Student Organization Advisor Orientation

Spring 2009

Presented by The Student Activities Office

IntroductionWelcome This presentation is designed to help faculty/staff advisors to University

Recognized Student Organizations Your work in this area is appreciated and we hope that this presentation is

of assistance to you Chancellor’s Executive Order #1006 requires that advisors are provided an

orientation to their role Additional information, resources and personal assistance in available at

the Student Activities web site www.csuchico.edu/sac. Please contact us for assistance and information! BMU 213 x5396

First, a few definitions…University Recognized Student Organization (URSO)

URSOs are self governed/managed student groups that have applied for and been granted a relationship with the university under Chancellor’s EO #1006. While independent, student organizations are granted the use of facilities and other resources. They must follow the Student Organization Policy and Procedures which can be viewed at www.csuchico.edu/sac

Introduction Continued URSOs are in a distinctly different classification from Instructionally Related

Activity Programs (IRA) which are directly managed by university departments, Associated Students Programs which are directly managed by the AS, Intercollegiate Athletic teams managed in that department or Sport Clubs managed by the Recreational Sports office.

Faculty/Staff Advisor University employees volunteering to advise URSOs are considered to

be doing so within the course and scope of their employment. EO #1006 mandates that advisors of recorded be regular university employees and not employees of the Associated Students or the University Foundation. The EO spells out the reasons for this.

Although his/her major responsibility is not regulatory or disciplinary, the advisor, as a university employee, has a responsibility to keep student, institutional, and the organization's best interests in mind. Advisors may need to remind the group of appropriate university regulations. Whenever possible, the advisor should work with and through the officers of the organization to maintain appropriate standards of behavior. For specific policy information, visit the Student Activities Office.

Introduction Continued

Throughout his/her advisory relationship with the organization, the advisor should be alert to opportunities to create or capitalize upon experiences and situations that will maximize the learning potential of the activity. To teach effectively in the co-curricular situation, the advisor must participate actively, not waiting to be called upon, but making a contribution when he/she feels it is called for by the circumstances.

The next section deals with the role of the advisor and touches on what we believe are the most critical elements of a successful relationship.

Student organizations contribute greatly to campus life and often offer important learning opportunities for individual students in

Increasing retention though providing a sense of belonging Heightening social and cultural awareness Developing civic awareness and responsibility Enhancing moral and personal development Developing a positive self Image & interpersonal skills Applying the theoretical to experiential

Roles of Faculty/Staff Student Organization Advisor Teaching and Coaching

Teaching and coaching are activities that should be within the advisor's professional capabilities. An effective URSO advisor should

Serve as a resource to introduce new and different perspectives and ideas Offer different approaches and programs Help the members apply principles and skills learned in the classroom Assist members in the development of insight into their problems Point out additional resources within and outside the campus community Coach individuals in their duties as officers Assist in the identification and development of new leadership Insist on high standards of programming and individual performance Serve as a resource to introduce new and different perspectives and ideas Offer different approaches and programs Help the members apply principles and skills learned in the classroom Assist members in the development of insight into their problems Point out additional resources within and outside the campus community Coach individuals in their duties as officers Assist in the identification and development of new leadership Insist on high standards of programming and individual performance

Roles of Faculty/Staff Student Organization Advisor Continued

Consultation In consultations on programs, the advisor should communicate

the expectation that he/she would like to be consulted regularly by the officers concerning their plans for group activities or programs. Advisors should know what projects and/or events are being planned and should offer his/her suggestions freely, but should be careful not to dominate the program planning process.

Provide Continuity Providing continuity is a very important responsibility. The

turnover of officers and members in a student organization is continual, and often the only link with even the immediate past is through the advisor. The advisor can orient new officers and members to this history and help them build upon it. Continuity also implies a link with the future and the advisor can play an important role in helping to develop long-term plans for the future of the organization and in communicating these plans to succeeding generations of members.

Roles of Faculty/Staff Student Organization Advisor Continued

Interpretation of Policy As a representative of CSU, Chico, the advisor should aid students with the

interpreting of university policies and regulations pertaining to student organizations, and may be a liaison to university administrators when the organization has questions about polices and regulations. The advisor should encourage the organization and its officers to learn about policies and regulations, and to follow them. For specific policy information, call or visit the Student Activities Office.

Liability Exposure As with all university responsibilities a university employee is acting within the

scope and course of his/her employment if she/he serves as an advisor to University Recognized Student Organizations. More information about your liability exposures is available from the Human Resources or Risk Management Offices. (See also Government Code Section 995)

Advising Style There is no correct advising style. You should utilize your own leadership style. Successful advisors take care of the people in the organization and their needs,

as well as maintain a concern for the organization's purpose and tasks. Be yourself. Your best advising style will be your own style. In the end, the most effective method of teaching outside the classroom comes through modeling behavior. Let the students get to know you and your expectations, and let them see your sincere concern for them. The rest will come naturally.

Roles of Faculty/Staff Student Organization Advisor Continued

Emergencies Occasionally, some emergency situation will occur within the group or

involve an individual member and the advisor will be called upon by the university administration or by members of the group to lend his/her assistance. Obviously, contacting emergency response personnel (9-1-1) is the first course of action if necessary. The University Police and/or Student Activities Office staff should be contacted and Vice President for Student Affairs Office is another important contact point.

Roles of Faculty/Staff Student Organization Advisor Continued Assessing Students’ Expectations of Advisors

It is very important for the advisor and the student membership to agree upon what the advisor is expected to do. In your handout is an activity sheet which you may use with the officers to begin a dialogue on expectations.

Your level of involvement as an advisor depends on the organization and its student leaders.

Attendance at meetings Attendance at events

It is very important for the advisor and the student membership to agree upon what the advisor is expected to do. In your handout is an activity sheet which you may use with the officers to begin a dialogue on expectations.

Recognized Student Organization Requirement Highlights

New organizations not found in the Student Activities Office Directory should meet with a representative of the Student Activities Office, BMU 210, x5396 to review the filing requirements. Those requirements are included at the above web site.

Continuing student organizations must file a Student Organization Registration Form EACH SEMESTER to maintain recognition.

The President and the Treasurer must maintain cumulative GPA’s of at least 2.0 and be enrolled in at least 6 units (3 units for graduate students) and must not be on academic or disciplinary probation.

Each organization must have at least 5 members enrolled at the university.

Organizations must have an eligible faculty or staff advisor filed and listed on Registration Form.

Greek Student Organization Additional Requirements The University President has issued directives as recommended by the

Greek Life Task Force and the Academic Senate.

These additional requirements are summarized at the Greek Life web site.

The Greek Life staff in the Student Activities Office works with Greek leaders, members, their chapter advisors and faculty/academic advisors. We encourage you to contact them for further information.

Responsibilities of Recognized Student Organizations File a Student Organization Registration Form EACH SEMESTER with the

Student Activities Office, BMU 210, x5396

Report all changes to constitution, bylaws, or officers to Student Activities within 2 weeks after changes.

All organizations affiliated with national, state, and/or local groups must keep on file the constitution or other governing document(s) of its affiliated group in Student Activities.

Operate in accordance with federal and state laws, local ordinances, university regulations and the constitution and/or bylaws of the organization itself, including those of any national affiliate.

See the University Student Organization Policy for additional information

Benefits of Being a Recognized Student Organization Use of University facilities, services, and resources according to

established policies Participation in University activities and programs Assistance and advisement from the Student Activities Office and

other university staff and faculty Eligibility to apply for certain kinds of funding (e.g. the AS Activity

Fee) On-campus banking at the Associated Students Business Office Use of the University name for identification purposes. (References to

the California State University, Chico may not be used in the names of off campus bank accounts)

Accounts on the university web server

About Alcohol and Other Drugs Chico State, along with the rest of the nation's colleges and universities, is very concerned,

about the irresponsible and potentially dangerous use of alcohol by its students, particularly those under 21 years of age. We know that irresponsible and/or illegal use of alcohol often creates academic, social, physical, emotional, and legal problems for our students that prevent them from being successful at the university and beyond. As an institution, we are committed to working with community partners to prevent these problems and to keep our students, and the community, safe.

Policies

As a matter of institutional policy, alcohol is generally prohibited on the Chico State campus. Alcohol abuse, including possession of alcohol by a minor, binge drinking or drunk driving is not tolerated. Click here to view the complete University Alcohol Policy EM99-11

Alcohol and Drug Education Resources

The Campus Alcohol and Drug Education Center (CADEC) uses a variety of prevention strategies to encourage and help students make responsible choices about alcohol and drug use. CADEC also conducts a bi-yearly campus-wide student alcohol survey for use in program planning and evaluation.

The university provides education and assistance in matters related to alcohol and drug in many ways. A complete listing is available at the Alcohol Policies and Programs web site.

About HazingWhat is Hazing? The California Penal Code defines hazing as, “Any activity related to a student

organization which regardless of location, intent, membership status or consent of the participants, causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, mental or physical discomfort, harassment, intimidation, degradation, extreme mental stress, or otherwise compromises the dignity of the individual.

Participation in a hazing practice will result in both individual and organizational disciplinary action, including possible expulsion.

Hazing is a crime, and those participating face criminal prosecution and sentencing.

If you have information about hazing incidents you are urged to contact the Office of Student Judicial Affairs, the University Police and/or the Student Activities Office.

Hazing is serious. It isn’t about fun and games or the rights of passage. The University and law enforcement, including the District Attorney, continue a zero tolerance policy regarding these activities.

More… Chico State hosts rich and diverse student life programs. The faculty and

staff who work with them are often the catalysts for not only the organizations success, but for the success of the individual students participating.

This presentation only touches on the wealth of information and assistance available to advisors and student organization. We encourage you to visit the Student Activities Office programs via phone, in person or at our web sites for assistance. We are “Helping Students Succeed”

Student Activities and a Complete Staff and Program Directory Campus Alcohol and Drug Education Center

Greek Life

Cross-Cultural Leadership Center

Recreational Sports

Wildcat Card Office