Advisor Resources

The Center for Student Involvement recognizes that advisors are an integral factor in the success of our student organizations. Our office provides an array of resources to help you to be successful advisors. We appreciate the time you take to help our students grow.

All Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) at Northwestern University are required to have a university staff or faculty member as an Advisor. Advisors are considered “Campus Security Authorities” (federally mandated crime reporter) for the University and the Northwestern University requires Advisors to acknowledge they understand their duties and agree to serve as an Advisor for the RSO who lists them as such. Should a group have multiple advisors (e.g. Chaplain’s Office RSOs), both advisors must complete this form.

Registered Student Organization Advisors and Clery Act Responsibilities

As Campus Security Authorities Advisors are required to immediately report any Clery Act crimes, that they are made aware of, to the Northwestern University Police Department using the Campus Security Authority Crime Report Form. Additional reporting duties are required for student trips and such trips needed to be reported to University Police. Details on Clery Act reporting duties can be found on the Northwestern University - Campus Securities Authorities web page. For additional information on what makes a student trip Clery Act reportable or to access the Student Trip Report Form, email:  Dave Schultz, d-schultz3@northwestern.edu with the Northwestern Police Department 

Advisor Lunches

Advisors meet once per quarter to discuss current issues in student organizations as well as offer an opportunity for trainings on new technology and updated policy and procedure surrounding student organizations. The calendar for 2013-2014 appears below:

  • Tuesday, October 22, 12-2 pm
  • Tuesday, February 18, 12-2 pm
  • Tuesday, May 6, 12-2 pm

Staff Advisor Listserv

The Staff Advisor Listserv provides updates about campus programs, University policies, and gives advisors the opportunity to share information. If you would like to be added to the Staff Advisor Listserv, email: Hope Wallace, h-wallace@northwestern.edu in the Center for Student Involvement.

Additional Reading

  • Dunkel, N.W., & Schuh, J.H. (1998).   Advising student groups and organizations . San Francisco: Jossey-Bass.
  • Forsyth, D. R. (2006). Group dynamics (4th ed.). Pacific Grove, CA: Brooks/Cole.
  • Komives, S.R., Woodward, D. Jr. (Eds.). (2003). Student services: A handbook for the profession (4th ed.). San Francisco: Jossey Bass.