Advising Student Groups and Organizations

Advising Student Groups and Organizations is a one-of-a-kind book that equips faculty members and administrators to competently and confidently serve as advisers to clubs and other student groups. The second edition is here to help colleges and universities keep up with the skyrocketing number of student groups and shifts in the legal landscape. New chapters on crucial topics, updated case studies, and a full suite of practical resources simplify the process of navigating student organizations.

With Advising Student Groups and Organizations, educators can turn the chore of advising into a rewarding activity that benefits everyone. Challenges like student apathy, university politics, and budgetary restrictions can be overcome with the ideas and activities presented here. And in this fully updated edition, new chapters contain everything you need to know about:

• Advising fraternities and sororities
• Navigating laws such as FERPA, Title IX, and the Clery Act
• Working with online distance students and using social media as an advising tool
• Conflict mediation and training student advisors

You'll want to keep this guide handy so you can take advantage of tools like reflection questions, activities, checklists, and sample forms. Advising Student Groups and Organizations even covers the use of assessments such as True Colors and StrengthsFinder. Now you'll be able to cut through bureaucracy to make the student advising experience truly transformative.

The Authors ix

Preface xiii

Acknowledgments xxi

1 Challenges and Rewards of Advising 1

2 Overview of Student Groups and Organizations 21

3 Greek Letter Organizations 43

4 Understanding Individual and Group Development 57

5 Roles and Functions of Advisers 95

6 Providing Academic and Career Assistance 137

7 Representing Group and Institutional Interests 173

8 Financial Management and Budgeting 189

9 Legal Issues and Risk Management 213

10 Dealing with Issues and Conflicts 231

11 Ensuring Quality in Advising 255

12 Training 275

13 Developing and Increasing Personal Effectiveness 289

References 299

Index 315

NORBERT W. DUNKEL is the associate vice president for student affairs at the University of Florida.

JOHN H. SCHUH is director of the School of Education at Iowa State University, where he also is distinguished professor of education and director of the university’s Emerging Leaders Academy.

NANCY E. CHRYSTAL-GREEN is the director of Student Activities and Involvement at the University of Florida.

THE ONLY MANUAL FOR FACULTY AND STAFF WHO WORK DIRECTLY WITH STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

“Advising Student Groups and Organizations is a step-by-step guide as much for college and university staff advisers as it is for the experienced student leader. The information is practical and pertinent to two-year or four-year schools with many examples for inclusion in your student organization’s program.”
—BERRI CROSS, director of student life, Guilford Technical Community College

“This excellent update to the literature provides professionals throughout the academy with the nuts and bolts needed to guide their students to achieve organizational success. The comprehensive coverage of all facets of advising make this text a necessary addition to every adviser’s bookshelf.”
—DAN RODKIN, associate vice president of student affairs, Santa Fe College

“Advising Student Groups and Organizations is a must-have resource. It provides thorough guidance for professionals and highlights best practices from institutions across the country—it is a wonderful tool to guide office practice and establish common expectations.”
—BRANDI HEPHNER LABANC, vice chancellor for student affairs and associate professor in Leadership and Counselor Education, The University of Mississippi

“Utilizing research, practical experience, and current trends in higher education, this book is a wonderful tool for higher education professionals who are looking for a guide to successfully advise and mentor student organizations. This is a must-read for both the new and ‘seasoned’ adviser.”
—RUSTY THOMPSON, director of student activities, Texas A&M University

“The authors remind us of the importance of student involvement in student learning and engagement. This book provides a great overview of organizational theory and individual and group development as well as up-to-date guidance on important current issues, practical resources, case studies, and real-world examples for the day-to-day work of a student organization adviser.”
—JIM THORIUS, vice president for planning and student development, Simpson College