The purpose of this presentation is to help acquaint you with the theoretical concepts behind advising a student organization, as well as UWM specific information that students in your organization want to have.
If you ever have questions about policies, procedures, or just need advice, please contact the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) activities@uwm.edu
or 414.229.5780
We appreciate you for your commitment to the UWM Student Organizations.

Definition of Advisor
1. An educator who advisor students in academic and personal matters.
2. One who gives advice or counsel.
Synonym: Educator, Mentor, Friend, Referee, Confidant, Role Model,
Counselor
Advising means challenging and supporting students to become better leaders.
A good advisor will use their personal and professional experience to motivate individuals and the group toward a common goal.

Advising is a unique opportunity to interact with UWM students outside of the traditional classroom setting.
There are many benefits involved in advising:
• Making a difference in the lives of students & the UWM community
• Keeping aware of campus events
• Building community

 Facilitator provides as much support, information, interaction and control as is reasonably necessary and appropriate in the situation.
 Students must choose for themselves and shoulder significant responsibility for outcomes of their choice.
 The key is that the facilitator manages the parameters under which choices are made.
 A facilitator adapts and varies the level and nature of his/her involvement.
 Facilitators help students make intelligent, fair and reasonable choices.
*The Rights and Responsibilities of the Modern University: Who Assumes the Risk of College Life?, Robert Bickel & Peter Lake, 1999*

UWM is home to over 300 student organizations categorized as:
* Cultural * Departmental/Academic
* Fraternity
* Honor Society
*
*
Governing
Political
* Professional
* Religious
* Social Action
* Recreational
* Service
* Sorority

1) All registered student organizations must have an advisor who is employed at
UW-Milwaukee. (Student Employees, Teaching, Research, or Graduate
Assistants do not qualify).
2) Advisors may be chosen because of their academic backgrounds or by their personal interest.
3) Advisors are educators outside the classroom setting and a resource person for the organization.

An Advisor is a…
* Mentor
* Role model
* Default Historian
* Cheerleader
* Resource
* Facilitator
An Advisor is not…
* A director of the organization
* The primary record-keeper
* A member of the organization
* Simply a name on a registration form
As an advisor to a student organization, you have a legal responsibility to the organization and the University.

Advising is the practice through which student’s development can be directly encouraged. An advisor helps individuals identify choices and take responsibility for the choices they make.
Your main function is that of an educator that provides information, presents alternatives, encourages responsibility, supports creativity, and challenges students to think and grow.
The various hats of an advisor can be placed into three basic categories:
 Program Oriented
 Group Development Oriented
 Liaison Oriented

Advise students in planning projects, events, or programs (i.e. meeting, social, fundraiser or community service).
Provide advice regarding timing of event, order of events or other ways to get involved.

Focus is with enhancing the development of:
 Individual skills (assertiveness, budgeting, time‐management)
 Group skills (problem‐solving, decision‐making, cohesiveness)

Advisors serve as liaisons between the university and the organization by providing information regarding:
• University policy
• Procedure
• Guidelines
• Making appropriate contacts
Advisors also link past members and traditions with new members by providing continuity.

I.
Develop realistic goals for the academic year.
II.
Be aware of all plans and activities of the group and inform them of all university policies.
III.
Provide continuity within the group and be familiar with the history and constitution.
IV.
Assists in evaluating programs and provide constructive criticism.

• Establish a clear understanding between yourself and the organization as to your role and function.
• It is the responsibility of the organization to communicate their needs to their advisor.
• Establish lines of communication and the best methods of communication.
• The President/Primary Leader should meet with you regularly to discuss matters and relay information.
• The President/Primary Leader should consult with you prior to any major changes in structure.

The advisor works with but does not direct the activities of the group.
The advisor has a responsibility to both the institution and organization to keep their best interests in mind.

It can be challenging to work with a new group of students, but they will definitely look to you for guidance. Here are some publications that can provide you with helpful information:
 Student Activity Guide
 Student Organization Manual
 Programming Manual
 Fund Raising Manual
 Segregated Fees Policy and Procedures http://www4.uwm.edu/sao/publications/index.cfm
The advisor meets with the officers individually (one‐on‐one meeting) to review the advisor expectations.
Review the organization’s constitution

The Advisor agrees to….
 Attend all general meetings of the organization
 Attend all officer meetings
 Call meetings of the officers when deemed necessary
 Explain university policies where appropriate
 Explain university policy to the membership once a year
 Help the president prepare the agenda before each meeting
 Serve as parliamentarian to the group
 Speak up during discussion when you feel the group is about to make a poor decision
 Be quiet during general meetings unless called upon
 Provide resources and ideas to the group
 Take an active part in formulating goals for the group
 Act as a member of the group, except in voting and holding office
 Receive a copy of all correspondence
 Request the treasurer’s books at the end of each semester
 Keep the official files in your office
 Let the group work out its problems, including making mistakes
 Request a written evaluation at the end of each semester
 Cancel any activities that you believe have been inadequately planned
 Approve all candidates for office in terms of scholastic standing; periodically check their GPA’s
 Take an active part in any conflict with members of the University staff
 Take and active part in officer transition and training
 Mediate conflicts as they arise
 Veto a decision when it violates a by-law or constitution
 Keep the group aware of its stated goals, purpose and objectives

o The advisor helps the students find a balance between their academics and their co‐curricular activities.
o The advisor encourages each individual to participate in, and plan group events.

Literature
1) National Center for Student Leadership White Paper; “Risk Management for Student organization Advisors”.
2) National Center for Student Leadership; ‘Risk Management 101”

Office Hours:
Monday – Thursday 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
Friday 8:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m.
Office Phone Number
414-229-5780
Email activities@uwm.edu