College students are adults; every meeting does not need your attendance. Still your frequent presence is important at executive board, officers' meetings and/or general meetings. If possible, set up a regular meeting with the president to plan agendas for executive and general meetings. It demonstrates your interest and provides continuity.
Successful activities take planning. Encourage foresight. Help the group think through its event plans. Pay attention to other College activities and dates and help the group be realistic. The staff of the Student Activities Office can help in planning.
The College Handbook and the Student Organization Manual gives the regulations and procedures for student organizations covering these topics:
Student organization planning events that will be attended by anyone outside the organization's membership, events that involve expenses, income, or contracts, should work through the Student Activities staff. The student in charge of the event should contact Dave Eng (x4516) in Student Activities at least two weeks in advance of the event.
Student Activities staff will help students with accessing their student accounts, schedule space, request funds, and plan the event.
As an advisor of a student organization whose finances Student Activities and the SA Finance Committee manage and as a member of the Hamilton faculty or staff, you are included in the liability coverage provided by the College for student organization activities. Encourage students to plan safe events and manage their risks. Insist that all plans consider state law and College Regulations.
The College attempts to make facilities available to student organizations, and reserving them is described the Student Organization Manual. Advance planning is the key to reserving space. There is much competition for rooms on some nights and weekends. Student organization scheduling is done through the online Events Calendar.
Encourage a treasurer's report in each executive board meeting. Student Activities will help give current student leadership account information.
Encourage students to keep their online registration and the Student Activities Office informed with:
College policy does not allow the financial support of student organizations by commercial sponsors.
You may not be advisor forever. Mentor an adjunct advisor or an advisory committee, giving each member a specific task or officer to advise. Trade off the role of senior advisor with other committee members.
Lists of students' directory information are available on request with some limitations. Student organizations may fundraise through Student Activities, maintain a free College-based website, telephone access, and email address. Ask Student Activities or consult the Student Organization Manual for a complete list of services available.
Hazing is prohibited. Hazing is defined as any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of another person for the purpose of membership, advancement, or continued good standing in any organization or group recognized by the College. In addition, any requirement by a member or pledge which compels a member or pledge to participate in any activity that is against College policy or New York State Law is defined as hazing.
Hazing behaviors include but are not limited to the following:
Any of these activities, if a condition either directly or indirectly, of membership, advancement, or good standing in a College-recognized organization, shall be presumed to be a forced activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such activity notwithstanding.
Hazing is a violation of the New York State Law when such action by a group or organization recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or involves the forced consumption of liquor or drugs for the purpose of initiation or affiliation with any organization. Any individual/group or organization found responsible for hazing will be subject to disciplinary action, which may result in probation, suspension, or revocation of College recognition.
Spending a considerable amount of time questioning whether or not a particular activity violates the hazing policy is usually a good indication that the activity may indeed be considered hazing. For additional clarification, or to discuss the matter further in a safe and confidential setting, feel free to contact Lisa Magnarelli in the Student Activities Office (x4194).
Students can get useful positive feedback from you. Don't hesitate to tell them they've done well. Your opinion means a great deal.
