Advisor Training

1. Advisor Training Friday, October 23, 2009 By: Sara Ann Suwalski Program Advisor Student Organizations & Leadership

2. Overview of Today • Introduce Advisor Manual • Basic Orientation Information • Risk Management Video • OrgSync Overview • Questions & Contact Info

3. Advisor Manual • Benefits of Being an Advisor • Opportunity to work closely with and know students outside of the office or classroom • Chance to share knowledge and experience in specific areas of interest • Reward of watching a group develop to its potential • Feel satisfaction and proud to assist students carry out the mission of their group; meaningful contribution to the UWO community • Serve the University community in a meaningful way

4. Role of Advisors • Mentor • Team Builder • Conflict Mediator • Reflective Agent • Educator • Motivator • Policy Interpreter

5. Expectations of Advisor • Read the student group’s constitution, by-laws, policies and recognition paperwork. • Be familiar with the UW Oshkosh Student Handbook. http://www.uwosh.edu/stuaff/studenthandbook/ • Assist in the areas of program development, recruitment, record keeping, membership transition, promotion, critical thinking, democratic principles, leadership, communication, marketing, conflict resolution and problem solving.

6. Expectations Continued • Be aware of the financial standing of the student group and sign appropriate forms implying knowledge of group’s activities and fiscal status. • Consult with other University departments when situations arise with the club/organization.

7. Do’s • Develop clear expectations of your role and expectations. • Get to know members on an individual level. • Meet with and help leaders set goals. • Discuss concerns in private & praise in public. • Allow the group to succeed and fail. • Encourage feedback & evaluation. • Keep your sense of humor & enthusiasm. • Know your group’s limits. Assist them in finding balance.

8. Don’ts • Manipulate the group or force your opinions. • Close communications. • Miss meetings or functions you committed to attend. • Become such an advocate that you lose an objective view. • Assume the group handles everything and doesn’t need you. • Assume the group’s attitudes, needs and personalities remain the same year to year. • Be the leader or ‘run’ the meetings.

9. Ten Things Advisors Should Know: • Advisors must complete an Agreement each year. • The Student Org Handbook outlines all University regulations, procedures and policies for student groups. • All groups must renew their recognition with OSA annually by October 1st. • Groups not exclusive in their membership are eligible to request University funds through Student Allocations Committee.

10. More things to know…. • The SLIC has responsibilities to provide training and resources for Advisors and student groups. • OrgSync is the management software that can assist your groups in achieving their missions. It is the official method of communication between OSA, SLIC & Orgs. • You are not expected to know all the answers, however you should be able to find appropriate staff to address the question. • As questions. Students have a lot of energy and great ideas – help them approach their ideas in a safe, inclusive and intentional manner.

11. Final thoughts…. • Share your interest in the group and let the students know of your reason for volunteering to be their advisor. If you are no longer interested in being an advisor, share that information with your group so they can find someone who is able to dedicate the necessary time and energy to being an advisor. • Your involvement in students’ lives is important. Advising offers a unique chance to interact with students outside your typical job responsibilities. Be sure to realize the value of your interaction and set appropriate boundaries for your relationship.

12. University Policies • Group’s Constitution or Bylaws • Non-Discrimination Statement • Hazing Policy • Student Discipline Code • Sexual Harassment Policy • Alcohol Policy • Posting & Chalking Policy • Vehicle Usage Policy • Cash Handling/Purchasing

13. Benefits of University Recognition • Voting seat in the OSA Assembly • Free room rental & reduced equipment rates in Reeve Union • Reduced printing costs at COPY THIS! • Opportunity to use University Fleet Vehicle • Privilege to use University Logo • Use of University Contracts • Request of University funds through Student Allocations • Support of SLIC and personal Advisor

14. Judicial Process • Informal vs. Formal Complaint • Written Complaints • Oshkosh Student Tribunal • Disciplinary Procedure – Hearing • Possible Sanctions • Loss of privileges • Loss of recognition • Written reprimand • Disciplinary probation • Appeal Process • Appeal Process

15. Risk Management “Faculty and staff advisors who have been appointed as such are provided liability protection for their actions when acting in the scope of their employment or agency. Ideally, the appointment should be included as part of an employee's written position description, or at a minimum, the appointment should be in writing. Faculty and staff advisors should be active when working and advising student organizations.

16. Risk Management Continued They should take responsibility for questioning activities of a student organization and voice disagreement if they see a problem with a proposed event. These actions are within their scope of employment. They must feel comfortable when questioning a student activity as that event or activity may have an impact on the university's liability coverage.” Risk Management Policy and Procedure Manual Part 10 Student Risk Management Issues Subject: Student Organizations and Risk Management http://osa.uwosh.edu/?page=home

17. OrgSync • Each student registers with OrgSync individually • Each recognized group has a portal within OrgSync • Advisors are strongly encouraged to register and be members of their group’s portals • OrgSync is how OSA & SLIC will communicate with group Presidents & Advisors • Special President & Advisor Portals, please join!

18. OrgSync Offers • Home for all organization/club information • Communication Tools • Calendar Features • Financial Record Ledger • Shared location for documents • Online forms • Co-Curricular / Involvement Record • Web presence for groups • https://orgsync.com/login

19. Contacts / Resources • Student Leadership & Involvement Center • Reeve Union 105 slic@uwosh.edu 424-0847 • Sara Ann Suwalski suwalsks@uwosh.edu424-3446 Program Advisor Student Organizations & Leadership • Oshkosh Student Association • Reeve Union 105 osa@uwosh.edu 424-3202 • Sue Jaeke, jaekes@uwosh.edu 424-3202 Office Manager • Student Allocations Committee • Reeve Union 105 sac@uwosh.edu 424-0334 • Corey Edwards (Chairperson) & Ann Duginske (Controller)