Welcome New & Returning Advisors!
First off, thank you for your interest in supporting a student organization at UConn! Whether you are a returning veteran advisor, or one of our newbies, you may be wondering what you need to know as a Student Organization Advisor – and the Involvement Office is here to help! Please explore our site for suggestions, tips and other important information and feel free to contact us directly with any questions.
About Becoming An Organization Advisor
All Tier-II and Tier-III student organizations are required to have a UConn Storrs Faculty/Staff Advisor. Advisors must either be full-time teaching or emeritus faculty, professional staff, graduate assistants, or teaching assistants of the University of Connecticut – Storrs Campus. Classified Staff are generally not allowed to serve as advisors.
Most advisors share an interest or have experience in some aspect of the organization’s mission or activities. However, all advisors share a genuine concern for and support of student learning and development.
- Student Organization Advisors are required to be listed and confirmed as an Advisor on UConntact – our Student Organization Management System.
- If your student organization has a Student Activities Business Office bank account, you may be required to sign documents related to banking business for the organization.
- If your organization is hosting events on campus, you may be required to meet with, sign off on, or attend certain events that your group is hosting.
If your organization is already established:
The Chief Organization Officer (COO)/President will submit an Advisor Change Request Form on UConntact. Once processed, you will receive an Invitation Notification from UConntact (if you are not already part of the group) and an email letter from our officer confirming your new position. You will need to follow the invitation to login to http://uconntact.uconn.edu with your NetID to accept your position.
If your organization is newly formed:
If your organization is currently forming, your Chief Organization Officer (COO)/President will submit your information on their New Organization Application. Once received and approved you will receive an Invitation Notification from UConntact (if you are not already part of the group) and an email letter from our officer confirming your new position. You will need to follow the invitation to login to http://uconntact.uconn.edu with your NetID to accept your position.
If you are looking for an organization to advise:
With 600 student organizations and growing, new organization leaders are often looking for new Advisors. If you are interested in advising a student organization, please contact the Student Activities Involvement Office at SOLID@uconn.edu .
About Student Organizations On Campus
Every student organization offers an opportunity for not only fun, but also a meaningful educational experience. With over 600 different student organizations in 20 categories across 3 tiers on campus, there are many creative opportunities to help students get involved, develop leadership skills, meet new people, and enhance their co-curricular education.
At UConn, every organization falls into one of three Tiers – each with its own distinct characteristics and requirements. Our organization registration and Tier system requirements fall under the SOLID program. You will hear a lot from your students and us about SOLID status throughout the year! Based on Tier, each organization must list certain officers, advisors, and complete both in-person and online workshops to become a fully registered, Active organization on campus.
Please visit our pages on the TIER SYSTEM @ UCONN and our SOLID WORKSHOP SERIES for more information.
About the Role of the Advisor
Student organizations on campus can range from very simple and direct, to extremely complex. The dynamics of students working with their peers to bring people together, raise awareness, host events, and have fun can be a large challenge to face. The role of the Advisor is to act as a guidepost for the student organization leaders.
- Advisors Do discuss opportunities; guide the decision-making process; assist in developing group dynamics
- Advisors Do meet with organization leaders regularly to discuss and develop goals and set expectations
- Advisors Do support the individual growth and development of students within the organization
- Advisors Do serve as a source of information and continuity to the organization members that transition each year
- Advisors Do act as a liaison between the University and the organization
- Advisors Do challenge students’ thought process, creativity, and desire to go beyond the status quo
- Advisors Do offer advisement in areas such as organization mission, goals, program/event content, and purpose
- Advisors Do Not have voting rights in groups; make financial decisions; program approvals; or officer/roster decisions
Student Organization Advisor Resources & Support (SOARS)
The SOARS initiative includes a variety of online resources, programs and interactive luncheons through which we strive to provide the support and recognition that Advisors deserve.
Every month during the Academic Year, the Student Activities Involvement Office invites Organization Advisors to attend a luncheon on topics pertinent to student leaders, and student organizations on campus. Advisors are encouraged to discuss best practices with colleagues and learn from shared experiences.
Blueprints: The Student Organization Manual is the guidebook for Registered Student Organizations @UConn. This manual discusses registration requirements, tier distinctions, best practices, pertinent policies, and organization conduct. To view Blueprints online, please click here
The SOARS program has it’s very own UConntact page just for Advisors! On SOARS @UConntact you will find monthly posts of our luncheon topics (in case you are unable to attend), upcoming events, and announcements. You can also see a roster listing of the other advisors and reach out!