All student organizations must have an on-campus advisor who is considered a full-time faculty or staff member. Advisors play a valuable part in the success of an organization. Advisors often help provide continuity to the student organization and serve as a resource for the officers in navigating university procedures. Advisors are expected to be knowledgeable about the student organization. Many make time to attend regular meetings in order to stay informed. Advisors are also expected to assist the organization in abiding by all university policies and state and federal laws.

Advisors: For an overview of policies and resources for students organizations, please view this power point presentation.

Finding An Advisor

The Office of Student Activities can help you identify faculty and staff who can serve as advisors. Many clubs often poll their members for professors they know well or have a relationship with and try to recruit them to serve as advisors. Be sure to be clear in your expectations of those you recruit to serve as advisors. Be prepared to discuss the amount of time you expect from your advisor, the dates and times of regular meetings and activities you expect the advisor to attend and the exact role you wish the advisor to play. Do you need them to provide advice and guidance particularly in the area of finances or running effective meetings or do you need them to be a resource to help you work more effectively with the national organization your club is affiliated with?
 
If you can provide this information to your prospective advisor, you are on your way to establishing an open relationship where both of you understand your roles and expectations.

What About Advisor Liability?

Some advisors may wonder about the liability of working with student organizations. Many organizations are involved in activities that may involve some risk that are assumed by student members, like a hiking club or a softball club. When a faculty or staff member serves as an advisor to a recognized student organization, you can assure them that they are acting within the scope of their duties since the University requires advisors. It is important that you keep advisors informed, seek their advice, and understand that they will not approve organization activities that violate University policies or the law. For further information please direct advisors to contact the Office of Student Activities at (417) 836-4386.

A Thank You Goes A Long Way

It is pretty simple, but a thank you can go a long way to maintaining a solid relationship with a helpful advisor. Be sure to thank them on a regular basis. The time and expertise they share with your organization is purely on a volunteer basis. Some do it for the passion of the organization and some do it just because they like the students they work with. No matter what the reason, be sure to take time out and thank your advisors for the help they give.

For assistance & questions contact the Office of Student Activities.