Role And Expectations

The specific expectations of an advisor depends on the student organization's needs and the advisors leadership style and level of commitment. The following is a list of possible expectations that can be used as a starting point for the discussion between the advisor and the student organization. It's important to determine what the advisor will and will not do from the very beginning. For those items determined not to be the responsibility of the advisor, clarify who will assume the responsibility for those tasks.

• Attend all general meetings.
• Attend all executive board meetings.
• Call meetings of the executive board when s/he believes it is necessary.
• Explain University policy when relevant to the discussion.
• Explain University policy to the executive board and depend upon the officers to carry them out through their leadership.
• Explain University policy to the entire membership at a general meeting once a year.
• Reserve an appointment with the Chair before each meeting.
• Help the Chair prepare the agenda before each meeting.
• Serve as parliamentarian for the group.
• Speak up during discussion when s/he has relevant information.
• Speak up during discussion when s/he believes the groups is likely to make a poor decision.
• Be quite during general meetings unless called upon.
• Exert his/her influence with officers between meetings.
• Take an active part in formulating the goals of the group.
• Initiate ideas for discussion when s/he believes they will assist the group.
• Be one of the group except for voting and holding office.
• Attend all group activities.
• Require the treasurer to clear all expenditures with him/her before financial commitments are made.
• Request to see the treasurer's book at the end of the semester.
• Check the secretary's minutes before they are written in a final form/
• Check all official correspondence before it is sent.
• Get a carbon copy of all official correspondence.
• Be custodian of all group paraphernalia, records, etc. during the summer and between officer transition.
• Keep the official files in his/her office.
• Inform the group of infractions of their bylaws, codes, standing rules, and constitution.
• Keep the group aware of its stated objectives when planning events.
• Veto a decision when it violates a stated objective, the bylaws, codes, standing rules, constitution or University policy.
• Mediate interpersonal conflicts that arise.
• Be responsible for planning leadership skills workshops.
• State what his/her responsibilities are, or as s/he sees them, at the beginning of the school year.
• Let the group work out its problems including mistakes and "doing it the hard way."
• Conduct an evaluation of each activity by those students responsible for planning it.
• Take the initiative in creating teamwork and cooperation.
• Let the group thrive on its merits; do not interfere unless requested to do so.
• Represent the group in any conflicts with members of the University staff.
• Be familiar with University facilities, services, and procedures, which affect group activities.
• Recommend programs, speakers, etc.
• Take an active part in the orderly transition of responsibilities between old and new officers at the end of the semester or year.
• Cancel any activities when s/he believes they have been inadequately planned after consulting with the organization.
• Put up posters for an event that the group has planned.

As an advisor, you will have certain expectations of the student organization. Make sure you discuss these with the organization at the beginning of the year. Some expectations may include:

• Written goals and objectives
• Advance notification of all meetings and events - semester calendar
• Awareness and adherence to all university policies
• Organization's attendance at meetings and events
• Support and understanding of the University's mission
• Financial maturity and responsibility
• Open communication
• Honesty
• Commitment to the organization

It is important to evaluate and revise both sets of expectations as needed throughout the year. Do not be afraid to make necessary changes.

Submit a complete advisor form.                                                    
Your advisor needs to fill out and email the Advisor Form. (This application must be sent from the advisor's e-mail in order for it to be processed). The direct URL is: http://sait.usc.edu/stuorgs/pages/advform.asp. Advisor Forms are only accepted online.