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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
ADVISOR TRAINING
CENTER FOR STUDENT INVOLVEMENT
PURPOSE
The purpose of this presentation is to help acquaint you with the theoretical
concepts behind advising a student organization, as well as UWM specific
information that students in your organization want to have.
If you ever have questions about policies, procedures, or just need advice,
please contact the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) [email protected]
or 414.229.5780
We appreciate you for your commitment to the UWM Student Organizations.
UNIVERSITY ADVISOR
Definition of Advisor
1. An educator who advisor students in academic and personal matters.
2. One who gives advice or counsel.
Synonym: Educator, Mentor, Friend, Referee, Confidant, Role Model,
Counselor
Advising means challenging and supporting students to become better
leaders.
A good advisor will use their personal and professional experience to
motivate individuals and the group toward a common goal.
WHY BE AN ADVISOR?
Advising is a unique opportunity to interact with UWM students outside of
the traditional classroom setting.
There are many benefits involved in advising:
•
Making a difference in the lives of students & the UWM community
•
Keeping aware of campus events
•
Building community
FACILITATOR
ADVISING MODEL
 Facilitator provides as much support, information, interaction and control
as is reasonably necessary and appropriate in the situation.
 Students must choose for themselves and shoulder significant
responsibility for outcomes of their choice.
 The key is that the facilitator manages the parameters under which
choices are made.
 A facilitator adapts and varies the level and nature of his/her involvement.
 Facilitators help students make intelligent, fair and reasonable choices.
*The Rights and Responsibilities of the Modern University: Who Assumes the Risk of College Life?, Robert Bickel & Peter Lake, 1999*
THE BASICS
UWM is home to over 300 student organizations categorized as:
*Cultural
*Departmental/Academic
*Fraternity
*Governing
*Honor Society
*Political
*Professional
*Recreational
*Religious
*Service
*Social Action
*Sorority
ORGANIZATION ADVISOR
REQUIREMENTS
1) All registered student organizations must have an advisor who is employed at
UW-Milwaukee. (Student Employees, Teaching, Research, or Graduate
Assistants do not qualify).
2) Advisors may be chosen because of their academic backgrounds or by their
personal interest.
3) Advisors are educators outside the classroom setting and a resource person for
the organization.
ADVISOR ROLES
An Advisor is a…
An Advisor is not…
* Mentor
* A director of the organization
* Role model
* The primary record-keeper
* Default Historian
* A member of the organization
* Cheerleader
* Simply a name on a registration form
* Resource
* Facilitator
As an advisor to a student organization, you have a legal responsibility to
the organization and the University.
ADVISOR ROLES CONT.
Advising is the practice through which student’s development can be directly
encouraged. An advisor helps individuals identify choices and take responsibility
for the choices they make.
Your main function is that of an educator that provides information, presents
alternatives, encourages responsibility, supports creativity, and challenges
students to think and grow.
The various hats of an advisor can be placed into three basic categories:
Program Oriented
Group Development Oriented
Liaison Oriented
PROGRAM ORIENTED
Advise students in planning projects, events, or programs (i.e. meeting, social,
fundraiser or community service).
Provide advice regarding timing of event, order of events or other ways to get
involved.
GROUP DEVELOPMENT
ORIENTED
Focus is with enhancing the development of:
Individual skills (assertiveness, budgeting, time‐management)
Group skills (problem‐solving, decision‐making, cohesiveness)
LIAISON ORIENTED
Advisors serve as liaisons between the university and the organization by
providing information regarding:
• University policy
• Procedure
• Guidelines
• Making appropriate contacts
Advisors also link past members and traditions with new members by providing
continuity.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE
ADVISOR TO THE ORGANIZATION
I.
Develop realistic goals for the academic year.
II. Be aware of all plans and activities of the group and inform them of all
university policies.
III. Provide continuity within the group and be familiar with the history and
constitution.
IV. Assists in evaluating programs and provide constructive criticism.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE
ORGANIZATION TO THE ADVISOR
• Establish a clear understanding between yourself and the organization as to
your role and function.
• It is the responsibility of the organization to communicate their needs to their
advisor.
• Establish lines of communication and the best methods of communication.
• The President/Primary Leader should meet with you regularly to discuss
matters and relay information.
• The President/Primary Leader should consult with you prior to any major
changes in structure.
RESPONSIBILITIES TO INDIVIDUALS IN
THE GROUP
The advisor works with but does not direct the activities of the group.
The advisor has a responsibility to both the institution and organization to keep
their best interests in mind.
RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE UNIVERSITY
It can be challenging to work with a new group of students, but they will
definitely look to you for guidance. Here are some publications that can
provide you with helpful information:
 Student Activity Guide
 Student Organization Manual
 Programming Manual
 Fund Raising Manual
 Segregated Fees Policy and Procedures
http://www4.uwm.edu/sao/publications/index.cfm
The advisor meets with the officers individually (one‐on‐one meeting) to
review the advisor expectations.
Review the organization’s constitution
Advisor's Agreement
The Advisor agrees to….
 Receive a copy of all correspondence

Attend all general meetings of the organization

Attend all officer meetings
 Request the treasurer’s books at the end of each
semester

Call meetings of the officers when deemed
necessary
 Keep the official files in your office

Explain university policies where appropriate
 Let the group work out its problems, including
making mistakes

Explain university policy to the membership once a
year
 Request a written evaluation at the end of each
semester

Help the president prepare the agenda before each
meeting
 Cancel any activities that you believe have been
inadequately planned

Serve as parliamentarian to the group

Speak up during discussion when you feel the
group is about to make a poor decision
 Approve all candidates for office in terms of
scholastic standing; periodically check their GPA’s

Be quiet during general meetings unless called
upon
 Take an active part in any conflict with members of
the University staff
 Take and active part in officer transition and training

Provide resources and ideas to the group
 Mediate conflicts as they arise

Take an active part in formulating goals for the
group
 Veto a decision when it violates a by-law or
constitution

Act as a member of the group, except in voting and
holding office
 Keep the group aware of its stated goals, purpose
and objectives
SERVING AS AN ADVISOR
o The advisor helps the students find a balance between their academics
and their co‐curricular activities.
o The advisor encourages each individual to participate in, and plan
group events.
RESOURCES
Literature
1) National Center for Student Leadership White Paper; “Risk Management
for Student organization Advisors”.
2) National Center for Student Leadership; ‘Risk Management 101”
Please contact the Center for Student
Involvement for any questions
Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Office Phone Number
414-229-5780
Email
[email protected]