Advisor support

Helping student organizations succeed

Advisors are an integral part to the success of our student organizations at Northern Arizona University. Advising is a rewarding experience as you build connections with students and support their efforts to impact our campus.

As an advisor, you have the potential to help our Lumberjacks exhibit their passions in unique ways. You provide valuable guidance, historical perspective, and leadership for what their student organization provides for NAU campus life. As a resource for the whole group—and especially the group leaders—you have a front-row seat for experiences that fast-track student development.

Advisors for registered student organizations must be employed as full-time NAU faculty and/or staff members who have worked at NAU for 2+ years. Below you will find resources to aid in your knowledge as an effective advisor.

Advisors love advising

When asked why they love advising a student organization, advisors shared:

• Watching the ‘a-ha’ moments and helping build confidence in leaders.
• Watching the students grow and learn.
• Watching students gain confidence!
• Seeing students go from timid first years to confident seniors.
• Building relationships with students.
• Cultivating Leaders and Building Lifelong Relationships!
• Working with students to meet their potential.
• Watching the growth and development of amazing students.
• Watching students get involved in things they are passionate about!
• Those moments when their ideas surprise me! : )
• Supporting Student Leaders.
• Supporting student growth!
• Seeing Students grow over four years!
• Watching the students grow in Leadership development
• Giving back to the campus community.

Advisors and liability

Someone acting in the course and scope of their employment (e.g., an advisor who is officially a club advisor, and not something informal) are covered for their good faith actions taken in the course and scope of their employment.

Club advisors are not generally liable for the wrongdoing of a club member, leader, or organization. However, if an advisor becomes aware of wrongdoing and fails to report it or encourages behavior that is in violation of university policies, they will be liable to consequences dictated by university officials and/or law.

2025-2026 Advisor’s Meetings via Zoom

• Fall 2025
  • September 
    • Friday, September 5^th at 9am – Advisors/Coaches
  • October 
    • Friday, October 3^rd at 9am – Advisors/Coaches
  • November
    • Friday, November 7^th at 9am – Advisors/Coaches
• Spring 2026
  • February
    • Friday, February 6^th at 9am – Advisors/Coaches
  • March 
    • Friday, March 6^th at 9am – Advisors/Coaches
  • April
    • Friday, April 3^rd at 9am – Advisors/Coaches

Sport Clubs’ coaches are also required to attend these mandatory meetings.

Learn more about being an advisor

Advisor do’s and don’ts

Become an Advisor

Advisor resources