An RSO advisor is a member of the faculty or staff of the College who provides assistance, direction, and continuity to the officers and members of a student organization. The advisor serves both as a representative of the group in an official capacity as well as a student advocate. Advisors should provide guidance, direction, encouragement, perspective, and support. An advisor should also be aware of potential issues which student members may overlook. Advisors should also become familiar with the College policies and regulations that govern student organizations and student activity fee usage. An advisor’s role does require active participant or guidance at some events and activities.

All RSOs must have at least one faculty/staff advisor. At a minimum, advisors should be in communication with the organization president on a regular basis to have a pulse on the status of the organization. It is very important that the advisor and the organization leaders communicate their expectations to each other. The minimum criteria to be an advisor to an RSO are:

• The advisor must have the approval of his/her Dean, Department Chair, or direct supervisor.

• Participation in a mandatory training session sponsored by the Office of Student Affairs and compliance with the policies, procedures, and operations reviewed in the session as well as outlined in this Resource Guide.

• All advisors must sign the Advisor Agreement form before the club registration deadline acknowledging acceptance of the roles and responsibilities as an RSO advisor.

Advising Responsibilities and Benefits

Advising a student organization is an effort that benefits both the students and advisor. Through our interactions with students outside of the classroom, advisors provide a fullness to the college experience. This extracurricular interaction with students allows advisors the opportunity to promote skills such as academic and professional skills, community development and civility, leadership, personal identity, and wellness that are invaluable to the students when they leave Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College.