AboutUST
Policies and Guidelines for Student Organizations
- Statement on Student Organizations (Adopted by Student Life Committee)
- General Statement on Undergraduate Student Clubs & Organizations
- Definition
- New Club & Organization Recognition Process
- Annual Registration
- Benefit of Club Recognition
- Responsibilities
- Student Organization Conduct Violation Process
- Policy Concerning First Semester Pledging for Student Organizations
Statement on Student Organizations (Adopted by Student Life Committee)
- The University of St. Thomas is a community. The student body, the faculty
and the administration are, therefore, not fundamentally independent of each
other or of the university as a whole. Each of them, it is true, participates
in the total community in its own way - like the various members of a living
body - and so, maintains an identity and a life proper to itself. But the very
nature of community requires that the activities of its members ultimately
find a meaning in the context of the whole.
- It is natural that student organizations of various kinds should spring
up within the university community, for students spontaneously join together
when motivated by a common desire. It is also natural that these organizations
should seek recognition by the university as a whole, for in this way they
become living members of the community.
- The recognition of student organizations - and, in fact, of all
organizations within the university community - is ultimately an act of the
entire community, even though, in accordance with the judicial structure of
the university, the recognition may be exercised through a particular office
or committee. Therefore, the recognition of any particular organization
involves not only respect for that organization itself, but also for the total
community. This means that the organization must not only satisfy the desires
of its membership, but also must fulfill a need proper to the university as a
whole.
- There are various norms governing the recognition of student organizations
which follow obviously and immediately from this principle. One is that the
number of organizations must not be multiplied indefinitely, for this would
ultimately weaken the sense of community. Again, only organizations which
actively fulfill their purposes and are able to maintain certain minimum
memberships have a right to be recognized; otherwise, instead of contributing
to the rest of the community, they have to be carried along as dead weight.
Moreover, the well-being of the community requires that a variety of
organizations be recognized and that a balance be maintained among the various
types.
- The norms we have just considered - and others similar to them - govern
the recognition of all student organizations, whatever their purpose or
structure, but it is necessary to raise a further question. Does every type of
organization have a place within the university, or, are there certain types
which, by reason of their very nature, are not apt to enrich the life of the
community as a whole?
- Certain types of organizations cannot be recognized by any community. Such
are those which are formed for immoral purposes or which are in any way
subversive of the aims of the community. These may be excluded without further
consideration. There remains the question of organizations which are not bad
in themselves and which are proposed by groups of students in good faith. Do
all of these, as a general principle, enjoy the right to be recognized?
- The question of the recognition of a certain type of student organization
must be resolved according to the following norm: Only organizations that have
as their primary purpose the promotion of activities which contribute to the
life of the whole student body, and in which any student, given certain
objective qualifications, might participate, have the right to be recognized.
- The right to organize belongs first of all to the student body as a whole,
in accordance, for example, with the customary divisions between classes and
between resident and commuter students. This right follows from the fact that
the student body is an integral part of the total community.
- There are, in addition, a number of more particular ways in which the
student body may appropriately organize. Many organizations express a specific
academic or professional interest and are, therefore, directly related to the
defining purpose of the university. Other organizations function to relate the
student body and the university to the larger community of which the
university is a part - civil society and the church. These would include, for
example, religious organizations and political clubs as well as groups formed
for community service. Finally, there are organizations which promote
recreational activities and athletics, or which by long tradition are
acknowledged to contribute something valuable to the spirit of the university.
- Organizations whose fundamental nature and purpose are not defined in such
a way that they clearly have a meaning for the total community do not enjoy
the right of being recognized. Such organizations are divisive by their very
structure, however well-intentioned their members. Since they are not
primarily ordered to the common good of the university, they cannot contribute
to its total life except incidentally and, as it were, externally. These
include all clubs or fraternities which have, as a first purpose, simply the
fellowship of their members
- The principles proposed above do not imply that social functions are not an integral part of the life of campus organizations. In fact, they are - but such social functions cannot constitute the primary or defining purpose of these organizations.
General Statement on Undergraduate Student Clubs & Organizations
Clubs and organizations are an integral part of student life at the University of St. Thomas. Co-curricular involvement supports students' holistic development and retention, in fact, more students describe their college experience as positive if they were involved in co-curricular activities. The All College Council promotes the formation of student organizations and encourages students to take advantage of the opportunity to gain experience in activities that enhance their education.
Definition
An organization must be comprised of at least ten University of St. Thomas students, have a stated purpose and constitution, and comply with university policies and procedures, including those outlined in the ACC constitution. UST clubs and organizations are classifies in the following categories:
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Academic or Departmental Affiliated: Activities and membership center on a particular academic or collegiate course of study or curriculum. A university department may sponsor the organization.
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Special Interest: Activities and membership center on a particular special interest such as a culture, a social issue or concern, political ideas.
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Club Sports: Sports related clubs that emphasize some type of physical activity in which members compete with other schools.
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Honor, Leadership, and Recognition: Activities and membership involves development thought volunteer and or service.
New Club & Organization Recognition Process
The University of St. Thomas reserves the right to officially
recognize groups interested in starting a formal club or organization, and the
Department of Campus Life (DCL) in partnership with the All College Council, is
responsible for managing the process. Registration does not indicate or imply
that the university endorses the views of the organization's membership or the
views expressed at meetings. The individuals involved are solely responsible for
any views held or expressed. The university also reserves the right to review
the activities of student organizations and to monitor compliance with
university policies.
Students interested in forming a new club must complete the following steps:
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Secure a minimum of ten (10) members.
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Secure a full-time UST faculty or staff person to serve as organization advisor. The Department of Campus Life can assist in securing an advisor if necessary.
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Draft a constitution using the "Guidelines for Constitutional Drafting" available in the Clubs & Organization Handbook. The constitution must include a mission statement describing the clubs purpose and how it will contribute to the mission of UST. UST is not planning to add any additional social fraternity and sororities.
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Hold a meeting to elect officers and ratify the constitution. NOTE: Only registered organizations can reserve meeting rooms. The use of a room for this initial meeting may be approved by contacting DCL.
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Upon recommendation for approval of the Student Organizations Committee, an organization's application will be forwarded to the All College Council for approval at the next scheduled meeting. A representative of the club should be present to answer questions.
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The club president and advisor will receive written notification upon the completion of this process.
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Once approved, the club must register with DCL on-line at http://www.stthomas.edu/clubs/handbook/3_Registering_Student_Clubs.htm.
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The registration process is complete once DCL receives confirmation from the faculty/staff member advisor.
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Clubs interested in being classified as a Club Sport should refer to the Club Sport Appendix found in the Clubs & Organization Handbook.
Annual Registration
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The annual registration process occurs in the spring. Clubs are required to register on-line with DCL.
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Failure to comply with the registration process results in the suspension of the organization and loss of the privilege to operate as a UST organization. The group remains suspended until the registration process is completed.
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All clubs are expected to maintain a membership of at least ten members and keep the on-line member roster updated. Student organizations must notify DCL in writing, whenever there are changes of officers or advisors during the academic year.
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If there is a one-year lapse in registration, an organization must re-apply for recognition according to the procedures for newly formed groups.
Benefits of Club Recognition
Only recognized, clubs and organizations are granted the following privileges:
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Assignment and use of a club mailbox.
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Use of University publicity outlets (e.g. bulletin boards, atrium banners, University Bulletin).
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Use of University facilities, including meeting rooms and Campus Square.
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Use of Campus Life resources.
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Ability to raise funds or make other permissible solicitation on University property (Contact Campus Life on the Events Request Process).
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Inclusion in the yearbook as a recognized student organization.
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Ability to sponsor or present a public performance on University property.
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Opportunity to participate in the Fall and Spring Activities Fair.
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Use of equipment and/or services of Information Resources & Technology.
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Ability to create and link an official student organization web site to the University of St. Thomas home page.
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Clubs in good standing are eligible for ACC funding if they maintain official registration with the DCL, remain open to all UST students and maintain an account with the Business Office. Registered organizations deemed exclusive by ACC guidelines are eligible only for Conference and Competition funding through the All College Council.
Responsibilities
All recognized clubs and organizations of the University of St. Thomas are expected to adhere to the following responsibilities:
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Operate within the goals and mission of the University. Student clubs & organizations are expected to exercise good judgment in planning and promoting their activities. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action for an individual member or loss of recognition for the group.
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To be aware of and abide by all applicable local, state and national laws.
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To be familiar with and abide by Article II of the ACC Constitution concerning Responsibilities of Recognized Organizations.
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Maintain a full time UST faculty or staff advisor.
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Student organizations must be open to all students without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, and marital status. (See Club Sport appendix for additional information).
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Maintain a membership of no less than ten UST members. Membership is open to ACTC schools, but a club or organization may not be comprised of more than 49% of ACTC students. Club Sport membership is exclusive to UST students.
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Hold at least three regular meetings each semester.
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Refrain from hazing.
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Remain in good standing with the organizations governing body (i.e., national organization, University department).
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Handle organizational funds wisely and ethically with sound accounting practices. Funding received from the All College Council may not be used for the purchase of alcohol, t-shirts, or for service donations.
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Ensure continuity by training new leadership and keeping good records.
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Complete one community service project per semester. A total of 1.5 hours per member is the minimum requirement per semester. Please refer to community service project guidelines in the Clubs & Organization Handbook. Newly clubs are exempt from completing service in the first semester of recognition.
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Encourage at least one club representative (preferably the president or member of executive board) to attend the Fall or Spring training provided by the Department of Campus Life.
Policy Concerning First Semester Pledging for Student Organizations
Pledging is prohibited for students who are in their first semester at the University of St. Thomas OR for students who have an established G.P.A. of less than 2.00. Exceptions to this policy are made to transfer students who have an established G.P.A. from another institution.
