Advisors
Welcome
Thank you for your new or continued interest in being an advisor for a Registered Student Organization (RSO) at Nova Southeastern University! The Office of Campus Life and Student Engagement (CLSE) understands how important of a role that advisors have in the development of RSOs and our student leaders. We have compiled a set of resources to further aid in your success in this crucial role. Please feel free to contact CLSE at any time with questions or concerns regarding your role and responsibilities as a student organization advisor.
Being an Advisor at NSU
The main objective of an advisor is to be available to guide and assist the officers or members in the mission/goals of the group and to make choices within the boundaries established by state, federal, and local laws, University policies, and the educational mission of Nova Southeastern University. Advisors play an integral role in helping student leaders create an environment within their club/organizations that is productive, safe, enjoyable, and educational. Advisors are essential in helping their students facilitate the coordination of club/organization events and help student leaders take corrective actions and proactive steps to minimize accidental injury and loss.
Benefits of Being an Advisor
There are many benefits to being an advisor for a Registered Student Organization (RSO) at NSU. Here are a few them as noted in the ACPA Advisor Manual:
- The satisfaction of seeing and helping students learn and develop new skills
- Watching a disparate group come together to share common interests and work toward common goals and an understanding of differences
- Developing a personal relationship with students
- Furthering personal goals or interests by choosing to work with organization(s) that reflects one’s interests
- Sharing one’s knowledge with others
Roles of an Advisor
As an advisor to a student organization here at NSU, you will provide support, direction, encouragement, and build rewarding relationships with members of your organization. It is also helpful to discuss expectations that the RSO has of you and vice versa due to the diverse purposes, objectives, and needs that the organization may have. As a result, your role as an advisor may vary and you may assume one or more of the following roles:
- Mediator
- Mentor
- Motivator
- Policy Interpreter
- Reflective Agent
- Team Builder
Advisor Responsibilities
The responsibilities of a staff/faculty advisor include but are not limited to:
- Assist and advise the RSO throughout the academic year
- Provide guidance and support
- Attend meetings, activities, and programs
- Assist in program planning and guidance
- Assist in officer transition and training
- Provide advice and feedback on organizational issues and situations
- Assist in resolving intra- and inter-group conflicts
- Approve all financial transactions and funding requests
- Approve all room reservations, organization renewals, and general requests on OrgSync