participate in a student/chapter development opportunity. Weird because wasn’t that what we all learned when we got our Masters degree?
2. The F/S advisor didn’t pick up the phone and let us know about the previous issues that could have helped address the current issue (i.e. The “wait till AFA Fireside Chats to inform the National organization why their chapter on our campus sucks”)
a. How annoying is this for National organizations? They come to the Annual Meeting ready to learn, educate, and create productive dialogue only to be blindsided by 1, 2, or 8 campuses saying their organization sucks on XYZ campus. Why was there no heads up email or phone call? Can the National organization get a little love during Fireside Chats? I mean really, why not call it Fireside Bitch Session? F/S advisors MUST do a better job of communicating both the good and bad to the National organizations.
3. It’s a “slap in the face” professionally
a. The National organization deals with risk management issues EVERYDAY. It may not be on your campus, but I’m sure every National organization receives a phone call or voicemail every morning about an issue. If the University tries to handle matters “internally” (i.e. student conduct, judicial process) without the National organization’s knowledge, and then another issue arises with the same chapter, the University typically tends to overreact. Specifically, they expect the National organization to “know” that the chapter had issues before and then they wonder why the chapter is still getting in trouble. Well, contrary to some University’s knowledge, National organizations are not mind readers or may not have the best students/alumni that relay the “bad” news or sanctions that they received. Thus, this typically ends in a very unpleasant phone call or feeling of frustration on the National organizations end.
Listen, if we are being truthful and honest, we can all agree that there are some sucky F/S advisors and there are some sucky National organizations and/or consultants. Everyone nod their head and agree. Ok, now we need to come up with ideas to increase the communication between institutions and National organizations. Here are some helpful tips (I think) to improve relations on both sides but if you have more, let me know or comment below:
1. Pick up the phone
a. Don’t email. Pick up the phone and have a conversation. If you must email, use the email as a way to set up a phone conversation. Email leaves too much open for interpretation. Pick up the phone, discuss the struggles you’re having and engage in healthy dialogue about how each party can get the chapter back on track.
2. Acknowledge that you want to work together (i.e. Respect one another)
a. Don’t make it a pissing war. YES, it is YOUR campus and yes, it is YOUR National organization but at the end of the day, we are in the SAME PROFESSION. You’d be amazed that if you work together, you will more often than not have the same intentions in mind, you just might have to negotiate a little for what you are trying to achieve.
3. Communicate Year-Round
a. Don’t wait until AFA. Don’t wait for one of the regional conferences. Don’t wait until the National consultant is in town. Figure out a way to establish consistent communication with the institution or National organization. Maybe it’s a monthly newsletter. Maybe it’s a Skype meeting. Maybe it’s a phone call. You determine the best method for communicating with the National organization or institution you want to work with more.
4. See it from the other perspective
a. If you question an F/S advisor or the National organizations recent decision, take a step back and ask yourself, “What lead them to this decision.” For F/S advisors, remember that National organizations think “big” picture and may not be as “emotionally” invested as you may be. For National organizations, remember the impact of your decisions will directly affect not only the chapter but also the F/S advisor in their day-to-day work. We teach our students this concept when we are dealing with conflict resolution issues so why not practice what we preach.
In the words of Big from Rob and Big, it is time to “DO WORK.” Or, as a person I admire would say, “friends, we have work to do.” This will take time and I can only hope this article sheds some light on the different perspectives each party has on a frequent basis. I can do better. You can do better. We can all do better. Let’s get to work.
p.s.
A personal shout out to those that offered their insight on this article. Gracias amigos!
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