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ROLES
AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF AN ADVISOR
The
role of an advisor varies, but it 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 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. The pattern of team
work between an advisor and the organization must be individually tailored to
the personalities and needs of both parties. Some guidance is necessary in
developing such a relationship. The following functions and responsibilities
should direct the advisor toward appropriate behaviors and role with the group.
(The
following is adapted from the Resource and Policy Manual, Virginia Commonwealth
University.)
Responsibilities
to the Student Organization
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The
advisor should assist the group in developing realistic goals for the
academic year. This
will contribute to the education and personal development of the students
involved. The advisor must take an active role, rendering advice and counsel
as circumstances dictate.
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The
advisor should be aware of all plans and activities of the group and inform
the group of institutional policies that may affect these plans.
The advisor should see that the group and its officers know where policies
are listed, what the policies are, why they exist, and the channels to be
followed for changes, revisions, or exceptions to policies. Many of the
policies are listed in the CUB given to the students at the beginning of the
year. Questions concerning the interpretation or application of policies and
regulations pertaining to student organizations can be answered by the
Director of Student Activities (328-7021.)
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The
advisor should discourage dominance of the group by any one individual and
should encourage quieter students to take initiative.
Eager leaders often steal the limelight more often then necessary. This can
lead to resentment by some or pressure others into silencing themselves. The
advisor can help provide a balance by pointing out such concerns in a
one-on-one setting with the students or the organization leadership.
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The
advisor may need to refer students to counseling.
Invariably, during interaction with the group’s members, the advisor will
encounter students with personal problems. The sympathetic interest in an
individual student on the part of an advisor is a traditional role of the
college teacher and one that has a long proud history in higher education.
The counseling role might require individual consultation on a personal
level or referral to the student counseling service.
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The
advisor should provide continuity within the group and should be familiar
with the group’s history and constitution.
Membership turnover in student organizations is high and often the only link
with the immediate past is the advisor. The advisor can steer group members
clear of mistakes and help them avoid the proverbial reinventing of the
wheel. Serving as the group’s memory and continuity link, the advisor can
help new officers build on history and develop long term plans for the
future of the organization.
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The
advisor should offer ideas for projects and events. The
advisor will perform his/her greatest service by providing opportunities for
the students to exercise initiative and judgment and to enjoy a proper
measure of autonomy in self-directed social, educational, recreational,
cultural, and spiritual activities. He or she should not dominate the
program planning process. However, advisors should ensure that the group
understands a program’s complexity and has discussed the necessary steps
that need to take place in order for the program to be successful. The
advisor should remember that it is the task of the active members to operate
the organization. Removing this responsibility from the members would
deprive them of an important educational experience.
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The
advisor should assist the group in evaluation. This
includes evaluating individual programs as well as doing a complete
evaluation at the end of the academic year. The advisor must be willing to
give constructive criticism when necessary and offer words of praise for
work well done.
Responsibilities
to Individual Group Members
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The
advisor should help the students find balance between their academics and
their co-curricular activities. Student
leaders often have the tendency to burn the candle at both ends and will
overextend themselves if not held in check. The advisor has a unique
opportunity to remind students of their academic obligations and personal
needs.
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The
advisor should encourage each individual to participate in and plan group
events.
Some students fade into background if not effectively encouraged. Being a
member of a student group can provide students with valuable interpersonal
and/or leadership skills, but these will not develop if the student is not
involved.
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The
advisor should encourage students to accept responsibility for specific
roles within the group.
The advisor should help them realize the importance of these roles. From
officer positions to committee members, each student should feel invested in
and accountable for their specific role.
Responsibility
to the University
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The
advisor should work with the group, but not direct its activities. Although
the advisor’s role is not regulatory or disciplinary, the advisor has a
responsibility to both the institution and the organization to keep their
best interests in mind. At times, the advisor may need to remind the
organization of institutional policies so that violations do not occur. The
advisor may also work with the organization’s officers to establish and
maintain internal group standards and regulations for conduct.
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Occasionally,
an advisor can help an organization during an emergency.
Although this type of intervention is rarely necessary, the advisor’s good
judgment can be the saving grace in the event of mishaps, internal conflict,
or personal crisis.
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