Advisory committees are effective ways to help connect universities and colleges to their environments. An advisory committee is a collection of individuals who bring unique knowledge and skills which augment the knowledge and skills of the formal board of directors in order to more effectively guide the organization.

The advisory committee plays an important public relations role as well as providing program staff with a fresh perspective on programmatic issues.

An advisory Committee is a body that provides non-binding strategic advice to the management of a corporation, organization, or foundation. The informal nature of an advisory board gives greater flexibility in structure and management compared to the Board of Directors.

Functions

1. The Advisory Committee provides expertise to the Council in the manner and form requested by it. It mainly focuses on studies and research-based advice.
2. The Committee may also propose within the scope of the work set out by the Council, for the latter's consideration and approval, suggestions for further research proposals.
3. In its work, the Committee should be implementation-oriented and the scope of its advice should be limited to thematic issues pertaining to the mandate of the Council, namely promotion and protection of all human rights.
4. It shall not adopt resolutions or decisions.

Advisory Committee Responsibilities

Program Creation and Planning: Committee members can provide advice concerning the design and plans for the program / conference

Planning and Implementing Public Relations: An advisory committee which includes influential community leaders can be effective at spreading the word about program services.

Funding Leadership: Often advisory committees are created specifically to raise program funds.

Subcommittees : The advisory committee may develop subcommittees which have assigned tasks in specific areas.