Advisor Roles and Responsibilities

Advisory Policy

  • All recognized independent student organizations are required to have a faculty or staff advisor.
  • Both advisors and student organizations should ensure that they are well matched for one another and if not, to find a more appropriate fit. Preferably someone with personal interest or professional expertise related to the organization.
  • Organizations may select new advisors at any time and should notify the Student Engagement Team of such changes.

Advisors' Fundamental Responsibilities

  • Advisors' responsibilities vary across different organizations.
  • Support organizational growth and functioning with advice and assistance.
  • Prevent or help resolve issues when possible.
    • In crisis situations, both advisor and leaders should contact the Associate Director of Student Organizations: JR Bagley.
  • Advisors should encourage student organizations that travel to register the trip prior to departure.
  • Provide institutional knowledge to help student org leadership transitions.

Engaging Your Advisor

  • Consult with advisors regularly about organizational issues and activities—not just for annual registration signatures. The student org team suggests one check-in per semester at least.
  • Advisor and organization should mutually agree on:
    1. Expected involvement level
    2. Meeting attendance
    3. Areas where advisor support is needed

Collaboration Tips

Organizations should respect advisors’ time, but are encouraged to involve them.

Here are ways to collaborate:

  • Notify advisors of meetings; invite participation as agreed.
  • Build relationships with officers for smooth communication.
  • Invite advisors to events with advance notice.
  • Consult advisors on problems for quick, informed solutions. Share agendas, and relevant documents with advisors.
  • Share agendas, and relevant documents with advisors.

Use this video tutorial to help your advisor navigate SOCO:

Questions for organizations and advisors to consider:

  • How much involvement is expected or needed?
  • How often does the organization meet and is the advisor expected to be present?
  • How many major activities does the organization execute each year?
  • How experienced are the officers of the organization?
  • What are some ways that your organization could use the advice of an advisor? Is there someone at the University who has particular interest or experience in this area?
  • What skills does the advisor bring the organization? How do these skills match those of your organization?
  • Are there areas in which the organization needs specific assistance from the advisor and/or are there areas that are hands-off for the advisor?
  • If the advisor has concerns about the activities of the organization, how should the advisor present constructive feedback to the organization?