Advisor Orientation

All faculty/staff advisors must complete an orientation prior to the student organization being fully recognized. One recognition period is considered May 1st - April 30th each year. These dates align with the California State University (CSU) student organization recognition period, as outlined in Executive Order 1068.

Annual Advisor Trainings

Starting with the 2025-2026 academic year, all advisors will be required to complete the Advisor Training. Advisors who complete the training will be eligible to advise a student organization for the academic year. 

There will be an in-person option on May 1st from 9:00-11:30am in addition the asynchronous Canvas offering. You can sign up to do the live training or be enrolled in the Canvas Course here. 

Additionally, starting with the 2026-2027 academic year, all advisors will also be required to complete a hazing prevention module through Prevent Zone. You can sign up of the training here.

Overview of role and responsibilities

The advisor:

1. Must attend a mandatory advisor orientation.
2. Serves as an advisor and guide.
3. Is aware of the policies and procedures for student organizations contained in the handbook and knows university policy affecting such groups; also ensures that the student leaders of the organization are informed of these policies.
4. Is aware of their student organization activities and programs and provides signature authority on event approval forms.
5. Encourages leadership development of organization’s members and informs them of various leadership opportunities across campus.
6. Assists with organizational continuity and officer transition.
7. Alerts student leaders of possible organizational problems and encourages them to explore a variety of strategies to solve such problems.
8. Serves, where possible, as a liaison with faculty, staff, and the outside community.
9. Encourages student leaders to critically examine the organization's structure and activities to ensure compliance with university regulations and to avoid any liability.
10. Holds an annual meeting with the officers and members of the organization to clearly define the advisor’s role.
11. Must attend controversial or risk involved programs, activities, or meetings.