{"id":650,"date":"2021-06-08T21:32:44","date_gmt":"2021-06-08T21:32:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nicholls.edu\/organizations\/?page_id=650"},"modified":"2021-06-08T21:33:36","modified_gmt":"2021-06-08T21:33:36","slug":"advisor-resources","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.nicholls.edu\/organizations\/advisor-resources\/","title":{"rendered":"Advisor Resources"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ is committed to enhancing the college experience. We provide opportunities for students to pursue their personal, professional, and academic goals by recognizing the rights for students to join, lead and establish organizations in those areas of interest. It is the mission of ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ to deliver accredited degree programs and comprehensive learning experiences to prepare students for regional and global professions with a spirited campus environment immersed in Bayou Region culture. It is the aim of the Department of Student Engagement to provide customer-focused student services and to provide meaningful student activities. The Student Engagement Office supports more than 80 student organizations in several categories: departmental\/professional, honorary, religious, service, special interest, University-sponsored groups, and social organizations. <\/p>
The time a student spends at a university is a time for growth: both in academics and in extra-curricular activities. Thank you for being an advisor and helping students to have an even better college experience! Here are a few resources to properly support you in your role as advisor for student organizations.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t The purpose of Registered Student Organizations is to identify the importance of extra-curricular learning and its developmental impacts. It is important to the Office of Student Activities and Organizations that students have an outlet to express their both academic and non-academic interests within the scope of the university. The learning experiences that students who are involved in extracurriculars is valued to be critical professional development, social, and fulfilling components of the college experience here at ÐÓ°É´«Ã½.<\/p> Registered Student Organizations exist at the university on the idea that the RSO activities are meaningfully related to the mission of ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ and complement the purpose of RSOs as stated above. RSO programs must contribute to the educational, civic, and social development of the students involved. Registration of a campus organization does not imply university sanction of the organization or its activities. Registration is simply an opportunity to organize on the university campus and may be withdrawn by the Committee on Organizations if an organization is found in violation of any federal, state or local laws, or university regulation or policy.<\/p> For a detailed description of university policy regarding name usage and other branding guidelines, please see the ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ Branding Guide.<\/p> Rights – Registered Student Organizations may:<\/p> Use university facilities (subject to pertinent regulations, proper scheduling procedures, and prior needs of the University itself); Carry out its activities and conduct itself and\/or himself or herself within the student organization’s own constitution, all applicable local, state, and federal laws, and all university regulations and policies; ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ offers a variety of recruitment opportunities for our RSOs which include: Orientation, Welcome Back Day and Family Day.<\/p> As a RSO, student groups can schedule fundraisers through the Reservations Office by completing a Gold Form.<\/p> Many themes have been adapted from the University of Houston’s \u201cRegistered Student Organizations 101.\u201d<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t A Registered Student Organization advisor is an on-campus faculty or staff member who has a relationship with a student organization and has agreed to provide support and guidance to officers and members of the student organization. The advisor serves as a liaison for the group in an official capacity and as an advocate for the group.<\/p> Why Become an Advisor? Who Can Become an RSO Advisor? How to Become an Official Advisor? Be asked by student leaders to advise their organization or approach an organization that you may be interested in advising and offer to be an advisor. The list that follows contains possible roles of an RSO advisor. It is important that the RSO advisor and the organization communicate their expectations of each other. The RSO advisor should be very clear about the things he or she will do, and the things he or she will not do. Of course, the expectations will vary according to the needs of the organization and the individual advisor.<\/p> The RSO advisor can recognize and support participation in student organizations because participation contributions to the educational and personal development of students. Running the student organization meetings Student organization officers can use the following checklist to help establish a working relationship with their advisor.<\/p> Notify the RSO advisor of all meetings and events The Office of Crisis Management at ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ page outlines important information for advisors by outlining the ethics in advising and where to refer students when necessary. Advisors should become familiar with the on-campus resources for student wellbeing.\u00a0<\/p> Consider the following tips to help make advising more efficient for you and allow you to be more helpful to students.<\/p> Attend meetings and events regularly Dos and Don\u2019ts of AdvisingPurpose of RSOs<\/strong><\/h3>
Privileges Given to RSOs<\/strong><\/h3>
Use of the University’s Branding<\/strong><\/h3>Rights and Responsibilities of RSOs<\/strong><\/h3>
Invite off-campus speakers and artists to appear for regularly scheduled meetings and assemblies (Meetings and speakers must be scheduled in accordance with proper procedures and university policies);
Distribute literature relating to the organization’s purpose and activities in those areas authorized by the current posting policies;
Sponsor profit-making activities and solicit funds for organizational activities in accordance with university regulations;
Responsibilities – It is the responsibility of every registered student organization and\/or its representatives to:<\/p>
Anticipate, provide for, and promptly meet its legitimate financial obligations;
Act accordingly in the best interests of its members and the University;
Comply with all organization information distributed through the Office of Student Activities and Organizations;
Take reasonable precautions for the safety and comfort of participants at organization events; and
Notify the appropriate Student Activities Coordinator in the Office of Student Activities and Organizations of any and all changes in the organization’s officers\/contact persons, addresses, telephone numbers, or constitution.
Additional Benefits<\/p>Recruitment Opportunities<\/strong><\/h3>
Fundraising Opportunities<\/strong><\/h3>
Advising a student organization can be a very rewarding experience for faculty and staff. Working with students outside structured classroom experiences or staff roles allows faculty and staff an opportunity to share information and resources and to teach hands-on skills such as leadership styles, organizational ethics, and program planning.<\/p>
ÐÓ°É´«Ã½ allows any full-time or part-time faculty or staff members to serve as advisors to Registered Student Organizations.<\/p>
Here are 2 easy steps to become a student organization advisor:<\/p>
With the student leaders of the organization, submit a Letter of Approval to the Student Activities Coordinator stating that you are willingly accepting responsibility for the organization in question.
The Role of Advisor
By sharing both knowledge about the university and personal experiences, an RSO advisor can assist the organization in the conduct of its activities. In addition, valuable, mutually rewarding, co-curricular relationships between students and RSO advisors are fostered.<\/p>
The RSO advisor may guide the student organization, but should not dictate the organization’s programs or activities. RSO advisors should be frank in offering suggestions, considerations, ideas, and discussing possible consequences.
The RSO advisor should be well informed about the plans and activities of the organization. The organization should expect is that the advisor will attend some meetings and will consult frequently with the organization’s officers.
The RSO advisor should know the goals and direction of the organization and should help the organization evaluate its progress.
The RSO advisor should be aware of the constitution and bylaws of the organization and help with interpretation, if applicable.
The RSO advisor should provide a source of continuity within the organization and be familiar with the organization’s history.
The RSO advisor should be familiar with university policies and procedures and help the organization comply with them.
The RSO advisor should be aware of the general financial condition of the organization, and encourage good record keeping.
The RSO advisor should help in training new officers and help them develop their leadership skills.
The RSO advisor should be prepared to resolve major problems or emergencies within the organization.
Inappropriate Responsibilities:<\/p>
Assuming ultimate responsibility for the group\u2019s decisions, problems or failures
Assuming veto power over group decisions, unless decisions could lead to harm or violate laws and\/or University policy
Governing content and ideas expressed in programs
Serving as primary recruiter for new members
Stepping in to \u201csolve\u201d problems; remember, mistakes can be good learning opportunities
The Organization\u2019s Responsibilities to the Advisor
Advisors serve voluntarily. It is the organization’s responsibility to inform the RSO advisor about the activities of the organization.<\/p>
Consult the RSO advisor in the planning of all activities.
Consult the RSO advisor before making any changes in the structure or policies of the organization, and before undertaking major projects.
Understand that although the RSO advisor has no vote that he or she should have speaking privileges.
Remember that the responsibility for the success or failure of the organization project rests ultimately with the group, not the RSO advisor.
Talk over any problems or concerns with the RSO advisor.
Acknowledge that the RSO advisor’s time and energy are donated and express appreciation.
Be clear and open about your expectations for your RSO advisor’s role.
At the end of each semester, evaluate your RSO advisor and give appropriate feedback.
Adapted from the ACPA Commission for Student Involvement (2005).\u00a0Advisor Manual.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCrisis Management<\/strong><\/h2>
ABC\u2019s of Advising<\/strong><\/h2>
Be open to communicating with members and officers
Promote Cooperation rather than competition
Assist in Developing long term goals
Encourage discussion of relevant issues
Foster a relationship of trust with students
Be a Good listener
Help officers improve leadership skills
Discourage Inappropriate ideas
Don\u2019t Judge students
Kick-start enthusiasm
Let members know expectations and roles
Meet regularly with organization leaders
Notice organization and member accomplishments
Keep your sense of humor
Praise publicly, criticize privately
Be accessible and available for any Questions
Request all agendas and minutes
Strict \u2013 No, laissez-faire \u2013 No, middle ground \u2013 Yes
Avoid Taking sides and remain objective
Understand the goals of the organization
Be a Valuable resource
Turn \u201cWhat should we do?\u201d into \u201cwhat are you going to do?\u201d
Develop and use constitutional eXpertise
Provide reasons for Your suggestions
Go to your organiZation for help. It builds confidence and team spirit
Adapted from Advisor\u2019s Handbook 2008-2009 \u201cA Guide to Advising Student Organizations\u201d from the University of South Carolina.<\/p>
DO…
Provide assistance regarding questions when members are not available
Make suggestions when the group is about to go off the deep end
Work closely with the President to give insight and feedback
Stand up for the ideas of the organization even if you don\u2019t agree with them
Do attend events (for at least part of the time) of the organization to show your support
Do spend extra time with members when you know the organization needs you\u2014specifically when they are putting on a major program
Let people know when you will be out and when you will be back in the office
Ask to be kept informed of what is taking place
Ask to be able to review correspondence for grammar
Do know, understand, and inform on University policies
Allow the organization to make financial decisions
Meet with specific officers on a regular basis
Be flexible (students don\u2019t have their own office and also have busy schedules)
Hold members accountable for their own goals
Make a decision if officers are not available to make the decision
Ask for input from students
Keep key students informed about decisions of the administration
Remember students have classes and studying to do
DON\u2019T\u2026
Be the first person people go to for questions\/decisions
Keep the group from making mistakes (this is how they learn)
Tell the President what to do (the President is the leader, not you)
Represent your personal views as those of the organization
Plan the events and run them
Stay late just because members failed to get their own work done
Tell people all of your business if you don\u2019t want them to know (it is not their business)
Demand that everything needs to be \u201capproved\u201d if it doesn\u2019t
Censor correspondence (there are few exceptions)
Be a stickler for rules (find loopholes when appropriate)
Let the organization blow their money away
Always expect a meeting every week at the same time
Fail to hold members responsible (they can at least call if they can\u2019t make a meeting)
Make goals on members\u2019 behalf
Make a decision without contacting or trying to contact the appropriate officers.
Think that students\u2019 \u201cwants\u201d always need to be met
Think that everyone needs to know the details of administrative decisions
Let students use school as a \u201cregular\u201d excuse for not getting work done (if they don\u2019t have time, don\u2019t be in the organization)
Adapted from the ACPA Commission for Student Involvement (2005).\u00a0Advisor Manual.<\/p><\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t