Advisors are responsible for filling a variety of functions in RSOs. As no two advisors are the same, no two RSOs or student leaders are the same either! Therefore, it is important to clarify and outline these functions with each new group of officers because each group of students may desire different things of the advisor. So in order to be a helpful and beneficial advisor, flexibility, good communication, and motivation are key.
Roles of your RSO Advisor
• A liaison between the RSO and the administration/faculty/university
• An interpreter of policy
• An information resource regarding organizational procedures, group processes and programming concerns
• A presenter of philosophical ideas and concepts of leadership
• A counselor, mentor, consultant, sounding board, and friend
• A resource providing history and continuity during changes in organizational leadership
• A member of the organization without the privileges of voting and holding office
• A mediator with interpersonal conflicts that may arise
• An exemplifying leader, student’s follow by example and if the advisor is leading appropriately the students then develop their own leadership skills via their advisor
• An open, honest, and unbiased opinion within the RSO
• A committed individual giving of themselves and of their time
• A cheerleader of the groups activities and events-always supporting the organization
• A networking resource for students interested in internships, jobs, and other opportunities
[Adapted from: Dunkel, N. W. & Schuh, J.H. (1998). Advising Student Groups and Organizations. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass
Publishers.]