1. Definitions and Eligibility
A student organization is a group of currently enrolled students who voluntarily associate for a common educational, social, service, cultural, recreational, or professional purpose and seek official recognition by the College.
For purposes of this policy, a sustainable organization is one that demonstrates the ability to maintain active membership and leadership, conduct regular meetings and activities, fulfill its stated purpose, and successfully transition leadership from one academic year to the next.
To be eligible for recognition and continued operation, a student organization must:
Demonstrate organizational sustainability through active membership, leadership continuity, and regular engagement in activities consistent with its purpose.
Maintain a minimum of five (5) currently enrolled student members.
Ensure all members are currently enrolled students of the College.
Maintain an officer structure consisting of at least a president and one additional officer responsible for organizational records, communications, or other administrative functions.
Have an approved faculty or staff sponsor.
Maintain a purpose that does not substantially duplicate the purpose of an existing recognized student organization.
Conduct its activities and manage its affairs in compliance with all College policies and applicable federal, state, and local laws.
Satisfaction of these eligibility requirements does not guarantee recognition. All proposed student organizations are subject to the review and approval process established by the College.
2. Recognition and Authorization
Student organizations must obtain official College recognition before operating in the name of the College, sponsoring activities, requesting institutional resources, or representing themselves as a College-affiliated organization. The procedures for obtaining recognition may be requested from the Office of Student Services.
The College reserves the right to approve, deny, suspend, or revoke recognition of any student organization based on compliance with this policy and applicable institutional requirements.
Fraternities, sororities, and secret societies are prohibited.
Any proposed student organization denied recognition may not reapply for recognition for a period of three (3) years from the date of the final decision.
3. Officer Eligibility
Students holding elected or appointed office within a recognized student organization must:
Be currently enrolled at the College.
Maintain a minimum course load of twelve (12) credit hours during each semester of service.
Not have accumulated more than sixty-four (64) credit hours.
Not be on academic probation.
Exceptions must be requested by the sponsor through the Dean of Student Services and are subject to approval by the Student Services Committee.
4. Responsibilities of Recognized Student Organizations
Recognized student organizations are expected to:
Maintain active membership and leadership.
Conduct activities and meetings consistent with their approved purpose.
Participate in institutional programs and activities as required by the College.
Maintain an approved faculty or staff sponsor.
Comply with institutional policies, procedures, and established deadlines.
Submit required reports, rosters, and documentation necessary to maintain recognition.
5. Organizational Status and Inactivity
Student organizations are expected to remain active and fulfill the responsibilities established by the College.
An organization may be determined inactive and subject to dissolution by the Dean of Student Services if it fails to:
Maintain active membership.
Conduct regular meetings or activities.
Participate in institutional programs or activities.
Comply with College policies or reporting requirements.
Maintain an approved faculty or staff sponsor.
An organization that has not conducted meetings, sponsored or participated in approved activities, maintained active membership, or fulfilled required registration and reporting obligations for two consecutive academic semesters may be declared inactive and dissolved.
6. Reestablishment of Dissolved Organizations
A dissolved student organization may be reestablished only through the student organization recognition process established in the Student Organization Procedures, obtained in the Office of Student Services.
The College reserves the right to require revisions to the organization's name, purpose, constitution, bylaws, or organizational structure prior to granting approval.