Why have an advisor?
An advisor is more than a signature. Student-faculty interaction outside of the classroom enhances the overall college experience and reaps many benefits. Each organization's needs vary, however, so the level of involvement should be negotiated between the organization and advisor.

Advisor Functions
It may be helpful to think of the advisor's role in terms of three major areas. Click the major areas below to see the functions that fall beneath that area.

• Maintenance Functions
  • Providing continuity with the history and tradition of past years
  • Heading off situations that might rise to poor public relations for the organization or the University
  • Providing advice when called upon
  • Preventing the group from breaking University rules
  • Serving as an exemplar of intellectual virtue
  • Arbitrating intra-group disputes

• Group Growth Functions
  • Teaching the techniques and responsibilities of being a good leader and follower
  • Coaching the officers in the principles of good organizational and administrative practice
  • Developing self-discipline and responsibility among group members
  • Teaching the elements of effective group operation
  • Developing procedures and plans for actions
  • Keeping the group focused on its goals
  • Stimulating or even initiating activities and programs

• Program Content Functions
  • Introducing new program ideas with an intellectual flavor
  • Providing opportunities for the practice of classroom-acquired skills
  • Helping the group to apply principles and concepts learned in the classroom
  • Pointing out new perspectives and directions to the group
  • Supplying expert knowledge and insights of experience

• Resources for Advisors
  • Advisor Self-Evaluation
  • Evaluation of Advisor by Student Organization
  • Discussion Questions for Evaluation
  • Requirements for being an advisor
  • Student Organization Advisor Orientation
  • Student Organization Advisor Appreciation Luncheon

Useful documents / files:

http://www.purdue.edu/odos/sao/advisors/advisorsurvey+ltr08.pdf