Community Advisor Roles and Functions
Learn about the roles and functions of a student organization advisor.
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Meet University expectations of advisors.
- Attend committee meetings.
- Provide a link between students and the University.
- Interpret policy and take appropriate positions on delicate issues.
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Meet your group's expectations of an advisor.
- Meet with your group to determine expectations.
- Attend and participate in programs.
- Hold individual meetings with executive members.
- Serve as a resource person.
- Provide group dynamics training.
- Be familiar with the group's history of highs and lows.
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Know administrative detail.
- Be familiar with the politics and procedures of the organization and institution.
- Understand budget and expenditures.
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Demonstrate advisor qualities and behaviors.
- Know about group process theory and leadership.
- Establish good working relationships and rapport with the group.
- Be tactful and honest.
- Provide effective feedback.
- Enthusiastically support the group.
- Admit to a mistake – be human.
- Maximize information resources. Lack of information can be non-productive.
- Choose the most productive time to comment at group meetings.
- Be aware of the power of positive reinforcement.
- Allow the group to learn from failure.
- Observe, advise, and be aware of group dynamics; take notes and discuss with students and colleagues.