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Recognition of Student Organizations

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University Organizations

Student organizations are a vital part of Oregon State University They provide the fabric for the tapestry of diversity that represents our community. OSU empowers students to form and join organizations to promote common interests and to foster the effective functioning of organizations. Two hundred and fifty organizations are classified into fourteen categories that represent a wide array of social, educational, recreational, community service, professional, spiritual and learning opportunities.

The University recognizes student organizations in order to provide services, resources and facilities; to effectively and equitably allocate University resources; to assist in the coordination of activities; and to create opportunity for students to develop critical life skills.

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Types of Student Organizations

There are fourteen classifications of student organizations at Oregon State University that offer a wide range of involvement opportunities. For more information on specific organizations, contact studentorganizations@oregonstate.edu. An updated directory of organizations and contact information is available after November 1st each year.

The 14 classifications of student organizations:

  • Academic
  • Co-Operative
  • Ethnic/Cultural
  • Governance
  • Graduate Student
  • Greek
  • Media and Publications
  • Political and Social Awareness
  • Service
  • Honorary
  • Spiritual and Philosophical
  • Sports and Recreation
  • Sport Clubs
  • Professional

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Benefits of Recognized Organizations

OAR576-018-0010 (4)

Being a recognized student organization opens up a wide expanse of opportunity on the Oregon State University Campus:

  • Free use of most of the facilities on campus for regularly scheduled business meetings and special events
  • Discounted rates for use of prime facilities use when an admission fee is charged
  • Application a year in advance for reservation of prime event space
  • Use of university's name in organization's title
  • The opportunity to apply for student fee money from the Educational Activities committee
  • Establishment of an account with MU Business Services
  • An opportunity to apply for office or desk space in the Student Involvement Office
  • Use of campus mail service for distribution of materials related to the purpose and business of the organization
  • Access to a mailbox/address in the office of Student Involvement
  • Use of equipment and services available from various university entities
  • Access to a URL address and email account for your organization
  • Access to numerous events, programs, workshops and resources
  • Use of university printing services
  • Use of university purchasing services
  • Utilization of university staff and programming resources
  • Listing of current information in Student Organization Directory

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Responsibilities of Recognized Organizations

OAR 576-018-0030 as proposed and approved for trial period by Student Activities Committee, June 2002.

In order for a student organization to be recognized they must meet the following criteria:

  • Have a clearly defined lawful purpose;
  • Agree to conduct affairs in a lawful and ethical manner and in accordance with their constitutions and bylaws, as well as in accordance with University policies and procedures, city ordinances, state statutes, and Federal laws;
  • Demonstrate compliance with OSU's prohibition of discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, disabled veteran and Vietnam-era veteran status except for those gender qualifications directly relevant to the organizational purpose;
  • Submit an Annual Recognition Form to report current leaders and advisors, with current contact information. This form includes a "Statement of Understanding and Compliance" which must be adhered to by all recognized organizations.
  • Require student leaders to meet or exceed the minimum academic standards for holding leadership positions as follows: maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 (3.0 for graduate students) not be on disciplinary probation and be currently enrolled for at least 6 credits at OSU and pay student fees;
  • Agree that organization will maintain at least 51% of total membership as currently enrolled Oregon State University students;
  • Organizations are required to have an advisor who is a member of the University faculty, as defined by the OSU Faculty Senate rules for representation. Classified staff members and research assistants approved by the office of Student Involvement may also serve as advisors.
  • Have an adequate system of accounting for organization funds
  • Review its constitution annually and submit any changes. (Significant constitutional revisions may be referred to the Student Activities Committee)

Maintaining Recognized Status

Any University recognized organization not complying with these expectations will be determined to be inactive. After 12 months of inactivity, recognition will be officially withdrawn.

To reestablish recognition, the student organization must follow the procedures for obtaining recognition. A reestablished student organization must clear its previous Memorial Union business office account before a new account may be established. All back debts must be paid and previous balances brought forward.

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Advisors

There are no rules about what role that advisor will play in your organization. That's up to the individual group. Advisors can be a lot of assistance to you, but it's up to you to decide how you would like to use their skill. They aren't there to take over the group, just to help out as someone with experience and university connections.

Things you might want your advisor to do:

  • be a resource
  • attend your events
  • help you understand university policies and how they affect the organization
  • attend meetings
  • share historical information on your groups programs
  • provide continuity from year to year for your organization - as you change officers it is good to have someone around who knows the history of the group
  • suggest program ideas
  • help problem-solve and deal with crises
  • advise officers on meeting agendas
  • be a role model
  • serve as a sounding board
  • intervene in group conflicts
  • provide connections for the group
  • give honest feedback to group members

Remember - the advisor does not have the same responsibilities as a group member and shouldn't be looked at as someone who will run things or take care of last minute details. They are there to help you, not to do it for you.

Once you've decided what your group wants from the advisor, write up your expectations, along with the time commitment you expect as well as what the advisor can expect from the group. Now you need to find an advisor who is interested in what your group is about. One way to do this is to ask members for names of faculty or staff who have been helpful and interested in the student's life.

After the group has chosen an advisor, be sure to keep them aware of what is going on within the group. Let them know when meetings and events are being held. Periodically give them updates on issues the group is dealing with. Definitely let them know when elections are held and introduce them to new officers. And don't forget to say, "Thanks!

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Message

Dear Club and Organization Representative:

The staff of Student Leadership & Involvement welcomes you to a new school year, and we are looking forward to providing your group with the resources to help your group be successful.

In order to better serve and track the student clubs and organizations on campus, the Department of Student Leadership & Involvement has purchased a new data-base system which will be live for annual registration and new group registration October 2008. In order to complete the annual registration for your group you will need to do the following:

  1. At least one representative from your group is required to attend the Fall Kick-off Club & Organization Orientation on October 8, 5 – 8 p.m. in the Memorial Union Ballroom.
  2. At least one representative is required to attend a database training/registration session.  Sessions will be held from (what date to date?). You will not be able to complete your club annual registration without attending one of these sessions.

Sign up for a training/registration session at the Fall Kick-off Club and Organization Orientation on Wednesday, October 8th from 5:00 to 8:00pm in the MU Ballroom.  This orientation will include pizza, beverages, door prizes and the opportunity to network with others, as well as information that help your club to be successful this year.

For questions or more information, please contact

Linda Howard, Linda.howard@oregonstate.edu  737-1369 or

Machelle Kennedy, Machelle.kennedy@oregonstate.edu 737-1562.

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