Student Advisor Training

Senator Advisor Trainging This meeting is intended as a brief overview to help you understand your role as a Student Senate Advisor and how you can help your Senator fulfill their role as a Senator.

The Role of a Student Senator Advisor The general role of an advisor to a student leader The advisor to a student leader has a unique and challenging role because they are responsible for bringing the vision of the student leader and the mission of the department together.

The Role of a Student Senator Advisor The general role of an advisor to a student leader A good advisor is just that, an advisor. Let the student make the decisions they were selected to make and guide the student to making good decisions. Let the student make the decisions they were selected to make and guide the student to making good decisions. Use sound judgment and only intercede when you feel that a poor decision of a student could be detrimental Use sound judgment and only intercede when you feel that a poor decision of a student could be detrimental Bring in others for decision making Bring in others for decision making

The Role of a Student Senator Advisor The general role of an advisor to a student leader Establish a relationship of trust. Always, always do what you say you are going to do, when you say you are going to do it. Always, always do what you say you are going to do, when you say you are going to do it. Make yourself available to the student. Make yourself available to the student. Make an effort to get to know the student. Make an effort to get to know the student. Educate yourself regarding topics that are relevant to the student’s position. Educate yourself regarding topics that are relevant to the student’s position.

The Role of a Student Senator Advisor The general role of an advisor to a student leader Establish a relationship of trust. Keep the student informed on things happening in the department. Keep the student informed on things happening in the department. Support the student in their efforts and their decisions. Support the student in their efforts and their decisions. Compliment them on a job well done. Compliment them on a job well done. Trust is often reciprocal. Trust is often reciprocal.

The Role of a Student Senator Advisor The general role of an advisor to a student leader Help the student discover and magnify their strengths and be understanding of their weaknesses. Help them overcome those weaknesses in a positive, constructive manner.

The Role of a Student Senator Advisor The general role of an advisor to a student leader Make sure the student knows their responsibilities and what is expected of them. Student leadership is a revolving door, but you can help!

The Role of a Student Senator Advisor The specific role of a Student Senator Advisor It is your responsibility to help your senator: Connect to their constituents. Connect to their constituents. Connect to your department. Connect to your department.

The Role of a Student Senator Representing the constituency in a legislative body The Student Senate is comprised of 20 Senators who represent various colleges and student groups on campus in a legislative setting.

The Role of a Student Senator Representing the constituency in a legislative body The Area Council The Area Council is a committee consisting of members of the constituency. The purpose of the Area Council is to serve as a valuable, accurate source of information for understanding the needs and opinions of the constituency, as well as a good group of helping hands for helping your senator and your department reach their goals.

The Role of a Student Senator Representing the constituency in a legislative body The Area Council The Area Council meets at least once per month The Area Council meets at least once per month Your senator should be communicating regularly with the Area Council members. Your senator should be communicating regularly with the Area Council members. Your senator should be constantly recruiting members to the Area Council. Your senator should be constantly recruiting members to the Area Council. The Area Council should be productive, rewarding, and fun The Area Council should be productive, rewarding, and fun

The Role of a Student Senator Representing the constituency in a legislative body Legislation Legislation comes in two forms: 1.Bill- The WSU Student Association is governed by a constitution and bylaws. A bill is legislation that proposes a change to those documents. 2.Resolution- A resolution is a request, recommendation, or a statement of opinion to any entity outside of the WSU Student Association.

The Role of a Student Senator Representing the constituency in a legislative body Legislation Help your senator understand how legislation can be used to accomplish their goals. Help your senator understand how legislation can be used to accomplish their goals. Help your senator come up with ideas for legislation. Help your senator come up with ideas for legislation.

The Role of a Student Senator Promote the constituency An important responsibility that a senator has is promoting the constituency by showcasing its strengths and demonstrating how it benefits its students, as well as the student body as a whole, the university as a whole, and the community.

The Role of a Student Senator Promote the constituency Emphasis Week Your senator is responsible for holding an Emphasis week once during the school year. This should be done with the Area Council, and you should be an active part of the planning, marketing, and implementation of this Emphasis week.

The Role of a Student Senator Promote the constituency Emphasis Week An Emphasis week has at least two events: An educational event An educational event An information sharing event An information sharing event A social event (not required) A social event (not required)

The Role of a Student Senator Promote the constituency Other events throughout the year It is not required, but it is highly recommended that your senator host other events involving their constituency throughout the year, or help other groups put on events relevant to their constituency.

The Role of a Student Senator Promote the needs of all students Your senator is not only responsible for promoting their constituency, but also promoting the needs and issues of the student body as a whole to various entities, such as the university and the community.

The Role of a Student Senator Promote the needs of all students WSU Standing Committees Each senator serves on two or three, sometimes four of the WSU Standing Committees. Community outreach A good senator also reaches out to the community to promote the university and help advocate for the needs of the students.

Things you currently should be working on with your Outgoing and Incoming Senators Senate Advisor Flow Chart Senate Advisor Flow Chart Outgoing Officer Review Outgoing Officer Review Transition Checklist Transition Checklist Incoming Senator Survey Incoming Senator Survey