Role of An Advisor

Student organizations do not become successful simply on their own.  Behind every successful group there are important and influential people.  A Student Organization Advisor is key to a group’s success.  Their guidance and support allow members of student groups to develop skills to successfully carry out the mission of the organization.  Good advisors inspire, support, and challenge their groups so they can reach their highest levels of success.

The role of an advisor varies, but it is always an important one. The scope of an organization’s activities, the effectiveness of its officers, the time commitments of the advisor and several other factors determine the level of involvement the advisor will have with the group. An advisor should be committed to the group’s success, may need to sometimes go above and beyond the call of duty, and should never be resigned to only serve as a signatory on forms.

Considering their expertise and experience, advisors can often supply significant insights on group matters such as goal setting, program ideas, conflict resolution, and group growth. It is often the advisor who can aid in maintaining an organization by providing continuity and by serving as an information source. In short, a good advisor can help nurture an organization’s success.

Oftentimes the advisor and the members of an organization have different ideas of what an advisor’s responsibilities are or should be.  It is important that both the members and the advisor understand what role the advisor will take.  While beginning to work with a new organization or beginning another year with the group, it may be beneficial to meet with the organization’s leaders to discuss the advisor role.  It is very important that both the students and the advisor understand their expectations.