Student organizations are groups sponsored by the University (such as the Student Government Association, associated student body groups, and professional and honor societies) or organizations officially registered by the University.  Organizations that may be registered to operate on campus include the following: 

a.  honorary and leadership organizations and societies;

b.  departmental organizations and professional fraternities and sororities;

c.  social fraternities and sororities; and

d.  special interest groups.

Registration of a student organization does not constitute the University’s endorsement of the purposes or objectives of the organization.

General Statements

1.  No student organization may conduct any campus activity, other than routine membership meetings, unless the University has officially registered the organization.

2.  The University is not responsible for injuries or damages to persons or property resulting from the activities of student organizations, or for any debts or liabilities incurred by such organizations.

3.  No student organization shall deny membership to any person on the basis of age, race, gender, religion, disability, or national origin, provided that social fraternities and sororities may have gender restricted membership.

4.  No student organization or individual shall engage in or condone any form of hazing. 

5.  Student organizations shall be responsible and liable for the conduct and actions of each member of the organization while acting in the capacity of a member or while participating in any activity of the organization.

6.  No person, group or organization may use the University's name in any manner, provided that registered student organizations may use the University's name following the name of the organization.  No person, group or organization may use the seal or any symbol of the University without the prior written approval of the President, or designee.

Criteria for Registration of Organizations

1.  Any proposed student organization shall be open to all students who otherwise meet membership requirements.  Membership shall be limited to currently enrolled students, provided that organizations may include faculty and staff and that professional organizations may include members of the professional and business communities as members.

2.  A proposed organization must represent the interests of the members, and the control of the organization must be vested with the local campus group.  The organization must not be affiliated with any group pursuing illegal aims or goals, with a specific purpose to further those illegal aims or goals.

3.  The organization must comply with all University policies, regulations, and procedures and with all federal and state laws and regulations.

4.  The organization must not pursue activities that would:  (a) violate federal and state laws or University policies and regulations; (b) materially and substantially disrupt the work and order of the University; or (c) advocate incitement to riot or imminent lawless action that is likely to produce such action. 

5.  The organization must have the designated minimum number of charter members and demonstrate a continuous interest in the purposes of the organization sufficient for its successful existence. 

6.  A new organization may be denied registration when its purposes are within the scope of a currently registered organization.  No organization may use the same name, or a name that is misleading and similar to the name, of a currently registered organization. 

7.  The organization’s by-laws must provide for the distribution of all funds and assets in the event of dissolution. 

Probation, Suspension, and Nullification of Registration 

An organization may be placed on probation, be suspended, or have its registration nullified for any of the following reasons: 

a.  failing to maintain compliance with the initial requirements of registration;

b.  ceasing to operate as an active organization;

c.  requesting to cancel registration;

d.  engaging in any activity in violation of University policies or federal or state laws; or

e.  failing to submit any required reports. 

An organization that is placed on probation may continue to hold meetings but may not sponsor any activity or program.  An organization that is placed on suspension may not engage in or sponsor any activity or program, and may not hold meetings.  When registration is cancelled, an organization ceases to exist.  In the event an organization is placed on probation or is suspended, or registration is cancelled due to violation of University policies or federal or state laws, the organization will be afforded the opportunity for appeal to the Vice President for Student Affairs. 

Programs and Activities 

1.  Except for routine meetings of the organization, no on- or off-campus program or activity may be pursued unless registered in the Office of Student Life no less than one week prior to the event.  Failure to follow event registration procedures may result in disciplinary action that may include loss of privileges.