Advisor Information for Student Organizations

The role of the advisor

Organizations rarely become successful without the active involvement of an advisor. The University requires that each student organization be advised by at least one faculty or staff member. The advisor who simply lends his/her name to an organization to fulfill a requirement does a great disservice to that group. Effective advising requires numerous skills normally associated with teaching or counseling and a willingness to commit time to these activities. Advising often offers few rewards other than the personal satisfaction that one has contributed significantly to the growth and development of students through co-curricular activities.

The Center for Student Involvement has certain expectations of student organization advisors:

• Have a genuine interest in the goals and objectives of the organization.
• Be willing to meet with the group and individuals on an occasional basis.
• Be available during each semester to give guidance to the organization concerning financial, personal, and programming matters.
• Take part in some of the organization’s activities.
• Develop a supportive atmosphere where students help themselves under your guidance.

Following are specific roles of student organization advisors:

• Attend regularly scheduled meetings when possible.
• Have regular meetings with the officers to discuss organizational goals, assist with the development of programs, discuss the financial status of the organization, etc.
• Serve as a sounding board for the organization.
• Be familiar with the group’s history and traditions. The advisor should also be familiar with the constitution and by-laws and should be prepared to assist with the interpretation of those.
• Be knowledgeable about appropriate University policies.
• Recognize the general financial condition of the organization and encourage the maintenance of sound financial records.
• Monitor the group’s functions and encourage all members of the group to fully participate, assume appropriate responsibility for group activities, and to maintain a balance between academic responsibilities and co-curricular involvement.
• Consider the impact of activities the group wishes to engage in. An advisor has the right to tell the group that they cannot have a certain activity, etc.
• Intervene in conflicts between group members and/or officers.
• Provide continuity and stability as leadership changes.
• Contact the Center for Student Involvement to discuss organizational problems, concerns, plans, and changes in organizational status.
• Sign all documents which require an advisor’s approval.
• Provide honest feedback to group members and positive reinforcement for accomplishments
• Share your experience and expertise when appropriate.
• Provide an “outside” view or perspective.
• Have the ability to lend a helping hand, provide a shoulder to cry on, lend a listening ear, and bestow a kick as needed.

Advising is a complex function. The advisor teaches the group without operating it him/herself. It is important to remember that student participants have affiliated with the group voluntarily. If an advisor feels that the organization is not operating in its best interest or in the interest of the University, he/she should contact the Center for Student Involvement.

Attributes Of A Good Advisor

The meaning of the word “Advisor” is:
AWARE : Knows what is happening with the group at all times – problems, dates of functions, etc.
DEDICATED :Always willing to assist the organization when necessary.Enjoys being associated with the group and is very involved. VISIBLE : Attends meetings, social functions and other special activities of the group.
INFORMED :Familiar with the rules, policies and regulations of the University and the bylaws and constitution of the organization. Is prepared to render assistance with their interpretation.
SUPPORTIVE : Provides encouragement and praise to group members.
OPEN-MINDED : Willing to consider new ideas and approaches although they may not totally agree with them.
RESPECTED : Earned through being trustworthy and honest and demonstrating a genuine interest in the welfare of the group.

Adapted from the Florida State University advisor manual at www.fsu.edu/~union.manual1.html

Rewards Of Being An Advisor

There are several rewards associated with being the advisor to a student organization. You have the opportunity to:

• Observe the development of students.
• Receive recognition by the institution, the organization, and students for a job well done.
• Serve as a reference for a student.
• Serve as a mentor for students.
• Observe fads, culture, and changes in student life.
• Teach, lead, and coach students.
• Form networks with colleagues involved as advisors in similar organizations.
• Serve the institution.
Participate in an organization whose purpose you enjoy.

Requirements And Expectations For Participation In Student Organizations

Students participating in organizations must be enrolled in and passing three (3) semester hours of coursework. Other individuals in the University community and the public are welcome to participate in the membership at large as affiliate members. Such members may not outnumber student members, hold office, or vote on officers, organizational matters, or expenditures. Furthermore, they may not schedule University facilities or services.

• Be enrolled in and regularly attending at least eight (8) undergraduate or six (6) graduate credit hours
• Maintain a cumulative grade point average of 2.25 on a 4.00 scale
• Not be on academic probation or warning; and
• Have passed at least six (6) or more hours in the preceding semester of attendance.

First semester students who are not officially classified under a transfer status are not required to meet the academic or six (6) hours previous semester requirements.

Any student who is ineligible to participate based on the above criteria must withdraw from that activity. Students who do not meet academic requirements may submit, in writing, a waiver request to the Director of the Center for Student Involvement, 226 Kent Student Center.