Behind most successful student organizations is an effective advisor. An advisor needs a strong belief in the organization, a desire to help students succeed, a willingness to share expertise and a commitment to spend time with the group.
An advisor can help a group with goal setting, finding new members, motivation, team-building, program planning, evaluation, problem-solving and group communication. They can provide guidance with the group’s budget and maintaining financial records. An advisor can also serve as an excellent resource for contacts within the University and in the local community. An actively involved advisor’s leadership can provide continuity for the organization from year to year.
Selecting an Advisor
The first step an organization should take when selecting an advisor is to develop a specific set of criteria. The criteria should realistically represent the group’s expectations. For example, the ideal advisor might have the following traits:
- a strong belief in the organization
- the ability to serve as a role model
- a desire to help students and a willingness to commit sufficient time
- familiarity with University rules and regulations
- the ability to motivate others
- enthusiasm and a sense of humor
- interest in students’ growth and development beyond the classroom
- the ability to work with others
All prospective advisors should receive the above list, or a list you come up with, and an explanation of the organization’s history, purpose, programs, needs and expectations. This gives them the opportunity to study the organization and decide if they truly are interested in fulfilling the responsibilities and demands of the position.
Discuss what role an advisor could play in your organization with your members. Be clear about what responsibilities the organization expects of the advisor, so that the person you approach understands what their job would be. Mmembers should also discuss who they feel would be an effective advisor. Have more than one name on the list in case your No. 1 choice is unable to take the job. If a student organization needs assistance in identifying an appropriate advisor, the CSLIS is available to help.
Working with Advisors
As a student organization at Sonoma State University, it is the organization’s responsibility to utilize the advisor and always maintain open communication lines. The following list is a guideline for working with advisors:
- Notices for meetings should be given to the advisor. When a designated meeting time is set for the semester or the year, every attempt should be made to set a time that is convenient for the advisor.
- If executive meetings established to determine agendas for meetings, the advisor should be invited to these meetings. If the advisor is unable to attend, they should be informed about what is discussed and requested to submit additional items.
- The officers of the organization should maintain a close relationship with the advisor and should provide opportunities for the advisor to meet as many members as possible.
- Organizations ARE REQUIRED to have their advisor sign off on all Use of Facilities Forms (See section on Use of University Facilities). You are also encouraged to invite the advisor to all events, as a way of keeping the advisor informed of activities sponsored by the organization. It is important to not only inform the advisor about what is happening, but to include them in the decision-making process when proposing an event or activity.
- If situations arise that may cause problems for the organization or any member, the advisor should be informed immediately.
- Organizations should update the advisor with the financial condition of the organization.
- Organizations should recognize that an advisor should not be committed to any type of obligation unless they agree to the commitment.
- Minutes of meetings as well as other materials of the organization should be submitted to the advisor on a regular basis.
- An organization should be aware that the advisor is providing services without compensation. Although advisors do not expect special recognition, they like to know their services are appreciated!
- The organization should be willing to discuss any dissatisfaction it may have with the advisor. In turn, the advisor should be free to discuss their concerns. If these concerns cannot be resolved, the Center for Student Leadership, Involvement and Service can be asked to mediate.
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