Get to know your Greek advisor

Describe your role on campus as the Greek advisor.

Emily Perlow: I wear a lot of hats. I work with and train advisors. I talk to parents. I plan events and educational programs. I work with the city to ensure chapters have safe houses to live in. I try to help chapter leaders make well-educated decisions, which often involve encouragement but sometimes involve accountability discussions. I advocate for the fraternity/sorority community to faculty, staff, and the community. I help tell the story of the good things that are happening in the chapters.

How can your office add value to a chapter leader in their role?

EP: There are three main ways we can help.

• I’ve watched chapters cycle through their ups and downs. I know the organization’s history, and I have institutional context.
• I can be the greatest advocate for the chapter if things aren’t going well. If I knew a problem was stewing, and if the chapter leadership was talking to me about it, I’m going to do my best to help the chapter if the situation gets difficult. If I have no relationship with a chapter, it’s tough for me to be their advocate because I don’t know what in the chapter led to the problem.
• I was a chapter leader too and it’s one of the hardest jobs I’ve ever had. Being president is akin to being CEO of a small company –you have to get everyone to do what needs to happen, manage finances and often, a chapter house, keep alumni, parents, and neighbors happy, all at the same time you’re trying to be a student. I’ve been there—and can offer advice, be a sounding board, and help direct the chapter to resources. 

What is the biggest myth about Fraternity and Sorority Life Professionals?

EP: I often joke that students think I’m like a silent movie villain—I wear all black, twirl my mustache, and look for ways to foil the plans of chapters. It’s not true! I would much rather catch a chapter in the act of doing things right than doing things wrong. I’m a Greek advisor because I believe fraternities and sororities, when done right, are the best learning laboratory on a college campus.

If chapters on my campus aren’t successful, I’m not successful. I think it’s important for chapter leaders to understand that we have the same goals in mind—to help ensure the positive growth and longevity of their organization.