Student Organizations
Section 300: Role & Responsibilities of Advisors
Effective: May 4, 2016

 

At OSU, a faculty/staff advisor is appointed by the sponsoring department to serve as the primary “facilitator” to a SSO.  As “facilitator,” advisors work collaboratively and proactively with students, sharing responsibility for the development of the organization, its members and its activities.  Advisors also support, guide and partner with student organization leaders to ensure fair, intelligent and reasonable decisions and actions within the boundaries established by applicable state, federal and local laws, OSU rules/policy, and the mission of OSU and sponsoring department. 

Specifically, it is expected that the advisor:    

  • Serve as the primary link between the Sponsoring Department and student organization in order to support the success of the sponsorship relationship as outlined in the sponsorship agreement
  • Be a facilitator and a resource for student leaders in the interpretation of and compliance with OSU policies & procedures
  • Be a role model, demonstrating professional, ethical and positive behavior
  • Annually review the student organization’s governing documents (constitution & bylaws) and/or guiding policies to ensure accountability by the student organization
  • For SSOs, annually review risk assessment of student organization and work with the Office of Risk Management to identify and then mitigate any issues of concern
  • Advise leaders in planning and executing organization activities, including travel 
  • For SSOs and sponsored activities of VSOs, support student organization leaders with the timely reporting of organization activities to allow for visibility, risk assessment & insurance considerations
  • Review activity report submissions for all SSO activity to ensure compliance with University fiscal policies, risk and loss mitigation, and adherence to applicable University policies, procedures and guidelines 
  • Maintain awareness of student organization financial matters, ensuring that:
    • University funds are expended appropriately
    • solicitation of donations and sponsorship are in line with University and department practices
  • When appropriate facilitate the advancement of contracts and purchases through department financial processes, business center and/or University Procurement & Contract Services
  • Ensure appropriate use of the University name and trademarks in conjunction with the student organization and its activities
  • Promote co-curricular learning through organizational development, activity planning and interpersonal relationships
  • Act as a resource to the campus for communication and issues related to the student organization