Training advisors to train students: How can we serve advisors of registered student organizations?

Student club advisors play an imperative role in student organizations through their support and experience; yet, little is known about their training needs (Dahlgren, 2015). At Montclair State University (MSU), student clubs, known as registered student organizations (RSOs), require a faculty or professional staff member to serve as their advisor. Advisors help oversee the organization’s operations and provide student leaders with guidance. These RSOs and advisors play a vital role with college students, benefiting them in several ways. For example, these RSOs help build relationships, foster networking opportunities, promote a sense of community, develop leadership skills, and facilitate academic persistence (Dahlgren, 2015). Additionally, Delgado-Romero and Hernandez (2002) found that ethnic organizations allowed students to connect deeply with their cultural backgrounds. However, advisors are often under-resourced, lacking adequate preparation to support student organizations and requiring additional training (Micek, 2013). In this study, we explored the roles of RSO advisors at MSU; their reasons for serving as advisors; advice they would offer other advisors, and information around their training needs. While the study is currently underway, preliminary analyses on 19 advisors revealed that they enjoyed connecting with students and helping them. While many knew about the club’s mission and felt somewhat prepared, several requested training in Engage (MSU’s involvement platform), finance, fundraising, communication with students, room reservations and greater clarity around their advising role. We assert that for our community to grow and for students to lead, we must properly train our advisors so that they can ensure student success.