Advisor Tips
Advisor Role and Responsibilities
- Help your students balance their co-curricular activities while still being academically successful.
- Remain available to the officers and members to answer questions.
- Maintain the organization through leadership.
- Connect the club with different resources on campus.
- Recognize the leaders for their hard work.
- Inform the group when a decision violates an objective, bylaw, code, standing, rule, or university policy.
- Step in when the organization faces problems.
- Maintain your role as an advisor by being both a leader and a friend.
- Keep open communication within the club.
- Be a role model to the students in the organization.
Do's and Don'ts
Do:
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Read the RSO Handbook and Advisor Manual.
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Assist with the programming, travel plans, and finances of your club.
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Be available to club officers and members for regular meetings.
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Remain educated on University policies and state laws.
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Openly communicate with your club members, OIC, and the Student Union
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Mediate Conflict.
Don't:
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Micromanage: While you need to be involved, you should not take control or dictate club leadership.
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Publicly Criticize: If you have concerns about a club member or officer, pull them off to the side to discuss the situation.
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Be silent: As an advisor, you should speak up during a discussion when you have relevant information.
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Discourage creativity: Foster a judgment-free environment where students can feel comfortable coming up with new ideas.
Campus Security Authorities (CSAs)
Top 10 FAQ
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1. Who is eligible to be an advisor?
You must be a full-time faculty or staff member to be able to advise a club.
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2. How many clubs can I advise?
The amount of clubs you can advise is unlimited but make sure to not take on more than you can handle.
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3. How does a club register/re-register with Osprey Involvement Center?
If a student has approached you that they want to start a club, encourage them to fill out the club registration form to start becoming a registered student organization.
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4. How can my club receive funding?
To be eligible for funding (Grant Requests, Special Requests, and Travel Requests), clubs must be in good standing and funding eligible.
Visit the funding information page. OIC Club Funding Information
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5. What are my responsibilities?
The responsibilities of an RSO advisor are to advise and represent the organization's members.
Please see Roles and Responsibilities.
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6. What is expected of me as the advisor?
As an advisor, you should understand both UNF policies and OIC policies to be able to advise your members. Specific expectations:
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Attend a Student Involvement Center General meeting.
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Read the RSO Handbook.
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Meet with your club officers to discuss needs and goals.
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Oversee the club treasurer's finances and the club secretary's meeting minutes.
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7. How can my club make reservations for event tabling?
Reservations are made through the Student Union Reservations desk.
Click here for their online reservations.
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8. Can the advisor be held liable for the actions of the club?
Being the advisor you have taken on additional responsibility- actively work to prevent incidents before they happen.
Please fill out liability forms when necessary.
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9. How does my organization make purchases?
Purchases are made through the Student Government Business and Accounting Office. The club must be eligible for funding through OIC.
For more information about the Grant Request process, visit our Club Funding page.
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10. How can my club receive funding for travel?
Individuals and groups of students can request funding from Student Government for travel. All requests are heard by the Senate Budget and Allocations Committee.
For more information on the Travel Request process, visit our Club Funding page or our Business and Accounting Office page.