Student Activities
Bush Campus Center, Rm. 107 · (570) 327-4763
Student Organization Advisers
Penn College requires that all student organizations and clubs have a primary adviser who is a full-time faculty or staff member. Co-advisers may be part-time faculty and staff of the College.
Finding an Adviser
- Develop a clear statement of group goals.
- Develop a clear statement of expectations of the adviser, both in terms of role and time commitment.
- Outline what the adviser can fairly expect of the group.
With this information in hand, you will be ready to approach potential advisers and discuss with them their interest and ability for advising your group. The most suitable adviser is one who shares a sincere interest in the purpose and goals of your organization.
Poll your group members for the names of professors or staff members who they have found helpful and interested in student life. Approach potential advisers confidently and positively.
Once your adviser begins to serve:
- Keep him/her well-informed.
- Clarify expectations and roles when needed.
- Draw on his/her expertise.
Occasionally, acknowledgments of appreciation both publicly and in writing are a good idea—if you have organization t-shirts, for example, make sure your adviser has one too! Enjoy what can be an extremely rewarding and mutually beneficial relationship.
Responsibilities of an Organization to the Adviser:
- Be clear about the group’s expectations and needs of the adviser.
- Notify adviser well in advance of meetings and activities.
- Meet with your adviser at least monthly to discuss problems, successes, goals, and future activities.
- Supply the adviser with properly completed forms for signature in a timely manner.
- Take advantage of the knowledge and experiences your adviser has regarding to the organization’s area of interest and in the culture of Penn College.
- Do not ask the adviser to do the work, but to support your work.
Adviser Role and Responsibilities
- Serve as a role model.
- Provide continuity for the group from year to year.
- Assist the group in setting realistic and obtainable goals; evaluate their progress.
- Be aware of the group’s expectations.
- Encourage student development and collaboration, foster members’ leadership, and provide autonomy, while maintaining a supportive presence.
- Be informed of and adhere to the purpose and activities of the organization.
- Attend all organization meetings and activities.
- Be informed of and adhere to College policies and procedures.
- Provide financial and budgetary advice and insure that College and Student Activities policies and procedures are followed.
- Sign or co-sign appropriate College forms when necessary.
- Encourage organization members to assume responsibility for their actions and the effectiveness of their programs.