Advisors are an integral and important part to the management and success of our student organizations at The University of Alabama. It can be a very rewarding position for members of our faculty and staff at UA and they have the potential to help our students exhibit their passion in unique ways. Currently at UA, advisors to registered student organizations must be employed as full-time UA Faculty and/or Staff members. Below you will find additional resources and links to aid in your knowledge as an effective advisor. Additionally, if you are not currently a Student Organization advisor, but desire to advise a group, we have resource below to help you connect with us!
The Advisor Interest Form provides a vehicle for us to collect full-time faculty or staff members who wish to volunteer as advisors to student organizations. If you would like to express interest in potentially serving as a Student Organization advisor, please fill out this form. We will get more information about your current position, any areas of interest, and will have a way to reach back out to you when potential student groups are searching or are in need of someone to fill their advisor role for their organization.
Our Annual Advisors Luncheon is an opportunity for student organization advisors to hear from campus partners about relevant resources and UA policies. This event is strongly recommended, as it is a time for advisors to get the most recently updated information impacting student organizations.
This year’s annual luncheon will be Wednesday, October 23, 2024 from 12-1 pm in the University of Alabama Student Center Ballroom.
The Advisor Roundtables are monthly opportunities for student organization advisors to network with other advisors, discussion important topics, and share successful tips in advising organizations. Roundtable events will occur on a monthly basis from 12-1 pm in the University of Alabama Student Center, Room 3108. Lunch will be provided.
Wednesday, September 4
Wednesday, November 6
Wednesday, February 5
Wednesday, March 19
Wednesday, April 9
Student Organizations must complete an annual renewal. Each organization is assigned specific renewal window, Fall or Spring, based on their preferred timeline.
| Renewal Window | Open Renewal Dates | Org Officer Term | Elections |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fall | March 15 – June 15 | Align with Academic Calendar | Late spring or early summer |
| Spring | November 15 – February 15 | Align with Calendar Year | Late fall |
Officers and members of student organizations change every year. Therefore, the Office of Student Involvement needs the most up to date contact information for your organization. To remain in good standing new officers must sign the Child Protection and Hazing Policy Acknowledgement, complete mandatory training and fulfill any other requirement UA deems necessary to remain in compliance with University guidelines and policies.
The Student Involvement Office reserves the right to work with registered student organizations to enhance inclusiveness and to determine alternatives to arbitrary criteria, limiting membership and discourage irrelevant exclusivity.
As an advisor becomes familiar with the organization and its leaders, he or she can assess group needs. An advisor should be perceptive and sensitive to changing leadership and organization conditions and adjust their advising style accordingly. Maintaining frequent and open communication with the organization and its officers can easily facilitate this process.
Registered student organizations ultimately have the right to select a new advisor at any time, as long as it is according to procedures outlined in the organization’s constitution and by-laws.
An advisor’s role is different for every group. In every case, your group is a STUDENT organization and students should be responsible for managing the group. The primary responsibilities of an organization advisor should be clearly outlined in the organization’s constitution.
In concert with the academic and educational mission and policies of The University of Alabama, advisors of registered student organizations should share insights and directions with student leaders to ensure student organizations promote organizational objectives and enhance the meaningfulness of organizational membership.
The Office of Student Involvement has the following expectations of student organization advisors:
