Associated Students of
Chabot College (ASCC)
Advisor's Corner
Dear Club Advisor:
We commend you for your contribution to the college
community as an Advisor to a recognized student organization. Chabot College
offers unique opportunities for its faculty, staff and students through a
variety of student organizations, providing memorable experiences for those who
participate. These organizations provide opportunities for students to pursue
special interests, develop interpersonal and leadership skills, meet other
students, work with faculty and staff, and take advantage of learning
experiences that exist outside the classroom. The activities sponsored by
student organizations enrich the total educational experience and quality of
campus life.
As an Advisor you have an excellent opportunity to
work with college students in a non-classroom environment, enriching the
student-staff/faculty interaction. We know from past experience and research
that this interaction is a positive ingredient for student retention and
graduation.
The information on the following pages should help
you develop your role as an advisor. Please feel free to contact me at 723-6915
if you have you any questions or concerns. Once again, thank you for
volunteering to be a club/organization advisor at Chabot College!
Anthony Gutierrez
Director, Office of Student Life
Being an Advisor
The Advisor's role is to assist recognized Chabot College clubs/organizations
in achieving their goals and objectives by providing a liaison between the
College and the organization. All student organizations must have a campus
Advisor. Having a campus Advisor who is directly affiliated with Chabot College
provides the organization with the necessary connection to the College and the
community. An effective Advisor has a belief in the organization, a desire to
help students succeed, a willingness to share expertise and a commitment to
spend time with the group. The College expects Advisors to advise club members
and officers of relevant State laws and College/District policies and to take
reasonable action to enforce them. The Office of Student Life is available to
work with and assist student organization Advisors in clarifying and carrying
out their responsibilities with student organizations.
Club Responsibilities to the Advisor
Student organizations at Chabot College have the responsibility to utilize
their Advisors and always maintain open communication lines. As an organization,
the members have a responsibility to:
- Keep the Advisor informed regarding the operation and needs of the organization.
- Provide the Advisor with copies of meeting minutes and agendas.
- Consult with the Advisor about programs, events and activities.
- Update the Advisor on the financial condition of the organization.
- Inform the Advisor immediately if situations arise that may cause problems for
the organization or any member.
- Provide opportunities for interaction between the Advisor and the members of the
organization.
- Give the Advisor an opportunity to express an opinion on issues which affect the
welfare of the organization and the College.
- Recognize that an Advisor should not be committed to any type of obligation
unless he/she agrees to the commitment.
Advisor's Duties
- Work closely with the club to ensure a cooperative relationship.
- Help each officer of the organization to understand her or his duties
according to the constitution.
- Help each officer of the organization to understand that the continuity
of the organization is preserved through constitution, minutes and
traditions.
- Give advice to the officers of the group about the financial activities
in order to effectively manage club funds.
- Help the officers and the club members to understand and apply
democratic principles within their own organization.
- Read and understand the Inter-Club Council Constitution and By-Laws so
that she or he can give advice to the organization on what responsibilities
it has. (on file in Office of Student Life)
- Ensure that appropriate College/District polices are upheld.
- To sign all club/organization facility request forms (and all other
forms) before submitting to the Director of Student Life.
- To sign all Requests For Disbursements (RFDs) before submitting to the
Director of Student Life and make sure that:
- the club treasurer signs it
- the expenditure is correct within all existing policies
- Attend meetings and club events!
Please remember to
- Believe in the organization, its goals, history and constitution.
- Know the organization's purpose and constitution.
- Be informed of College/District policies and procedures governing
student activities and organizations.
- See that the officers of the organization are aware of these policies
and procedures.
- Tactfully provide suggestions, feedback and evaluations.
- Share enthusiasm, motivation; communicate openly.
- Be an active resource to the organization.
- Be creative.
- Establish rapport.
- Know the limits of "rescuing" the group or program.
- Understand group process and leadership theory.
- Maintain commitment.
- Help general membership adhere to the constitution.
- Be aware of the activities of the organization through attendance at
meetings or through frequent consultation with leaders.
- Assist student leaders in preserving the records of the organization
which provide continuity (i.e. minutes, membership lists, evaluations of
activities, current constitution, etc.).
- Encourage members to assume responsibility for the organization and for
the effectiveness of its programs.
- Provide advice regarding proper procedures to avoid conduct which would
bring discredit to the organization or to the College.
- Assist in the administration of financial affairs and events of the
organization when appropriate.
- Encourage a diverse membership and interaction with other organizations.
- Provide continuity during periods of transition and from year-to-year.
