S.O.A.R.S. - Student Organization Advisor Resources and Support

Dr. Anne Hiskies

Director of the Program on Science and Human Rights and Director of Research Ethics and Education for Stem Cell Research
Bioethics Club

Dr. Anne Hiskes is currently part of the Philosophy Department and serves as Director of the Program on Science and Human Rights and Director of Research Ethics and Education for Stem Cell Research. Dr. Hiskes is on the editorial staff of Namaste, the student human rights journal. She also advises the Bioethics Club, which is in the process of being formed. Dr. Hiskes says “I think that working with others in activities of shared interest develops interpersonal skills and contributes to psychological well-being. It can also provide hand-on experiences that may be useful later in seeking employment.” She enjoys the students’ enthusiasm and appreciates their creativity.

Betty Hanson

Professor Emerita in the Political Science Department
Model United Nations Association, International Relations Association

Betty Hanson is currently a Professor Emerita in the Political Science Department. She advises the Model United Nations Association, which has just held an incredibly successful two day conference for New England High School Students. She also advises the International Relations Association which is organizing World Fest to launch International Week. Betty believes that involvement in student organizations is important to the development of skills, such as social and leadership abilities. Student organizations also offer student the opportunity to develop new interests. She enjoys getting to know the students in a less formal setting and watching student succeed in challenging tasks. To other staff and faculty members, Betty says “You will learn more from the students than they will learn from you.”

Lindsay Sell

Assistant Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life
Interfraternity Council, Zeta Psi

Lindsay Sell is the Assistant Director in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life. Currently she advises many groups associated with fraternity and sorority life, specifically the Interfraternity Council and its member fraternities. Lindsay says that students can use what they learn outside of the classroom to “make greater and more meaningful connections that will benefit them throughout their lives”. She also believes that the connections and relationships built through student involvement enhance and encourage the development of students. Lindsay enjoys advising because it’s fun, energizing, and exciting! To others who are considering advising, Lindsay says “While it can sometimes appear daunting to advise a student organization, the time that is put into this endeavor is most definitely worth it. What is gained from this opportunity is far greater than what is put in.”

Roger N. Buckley

Director of the Asian American Studies Institute and Professor of History
Tarang, South Asian Graduate Student Organization, Sikh Student Association, Indian Student Association, and the Pakistani Club

Roger N. Buckley is a Professor of History. He is also the Director of the Asian American Studies Institute. Currently he advises Tarang, South Asian Graduate Student Organization, Sikh Student Association, Indian Student Association, and the Pakistani Club. Rogers finds the experience of being an advisor very rewarding and enjoys learning first-hand what is on student’s minds. Roger says “Campus involvement and leadership are vital to student success because we expect students to excel in these kinds of activities/experiences in the work place, in public service, and community work. What better place to learn and test these skills than at the university.” Roger enjoys experiencing the student’s enthusiasm as well as being a part of their success. Great work Roger!

Kevin Fahey

Senior Associate Director in the Department of Student Activities
SUBOG, Kappa Alpha Theta, and Tau Kappa Epsilon

Kevin Fahey is the Senior Associate Director in the Department of Student Activities. Currently, he advises SUBOG, Kappa Alpha Theta and Tau Kappa Epsilon. He believes that education takes places both in and out of the classroom and that the out of class involvement enhances student’s experiences and success. Kevin says that “Seeing our students grow, accomplish goals, learn, make friends, make mistakes, and take pride in being a student leader- that is what I enjoy most about advising students.” He enjoys when students come back to UConn years later and recall their memories in student organizations. Kevin believes that, no matter how many times he advises a student, student organization or a program, that student he is advising deserves that same dedication and commitment as his first student received. He always tells Graduate Students and young professionals to never forget why they initially decided to be an advisor.

Mayté Pérez-Franco

Director of Puerto Rican/Latin American Cultural Center
Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.

Dr. Pérez currently advises Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. However, she also advises many individual students. Dr. Pérez believes “campus involvement and leadership are critical to the intellectual and personal development of students, as well as their educational attainment and persistence.” She enjoys watching leaders grow and evolve into strong advocates as well as taking part in their development. Dr. Pérez offers this advice to others who are considering being an advisor “Do it! It’s the best job you’ll ever have!” Keep up the great work Dr. Pérez!

Bill Mattera

Residence Hall Director in the Department of Residential Life
HuskyTHON and National Residence Hall Honorary

Bill is the Residence Hall Director in the Department of Residential Life. Currently he advises HuskyTHON and the National Residence Hall Honorary. Bill believes that “Campus involvement, especially in groups like HuskyTHON, really teaches people to connect with their communities and to get out of their rooms. It is so important for them to give back to their community, and to engage themselves in something bigger then their playstation or AIM.” He enjoys watching the group develop and grow something, like events and traditions. Bill says the most rewarding part of being an advisor is seeing a group complete something and come together. His advice to other faculty members is “Find something that you are passionate or excited about, and then share that with students.” Excellent Work!

Todd C. Sullivan

Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life
Greek Leadership Cabinet

Todd Sullivan currently works in the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life serving as the Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life. He advises the Greek Leadership Cabinet. He has advised, and currently supervises the advisors of: Interfraternity Council, Multicultural Greek Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and the Panhellenic Council. Todd believes that students succeed when they are engaged in organizations. As a student, Todd found this to be true and now wants to provide similar opportunities and experiences to today’s student leaders. He says that the most rewarding part of advising student organizations is “Seeing the light bulbs turn on, but also the moment when a group realizes they don’t need me as much anymore. This may seem counterintuitive, but if I’ve done my job well, then the students will be able to lead their own organizations without my constant oversight.” Keep up the great work Todd!