Serving as a student organization advisor is perceived as a noble cause. You have the opportunity to assist students in their pursuit of learning outside the classroom. It is, in fact, a rewarding effort for the student and the educator, provided it is done correctly. However, if it goes incorrectly, this noble act can quickly turn into a nightmare.

 

Whether you have already jumped headlong into the role of student organization advisor or beginning to consider such a role, becoming familiar with behavioral standards and risk-mitigating strategies is critical for success. Don't miss this opportunity to learn how to best serve your students while protecting yourself and your school from litigation.

 

Many student organization advising professionals enter into their roles based on the interest in supporting students in their learning experiences outside of the classroom, but with little knowledge of what they are getting in to. This session by Dr. Adam Peck will provide some theoretical basis for advising student organizations, examine successful strategies to enhance student learning, discuss how advisors can be most effective, discuss how to assist students in managing risk and present strategies for limiting personal risk and obligation.

 

• A theoretical basis for student organization advising. Theories such as experiential education theory and challenge/response theory will be covered.
• Understanding the primary role of student organization advisors
• Tips to improve student learning
• Examining the role of the advisor as educator for facilitating student learning and growth
• High impact practices and programs that facilitate student growth
• Examples of student advisory programs that optimize learning through support and challenge
• Examining student advisory practices and competencies of student organization advisors
• Developing your own advising style
• Balancing the focus on product with process
• Understanding the process of team and organizational development
• Using a risk assessment matrix and how to use them to minimize risk to the organization
• Three strategies for limiting personal risk
• Six common mistakes of student organization advising
• Being over involved or under involved
• Too much focus on product/too little on process
• Role confusion
• Not knowing the principles of organizational development
• Failing to see the Educational Role of the Advisor
• Failing to Manage Risk