Become an Advocate

Student Advocates are retired IU faculty and staff who volunteer their time to helping students resolve personal and academic problems.

As a Student Advocate, you will help students navigate the many complexities of Indiana University, which you know very well. You will join a team of more than 20 volunteer advocates, one full-time director, and three full-time professional staff.

One-on-one, you will support students’ learning and development by fostering:

• Effective written and verbal communication with faculty and administrators
• Realistic expectations and outcomes
• A clear sense of personal responsibility and values
• Respect for others and the university community
• Assertive, independent decision making about personal and educational goals
• Healthy choices
• Full use of student service resources to promote academic success
• A collaborative approach to solving problems and addressing challenges

Duties and responsibilities

• Meet with students in person, by appointment and on a walk-in basis.
• Listen to and collaborate with the student to define the problem and identify campus resources that may be used to address the problem.
• Review materials the student has prepared.
• Help the student prepare for meetings or hearings. Depending on availability, accompany the student to meetings, as requested.
• Refer the student to campus services and resources.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to provide information to the student.
• Maintain case notes regarding individual cases.
• Attend training and workshops.