Role of the Advisor

Introduction

Education, the central goal of a university environment, takes place in many different ways. One way is through co-curricular involvement. Educators facilitate learning in different ways as well. Role modeling and mentoring are two very important modes of helping people learn. The advisor helps the student take full advantage of co-curricular learning and serves as a role model and mentor for members of student organizations.

Requirements of Student Organization Advisors

  1. An advisor must be a full time employee or graduate assistant of Fairleigh Dickinson University at the Metropolitan Campus, exceptions at the discretion of the Director of Student Life.
  2. The advisor must sign the Fairleigh Dickinson University Metropolitan Campus Advisor Information Form and attend one meeting per semester held for advisors by the Office of Student Life.
  3. Advisors should be fully acquainted with the manual that follows and understand all policies and procedures used by the Office of Student Life.
  4. Advisors are required to attend the various functions of their student organization held after normal business hours. The advisor’s signature on the room reservation form is a commitment to attend the event. Advisors should arrive at least one-half hour before the event and must remain until the dissipation of the crowd.
  5. In the case of an emergency at such an event, the advisor should exercise his/her best judgment and work closely with the Department of Public Safety.
  6. Advisors are required to sign off on all check requests and facility reservation requests.

Responsibilities of Student Organization Advisors

  1. In assuming the role of student organization advisor, it is inherent that the advisor has accepted and agreed to fulfill these responsibilities in the manner listed below.
  2. Take an active role in advising the student organization.
  3. Know the general purpose of the organization and be familiar with all provisions outlined in the organization’s constitution and by-laws.
  4. Meet with the organization president on a regular basis (at least twice each month is recommended as the minimum requirement).
  5. Remain informed of all activities sponsored by and conducted by the student organization.
  6. Establish with the student organization president the manner and frequency in which the advisor will participate in the organization’s activities; i.e., programs, social events, rush and pledging activities, and meetings.
  7. Know the officers of the organizations.
  8. Know the number of current members of the organization.
  9. Know the organization’s process for obtaining new members.
  10. Be knowledgeable of the extent of any insurance coverage that is carried by the student organization either locally or nationally.
  11. Offer guidance to the organization on goal setting, organization management, program planning, problem solving, and group evaluation.
  12. To be knowledgeable of and adhere to University policies and procedures which pertain to student organizations, and to inform the student organization president of his/her responsibility to do the same.
  13. Be knowledgeable of policies and procedures listed in the Code of Student Conduct and Community Standards (as listed in the Student Handbook).
  14. Review with the student organization president the policies and procedures listed in the Code of Student Conduct and Community Standards (as listed in the Student Handbook).
  15. Refer questions concerning the Code of Student Conduct and Community Standards to the appropriate department and where the case is not clearly discernible, to the Director of Student Life or the Dean of Students.
  16. Report immediately to the Director of Student Life any activities that may or will violate University policies.
  17. Review and adhere to the policies in the Student Organization Handbook.