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.