Colorado State University expects that all Registered Student Organizations have at minimum an advisor that is a current CSU faculty member, administrative professional, or graduate student with permission from their academic advisor. Advisors to RSOs must have a working knowledge of the expectations and requirements CSU has of them in addition to the hopes and desires of the chapter they are working with.
By developing a working relationship with the organization and, at minimum, its executive board, advisors play a key role in helping the students and the organization to succeed, make mistakes, learn, and grow – the idea behind all student organizations!
Responsibilities of a Faculty/Staff Advisor
- Provide guidance and advice to the chapter
- Discuss the importance of academic excellence with the chapter, and support them in their academic efforts
- Meet with the chapter president at least once a semester to discuss important chapter information
- Be knowledgeable about University policies and procedures such as The Student Code of Conduct, SLiCE Student Organizations Policies, and the Fraternity and Sorority Joint Risk Management Policy
- Sign all documents that require an advisor signature for the institution
- Read and understand the Elevation Accreditation Program to support the chapter’s adherence to their Action Plan, and their ultimate accreditation status
- Serve as an on-campus connector to relevant resources and services
Tips for Faculty/Staff Advisors
- Consider joining and becoming involved in the Association of Fraternity/Sorority Advisors (AFA)
- Use the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life as a resource
- Access University resources and connect chapter members to these resources
- Determine which mode of communication works best when interacting with chapter members (email, phone calls, in-person meetings, etc.)
- Create a trusting relationship with chapter officers by building rapport
- Serve as a positive role model to chapter members
- Let the group know you’re there to help and assess their needs
- Respond to all questions and request for help in a timely manner
- Assist the chapter in developing an academic support program that helps encourage individual and collective success
- Review the chapter’s Elevation Accreditation Program submissions to support their efforts toward accreditation and improvement
- Initiate communication with the chapter/alumni/ advisor, regional/province officer and/or inter/national headquarters to provide your contact and background information and solicit accurate names for local and regional contact people
- Connect with Student Organization staff in the Office of Student Leadership, Involvement, and Community Engagement.