Advisors engage with RSOs in various ways, from actively attending meetings and guiding officers to maintaining a more hands-off approach. Regardless of style, RSO Advisors must stay informed, be accessible, and provide guidance as needed. Each organization has unique needs, so RSO Advisors should establish clear expectations with officers and document them as an agreement.
Advisor Roles:
- Mentor – Support students' personal and professional development, connect them with resources, and provide career guidance.
- Team Builder – Help turn individuals into a cohesive team, facilitating retreats, or goal-setting sessions.
- Conflict Mediator – Assist in resolving disagreements by encouraging open dialogue and aligning actions with the RSO’s mission.
- Reflective Agent – Encourage students to assess their performance, provide constructive feedback, and support self-improvement.
- Educator – Guide students by modeling behavior, allowing them to make decisions, and fostering learning from successes and failures.
- Motivator – Inspire students to persist through challenges by recognizing their efforts and connecting their work to broader goals.
- Policy Interpreter – Ensure students understand university policies to prevent issues and support informed decision-making.
Advisors provide insight, guidance, and perspective but should not lead or complete student work. Their role is to empower students to take ownership of their decisions and learning experiences.
(Adapted from ACPA Advisor Manual, 6.2009)