Policy regarding the formation of new student groups
There are two main classifications of organizations at BSU: student organizations and university organizations. Student organizations have 100 percent student membership and students must hold all leadership positions. University organizations have a membership and leadership of faculty, administrators, staff members, students or members of the surrounding community, and are not governed by this policy.
Guidelines regarding new student organizations:
All new student organizations must initially apply for provisional recognition. Recognition is a one-time chartering that allows an organization to use campus facilities, resources and privileges. All applications for provisional recognition must be made to the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership (with the exception of clubs that may align more closely with Athletics and Recreation, or departmental honors societies). Organizations may remain on provisional status for up to three months from the date of notification (exceptions may be made by the Student Involvement and Leadership staff.)
Provisional status is granted if clubs meet the following criteria:
- submission of application for recognition
- minimum of two members willing to serve as officers
- written statement of purpose and/or constitution that establishes a new and distinct focus for a new organization
All provisional organizations are entitled to the following privileges:
- use of university facilities and services for meetings and recruitment activities
- use of university advertising opportunities for recruitment purposes
When a proposed student organization overlaps with the stated purpose of another group or department, the Office of Student Involvement and Leadership may require that some groups gain endorsement from another university department during this provisional period. For example, a new academic group must first gain endorsement from the appropriate academic department before full recognition is granted. Groups that have alternate requirements will be informed of that process upon application.
During the provisional period, all student groups are required to complete training to learn business processes. All provisional groups will be assigned a program adviser from the Student Involvement and Leadership staff. At the end of the provisional recognition period, a group must apply for full recognition or disband by the noted deadline.
Guidelines for full recognition:
Full recognition is granted if organizations meet standards that include, but are not limited to:
- submission of approved recognition form and any required endorsements
- agreement to abide by all university policies including those applying to nondiscrimination and hazing
- updated constitution
- submitted and approved adviser agreement form
- demonstrated increase in organization membership.
- attendance of all required training
Full recognition entitles organizations to many benefits such as use of university facilities, the ability to conduct fundraising on campus, and access to services provided by the university's offices, including program advising, leadership training, event management and more. Full Recognition is made by a recommendation of Student Involvement and Leadership in coordination with Student Government Association, to the Dean of Students.
Students who do not wish to seek Full Recognition for a club, may create an Interest Group to serve as an opportunity to advertise and organize gatherings of other students with a common interest. Interest Groups are required to meet the following criteria:
- Have one or two designated student facilitators
- Agree to not sponsor or co-sponsor campus events outside of meetings/gatherings
- Re-register with Student Involvement and Leadership every semester to remain active, including required paperwork and updating the group’s roster.
- Follow all other policies and procedures in effect for Student Organizations
- Interest Groups will be entitled to the following privileges:
- Access to advertising and group management via the Involvement Network
- Use of university facilities for the purpose of meetings/gatherings
Interest Group facilitators may initiate the process for recognition as a club at any point by contacting Student Involvement and Leadership. All new organizations may act as an Interest Group until Full Recognition is received.
Guidelines for withdrawal:
Recognition may be withdrawn if:
- The organization's activities are not deemed conducive to the usual conduct of life in a university community
- The group has presented advocacy of views directed toward inciting or producing imminent lawless action
- The group has failed to show a willingness to comply with reasonable university regulations including use of facilities, approval of events, use of funds, departmental guidelines or recruiting policies
- The organization engages in any unlawful, disruptive or harassing activities or behavior
- The organization fails to register with sponsoring department for two consecutive semesters
- A recommendation is made by a governing organization (i.e. Inter-Fraternity Council, SGA, etc.)
- A request for voluntary "moratorium" is submitted by a student organization.
Updated 8/2019 by Bernard Schulz, Office of Student Involvement and Leadership