Bengal Connect - The United Students Government at Buffalo State - Form: 2026-2027 Student Organization Advisor Agreement

Advisors are an extremely important asset to the success of student organizations and provide guidance and support to their members. The advisor provides continuity to the organization as members and officers change. An advisor should be familiar with the policies and regulations of the student organization, inter/national organization, Buffalo State, and relevant state and federal laws.

Student organizations affiliated with Buffalo State must have a full-time faculty/staff member as their advisor. Graduate Assistants or Interns are not eligible to serve as student organization advisors.

All student organizations are required to complete an Advisor Agreement Form through Student Leadership and Engagement and submitted on an annual basis. This serves as an official agreement between the advisor, student organization, and Student Leadership and Engagement that the faculty/staff member understands the roles and responsibilities associated with the position.

Responsibilities of student organization advisors:

Have knowledge and understanding of the student organization’s mission, values, constitution, and history, lending continuity to the organization.
Be aware and attend (when necessary) activities, meetings, and programs sponsored by the student organization.
Build trust with the student organization and establish guidelines for their role as advisor.
Encourage members to assume responsibility for their actions and the effectiveness of their programs.
Be called upon to assist and advise the student organization during special meetings, organization accountability, and conduct review with the college.
Provide knowledge and information related to the needs of the organization through expertise and experience.