Advisors
Welcome Advisors!
Serving as a club or organization advisor is an important community building role on campus. You have decided to work closely with students who have specific interests or feel passionate for a topic, social role or area of study. Your willingness to assist them as they carry out the mission of their group is a wonderful way to contribute to their development as well as the growth of our campus community.
Benefits of being an Advisor
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· Chance to share knowledge and experience in specific areas of interest
· Reward of watching a group develop to its potential
· Feel satisfaction and proud to assist students carry out the mission of their group and contribute to the UWO community
· Serve the University community in a meaningful way
Each advisor perceives his/her relation to a student organization differently. Some Advisors play very active roles, attending meetings, working with student officers, and assisting in program planning and development. Others maintain a more distant relationship to the organization. It is hoped that each Advisor will maintain some regular contact with his/her organization.
An Advisor accepts responsibility for keeping informed about activities of the organization and for advising officers of the organization on the appropriateness and general merits of policies and activities.
However, Advisors are not responsible for the actions or policies of student organizations; students are solely responsible. Advisors should be both accessible and interested and should provide whatever counsel a group or its members might seek.
Develop clear expectations of your role and expectations.Read the group constitution.
Advisor Do’s & Don’ts
Few advisors receive formal training on how to advise a student group. Below are some general guidelines to help advisors determine better practices with their student groups. Many advisors sign on for the role because of their interest in the topic or area however the do’s and don’ts provide some basic thoughts on how advisors can guide the work and energy of the students without doing the work themselves.
- Get to know members on an individual level.
- Develop a strong working relationship with executive board members.
- Meet with and help leaders set goals.
- Orient new officers and members to the history of the group.
- Help resolve intragroup conflict.
- Be visible and choose to attend meetings and events.
- Be knowledgeable of University policies and procedures.
- Discuss concerns in private and praise in public.
- Allow the group to succeed and fail.
- Be consistent with your actions.
- Head off situations that might lend to poor public relations.
- Point out new perspectives to the group.
- Review monthly financial reports. Be aware of financial state.
- Encourage feedback and evaluation.
- Plan and encourage attendance at workshops and leadership trainings.
- Guide and assist students in becoming responsible leaders.
- Provide support.
- Keep your sense of humor and enthusiasm.
- Know your group’s limits. Assist them in finding balance.
Don’ts
- Be the leader or ‘run’ the meetings.
- Say “I told you so”.
- Impose your own bias.
- Manipulate the group or force your opinions.
- Close communications.
- Tell the group what to do or do the work of the group.
- Take everything so seriously.
- Take ownership for the group or be the ‘parent’.
- Be afraid to ask questions of the group.
- Miss meetings or functions you committed to attend.
- Be afraid to let the group try new things.
- Become such an advocate that you lose an objective view.
- Allow the group to become a one person organization.
- Be too relaxed or bossy.
- Assume the group handles everything and doesn’t need you.
- Assume the group’s attitudes, needs and personalities remain the same year to year.
- Forget about checking in with the group executives/leaders.
Responsibilities of the Student Organization to their Advisor
- Provide a job description for the advisor to clearly define expectations, responsibilities and communication lines.
- Notify advisor of all meetings, activities, and programs. Establish an attendance schedule that is mutually agreed on by the advisor and student group.
- Provide copies of meeting minutes in a timely manner.
- Meet regularly with your advisor to discuss group matters.
- Consult the advisor prior to making significant changes to the structure of the group.
- Allow the advisor to share his/her thoughts and ideas.
- Show respect and value for the advisor whom the organization chosen to serve as a guide and mentor.
- Consider advice and guidance provided with an open mind and sincere interest for improvements of daily operational and special event/activity needs.
Ten Things Advisors Should Know
1. Advisors must complete an Advisor Agreement form each year in order for the group to maintain their recognized status.
2. The Student Organization Handbook contains complete descriptions of University regulations, procedures, and forms for student organizations. If you would like a copy, please email SLIC@uwosh.edu
3. All student groups must renew their recognition annually by October 1st. Recognition runs from October 1 – September 30. The recognition process is organized through the Oshkosh Student Association.
4. Student groups that are not exclusive in their membership are eligible to request University funds through the Student Allocations Office. Specifics can be found on their website or by emailing the committee sac@uwosh.edu .
5. The Student Leadership & Involvement Center has responsibilities to provide training and resources to Advisors of student groups. You will be emailed a monthly newsletter and are encouraged to participate in monthly roundtable discussions. An advisor training session will be offered each semester.
6. You are not expected to have all the answers; however, you should be able to find the appropriate person to address questions.
7. Ask questions. Student groups have a lot of energy and wonderful ideas. Be sure to ask questions to ensure they approach their ideas in a safe, inclusive, and intentional manner.
8. Share your interest in the group and let the students know of your reason for volunteering to be their advisor.
9. Have fun. Working with students should be an enjoyable experience. If you are no longer interested in being an advisor, share that information with your group so they can find someone who is able to dedicate the necessary time and energy to being an advisor.
10. Your involvement in students’ lives is important. Advising offers a unique chance to interact with students outside your typical job responsibilities. Be sure to realize the value of your interaction and set appropriate boundaries for your relationship.
More information about expectations, building relationships, University policies & procedures can be found in the Advisor Manual. Please contact the Student Leadership & Involvement Center (Slic@uwosh.edu) if you wish to have a copy. Online version coming soon.
