Student Organizations Academy 2015

Working With Your AdvisorSession 1

12:00-12:25pm

Molly DuganAssistant Director for Leadership & Orientation

Office of Student Involvement

What is an advisor?

“A person who gives advice, typically someone who is an expert in a particular field.” (Oxford Dictionaries)

What is an advisor?

According to Xavier, an advisor serves “primarily as a resource and consultant to student clubs and organizations and secondly as a director or planner of programs.” (Xavier Student Org. Advisor Handbook)

Let’s Break that Down…

At your tables, discuss: • How do you currently use your advisor? • How could you better use your advisor?• What challenges do you have working with your

advisor (without naming the person)?

Setting Expectations

• Expectations should be MUTUAL! What does this mean?– The organization-advisor relationship is not a one-way street…your

organization should have defined responsibilities of the advisor and the advisor may have defined responsibilities for you (per the advisor handbook).

• What are some realistic expectations to have of your advisor? What are unrealistic expectations?

• What expectations should your advisor have of you and your organization?

Xavier’s Expectations of Advisors

• Xavier sets expectations for advisors as well:– Mentor– Active Participant– Supervisor– Financial Consultant

• Advisor Agreement Form – End of each year, signed by incoming president and

advisor– When a new advisor comes on board

Conflict Management

• What happens when you disagree with your advisor?– How can you appropriately address conflict?

• When you need assistance…we’re here to help!– Crystal and Dustin are always willing to work with groups

and their advisors when a conflict arises. If the situation calls for it, Leah is also available.

• What if we want (or need) a new advisor?

Final Thoughts

• Your advisor should be someone who is helpful to your organization!

• All organizations will have a different level of engagement with their advisor—and that’s ok!

• Speak up! Advisors don’t know what you need unless you ask!

• The goal is for the organization to succeed!

Wrap-up• Pair and Share: What is one take-away that

you can apply to your student organization?

• Questions? Come see us in OSI!– Gallagher 210, 8:30am-5pm or by appointment