A Mutually Beneficial Relationship Exists Between an Organization and its Advisor

An advisor provides the group with:

• A “sounding board”, someone with whom the group can discuss new ideas
• Support during good times and bad; through programs, meetings, or conflicts
• Awareness of university policies that may impact on your organization's decisions
• Ability to cut through red tape
• Continuity and stability as student leadership changes
• An “outside” view or perspective
• Easy access to campus connections

The group provides the advisor with:

• A unique opportunity to get to know and work with students outside the classroom or office
• The reward of watching the group develop to its fullest potential
• The opportunity to help students develop their individual skills and talents
• The chance to informally share his/her knowledge and expertise on relevant topics
• An opportunity to feel satisfaction and accomplishment by making a special contribution to a particular group of students

Group and Advisor Responsibilities to Each Other

1. Discuss your expectations of each other from the beginning.
2. Notify the advisor of all meetings & send them a copy of all minutes.
3. Meet regularly to discuss organizational matters and to relay information.
4. Consult the advisor before any changes in the structure or policies of the organization are made, and before major projects are undertaken.
5. Understand that although the advisor has no vote, he/she should have speaking privileges.
6. Remember that the responsibility for the success or failure of a group project rests ultimately with the group, not the advisor.
7. Officers and Advisors should periodically evaluate each other, in order to give appropriate feedback about how to improve.
8. Both parties should assess goals, expectations, needs, and values.
9. Spend the time to get to know each other as people.
10. Be human. Ask questions, admit mistakes, say a kind word; work to create an atmosphere of trust and closeness.
11. Be responsible - Follow through on tasks. Advisors should keep in mind that they are role models and have a high impact on the students they work with. They should be aware of their own style and of the developmental level of the student. Students should remember to ask questions and keep their advisor informed of what’s happening.

Here are some more Resources to help Advisors and Students:

Advisor/Student Leader Role Exercise

Advisor Self Evaluation