What is an "advisory group?"
An advisory group is a group of volunteers who come together in an official capacity to advise the leadership or divisions of an organization. Many colleges and universities use advisory groups both as a way to hear from the community about the direction of the organization, while also keeping alumni and other supporters engaged and involved.
Unlike a board of trustees or other formal governing boards, an advisory group does not have any legal responsibility or authority to make decisions. They are, as the name implies, merely there to give advice regarding decisions. In many cases, those suggestions are incorporated into administrative or College strategic planning or actions.