Student Organizations, Leadership & Engagement
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617)-253-6777
Student Organizations, Leadership & Engagement
77 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617)-253-6777
Faculty and staff who choose to be organization advisors become part of students’ lives in a transformative way. As a resource for the whole group – and especially the group leaders – the advisor has a front-row seat for experiences that fast-track student development. Watching and listening, being available to assist when asked, acting as a sounding board, consultant, mentor, and enthusiast: the role of an advisor can be fascinating and important.
The resources below are designed to assist you in that important role. And the Student Organizations, Leadership and Engagement staff are well informed and ready partners whenever questions arise.
Be a great advisor
Resources
Student development
Advising a student group is an exceptional way to be important to students in a time-efficient way. As a role model, counselor, mentor, and caring supporter, your influence can help everyone in the group to develop new perspectives, strategies, and skills, and to cope with personal and interpersonal issues that arise.
Here are some resources that can help you support them -- and guide them in turning to in-depth support beyond what you can offer as their advisor.
Membership recruitment
The group’s long-term viability may depend on successful recruitment strategies. This will be a central concern of the student leaders, and it’s one reason that holding events can be important. If other students aren’t aware of the group, recruitment is a real challenge.
You may want to look over these strategies, so you can support the group’s recruitment efforts:
Membership retention
Student groups are great for bringing people together around a common interest, and they are also great for developing the skills and understanding of individuals. Membership retention is important for creating a functional group that remains effective as individuals come and go.
Leadership transitions
Transitions are a natural part of student life, but leadership transitions can be a difficult time for a group. A dependable, trusted advisor can help the group to transition smoothly.
Here a few resources to consider yourself or to pass along to group members:
Financial management
As an advisor, your main concern about group finances is helping the students to be fiscally responsible. Occasional inquiry may be all that is needed. If you want more information, SOLE has resources that can help.