Student Organization Advisor Role

The Role of the Advisor

An advisor or student may wonder why a student organization would need a faculty or staff advisor. Besides a requirement of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center student organizations, advisors provide organizations with assistance and advisement in many areas. 

Feedback

• Serve as a "sounding board" to listen to new ideas
• Provide an outside perspective or view. 
• Give honest feedback to group members for personal growth and development. 

Support

• Provide support to the organization.
• Help deal with organizational crises. 

 Intervention

• Intervene, when appropriate, in conflicts between group members. 
• Run "interference" with the university community when necessary. 

Historical Reference

• Be knowledgeable of university policies that may impact the university. 
• Provide continuity and stability in student leaders transition. 

Policies

• Oversee adherence to University standards and rules. 
• Oversee adherence to the organization's constitution and by-laws. 

Connections

• Provide the group with connections to other people and to campus resources. 

Responsibilities of Group Members to the Advisor

Inform

• Discuss expectations of the advisor's role with the advisor. 
• Notify the advisor of all meetings. 
• Send the advisor a copy of all minutes. 
• Meet regularly with the advisor to discuss organizational matters. 
• Relay and update information. 

Discuss

• Consult with the advisor before any changes in the structure or policies of the organization are made and before major projects are undertaken. 
• Understand the advisor has no vote, but they have speaking privleges. 

Evaluate

• Remember that the success or failure of an organization or project rests with the group, not the advisor.
• Give feedback to let them know how they may improve advisement.