Student Organization Advisers

All Recognized Student Organizations are required to have a full-time faculty or staff member serve as a faculty/staff adviser.

• Graduate students, graduate assistants, adjunct faculty, or part-time staff members can support organizations as additional advisers, but cannot serve as the ONLY adviser to the group.

CSI has shared expectations for all organizations and advisers, listed in the accordion drop-downs below.  Organizations and advisers are also encouraged to meet annually to review the needs of the organization along with the availability and investment of the potential adviser.  Organizations and advisers should develop a set of shared expectations annually.

The adviser agrees to make a good-faith effort to:

Engagement & Support:

• Maintain regular communication with organization officers.
• Be reasonably accessible and responsive to student leaders.
• Meet with organization leadership on a mutually agreed upon, regular basis.

Guidance & Oversight

• Provide guidance on planning activities, setting goals, and resolving challenges.

• Assist students in understanding and complying with Institutional policies, procedures, and risk-management requirements.

• Support the development of inclusive, respectful, and mission-aligned programming.

Institutional Liaison

• Serve as a point of contact between the organization and the community or University when appropriate.

• Review and, when required, approve forms, event proposals, travel requests, and budgetary materials in a timely manner.

• Notify the appropriate office (e.g., CSI) if serious concerns arise related to safety, conduct, or policy compliance.

Presence & Participation

• Make a reasonable effort to attend major organization events and activities when feasible, or designate an approved alternate when required.

• Remain informed about the organization’s activities, leadership transitions, and overall direction.

• Complete anti-hazing training as required by Ohio law prior to starting their term as an organization adviser.

The organization agrees to:

• Respect the adviser’s time, role, and professional boundaries.
• Communicate in a timely and professional manner.
• Provide advance notice of meetings, events, and deadlines requiring adviser input or approval.
• Engage the adviser as a partner and resource, not solely as a signature or formality.
• Operate in accordance with University of Dayton policies, applicable laws, and the mission and values of the institution.

Advisers serve a term of one academic year and the term may be renewed annually by mutual agreement of the adviser and the organization, subject to institutional approval.

• For volunteer advisers, either the adviser or the organization may request a change in advisor with reasonable notice and coordination with the Center for Student Involvement.
• Note: Some organizations have staff advisers appointed by the University (eg. SGA, CAB, COC) by nature of their job description.