Topics Map > Student Organizations > Student Org Operations
Topics Map > Student Organizations > Advisor Resources
Advisor Expectations Checklist
Listed below are potential Advisor expectations which should be negotiated between student leaders and the Advisor. Student leaders and the Advisor should complete the exercise individually and then collaborate to come to a shared understanding regarding the Advisor expectations which will serve as the blueprint for the relationship between the Advisor and leadership team during the year.
An RSO Advisor is first and foremost a professional staff member who can provide support and guidance. All decisions are made final by the students within the organization, and the students are ultimately responsible for abiding by the UW Madison Student Organization Resource & Policy Guide (SORPG).
Student leaders and Advisors are encouraged to complete this exercise annually to account for different leadership styles between boards.
*Please note that this form is most appropriate for RSOs which are not co-curriculars. A version of this form tailored to co-curriculars will be published later in the 2024-2025 academic year. In the meantime, if you are a member or advisor of a co-curricular and would like assistance facilitating an advisor agreement conversation, please contact the Student Life & Engagement Manager at carlie.wiseley@wisc.edu.
Knowledge
"The Advisor should be knowledgeable about..."
Expectations
|
Strongly Agree
|
Agree
|
No Opinion
|
Disagree
|
Strongly Disagree
|
| The goals of the organization. |
|
|
|
|
|
| The election procedure outlined in the organization's constitution/bylaws. |
|
|
|
|
|
| The officer and member removal procedure (if included) in the organization's constitution/bylaws. |
|
|
|
|
|
| The parliamentary procedure of decision making process outlined in the organization's constitution/bylaws. |
|
|
|
|
|
| The membership requirements outlined in the organization's constitution/bylaws. |
|
|
|
|
|
| The requirements outlined by the national organization which the organization is a chapter of, if applicable. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Issues or concerns the organization is facing. |
|
|
|
|
|
| UW Madison & Law School facilities and services that affect group activities. |
|
|
|
|
|
| UW Madison & Law School event policies and procedures. |
|
|
|
|
|
| The steps to follow when developing an event or program. |
|
|
|
|
|
| The Fundraising guidelines outlined in the Student Organization Resource & Policy Guide. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Where to find assistance when the organization encounters problems they cannot solve. |
|
|
|
|
|
Basics
"The Advisor should..."
Expectations
|
Strongly Agree
|
Agree
|
No Opinion
|
Disagree
|
Strongly Disagree
|
| Know the group members. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Know the group officers. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Support change within the organization. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Provide continuity for the organization. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Provide motivation and encouragement to members. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Recommend and encourage without imposing their ideas and preferences. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Be a sounding board. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Be one of the group (except for voting and holding office). |
|
|
|
|
|
| Be an educator/trainer of leadership and organizational skills. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Mediate interpersonal conflicts of the group. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Be available to assist the group in any conflict with members of UW Madison & Law School staff. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Let the group work out its problems, including making mistakes and "doing it the hard way." |
|
|
|
|
|
| Be a historical financial advisor. |
|
|
|
|
|
Meetings
"The Advisor should..."
Expectations
|
Strongly Agree
|
Agree
|
No Opinion
|
Disagree
|
Strongly Disagree
|
| Attend all regularly scheduled general body meetings. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Attend all regularly scheduled executive board meetings. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Help the President prepare meeting agendas before each meeting. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Schedule meetings with the President before each meeting. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Schedule meetings with the President as needed. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Schedule meeting with the executive board as needed. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Meet with the President regularly; e.g. biweekly or monthly. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Meet with the executive board regularly; e.g. biweekly or monthly. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Create meeting agendas for meetings with the executive board. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Speak during general body meetings. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Remain silent during general body meetings. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Remain silent during general body meetings unless asked for advice. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Speak during executive board meetings. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Remain silent during executive board meetings. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Remain silent during executive board meetings unless asked for advice. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Initiate ideas for discussion when the Advisor feels it will help the group. |
|
|
|
|
|
Events
"The Advisor should..."
Expectations
|
Strongly Agree
|
Agree
|
No Opinion
|
Disagree
|
Strongly Disagree
|
| Attend all events. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Attend all special events. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Volunteer for events, as able. |
|
|
|
|
|
Administration
"The Advisor should..."
Expectations
|
Strongly Agree
|
Agree
|
No Opinion
|
Disagree
|
Strongly Disagree
|
| Explain UW Madison & Law School policy when relevant to the discussion. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Keep the group unaware of its stated objectives when planning events. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Inform the group of infractions of their constitution/bylaws. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Serve as the parliamentarian. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Advise the group to cancel any activities when they believe they have been inadequately planned. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Let the group thrive or decline on its own merits, do not intervene unless requested. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Take an active part in the orderly transition of responsibilities between old and new officers. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Conduct risk management. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Mediate interpersonal conflicts that arise. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Make recommendations regarding the group's finances. |
|
|
|
|
|
Records
"The advisor should..."
Expectations
|
Strongly Agree
|
Agree
|
No Opinion
|
Disagree
|
Strongly Agree
|
| Be custodian for all group paraphernalia, records, etc. between transition of officers. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Maintain organizational records. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Receive copies of all official correspondence. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Receive copies of all Release, Waiver, and Assumption of Risk Forms. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Receive copies of minutes, emails, etc. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Receive copies of budget documents. |
|
|
|
|
|
| Receive copies of all fundraising requests. |
|
|
|
|
|
