Resources for Advisers

Please note that you will need to submit an Advisor Agreement form via MyAULife for each organization you advise.

Advisor Agreement

The Center for Student and Community Engagement (SCE) believes advisors to student organizations are integral parts of the development and success of our student leaders. The advisor should serve as a mentor and consultant to the organization and be knowledgeable about SCE and university policies and procedures.

All recognized student organizations are required to have a campus (faculty/staff) advisor. The advisor must be a full-time university employee and have been employed by the university for at least one (1) semester. Fraternities and sororities are also required to have a chapter (alumni) advisor who actively helps the chapter attain its goals. It is every student organization’s responsibility to keep the advisor(s) fully informed and involved in all student organization matters.

Advisors are extremely valuable in assisting student organizations and their members. They should provide advice on the operations and activities of the organization, ensure continuity in the organization, and can act as liaisons between the organization, university, and in some cases, national offices.

As a Student Organization Advisor, You Must

1. Know who your student organization’s executive board members are and exchange contact information with one another.
2. Meet with your student organization at least once per month.
3. Be accessible to your student organization and interested in their success.
4. Ensure that the student organization is fulfilling all Student Organization Accreditation Program (SOAP) requirements.
5. Be aware of the student organization’s budget, club account balance, and their financial expenditures.
6. Assist the student organization in setting realistic goals and objectives each year and help them evaluate their progress.
7. Be well informed about the plans and activities of the organization. We encourage student organization advisors to support their group by attending their events.
8. Have knowledge and a thorough understanding of the constitution and bylaws of the organization and help with interpretation, when necessary.
9. Be aware of liability issues (i.e. hazing, alcohol, etc.), advise the organization to make reasonable and prudent decisions regarding these issues in planning activities, and inform the Center for Student and Community Engagement of any issues or violations.
10. Assist with the training of new student organization leaders.
11. Assist the student organization with any management, recruitment, or logistical needs and training.

Resignation or Termination of Advisor

A campus advisor may resign at any time, but when possible, the resigning advisor should help the organization find a new advisor. Upon resignation, the advisor should submit any organizational records, charters, etc. to the Center for Student and Community Engagement.

If an organization is changing advisors, the new advisor must fill out the adviser Agreement form on MyAULife.