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Lenoir-Rhyne University
Campus Organization Advisor's Handbook

SELF-EVALUATION

(Adapted from Dunkel and Schuh. Advising Student Groups and Organizations. Jossey-Bass Inc. Pg. 215.)

One of the best ways to improve is to evaluate. Self-evaluation provides you with an opportunity to really focus on the positive ways you contribute to the organization and the areas that may need improvement. Make sure to review each semester. How did the meetings, events, and activities go? Are there questions still unanswered? Does communication need to be improved? An Advisor’s Self-Evaluation Checklist is located below.

Remember, evaluation is a two way street. The organization evaluates you, and you evaluate the organization. You may want to consider having a year-end evaluation that asks for comments or it can a simple evaluation like a temperature reading: how does the group feel about my performance (100 degrees being positive.) Go to lunch with the executive committee and share your insights and recommendations.

ADVISOR’S SELF EVALUATION CHECKLIST

Please answer the following questions as they relate to your role as a student organization advisor.

Yes

No
_____ _____ I actively provide motivation and encouragement to members.
_____ _____ I know the goals of the organization.
_____ _____ I know the group’s members.
_____ _____ I attend regularly scheduled executive board meetings.
_____ _____ I attend regularly scheduled organizational meetings.
_____ _____ I meet regularly with the officers of the organization.
_____ _____ I attend the organization’s special events.
_____ _____ I assist with the orientation and training of new officers.
_____ _____ I help provide continuity for the organization.
_____ _____ I confront the negative behavior of members.
_____ _____ I understand the principles of group development.
_____ _____ I understand how students grow and learn.
_____ _____ I understand the principles that lead to orderly meetings.
_____ _____ I have read the group’s constitution and by-laws.
_____ _____ I recommend and encourage without imposing my ideas and preferences.
_____ _____ I monitor the organization’s financial records.
_____ _____ I understand how the issues of diversity affect the organization.
_____ _____ I attend conferences with the organization’s members.
_____ _____ I know the steps to follow in developing a program.
_____ _____ I can identify what members have learned by participating in the organization.
_____ _____ I know where to find assistance when I encounter problems I cannot solve.

TIME TO MOVE ON

There comes a time when most advisors can no longer find the time or energy to continue advising their organization is a positive manner. When that time comes, be honest with your feelings. The students will respect you for your honesty and probably be supportive of your need to pursue new interests. Changing advisors will not damage the organization nearly as much as having an advisor stay on after his or her interest has dwindled. Organizations need advisors, not sponsors. If and when you decide that you no longer what to act as an advisor to an organization, please let both the organization and the Student Activities Office know your decision. If you decide to step out of advising, get some rest! A new group, with a new purpose may need you!
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