The Role of the Faculty Fellow

A faculty fellow can be an excellent form of support to the chapter. Without reciprocal support from those being advised, however, nothing will be accomplished. Therefore, it is important to emphasize the significance of an fellow to the members of a chapter. Together, the fellow and the chapter members must strive to gain a better understanding of the relationship that exists between the chapter and the institution. It is also important to realize that having a dedicated faculty fellow can make a significant positive impact in all areas of chapter operation, not scholarship alone.

The following points are suggested as a basis for obtaining and developing an effective Faculty Fellow Program:

Possible areas for advisory assistance

• academic improvement
• study skills development
• new member education
• leadership development programs
• officer training
• alumni development programs
• relationships with other faculty and administration

Role of the Faculty Fellow

•The fellow's role is not static but dynamic. The fellow must continually adapt his/her activities to fit the changing situations in the chapter.
•A close working relationship between the chapter and the fellow is critical.
•Such a relationship will provide the opportunity for the fellow to serve as a teacher, counselor, mentor and friend.
•The fellow should strive to continually help the chapter become as self sufficient as possible.
•The fellow should be interested in the individual and in the collective welfare of the chapter members, not just in the chapter's academic standing.
•The fellow should work through the chapter officers and members in order to give them the opportunity to gain experience and self confidence.

How to recruit a Faculty Fellow

• Ask each member to nominate his/her choice for a faculty fellow and present list at chapter meeting for selection.
• Invite these faculty members to lunch, dinner, or a program to introduce them to the chapter.
• Provide nominees with a list of the things your chapter is currently doing in regard to scholarship and to resources available to the faculty fellow.
•Use alumni as a resource.

Possible way to recognize a Faculty Fellow

• Nominate him/her for a national chapter award.
•Nominate him/her for a campus award.
• Nominate him/her for a community service award
•Invite advisor to all scholarship banquets (If you do not currently have a scholalrship banquet, implement one).
•Take pride in the fact that you have a Faculty Fellow and invite him/her to chapter events.

as of January 24, 2003