Thank you for serving as a Student Organization Advisor! You are helping to make the UW Bothell a strong and vibrant community.
We in the Office of Student Life recognize that being a Student Organization Advisor can be a very rewarding and sometimes challenging experience. Therefore, we have provided some resources and tips to aid you in your role as an advisor.
Who can be an Advisor?
Advisors are full time faculty or staff member at the University of Washington Bothell, who have been selected by students to be their advisor. Ideally an Advisor has a knowledge or interest in the topic of the club and can offer advice and/or guidance.
Why have faculty and staff members act as the advisor for the club?
- The UWB asks Student Organizations to have a full-time faculty or staff member to act as their advisor for multiple reasons, here are just a few:
- We want the student group to feel connected to the University
- Hopefully you as an advisor are excited about the topic of your club and can offer advice and/or guidance
- As an advisor you can often keep students motivated to continue meeting, working towards their goals or just thriving as a student group
- Sometime a group needs a neutral party to help work through situations
- We want you to have the opportunity to work with our wonderful students in an extracurricular setting.
Role of an Advisor
The advisor plays a critical role in helping a student organization achieve success. Student leaders are fairly transitory so the advisor consistently provides support for the organization to make smooth transitions. The advisor should be thoroughly familiar with all institutional policies and practices related to student organizations. She/he should make sure that the student leaders have appropriate information so that they will abide by all policies and procedures and be as effective as possible.
Advisor Expectations:
- Act as a source of general information regarding University policies and procedures.
- Assist in determining realistic goals and evaluation of the progress toward those goals.
- Assist with new officer orientation.
- Attend club meetings, as needed.
- Be available for consultation with student officers and club members.
- Be aware of the club’s history and purpose in order to provide long-term continuity within the group.
- Be informed of clubs plans and activities, and attend events as needed.
- Provide opportunity for members to gain experience in leadership and interpersonal relationships.
Advisor Training
Advisors of registered student organizations (RSO's) are encourage to attend advisor training. During this training session advisors meet with Student Life staff to discuss their role as an advisor and RSO requirements.
Advisor Agreement
All potential advisors should fill out the advisor agreement form and training RSVP form. This form will be sent to Office of Student Life for approval and review. Each group seeking registered organization status are required to have an advisor agreement on file prior to being officially recognized. This form will be open August 4, 2010- October 19, 2010.
Fill out the advisor agreement form & training RSVP.
Fall Advisor Training
Advisor Training October 19, 11:30am
All Officer Training Sessions will take place in UW1 room 103.