Advisor Expectations & Responsibilities

Responsibilities of Student Organization Advisors:

The advisor may work with the student organization, but not direct its activities. The role is not regulatory or disciplinary; the advisor is responsible to DePaul and the student organization to keep their best interests in mind. At times, the advisor may need to remind the student organization of university policies and guidelines to avoid violations. The advisor may also work with the organization’s officers to establish and maintain internal student organization standards and regulations for conduct. It is recommended that these standards and regulations be incorporated into the organization’s constitution. Student organization advisors serve in a voluntary role. More information about the requirements for employees who choose to volunteer their time at the University can be found in the university’s Time Reporting policy.

• The advisor should uphold the best interests of DePaul’s Mission and Values and the student organization’s mission and goals as stated in their constitution.

• Advisors serve as a liaison to the Office of Student Involvement in this volunteer role and therefore must promote and support the development of the members in a student organization according to the Code of Student Responsibility.

• The advisor must complete an advisor confirmation request on DeHUB. This request confirms that the advisor is a staff member or full-time faculty member at DePaul, has reviewed the group’s constitution, and agrees to serve in the advisor role for the organization.

• The advisor may provide continuity within the student organization and should be familiar with the student organization’s history and constitution.

• The advisor will keep abreast of all financial procedures and contractual agreements by communicating with Student Involvement.

• The advisor should see that the student organization and its officers know where policies are listed, what the policies are, why they exist, and the channels to be followed for changes, revisions, or exceptions to policies.

Expectations of Student Organization Advisors:

• Advisors are expected to complete all OSI training assigned to advisors and are highly encouraged to attend other voluntary events OSI hosts throughout the year for advisors.
• The advisor may help students find a balance between their academics and their co-curricular activities. Student leaders often tend to overextend themselves. The advisor has a unique opportunity to remind students of their academic obligations and personal needs.
• The advisor may discourage the dominance of the student organization by any one individual and can encourage quieter students to take initiative.
• The advisor may encourage everyone to participate in and plan student organization events. Some students, if not effectively encouraged, will not reach their potential as student organization members or leaders. Being a member of a student organization can provide students with valuable interpersonal and/or leadership skills, but these will not develop to their highest potential if the student is not actively involved.
• The advisor may assist the student organization in developing realistic goals for the academic year. This will contribute to the education and personal development of the students involved.
• The advisor may be aware of major events and activities of the student organization and inform the student organization of university policies and guidelines that may affect these programs.
• The advisor may encourage students to accept responsibility for specific roles within the student organization. The advisor should help them realize the importance of these roles. From officer positions to committee members, each student should feel invested in and accountable for their specific role(s).