To the OSU Student Organization Community,
Over the course of spring term you were asked to engage in conversation around and provide feedback for a new model of relationship for student organizations (clubs, teams, chapters, coalitions, etc.) here at Oregon State. Based on those discussions, a revised policy replacing Division 18 of the OARs has been approved and went into effect on July 1, 2010. At the core of the policy is a model of relationship with three categories of student organizations – Sponsored, Voluntary & Non-Affiliated. Each organization type will be based upon the mission and goals of the student organization and their alignment with departmental and University mission, purpose and goals. Various levels of education, advising, and support will be required and/or provided for each category in order to allow all student organizations to flourish.
In recent years, it has been difficult to account for all of the student organizations active and involved at OSU. In order to provide more clarity around the relationship of various student organizations with the University, the new policies and procedures are intended to create more visibility around student organizations and the great work they are doing in our community. Beginning Monday, September 27, 2010, the registration and recognition process for student organizations will be open for the 2010-2011 academic year. It is imperative that ALL student organizations register and move towards recognition (where applicable). Student organizations who have been provided resources in the past (funding, administrative support, office/storage space, supplies, etc.), must be recognized in order to maintain access those resources. Detailed information regarding each organization type, including recognition criteria and responsibilities of sponsoring units, can be found on the Administrative Policies and Procedures (PPMM) website at http://oregonstate.edu/fa/manuals/sor/001. The policy can also be found on the student organization website (http://oregonstate.edu/sli/studentorgs) along with additional information and procedures needed to complete the registration and recognition process. In addition to the resources available online, the Student Events & Activities Center will host several Town Hall Q & A meetings (see below for schedule) for those who have questions around the registration/recognition process.
As with any new policies and processes, we anticipate that there will be growing pains and challenges around implementation. As such, we have extended the deadline for student organizations to renew their annual registration/recognition from October 31, 2010 to December 3, 2010 (end of dead week). There is on-going work in several areas related to student organizations including finances and accounting, risk management and website access. We anticipate that it will take the better part of 2010-2011 academic year to complete and implement the on-going work and to work out all of the kinks and unforeseen obstacles. We have worked diligently to make things as clear and transparent as possible and will continue to maintain that focus for on-going work. We request your patience and awareness as we make this transition.
If you have additional questions, comments or concerns, please contact the Student Events and Activities Center at student.orgs@oregonstate.edu or by phone at 541-71-EVENT (3-8368).
Robin Ryan Danté Holloway
Assistant Director, Student Events & Activities Coordinator, Student Organizations