Date Awarded

2022

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)

Department

Education

Advisor

Pamela L Eddy

Committee Member

Thomas Ward

Committee Member

James Barber

Abstract

Greek letter organizations are unique student organizations because they are supported, not only by student affairs professionals, but also by alumni chapter advisors. These advisors can influence organizational culture unconsciously through their underlying assumptions and beliefs. The purpose of this study was to examine how Fraternity and Sorority Advisors (FSA) perceive the influence of alumni chapter advisors. A survey instrument collected data from 289 respondents on eight separate constructs based on current literature. Through data reduction the survey items became five factors: high-risk behaviors, leadership development and mentorship, diversity equity and inclusion, philanthropy and service, and persistence and retention. Multiple regression analysis indicated FSAs who advise NIC organizations perceive alumni chapter advisors as promoting high-risk behaviors. The data also indicated FSAs perceive alumni chapter advisors as more accepting of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Northeast when compared with the South. Qualitative data collected information from FSAs about the “pressing issues” associated when working with alumni chapter advisors. Additionally, FSAs perceived differences when working with the alumni chapter advisors from different organizations. National headquarters and campus leaders can utilize the findings of this study to enact policy changes or explore creating better curriculum for alumni chapter advisors. However, this study is only the first step in understanding the role of alumni chapter advisors on the culture of undergraduate Greek letter organizations.

DOI

https://dx.doi.org/10.25774/w4-31ep-1b71

Rights

© The Author

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