When faculty/staff accept the position of advisor to student organizations, they agree to accept certain responsibilities; these include but are not limited to the following:

• Provide information on procedures that their club must follow to carry out activities
• Be present at all scheduled events (or designated/approved district employee), especially any activity involving travel
• To be certain of the content and manner of all scheduled programs so that they are presented in a format congruent with college and district policies;
• Authorize and sign all required forms
• Oversee budgets and finances and assume responsibility for disbursement of funds and timely deposit
• Provide guidance in areas of parliamentary procedures and conducting a meeting (a handbook is available to help you with this process)
• Assist in resolving interpersonal conflicts within the organization
• Represent your organization's interest to various groups/individuals on and off campus
• Assist officers/members with personal problems by providing guidance/counseling, referring them to the Student Activities Office, or referring them to an appropriate department on campus
• Make every reasonable effort to ensure your organization does not violate District policies, regulations, California Education Code, Federal, State, or local statutes
• Provide continuity and stability in a rapidly changing climate within the student life environment
• Assist club/organizations' officers in creating agendas and in keeping accurate minutes for each meeting
• Ensure all new officers and advisors attend the required Orientation Sessions and complete the Club/Organization's Registration Packets each semester through the Student Activities Office
• Advisors must be able to establish relationships with the students in the club/organization
• Advisors will have to manage their time and make the club/organization aware of your level of commitment and availability
• Advisors must be able to attend the organization's meetings and activities to stay informed and to be most effective
• Advisors must have knowledge of all events/activities and plan for all potential risks to any members, students, or participants
• Advisors should emphasize the importance of academic achievement and progress by stressing the need for the students to maintain a balance between their organization, activities, and academic responsibilities

The Student Activities staff is available to assist you with your questions and is a resource for helping you and the club/organization to have a positive experience.

These are some of the various roles that your club/organization may need you to assume during different times of the year, as they develop and grow within the club/organization; mentor, supervisor, teacher, leader, and follower. Discuss your role and expectations with all the officers and members as soon as possible.

• Not to run the club/organization for an extended period of time.  This is not to say that it will not ever be necessary;
• They should not do the major share of the work in getting the activities going, but this does not mean you cannot help;
• Not to finance the club/organization. Advancing them money in emergencies is acceptable, however, one should receive approval in the minutes to ensure that you will be reimbursed when you submit your receipts;
• Being a "Buddy" to the members is discouraged in order to maintain a level of professionalism;
• Not to do everything yourself;
• Not to control all of the organization's matters because the students should make the decisions while you ensure that all policies and procedures are followed. 

Dunkel, N.W. & Schuh, J.H. (1998).  Advising Student Groups.  San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. 

The following questions will provide an assessment of your organization's advisor.