Advising a Student Organization

Accepting a student’s invitation to advise a student organization is a simple, but important step in formalizing the advisor-student organization relationship.

1. Read the Advisor Guidelines and Agreements.
2. An officer in the organization will need to submit an Admin Position Update request to Student Involvement to list you as an Advisor. 
3. Confirm your advisor role by completing the Advisor Confirmation Form.
4. Stay connected with your student organization, reach out to Student Involvement for support, and have fun!

Interested in advising in the future? Submit an Advisor Interest Form or email getinvolved@boisestate.edu for more information.

Advising a student organization is a great way to connect with students and develop as a professional. Let us know you’re interested and we’ll see if there is an organization that might be a good match for you.

Before making the decision to advise a student organization, use this resource to determine if the commitment is right for you. These guidelines and agreements are not exhaustive; advising is a learning process and we invite advisors to maintain steady communication with the Student Involvement and Leadership Center for ongoing support and guidance.

Advisor Guidelines and Agreements

We invite you to review and visit this page periodically to familiarize yourself with your role and responsibilities as well as the resources available to you and the student organization you will advise.

Student Organizations Handbook

The Clery Act

C.A.R.E. (Campus Assessment Resource and Education)

Student Code of Conduct

Advising a student organization can be a fulfilling experience, and we recognize that it can also be challenging and takes work. The Campus Awards Ceremony recognizes an outstanding advisor each year for their dedication to changing the lives of students involved in student organizations. To view a list of current and past Advisors of the Year please visit our Campus Awards Ceremony page.

Please contact a Student Organizations Coordinator at (208) 426-1223 or email at getinvolved@boisestate.edu if you have any questions.

Leadership

• Have a conversation with your officers about the importance of discussing decisions with members 
• Encourage your officers, and ensure they feel supported 
• When addressing an issue between members, encourage them to sit down and have a conversation about resolving the conflict first
• Encourage leaders to delegate and watch their workload

Advisors

• Feeling overwhelmed? Analyze your workload and see if you can take anything off your plate 
• You are only meant to guide and support the student organization, not assume a leadership role
• Set up consistent meetings with leadership to ensure lines of communication are effective

Membership

• Determine a set schedule of days/times to meet to increase turnout 
• Ask members for input and ideas and help to clearly lay out goals for the organization as a whole 
• Encourage members to reflect on successful/unsuccessful programs 
• Allocate time to discuss new ideas for the organization

Organizational

• Prioritize leadership transition and impart institutional knowledge 
• Strategize and emphasize goal setting early in the academic year 
• Familiarize students with funding opportunities (ASBSU Grants, crowdfunding, donation jars, etc.) 
• Encourage leaders to create agendas for meetings in order to stay organized

Questions about your role or want further support? Contact the Student Involvement and Leadership Center at (208) 426-1223 or email us at getinvolved@boisestate.edu