Campus Life Advising & Student Group Support

We strongly believe that a well-rounded education extends beyond the classroom, and we are here to ensure that you have access to resources and opportunities that will enhance your overall college experience. We understand that college life can be both exciting and challenging, which is why we offer a comprehensive support system to help you navigate your journey.

Every recognized student group through the Office of Campus Life or Student Union is assigned a Campus Life Advisor (CLA). These advisors are carefully matched to groups based on their category, as listed in WUGO.

This section is designed to help you navigate student group involvement and leadership at Washington University. Whether you are leading a student organization or just beginning to explore how to get involved, the Office of Campus Life is here to support you. From learning how to join a group to developing leadership skills and managing events, we are committed to helping you make the most of your campus experience

Below are the common reasons students and student group leaders come into the Office of Campus Life for advising.

Schedule an appointment with your Campus Life Advisor (CLA) and learn more about the resources available to you and your groups. If you don’t see what you need come into the Office of Campus Life to speak with a Campus Life Advisor who can point you in the right direction.

We are located in the Danforth University Center (DUC), in Suite 160.

List of Campus Life Advisor by student group category

Staying motivated as a group

Motivation is the fuel that keeps student groups energized and moving forward. Whether you are planning events, launching initiatives, or just trying to stay connected, it’s important to celebrate progress, recognize contributions, and keep your group’s purpose front and center. Explore strategies to boost morale, set meaningful goals, and keep your team inspired throughout the year.

Your Campus Life Advisor is a valuable resource for supporting your student group’s motivation and engagement. We offer guided workshops, personalized consultations, and tools to help your group stay energized and focused throughout the year.

Have questions or need support? Reach out to your Campus Life Advisor—they are here to help your group thrive. And do not forget to explore the EmpowerED Student Group Training Workshops for skill-building sessions designed just for student leaders like you!

Developing community agreements

Community Agreements are a powerful tool for student groups to establish shared values, expectations, and norms. Whether you are forming a new group, starting a new year, or navigating internal challenges, these agreements create a foundation for respectful communication, collaboration, and accountability.

For new or re-forming groups, Community Agreements help set clear standards that guide behavior and foster an inclusive, supportive environment. For groups experiencing conflict, the process can serve as a constructive way to address concerns, rebuild trust, and strengthen group cohesion.

To get started, gather your group in a relaxed setting! Invite everyone to share what values and behaviors matter most to them. Record all ideas, then work together to refine them into a set of agreements everyone can support.

Need help? Your Campus Life Advisor is here to guide you through the process.

Download the Developing Community Agreement Worksheet to begin.

Navigating group conflict

Conflict in student groups is normal—and often a sign that people care deeply about the work and each other. The key is to address it early. Getting ahead of conflict helps prevent misunderstandings from growing and keeps your group focused and connected.

If your group is facing tension or challenges, don’t worry—you are not alone. Your Campus Life Advisor is here to help with tools, strategies, and support to guide your group through resolution and growth. Do not forget to explore the EmpowerED Student Group Training Workshops for skill-building sessions designed just for student leaders like you!

Remember: addressing conflict early builds stronger, more resilient groups. Let’s work through it together.

Student support resources

Every student deserves access to support—whether you are navigating personal challenges, group dynamics, or just need someone to talk to. WashU offers a wide range of resources to help you thrive both in and outside your student group.

If you or someone in your group needs additional support, please do not hesitate to reach out to Campus Life or any of our campus partners:

• Relationship & Sexual Violence Prevention Center (RSVP Center) – The R.S.V.P. Center is a confidential support for students impacted by relationship or sexual violence.
• Student Health Center – Our on-campus Student Health Center provides primary medical care, immunizations, allergy services, and psychiatric care. Our dedicated healthcare professionals are here to support your physical health needs.
• Gender Equity & Title IX Compliance Office – The Title IX staff offer resources and reporting options related to sexual harassment and discrimination.
• Center for Counseling and Psychological Services (CCPS) – We understand that college can bring unique stressors. Our Center for Counseling & Psychological Services (CCPS) team offers confidential individual and group therapy, workshops, and crisis support to help you navigate challenges and promote your mental wellbeing.
• Health Promotion Services – Health Promotion Services offers programs and resources focused on preventative care, stress management, nutrition, sleep health, and other aspects of well-being to help you develop healthy habits for life.
• Disability Resources – Disability Resources (DR) ensures students with disabilities have equal access to all university programs and services by providing accommodations and support.
• Washington University Police (WUPD) – Our professional police department is on duty 24/7, providing patrols, emergency response, and community-oriented policing services.
• Washington University Emergency Management – WashU Emergency Management has comprehensive emergency plans and procedures in place to address various situations, and we provide resources to keep you informed and prepared.

These resources are available to all individual students, regardless of group affiliation. Taking care of yourself is the first step in supporting your community.

“The best way to predict the future is to create it—and then pass it on.”
adapted from Abraham Lincoln & Peter Drucker

Purpose of officer transition

• Provide closure for outgoing officers and space to reflect on their accomplishments.
• Pass on important group knowledge, history, and context.
• Prepare new officers for their roles and responsibilities.
• Prevent the need to “reinvent the wheel.”
• Build confidence and pride in new officers.
• Introduce new officers to the group’s advisor.
• Strengthen leadership continuity and group stability.

Tips for an effective transition

1. Officer Meetings
Schedule a meeting between outgoing and incoming officers, and include the advisor if applicable. Discuss past challenges, current projects, and future goals to ensure new leaders are well-informed.

2. Documentation & Files
Create and maintain resource files or digital folders for each leadership position. Include key documents, contacts, and timelines to help new officers hit the ground running.

3. Communication
Introduce incoming officers to relevant student leaders, faculty, and external contacts. Maintain a written officer binder or digital equivalent that can be updated by each new officer.

4. Reports & Evaluations
Encourage outgoing officers to complete written reports or evaluations at the end of each month, event, or semester. These reflections are valuable for future planning.

5. Goal Setting
Host a reflection and goal-setting session with the entire group to align on priorities and build shared ownership of the group’s direction.

6. Advisor Engagement
Involve your advisor early and often. Advisors offer valuable institutional knowledge and can provide continuity during leadership changes.

7. Information Gathering
Encourage new officers to ask questions, visit relevant campus offices, and build relationships that will support their work.

8. Financial Review
Understanding the group’s finances is crucial. Review current and past budgets to get a clear picture of spending patterns, event costs, and funding sources.

Create an officer transition packet

Student group leaders are strongly encouraged to develop an Officer Transition Packet—a living, breathing document that evolves with each leadership cycle. This packet should be updated regularly, ideally after each officer meeting, to capture key decisions, contacts, timelines, and lessons learned.

Maintaining a transition packet helps ensure that incoming officers are well-prepared, reduces the learning curve, and preserves institutional knowledge. It also promotes continuity, minimizes disruptions, and empowers new leaders to build on the group’s past successes rather than starting from scratch.

Need help with your officer transition process?

Your Campus Life Advisor is here to support you every step of the way—from planning a smooth handoff to setting your new officers up for success. Don’t hesitate to reach out with questions or to schedule a check-in!