Cockrell School of Engineering Student Organization Advisors
Suggestions for Effective Advising
The maturity/skill level of the organization and its leadership should dictate the advisor’s style of advising. If the organization’s leaders have beginning skill levels, an advisor may need to be more actively involved with the organization. As the leaders’ skill level matures, the advisor can then decrease the amount of direction he/she needs to provide the organization.
Advisors should:
• Express sincere enthusiasm and interest in the group and its activities.
• Be open to feedback from the group. Talk with them regarding the advisor’s role in the organization. Be willing to admit mistakes.
• Provide feedback to the group and its leaders regarding their performance.
• Be familiar with The University of Texas at Austin Revised Institutional Rules on Student Services and Activities, the University’s Student Activities and Leadership Development Office Student Organization’s Manual, the CSE Student Organizations Handbook and Corporate Relations Handbook so that he/she can be a knowledgeable resource for the group.
• Participate with the organization and get to know the members. Be available and accessible to them. Members feel more comfortable and are more open to an advisor’s input if they know him/her.
• Following organization meetings, discuss any problems encountered during the meeting with the officers.
• Be careful of becoming too involved with the organization. Remember that advisors are not members. The advisor’s role is to advise, assist, and facilitate.