Advisors of campus organizations allow the students the opportunity to develop organizational and leadership skills. Students can complement their educational objectives through important out-of-class activities that allow them the chance to exercise basic freedoms and learn about human behavior. In support of these objectives, it is important that persons with experience in organizations be available to assist students in their organizational endeavors. While the range of student activities and group purposes are diverse, advisors can be a valuable resource to the organization in terms of help with procedural matters, college regulations and policies, and financial concerns. Attaining advisors who are committed to student learning through out-of-class activities is crucial. Recognized student organizations are required to have an advisor. All advisors should be Monmouth University faculty or staff members. It is important that advisors understand the responsibilities involved before making a commitment to a student group. These responsibilities include:
- Assist officers in understanding their duties, developing programs and plans, organizing projects and making appropriate transitions.
- Be a resource for the students especially in regard to understanding college policies, regulations and services.
- Advisors for Fraternities and Sororities should be familiar with the Fraternity and Sorority Life Handbook and guidelines in addition to the Student Organization Handbook.
- Club Sport advisors should be familiar with the Club Sport Handbook guidelines in addition to the Student Organization Handbook.
- Attend meetings and/or arrange a separate meeting with E-Board.
- Assist organization in determining goals and encourage them to determine ways to meet them.
- Advise and attend organization events.
- If applicable, sign off on club expenditures for use of SGA granted funds.
- See that continuity of the organization is preserved through a constitution, minutes, files and traditions.
- Articulate campus policies and procedures and help organization understand them.
- If the organization is a part of a national organization be familiar with their policies, procedures, and risk management guidelines.
- Maintain the ability to address organization issues as they arise each year.
- Assist students in managing conflict that may occur in the organization.
- Be generally available to assist the organization.
- Travel with organization, if possible, for conferences or trips.
- Consult with other appropriate University offices when problems arise with the student organization.
- Recognize that as a student organization advisor, you are classified as a Campus Security Authority. See Section “Advisor responsibilities under Clery Act (Crime and Statistics)”.
- Recognize that as an employee of the University, you are a Responsible Employee. See Section “Title IX-Responsible Employees”.
- Refer to the “Advisor’s Frequently Asked Questions” in the Student Organization Handbook or the Clubs and Organization Adviser Information Page on the portal for more information.
- Submit work orders and requests (help desk, facilities, set up, police, etc.) as needed.
- Work with the Office of Student Activities to obtain contracts and vendor information in time for the event. Remember students may not commit to a contract. Student organization advisors and students are not permitted to sign contracts. All contracts must be reviewed by the University’s Office of the General Counsel prior to being signed by the Vice President for Student Life & Leadership Engagement.
- Consult with the Director of Compliance/Risk Manager and the Office of the General Counsel regarding potential risks to individuals participating in organization activities and events.
- Consultant with the Director of Compliance/Risk Manager regarding any insurance questions and issues.
Advisers are given an opportunity to attend meetings/workshops sponsored by the Office of Student Activities or to set up a separate meeting to learn about guidelines and to have questions answered. Fraternity and sorority advisors may contact the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life to learn more about the guidelines for those organizations, or attend meetings sponsored by the office. Sport Club advisors may contact the Coordinator in the Athletics Department for more information on helping their clubs.