SHPE has a long tradition of providing students with opportunities to develop their leadership skills through both academic and co-curricular activities. Co-curricular activities allow students to practice the theories they learn in the classroom and to develop additional skills they will need as they enter the work force. Involvement in SHPE allows the student the opportunity to develop organizational and leadership skills. Students can complement their educational objectives through important out-of-class activities that allow them the chance to exercise basic freedoms, and learn about human behavior. In support of these objectives, the advisor is an integral part of SHPE to assist students in their organizational endeavors. As a member of the faculty or staff of an educational institution and SHPE the primary function of the advisor is to actively advise and serve as a resource for the student chapter. The advisors assist the students in achieving a degree of mature thinking and considered action that will strengthen the organization and help it to fulfill its objectives. Advisors also provide continuity from year to year by providing consistency and communicating the goals, legacy and history to future generations of members. SHPE embraces a wide range of disciplines within the professions of Engineering, Mathematic and Science. Advising a SHPE student chapter does require additional time demands; however, the rewards gained by advising are great, and more than compensated for.
Defining a SHPE Advisor
The role of an advisor varies, but it is always an important one. The scope of a chapter's activities, the effectiveness of its officers, the time commitments of the advisor and several other factors determine the level of involvement the advisor will have with the chapter. An advisor should be committed to the chapter's success, may need to sometimes go above and beyond the call of duty, and should never be resigned to only serve as a signatory on forms. All student chapters of SHPE are required to have an advisor. An advisor can be an academic or administrative staff member. An advisor is one who gives ideas, shares insight, provides a different perspective, and counsels.
SHPE advisors for student chapters have three main functions: - To help with the growth and development of Hispanic students.
- To add to the continuity of the chapter as members graduate.
- To assist in the development of procedures and methods for maintaining an effective student chapter.
It is important that advisors understand the responsibilities involved before making a commitment to the student chapter and SHPE. Considering their expertise and experience, advisors can often supply significant insights on group matters such as goal setting, program ideas, conflict resolution, and chapter growth. It is often the advisor who can aid in maintaining an organization by providing continuity and by serving as an information source. The pattern of teamwork between an advisor and the chapter must be individually tailored to the personalities and needs of both parties. Some guidance is necessary in developing such a relationship.
Some of the advisors' responsibilities include: - Assist officers in understanding their duties, administering programs and plans, organizing projects and making appropriate transitions.
- See that continuity of the organization is preserved through a constitution, minutes, files, and traditions.
- Encourage use of parliamentary procedures and that meetings are run in an orderly, efficient manner.
- Encourage students to understand and apply democratic principles, including recognition of minority opinions and rights.
- Attend as many organization meetings and events as possible.
- Articulate campus policies and procedures and help cut through the red tape when necessary.
- Be a sounding board, especially for officers, and be supportive of all members.
- Maintain the ability to deal with the same issues each year, and remain fresh.
- Be a facilitator both among officers and between officers and members.
- Be familiar with SHPE national structure and services, if relevant.
- Be a resource for the students especially in regard to understanding campus policies, regulations and services.
- Consult on programs.
- Consult with individual students, when necessary.
- Be generally available to assist the organization.
- Consult with other campus departments when problems arise with the student organization.
What Does SHPE Expect of Advisors? - Believe in the organization and manifest the enthusiasm necessary to help the organization reach its potential.
- Understand the organization's mission, vision and goals, be aware of its purposes, and assist in formulating chapter goals.
- Assume the role of advisor as a volunteer, but uphold the best interest of SHPE and the educational institution.
- Do all that is possible to assure that the student chapter will take reasonable precaution in its activities in order that policies and laws are not violated and the welfare of individuals is not endangered.
- Participate in the student chapter to the fullest extent without actually making decisions or setting policies for the student chapter.
Occasionally, an advisor can help an organization during an emergency. Although this type of intervention is rarely necessary, the advisor's good judgment can be the saving grace in the event of mishaps, internal conflict, or personal crisis. Assisting the chapter's president as a spokesperson or serving as the main contact for SHPE can help in these cases.
Thank You
SHPE appreciates your willingness to serve as a student chapter SHPE advisor. We thank you for your commitment to the students and SHPE as a whole, and hope that you find your position rewarding. We realize that this commitment takes time and energy. By working with students outside the classroom, you help further student learning. Please feel free contact the Advisors Committee should you have any questions regarding the role of an advisor or regarding any concerns or questions you may have. Please note that the information contained in this document may change without notice when deemed appropriate by the SHPE Advisors Committee and that this document does not convey any rights or obligations between the educational institution, SHPE and any student chapter or individual, but merely sets forth the guidelines and procedures established for SHPE advisors. If you need further assistance please contact the SHPE Membership Department at membership@shpe.org |
