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There
are many ways to work with the advisor(s) of your organization. Most
importantly, the advisor-organization relationship should entail two-way
communication. Because advisors can have a variety of roles and
responsibilities associated with the organization, it is important that
the officers and advisor come to an agreement on expectations.
Listed below are some expectations that can help student leaders and
advisors arrive at a clear and mutually agreed upon role for the
advisor. The advisor and officers of the organization should rank the
following items (from 1-5, with 1 being an essential duty of the advisor
and 5 being absolutely no responsibility for the advisor) and then meet
to compare answers and discuss any differences. For items that are
determined not to be the responsibility of the advisor, it is important
to establish whose responsibility it will be.
― Attend all general meetings
― Attend all officer meetings
― Call meetings of the officers when believed to be necessary
― Explain University policy when relevant to the discussion
― Explain University policy to the group at the beginning of the
academic year
― Meet with the chief student leader before each meeting
― Help officer(s) prepare an agenda before each meeting
― Speak up during discussion when the group is making a poor decision
― Be quiet during general meetings unless called upon
― Exert influence with officers between meetings
― Take an active part in formulating the goals of the group
― Initiate ideas for discussion when the advisor feels it is helpful or
relevant
― Be one of the group, except for voting and holding office
― Attend all group activities, meetings, events, etc.
― Request to see the financial officer’s records at the end of each
semester
― Check the minutes before they are distributed in final form
― Check all correspondence before it is sent
― Be a custodian of all group records during the summer and between
officer transitions
― Keep the official files of the organization
― Inform the group of infractions of the bylaws, codes or standing rules
― Make the group aware of its objectives when planning events
― Veto a decision when it violates a organizational objectives or
policies, or University policy
― Mediate interpersonal conflicts that may arise
― Be responsible for planning leadership skills workshops
― Let the groups work out its problems; allow for mistakes and “doing it
the hard way”
― Insist on an evaluation of each activity by those students responsible
for planning it
― Take the initiative in developing teamwork and cooperation among the
officers
― Let the group thrive or decline on its own; do not interfere unless
requested
― Represent the group in any conflicts with University staff
― Be familiar with University resources and procedures that affect group
activities
― Recommend programs, speakers, etc.
― Take an active part in the orderly transition of responsibilities
between old and new officers
― Cancel any activities when you believe they have been inadequately
planned, will violate University rules, or are unsafe.
Adapted from Texas A&M University Department of Student Activities
The relationship between an organization and its advisor should be one
that facilitates positive learning experiences for everyone involved.
The Department of Student Activities shares in this endeavor and is
available to help make this happen. Contact the Director of Student
Activities for resources and guidance in making the advising
relationship a successful one.
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