(Click Here for Printable Version)

One of the best ways to build relationships on campus and have a successful year is to work with a good group advisor. Among other things, they can assist with:

• support from related academic or service departments
• “connections” with policy • creating a bridge for next year’s leaders
• administrative “red tape” DISCUSSION CHECKLIST

For each of these statements, determine whether the function is:

1. Essential for the Advisor to do
2. Helpful for the Advisor to do
3. Nice, but they don’t have to
4. Would prefer they don’t do
5. Absolutely not an Advisor’s role

_____ Attend all general meetings.

_____ Attend all executive committee/board meetings.

_____ Call meetings of the executive committee when s/he believes it is necessary.

_____ Explain college policy when it is relevant.

_____ Reserve an appointment with the president/chair before each meeting.

_____ Help the president prepare agendas for meetings.

_____ Serve as parliamentarian of the group.

_____ Speak up during any discussion with relevant information.

_____ Speak up when s/he believes the group is making a poor decision.

_____ Be quiet during general meetings unless called upon.

_____ Take an active role in formulating the goals of the group.

_____ Initiate ideas for discussion when s/he believes they will help the group.

_____ Be one of the group, except for voting and holding office.

_____ Attend all group activities.

_____ Require the treasurer to clear all expenditures with him/her.

_____ Request to see the treasurer’s records at the end of each semester.

_____ Check the secretary’s minutes before they are distributed or logged.

_____ Be custodian of all the group’s belongings during breaks/summer.

_____ Keep official files in his/her office.

_____ Inform the group of infractions of their or college rules.

_____ Mediate interpersonal conflicts.

_____ Cancel any activities that s/he believes have been planned poorly.

_____ Represent the group to college administration and staff.

_____ Fill this one in yourself with your advisor.

Adapted from “Organization & Advisor Manual,” Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo

THE USUAL ROLE OF AN ADVISOR

• Serve as a “sounding board” for ideas.
• Support your group.
• Be knowledgeable of policies that may impact your organization.
• Help in relations with college departments.
• Provide continuity and stability as student leadership changes.
• Provide different views or perspectives.
• Provide your group with “connections.”
• Help deal with organizational crises.
• Give honest feedback to group members.

THE GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES OF GROUPS MEMBERS TO THEIR ADVISOR

• Discuss your expectations of the advisor with them - from the beginning.

• Notify the advisor of all meetings.

• Send the advisor minutes.

• Meet with them regularly to keep them up to date.

• Consult them before making any major policy changes in the organization.

• Remember that the success of the group lies with the members and leadership, not the advisor.

• Periodically evaluate your advisor and have them evaluate you. Feedback can help with improvements.

Information adapted from Occidental College-Office of Student Life

(Click Here for Printable Version)