RSO Advisor Guidelines

Advisors play an important role in the success of Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) at UAFS. By providing guidance, mentorship, and continuity, advisors help student leaders develop leadership skills while ensuring organizations operate within university policies and procedures.

Advisor Eligibility

Every Registered Student Organization must have at least one advisor who is a full-time faculty or staff member at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith.

• Must be employed full-time by UAFS.
• Must complete the Advisor Agreement Form.
• Must remain in good standing with the university.
• May advise more than one student organization.

Role of the Advisor

Advisors serve as mentors and resources rather than organizational leaders. Student organizations are expected to remain student-led, while advisors provide support, guidance, and institutional knowledge.

Advisors are encouraged to:

• Attend meetings and events when possible.
• Assist officers in planning and goal setting.
• Provide continuity during officer transitions.
• Help student leaders understand university policies and procedures.
• Support leadership development and organizational growth.
• Encourage responsible decision-making.

Advisor Responsibilities

Advisors are expected to maintain awareness of organizational activities and help ensure compliance with university requirements.

• Review organization plans and activities.
• Provide guidance regarding university policies.
• Support responsible financial management.
• Assist with risk management and event planning.
• Encourage participation in leadership development opportunities.
• Maintain communication with Campus and Community Engagement (CACE).

Working with Student Leaders

The most successful organizations establish a collaborative relationship between advisors and student leaders.

Student leaders should:

• Communicate regularly with their advisor.
• Provide advance notice of meetings and events.
• Consult advisors when making significant organizational decisions.
• Include advisors in planning discussions when appropriate.
• Respect the advisor's time and professional responsibilities.

Financial Oversight

Advisors should help organizations understand university financial procedures and encourage responsible stewardship of organizational funds.

• Review funding requests and expenditures.
• Encourage accurate recordkeeping.
• Help officers understand purchasing procedures.
• Support compliance with SGA and university funding requirements.

Event Planning and Risk Management

Advisors should encourage student leaders to plan events responsibly and follow all university requirements for event registration and risk management.

• Review event plans and logistics.
• Discuss potential risks and mitigation strategies.
• Ensure required forms and approvals are completed.
• Promote safe and inclusive programming.

Advisor Transition or Departure

If an advisor leaves the university or can no longer serve in the role, the organization must identify a new full-time faculty or staff advisor to maintain registered status.

Organizations without an eligible advisor may lose active status until a replacement advisor is secured and approved.

Best Practices for Advisors

• Maintain open and consistent communication.
• Empower students to make decisions and lead.
• Provide guidance without taking control of the organization.
• Encourage leadership development and succession planning.
• Promote inclusion, accountability, and student engagement.

Questions?

For questions regarding advisor responsibilities or RSO requirements, contact the Office of Campus and Community Engagement.

Email: caceFREEuafs