In fall 2010, we asked organizational leaders what they needed from their advisors and how they utilized their advisor. From the responses, we have compiled the list of responsibilities from the student perspective, as well as provided insights on the expectations the University has for advisors.
Responsibilities to the Organization (Student Perspective)
- Be familiar with the organization’s goals, constitution and any other relevant paperwork
- Attend organizational events and meetings, as needed or as requested
- Stay up to date on organizational happenings
- Advise the group in relation to University policies and procedures
- Provide advice and input
- Encourage participation from the entire organization.
- Challenge organizational standards and encourage growth
- Help students reflect upon their experiences and how to successfully market transferrable skills
- Mediate internal conflicts (if necessary)
- Help build overall team morale
- Provide assistance during transition times
- Be available to help
- Provide insight on the past (i.e. past projects, initiatives, conflicts/troubles, successes, etc.)
- Sign necessary paperwork
Responsibilities to the Organization (University Perspective)
- Serve as an advocate and guide to the organization
- Help the organization be successful
- Mitigate risky behavior, events and/or programs the organization tries to pursue.
- Help students reflect upon their experiences and how to successfully market transferrable skills
- Stay up to date on what the organization is doing
- Consider yourself the person that helps with the students, not the one that controls the organization
- Help the organization understand and abided by University Policies and Procedures
- Help the organization stay up to date with Union & Involvement Services
- Consult with Union & Involvement Services staff as needed
Roles of the Advisor
Mechanic – Knows how to fix and fine tune
Psychic – Can read people’s minds
Gambler – Willing to take risks
Musician – Keeps things in harmony
Analyst – Figures out all the angles
Diplomat – Knows what to say when
Disciplinarian – Confronts the people
Caretaker – Always aware of feelings
Mediator– Has to sit in the middle
Actor/Actress – Plays all the parts well
Counselor – Has a listening ear
Architect – Makes the plans and foundation
Soldier – Knows what battles to fight
Administrator – Takes care of the paperwork
Gopher – When no one else will do it
Quality Control – Makes sure performance is up to par
Friend – There for support
Devil’s Advocate – Looks at all sides
Teacher – Leads by example
Author – Who else write all those memos?!
Juggler – Handles more than one thing at a time
Motivator – Gotta keep them going
Navigator – Can get people from one point to another
Gardener – Helps others grow
Lawyers – Knows the liabilities
Auditor – Knows financial status
From Schreiber, V. and Pfleghaar, E. “Supervising vs. Advising”
UMR -ACUHO – 1999