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POLICY 04:13:00

STUDENT ORGANIZATION ADVISORS

This policy is consistent with Tennessee Board of Regents Guideline S-030

Purpose

This guideline addresses the importance of advisors to student organizations, as provided in the
Tennessee Board of Regents Policy No. 3:01:01:00. Developed by the Student Affairs Sub-
Council, the guideline identifies minimal standards for an institution to further develop a
comprehensive and well-rounded system of advising student organizations.
Policy/Guideline

Guidelines for Advisors

An advisor should have a working knowledge of the Pellissippi State Community College and 04:01:00
Student Organizations on student organizations. As part of the advisor’s duties, they should have a clear
understanding of the role of Student Engagement and Leadership office in coordinating the student
organization’s programming and activities.

In carrying out the role of advisor, they should have an interest in the student organization for which
they are an advisor. The advisor should also have an interest in the growth and development of the
organization within the structure of the institution and within the international and national structure of
the organization, if affiliated with any such outside organization. The advisor’s interest should be as a
result of previous or current membership in the specified organization, or as a result of a professional
relationship with or interest in the organization’s subject matter or pursuit or through a desire to take
part in the growth and development of anorganization.

An advisor should be committed to serving the needs of an organization and its members by but not
limited to:

  • Attending all formal functions staged or held by the organization;
  • Developing a rapport with the membership of the organization, especially the officers;
  • Keeping abreast of current developments in the particular areas served by the organization;
  • Developing a working relationship with national, state, and/or regional officers of the
    organization; and
  • Working with institutional officials to inform the organization of TBR and institutional policies,
    procedures, and decisions that affect the functioning of the organization.

An advisor should acquire a working knowledge of Pellissippi State Community College and TBR policies
and guidelines as they relate to fund-raising, fund-accounting, and fund disbursement as outlined in TBR
and institutional business policies and procedures. The advisor should then assist with the financial
duties associated with the organization by counseling and assisting officers, by reviewing financial
statements and accounts, and by assisting with institutional procedures designed to safeguard funds.
An advisor should have a reasonable knowledge of current applicable standards in the area of student
organizations in higher education and liability issues. An advisor should consult with Student
Engagement and Leadership, Dean of Students, Vice President of Student Affairs, TBR legal counsel, and
other relevant designated officials concerning applicable standards.

An advisor should attempt to assist in the planning of all social and formal functions, whether on or off-
campus; the advisor shall routinely appear at planned social function. Advisors should, in aiding the
organization in planning events, maintain consistency with all institutional and TBR policies, and
guidelines such as but not limited to Policy No. 08:03:00 Access to and Use of Campus Property and
Facilities, 08:03:02 Posting Materials on Campus, and 08:03:04 Student Recreation Center. An advisor
should encourage the development of initiative and leadership within the specified organization, should
assist the officials of the institution in identifying potential officers and leaders within the organization,
and should serve as a resource person for the organization in leadership areas.

Guidelines for Institutions

Pellissippi State Community College shall provide support and assistance to advisors of student
organizations through the development and implementation of certain activities and programs related
to a successful, system-wide approach. These actions are to include but not be limited to the following:

  • An institution may offer rewards and incentives to advisors and offer formal recognition for
    diligence and excellence in the area of advising which may include but not be limited to such
    items as cash awards, public announcements, media coverage, evaluation reports, reduction in
    workload, etc.
  • An institution should develop a well-rounded program designed to train and assist advisors; key
    components of the training program shall include:
  • A handbook that details current responsibilities, duties, resources, funding guidelines, key staff
    members, a contact list of institutional officials in case of emergencies, etc.;
  • One or more in-service programs designed to provide training and learning opportunities for
    advisors; and
  • Periodic bulletins or correspondence designed to keep advisors up-to-date regarding new
    developments, policies, or procedures that affect the organization as set forth by the institution
    and the TBR.

Sources:
T.C.A. § 49-8-203

Approved by TBR: February 11, 1991
Reviewed/Recommended: President’s Council, August 28, 2023
Approved: President L. Anthony Wise, Jr., August 28, 2023