Getting Started
As a support system for a student organization, an advisor can play an important role in the organization’s success by serving as an educator, coach, supporter, and mentor to the organization’s executive board and membership. Advisors also create opportunities for students to connect with eligible faculty and staff outside of the classroom around shared interests, leadership experiences, and skill development.
Effective with the updated student organization advisor policy, advisors are optional for student groups classified as General Registered Student Organizations (GRSOs). Advisors remain required for University Sponsored Student Organizations (USSOs). General student groups may still choose to identify an eligible advisor if they would benefit from additional guidance, mentorship, or support.
Eligibility
Student groups that choose or are required to have an advisor must identify an individual who meets the following criteria:
Advisor Eligibility
- A University of Florida full-time, salaried faculty or staff member
- Must be present the entire academic year (cannot be on extended leave for more than 30 days)
- Must complete required University trainings
- May advise an organization outside of field of study or discipline
- Upon invitation to several or within registration cycles, successful completion of the Advisor Verification Form
Please Note:
Graduate assistants, teaching assistants, OPS staff, some adjunct professors, non-professional staff, post-doctoral associates or fellows, courtesy appointments, and affiliates may not be eligible to serve as the advisor of record for a student organization. General student groups are not required to have an advisor, but any advisor listed for a student organization must meet university eligibility requirements.
Your Role as an Advisor
Each student organization has its own identity, is unique, and contributes to the university community in a variety of ways. When a student organization has an advisor, the advisor’s role is to guide, challenge, and support the students involved in their leadership, decision-making, and contributions to the university community.
- Encourage networking, community building, and supportive behaviors
- Educate membership on appropriate university policies and campus resources
- Maintain regular contact with the student organization
- Attend educational opportunities and/or trainings provided to advisors
- Report behaviors that impact the community to the appropriate authority
- Collaboration with students surround shared interests, topics, or experiences
- Demonstrate commitment to the advancement of the university
- Develop mentoring relationships outside of an academic setting
- Facilitate a student’s growth and development of transferable skill sets
- Empower emerging leaders by challenging perspectives leading to a positive impact on the future
Advisor Verification Form
University Sponsored Student Organizations (USSOs) must maintain an eligible advisor and complete the Advisor Verification Form during applicable registration or renewal processes. General Registered Student Organizations (GRSOs) are not required to have an advisor; however, if a general student group chooses to list an advisor, the advisor must meet eligibility requirements and complete the advisor verification process.
AVF for University Sponsored Student Organizations (USSOs)
AVF for General Registered Student Organizations (GRSOs)
No.
Advisors are optional for student groups classified as General Registered Student Organizations (GRSOs). Advisors are still required for University Sponsored Student Organizations (USSOs).
Student organization classifications are determined through the university’s student organization registration and recognition processes. If your group is unsure of its classification, contact Student Engagement for guidance before completing registration or advisor-related forms.
Student Engagement Contact Info
Phone: (352) 392-1671
Yes.
General student groups may choose to have an advisor if they want additional mentorship, continuity, university navigation support, or guidance related to organization operations and leadership development.
No.
General student groups are not required to identify an advisor as part of the advisor policy. Organizations must meet all other registration, renewal, conduct, event, financial, and policy requirements that apply to registered student organizations.
No.
General student groups may continue working with an advisor if that relationship is helpful to the organization. The policy shift means the advisor is optional, not prohibited.D
Yes.
Any advisor listed for a student organization, whether optional or required, must meet university eligibility requirements and complete any required verification or training processes.
Yes.
University Sponsored Student Organizations (USSOs) must maintain an eligible advisor because of their relationship to university departments, programs, services, or official university functions.
Student groups should contact Student Engagement or the Office of Community & Belonging with questions about classification, advisor eligibility, registration requirements, or whether an advisor is required for their organization.
Student Engagement Contact
Phone: (352) 392-1671
An advisor’s term is outlined in each registered student organization’s constitution. You may serve as many consecutive terms as the organization allows, so long as you meet the advisor eligibility requirements.
Yes.
Training for advisors typically occurs at the beginning of each fall and spring semester. You will receive communication from Student Engagement regarding the training specifics as the time nears.
In general, student organization advisors are not liable for the behavior of a student organization unless the advisor had prior knowledge of the group’s risky behavior(s) and failed to report it, and/or either condoned/participated in the activity(its).
As a student organization advisor you are designated as an individual with significant responsibilities for students and campus activities. You are responsible for reporting sexual harassment and sexual violence (per Title IX)m as well as criminal offenses and violence (per Clery Act), known to you to the appropriate campus administrators in a timely manner.
There is no limit to the amount of student groups you can advise; however, we encourage you to limit the number of organizations you advise to three or less to ensure you can provide appropriate attention to each.
Based on the expectations, activities and needs of the student group, your time commitment will vary. It’s helpful to identify your responsibilities and availability to compare them to the activities and needs of the student group(s) you advise to determine how much time they’ll require.
Resources
Stay up-to-date on all the policies and university resources available to help your student organization(s) by clicking the link below.
Questions?
Have additional questions? We’re here to help! You can contact us by calling (352) 392-1671 or by emailing studentengagement@ufsa.ufl.edu.