Discussion Guide for Role Definition
Listed below are some of the possible expectations student leaders may have of their advisors.
The advisor and leaders should each respond to the following items then meet to compare
answers and resolve differences. Please note that these responsibilities are not implied for the
advisor. The list is intended to highlight some of the common issues of advisor/officer
responsibilities. The most important aspect of the advising relationship is that of mutual
agreement about the role of the advisor. This agreement cannot be assumed; it should be
discussed and negotiated.
For each of the statements, rate using the following:
1 = Essential for the advisor to do
2 = Helpful for the advisor to do
3 = Nice, but the advisor does not have to
4 = Would prefer the advisor does not do
5 = Absolutely not the advisor’s role
Meetings
Attend all general meetings.
Attend all executive board meetings.
Call meetings of the executive board when it is believed necessary.
Help the president prepare the agenda for each meeting.
Be quiet during general meetings unless called upon.
Decision Making
Veto decisions that go against university policy or stated group goals.
Speak up during discussion when it is believed the group is about to make a poor decision.
Let the group work out its problems, including making mistakes and doing it the hard way.
Let the group thrive or decline on its own merits; do not interfere unless requested.
Level of Involvement and Oversight
Reserve appointment times with the club president.
Exert influence over the executive officers.
Take an active role in formulating group goals.
Initiate ideas for discussion when it is believed they will help the group.
Attend all group activities.
Require the treasurer to be actively involved and responsible for the clubs financial well
being.
Request to see the club account printout at the end of each semester.
Check secretary’s minutes before they are written in final form.
Check all official correspondence before it is sent.
Receive a copy of all correspondence.
Mediate interpersonal conflicts that arise.
CSLIS
2013
For each of the statements, rate using the following:
1 = Essential for the advisor to do
2 = Helpful for the advisor to do
3 = Nice, but the advisor does not have to
4 = Would prefer the advisor does not do
5 = Absolutely not the advisor’s role
Evaluation
Insist on an evaluation of each activity.
____Formerly evaluate the performance of club officers.
Facilitate Transition
Take an active part in the orderly transition of responsibilities between old and new
officers at the end of the year.
Be the custodian of all group paraphernalia, records, etc. during the summer and between
officer transitions.
Programming
Recommend programs, speakers, etc.
Cancel programs if they have been inadequately planned.
Provide Information
Explain college policy when relevant to discussion.
Explain college policy to the executive board and depend on the officers to carry them out
through their leadership.
Explain college policy to the general membership at a general meeting once a year.
Speak up during discussion with relevant information.
Inform the group of infractions of their bylaws.
Keep the group aware of stated goals and objectives.
Be familiar with university facilities, services, and procedures.
Below, please list any other roles expected of the advisor:
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
CSLIS
2013