Advisors

Sign Up a RSO Advisor Training

Student Engagement hosts RSO Advisor Trainings to review new policies, procedures, expectations and involvement opportunities you should be aware of for your organization. We will also review ArgoPulse and how to use it from an advisor's perspective.

Sign up for Advisor Training on Argo Pulse

 

Advisor Eligibility

Full-time faculty and staff members are eligible to serve as student organization advisors so long as they are not on leave during their advising term. Student teaching assistants and graduate assistants are not eligible to serve as primary advisors but may serve as secondary advisors. 

Serving as an advisor is more than fulfilling a student organizational requirement.

Advisors must consider the following:

• Effectiveness of the officers for the organization
• Commitment of time and the level of involvement required
• Serving as the on-campus resource to the organization
• Mentoring and being involved with the growth and development of these students
• Providing consistency and communicating goals to future members
• Overseeing and assisting in program content and purpose of the organization

 

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Advisor Responsibilities

In agreeing to serve as a student organization advisor, faculty and staff members must agree to certain responsibilities.

University Policies	Advisors should be aware of relevant policies and hold their organizations and officers accountable for following University policies and procedures. Many relevant policies are highlighted on this website and on the Student Engagement Argo Pulse page.
Finances	Advisors should provide sound financial advice and confront any misfeasance related to the management or organization's funds. Advisors should never keep organization funds in trust. These funds should be deposited and withdrawn from an organization's bank account.
Inclusion	Student organizations are autonomous entities that register with the University of West Florida to gain access to benefits and resources. Advisors should guard against any misrepresentation by the organization as official representatives of the University. This includes the use of the University's Tax ID number or Tax Exempt status and in soliciting fundraising and sponsorship by individuals and businesses.
Involvement	Advisors should encourage student organizations to get involved with the greater campus community as much as possible. Advisors should be staying knowledgeable about what opportunities are available and promoting them to their students whether that looks like attending events, serving on committees, volunteering, etc.
Cleary Act	Student organization advisors are designated by federal law as a Campus Security Authority. Advisors must become familiar with the implications and responsibilities related to this designation.