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!

Advisor Roundtables

Advisor Roundtables is a series of events designed to facilitate regular conversations with student organization advisors about best practices and the place of advising in higher education. Additionally, the roundtable events provide an opportunity to explore a number of important topics, including relationship building, conflict resolution, goals setting, and strategic planning. Lunch will be provided.

Upcoming Roundtables

  • Thursday, February 2, 2023; 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – UA Student Center Room 3104 – RSVP
  • Tuesday, March 21, 2023; 12:00 – 1:00 p.m. – UA Student Center Room 3108 – RSVP

Advisor Interest Form

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.

Annual Advisors Luncheon

Our Annual Advisors Luncheon is an opportunity for student organization advisors to here what’s up and coming at UA as it relates to resources and policies.  This event is strongly recommended, as it is often a time for advisors to collaborate with their advisor colleagues and be up-to-date on the things that might impact your student organization.

Student Organization Handbook and Advisor Resources

The Student Organization Handbook and Advisor Resources document provides a detailed outline of contacts, benefits, policies, services, and campus resources relevant to registered student organizations.  In addition, a special section is dedicated to advisor roles and responsibilities.

Policies and Procedures

The Policies and Procedures link provides a snapshot of helpful policies and procedures that guide student organizations in effectively navigating The University of Alabama community.

Student Organization Grounds Use Process

The Student Organization Grounds Use Process page provides a connection to policies, training programs, and procedures related to Student Organizations who wish to have events and programs on The University of Alabama campus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can serve as an Advisor?

  • Regular Full-time, faculty/staff members are eligible to serve as student organization advisors, as long as they are not on leave or away during their term with the group.
  • Student teaching assistants, graduate assistants, and retired/emeritus and some adjunct professors can serve in a secondary advisory capacity, but only if the primary advisor of record meets the criteria. If you are a regular faculty/staff member that is interested in becoming an advisor, contact our office at 205-348-6114 or complete the Advisor Interest Form.
  • Some organizations have multiple advisors. Those that are considered Sponsored and/or Coordinating Bodies may have an advisor that is designated by the department or college.

How often does an organization have to renew?

Student Organizations must renew every academic year. The registration status for an organization ends August 1 and begins at the point you receive a registered student organization status by the Office of Student Involvement. Typically the process of renewal begins in March and carries on until the end of October. However, each year, our goal is to have each student organization renewal prior to the end of the Spring Semester.

Why does an organization have to renew every year?

Officers of student organizations change every year. It is for this reason that the Office of Student Involvement needs the most up to date contact information for your organization. Also, these officers have to sign a Hazing Policy, complete a Child Protection Policy Acknowledgement, and anything else that UA deems necessary in order to agree to be in accordance with University guidelines and keep them in good standing.

How is the Office of Student Involvement and The SOURCE involved in organization registration and renewal?

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 encourage irrelevant exclusivity. 

Who has the right to select student organization advisors?

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 his or her 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 organizational constitution and by-laws.

What are an advisor’s duties and responsibilities as it pertains to the student organization?

An advisor’s role is different for every group, but in every case your group is a student organization. The primary responsibilities of an organization advisor should follow the constitution of the organization and of the Student Organization Handbook.  Student organization also have a minimum expectation of their responsibility to the advisor, which can also be found in the Student Organization Handbook referenced above.