Meet the Phi CAB
Having a full Chapter Advisory Board (CAB) can help propel a chapter and its members even further when it comes to membership experience and chapter achievement, including growth and retention goals. When each collegiate chapter officer and team can be fully supported by an advisor who is there to answer questions, offer insights, and teach leadership and communications skills, then a chapter can thrive.
The Phi Chapter at Southeastern Louisiana University has a full Chapter Advisor Board, with all 13 advisor positions occupied. Advisor support for the chapter and its officers has led to them consistently meeting recruitment and retention goals, organizing and participating in large-scale philanthropic events, creating stronger relationships with both collegiate and alumnae Sisters, and positively impacting their campus and community.
In honor of Advisor Appreciation Month, some Phi CAB members are sharing their advising experiences and advice:
Q. How and why did you get involved as an advisor?
I always knew as a collegiate member that I would be an advisor. When I graduated in 2019, I thought it would be later in life when I was established in my career and had the time to dedicate to the organization. But COVID-19 changed that into a “why wait?” perspective. I remember not telling anyone I was interviewing for the role. I was originally the Organization Development Advisor since, as a collegian, I had experience in event planning. A year and a half later, I moved to the Operations and Finance Advisor role, which was what I wanted to do since I served as both Vice President of Finance and Chapter President.
–Dawn DuPont (Phi 2016/Southeastern Louisiana), Operations and Finance Advisor
After transitioning from a collegiate member to an alumna, I knew I wanted to give back to the chapter that shaped me into the person I am today. Several collegians encouraged me to explore becoming an advisor, believing in my potential. This past year, I stepped into the role of Member Development Advisor, and it has been an incredibly rewarding experience—one I have never regretted.
–Dani Magruder Stewart (Phi 2015/Southeastern Louisiana), Member Development Advisor
Q. What does advising look like in your day-to-day life?
Advising in my day-to-day life takes on many forms. The quickest and easiest form of advising occurs through text messages and emails, with some phone conversations with committee members or chapter officers. Since I live in town, I like to make some in-person contact with the chapter women, whether it’s attending new member meetings, having in-person committee meetings, or trying to attend chapter meetings or Ritual ceremonies. I want the chapter women to lead and guide the chapter to success on their own; therefore, I try to attend events only where advisors are necessary and try to be more of a hands-off advisor.
–Rebecca Schnadelbach Troulliet (Phi 2011/Southeastern Louisiana), New Member Education and Ritual Advisor
When I first became an advisor, I was still completing my Master’s degree at Southeastern, so I was on campus quite a bit and able to be very hands-on with the chapter. Since then, I’ve moved about an hour away from Hammond, which shifted my routine and how I show up as an advisor. These days, I’m mostly a virtual advisor. I rely heavily on messaging, email, and video calls to stay connected. That said, I still prioritize regular check-ins with my Vice President and other CAB members to make sure we’re all aligned and that the women feel supported. While my day-to-day involvement looks a little different now, I stay committed to being present and available in any way I can.
–Skylar Dowies (Phi 2017/Southeastern Louisiana), Community Relations Advisor
Q. What is your favorite part of advising?
One of the most rewarding parts of advising is watching the dedication and hard work of our women come to life, especially after a successful event. Seeing their ideas take shape and knowing I’ve been able to support them every step of the way fills me with pride. One of my favorite traditions each year is our Founders Day celebration, which brings together chapter members and alumnae. It’s such a special time for everyone to reconnect, share memories, and reflect on the impact of our time in the Phi Chapter.
–Skylar Dowies (Phi 2017/Southeastern Louisiana), Community Relations Advisor
It is rewarding when the chapter women come to you for assistance and you muddle through the issue(s) together, they take your advice or implement something that was discussed, and it is a success. I love it when community and faculty members tell me about a member that they met and say such nice things about them. Every year during March, chapter members bring “A Sweet Treat” to women leaders in the community and on campus. The ladies love being acknowledged by the Phi Chapter. It makes me very proud!
–Rita Bertolino (Phi 1977/Southeastern Louisiana), Chapter Advisor
I am still able to share my love for AΣΤ and stay around the Phi Chapter in this capacity. I love that I get to help continue to grow the chapter from a distance. I also love getting together for CAB meetings because I love these women so much, so I love having that bonding time together.
–Amanda W. Briganti (Phi 2010/Southeastern Louisiana), Continuous Open Bidding Advisor
Q. What have you found to be the most challenging part of advising? How does the CAB work together on those challenges?
One of the most challenging aspects of advising is remembering that these collegiate women are still learning how to problem-solve. As much as I may want to give them the answers, I remind myself that guiding them toward their own solutions fosters greater growth and independence. When the CAB faces difficult moments, we rely on each other for support—sometimes, a little laughter is exactly what we need to push through the tough times together!
–Dani Magruder Stewart (Phi 2015/Southeastern Louisiana), Member Development Advisor
Q. What is a challenge you helped the chapter work through?
The most challenging time was keeping the chapter growing during COVID-19. All of the CAB members were on board during recruitment. We put lots of hours into communicating with the chapter, preparing and editing speeches, bump groups—all from home. The Phi Chapter had a very successful recruitment and learned that if we can successfully recruit virtually, we can do even better in person! Continuous open bidding (COB) has always been a challenge as well. The Growth Team had a conversation recently stating that our Names List has been such a great tool, the recruitment pool is greater after primary recruitment, the COB conversations are more relaxed and genuine, etc. We are finally making progress with developing positive attitudes about COB, and this is a great paradigm shift!
–Rita Bertolino (Phi 1977/Southeastern Louisiana), Chapter Advisor
Q. What helps the Phi CAB work well together?
I think our CAB is really communicative. We like having our in-person meetings to be able to hang out and get to know each other better, but also discuss the issues that the chapter is having. I think building those relationships helps us stick together as a CAB.
–Amanda W. Briganti (Phi 2010/Southeastern Louisiana), Continuous Open Bidding Advisor
Communication is so important. We make an effort to keep each other updated and informed, especially if something comes up that might need support. One thing I’ve learned is that it’s okay to ask for help, whether that’s figuring out how to handle a situation or having someone attend an event you can’t make. We really work as a team and support one another.
–Danielle Norris (Phi 2006/Southeastern Louisiana), Alumnae Engagement Advisor
Q. Do you have any advice for members who are considering becoming an advisor?
My advice would be to reach out to current CAB members and learn what the commitment looks like. It’s also important to remember that your job is to advise. Collegians are learning and growing. They won’t be perfect, and they will make mistakes. They’re balancing school, leadership, and life. Give them space to learn while still offering guidance and support.
–Danielle Norris (Phi 2006/Southeastern Louisiana), Alumnae Engagement Advisor
Apply! I began my application right before graduation because I knew advising was something I was interested in being a part of. I am so glad I applied when I did because I still have personal connections with some of the collegians. We have a mutual understanding because I was in their position just two years ago!
–Breanna Dominguez (Phi 2021/Southeastern Louisiana), Marketing Advisor
You need to be supportive of Alpha Sigma Tau policies and procedures, exhibit a positive attitude, be a mature-minded role model, live our Core Values, and be willing to give your time to the expectations and responsibilities of an advisor.
–Rita Bertolino (Phi 1977/Southeastern Louisiana), Chapter Advisor
Interested in advising?
There are almost 400 available advisor positions at chapters across the country!
You can give back to Alpha Sigma Tau and support collegiate members as they grow personally, learn more professional skills, and become better leaders. If you enjoy working with college students, advancing the mission of Alpha Sigma Tau, and ensuring our Sisterhood is the safest place for women to be on campus, consider applying to become an advisor today.