Advisors for Student Organizations

All student organizations affiliated with Buffalo State must have a full-time faculty/staff member serve as their advisor. Graduate Assistants or Interns are not eligible to serve as a student organization adviser. The role of the adviser is an essential role in the development and success of student organizations. Furthermore, the adviser serves in partnership with Student Leadership and Engagement, the student government, and the academic/administrative offices at Buffalo State.  

 

Roles and Responsibilities of Advisors

  • Have knowledge and understanding with the student organization(s) mission, values, and history, lending continuity to the organization.  
  • Be aware and attend (when necessary) activities, meetings, and programs sponsored by the student organization. 
  • Build trust with the student organization and establishing guidelines for their role as adviser. 
  • Encourage members to assume responsibility for their actions and effectiveness of their programs. 
  • Guiding, while at the same time, allowing freedom for members to plan and coordinate their own activities and programs. 
  • Providing knowledge and information relevant to the needs of the organization through expertise and experience. 

Required Advisor Forms

Advisor Agreement Form 

All student organization advisers are required to complete an Adviser Agreement Form through Student Leadership and Engagement. This serves as an official agreement between the adviser, the student organization, and Student Leadership and Engagement that the faculty/staff member understands the roles/responsibilities associated with the position. The Adviser Agreement Form must be completed on an annual basis and submitted to Student Leadership and Engagement.  

Adviser Interest Form  

All student organizations are required to have a full-time Buffalo State faculty/staff member serve as their adviser. If an organization does not have an adviser at the time of their re-registration, the Student Leadership & Engagement Office can assist in matching you to a full-time faculty/staff member through the Adviser Interest Form.