All RSOs are required to have a Davenport University faculty or staff member to serve as their organization advisor.
Role: The RSO advisor's primary role is to provide overall guidance and support to the organization. Advisors should advise the organization and work with the officers to promote the effective administration of the organization. This guidance includes compliance with University policies and procedures (including RSO processes, the use of University facilities, and the University's name and logos), in addition to federal, state, and local laws. Advisors should encourage student leadership and assist with the formulation and revision of the organization’s constitution and by-laws. Advisors should alert the RSOs to the risks of injury and/or liability in connection with their activities and warn the organization or its officers when they suspect that something is not right in the way the RSO is operating. Additional information is included in the Advisor section of the RSO manual.
Involvement: Advisors should meet with the club or its officers a minimum of once a month or four times a semester. Two of these interactions should be in person and two can be email communication. Active organizations often benefit from increased involvement and support from the RSO advisor.
Liability: In addition to all guidelines explained in the Employee handbook,
Davenport faculty and staff members should not transport students in their personal vehicles. Paperwork is needed to utilize rented vehicles through DU Transportation.
RSO advisors should not condone inappropriate behavior or consume alcohol or controlled substances while serving in the capacity of RSO advisor.
Details regarding trips or conferences must be provided to Student Life one week prior to departure including itinerary and travel plan, a participant/chaperone roster, lodging plan with roommate assignments, emergency contacts, and completed waivers.
Advisors must ensure their attendance or a designee at RSO events happening outside of normal business hours. Larger events may warrant coverage by more than one employee. Contact Student Life for additional details as additional form may be needed.
RSO advisors must inform key stakeholders regarding any concerns of risk management or liability in a timely fashion.
Length of Term: Advisors should inform their RSO, as well as Student Life if they are unable to continue to serve in the capacity of advisor. Should an RSO advisor fail to fulfill the responsibilities and/or expectations of an advisor, Student Life should be contacted to discuss the situation. Advisors found in violation of policies will be asked to step down from the RSO advisor role.
