Registered Student Organization Handbook

Advisor Expectations

Student organization advisors are required to review the following terms and conditions regarding their involvement with student organizations.  This agreement establishes the understanding that the faculty or staff member involved is aware of the policies and procedures associated with their involvement in student organizations at Grand Valley State University. 

Advisor Expectations

Responsibilities of an Advisor to the University

  1. The advisor to a student organization must be familiar with University policies and regulations and the particular organization that they advise.
  2. All off-campus accounts must have two signatures on their checks. It is suggested that the advisor audit off-campus accounts on a regular basis and before new executive boards begin their duties.
  3. GVSU recognized that the definition of the role of advisor to a student organization is that of consultant or resource person. Therefore, with the assumption and completion of the duties and obligations outlined herein, he/she should not be accountable for the conduct of the organization's members and their activities.
  4. The advisor is expected to attend all meetings of advisors held by the Office of Student Life and further, to maintain an active liaison between the student organization and the Office of Student Life.
  5. Because scholastic success is important to the university's mission, the advisor may wish to work closely with the students concerning their academic progress.
  6. Organizations whose mission stresses recreational activities must have the members complete the Sports Club Release Statement. The advisor should review this statement with participants and make sure all participants have completed the release form. Forms are available in the Office of Student Life.
  7. During travel-related activities, participants are required to complete the Travel Release Statement. Advisors should make sure all participants review the risk of the off-campus activity and complete the release statement. Forms are available in the Office of Student Life and on the Student Life Website Forms Page.

Responsibilities of Advisors to Registered Student Organizations

  1. Maintain regular contact with officers and members.
  2. Ensure that meetings are properly scheduled. Serve as a resource person at executive and regular meetings. Attend functions of the organization.
  3. Assist with the formulation and/or revision of the organization's constitution and bylaws.
  4. Encourage and assist the organization to plan active and significant programs. Work with the officers and promote efficient and effective administration of the organization.
  5. Assist the treasurer in maintaining accurate accounting procedures and in formulating an annual budget, as well as individual account budgets.
  6. If it is necessary for an advisor to resign his or her position as advisor, he or she shall notify the organization and the remove themselves from STUEY.
  7. Participate in advisor orientation program provided by the Office of Student Life.

Responsibilities of Organization Members to Advisors

  1. RSO's are responsible for recruiting potential advisors and identifying them for the Office of Student Life. The Office of Student Life will then request that the advisor complete and submit the Student Organization Advisor Agreement.
  2. The advisor should be recognized as an integral part of the group; he or she is not a member. Therefore, additional courtesies and considerations should be extended to him or her. The advisor should be welcomed at all meetings and social events and thanked for coming at the close of the event.
  3. Officers should plan their meetings at a time when the advisor is able to attend. Members should invite him or her to all activities. The president should also meet regularly with the advisor to discuss organizational matters.
  4. Check all dates with your advisor before scheduling special meetings or social activities.
  5. Members should consult with the advisor for his or her opinion and advice when problems arise in the organization. The advisor's background and experience within the organization and the university should be used. No one should go "over their head" or bypass advisors when working out problems and plans. Officers and members should talk over plans with him or her first.
  6. Officers must keep the advisor fully informed of the programs and activities of the organization and the progress being made in carrying out plans.
  7. Necessary expenses of the advisor for social affairs and activities of the organization should be paid for by the organization.
  8. Proper social procedures and courtesies should be observed toward the advisor at all organizational functions.
  9. Show appreciation for your advisor's services by a thank-you note, appropriate comments at meetings and on other occasions, and through personal thank you messages.
  10. A copy of the organization's constitution should be given to the advisor before completing the Student Organization Advisor Agreement.