Student Organization Recognition
Graduate student organizations must register every year with the Office of Student Graduate Life.
Groups wishing to register can download the Organization Recognition Form (pdf) or pick up a hard copy in 105 Clio Hall. The forms explain basic University guidelines for student organizations and must be signed by the (enrolled graduate student) officers who, in most cases, will personally assume financial responsibility for the organization. (Student organizations which are legally incorporated may provide evidence of their incorporation and a list of governing board members as an alternative to the individual officers assuming financial responsibility.) Failure to comply with these guidelines may result in loss of recognition for the organization.
Student organizations must submit new recognition forms at the beginning of every academic year and/or whenever officers change. The officers or several members of the organization must sign a copy of this statement assuming responsibility for the organization. Organizations registering for the first time must also submit a statement of purpose and intended activities.
Recognized student organizations are granted the following privileges:
- The opportunity to use certain University facilities for programs and meetings.
- The opportunity to open an account with the University through which purchases can be facilitated and reimbursed.
- The opportunity to request funds from the Graduate Student Government and other University sources for organization activities.
- The opportunity to include the organization on the Graduate School website.
- The opportunity to maintain a University e-mail account, organization website and/or e-mail distribution list.
- The opportunity to advertise some events and activities through the graduate student e-mail distribution list, pu-grads.
It is beneficial to both the University and the group for student organizations to be recognized by the University and to have their activities approved. The University may be called upon to ensure that the organizations meet their financial and other obligations. In addition, the Internal Revenue Service requires that certain records be maintained to preserve the University's tax-exempt status. Finally, it's important to make sure that the purposes and activities of the organization are consistent with the established purposes of the University.
Recognition by the University does not imply official endorsement of the organization's ideas or activities. Student organizations may sponsor speakers of their choice and are free to hold meetings and in other ways express their views, subject only to the protection of people and property and adherence to reasonable regulations respecting time and place (see Rights, Rules, Responsibilities for more information).