Guide to Student Organizations

Guide to Student Organizations2017-2018

Table of Contents Benefits of Getting Involved Starting a New Organization Student Government Association Active Student Organizations Advisor Handbook

o Letter to the Advisoro Benefits of Being an Advisoro Roles of the Advisoro Effective Advisorso Dos & Don’ts of Advisingo Advisor Directory

President’s Handbooko Letter to the Presidento Expectations & Responsibilitieso Budget & Fundraisingo Recruiting & Retaining Memberso Meetings & Eventso Campus Resources & Collaborationo Constitution & Bylaws

Benefits of Getting Involved!Expand your Group!Getting involved in student organizations helps you meet a lot of people with similar interests. It is an easy way to make new friends!

Easy Transition!Coming to a new location is a difficult transition. By joining student organizations you not onlymeet new people, but it also gives you more activities to participate in so you don’t miss home as much!

Resume Builders!Potential employers like to see a full resume! Being a part of a student organization can offer a lot of transferrable skills for future jobs.

Feel more Connected!Students who are involved have a stronger connection with the Lake Erie College community; the campus, the people, and they are more familiar with the resources that are provided for them.

Satisfying College Experience! Involved students describe higher levels of satisfaction with their overall experience at Lake Erie College.

You will have more stories to tell, more opportunities to explore, more friends to chat with! Get more out of your college experience! Get Involved today!

Contact the Student Life Office

Location: Holden Center, Suite 120 (lower level)Phone: [email protected]

Follow us on Twitter: @LECSLOFollow us on Instagram: @LECSLO

Starting a New Organization?

1. What Interests You? If you have a hobby or skill that you want to share with other people and the campus community, you can start your own student organization! It can be something you do for fun, something educational, or something you would like to try!

2. Make Sure it Doesn’t Exist Please be sure to review the summary of each student organization; sometimes ideas are similar and student groups can work together!

3. Find Other People! You need at least 4 other people to start a student organization. So get out there, talk to your friends, and get them to join!

4. Find a Campus Advisor! Ask around, a lot of our faculty and staff members have hidden talents and others will just want to be as involved as you. Ask a faculty or staff member to be the advisor for your group. Having trouble finding one? Come to the Student Life Office and ask for help.

5. Fill out the Paperwork You need to fill out “Student Government Association (SGA) Recognition Forms” to be an official student organization. This benefits you and your group by giving you a chance to promote your activities, raise membership numbers, request to fundraise, or even get some of your events paid for with the help of SGA!

Forms can be found in the Student Life Office, located in Holden Center, Suite 120 or on the college website http://www.lec.edu/studentlife/orgs

6. Turn in the Paperwork All forms need to be turned in to the Student Life Office when completed. They will be passed on to SGA for approval. You will then be notified if your group is approved! SGA meets bi weekly on Sunday evenings.

Questions can be directed to the Student Life Office ([email protected]).

http://www.lec.edu/studentlife/orgs

mailto:[email protected]

Student Government AssociationPurposeThe purpose of the Student Government Association is to serve as the voice for the general student population as well as the governing body for all student organizations. The group consists of an executive board, class senators and representatives from various student organizations.

MeetingsThe Student Government Association meets bi weekly on Sundays at 7pm in Ernst Board Room. The meetings are open to all students to express their concerns or ask questions. Below is the list of meeting dates:

August 27, 2017September 10, 2017September 24, 2017October 15, 2017October 29, 2017November 12, 2017November 19, 2017December 3, 2017

Meet your GovernmentPresident: Graesyn Engler ([email protected])

Vice President: Gina Henley ([email protected])

Secretary: Delaney Hustak ([email protected])

Treasurer: Samantha Ellis ([email protected])

Commuter Representative: Giovanni D’Angelo ([email protected]); Chris Williams ([email protected])

Community Service Representative: Kendra Stallard ([email protected]

Campus Activities Representative: Roberta Benedict ([email protected]

Equestrian Representative: Emily Bluedorn ([email protected])

Athletic Representative: Dale Calta ([email protected]); Catherine Biesel ([email protected])

Diversity & Inclusion Representative: Deja Wilson ([email protected])

Class of 2018 Senators: Diandra Demetroupolous ([email protected]); Forrest Glogouski ([email protected])

Class of 2019 Senators: James Chadwick ([email protected]); Chandler Candela ([email protected])

Class of 2020 Senators: Zachary Angle ([email protected]); Joshua Collins ([email protected])

Class of 2021 Senators: Namir Lee ([email protected]); Matthew Haftke ([email protected])

Interested in filling one of the vacant positions? Email [email protected] for more information!


Student Organizations (in alphabetical order)

Accounting Club

Contact: Ally Dipre ([email protected])

Accounting Club is meant to bridge classroom experiences to the professional business environment. This includes

providing

opportunities for self-development, service and association among members and practicing professionals and encouraging a

sense of ethical, social and public responsibility. This group is open to all students.

Black Student Union (BSU)

Contact: Deja Wilson ([email protected]); Lydia Masar ([email protected])

BSU is a cultural group that encourages students to get out of their comfort zone and meet other people through social

programs and community service. It provides students with a voice as well as a source for support, networking, and open

discussions. This group is open to all students.

Campus Activities Board (CAB)

Contact: Roberta Benedict ([email protected])

The activities on campus are up to you! CAB provides both social and educational programming for the students; all events

are planned and implemented by the student body. This group is open to all students.

EQ Leadership Council

Contact: Giuliana Raggio ([email protected])

EQ Leadership council serves as a voice for all equestrian students. This group requires certain membership standards.

For a list of those requirements, please contact Amber Sherman.

Forward (A ministry of Fellowship of Christian Athletes)

Contact: Peter Theodos ([email protected])

Forward gives students a place to create opportunities on campus to explore and experience Christian faith. This group is

open to all students.

Gender Equity Club

Contact: Isabel Rodriguez ([email protected])

Gender Equity Club’s mission is to put an end to disadvantages, mistreatment and discrimination based on gender in the

community. This club is open to all students.

Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA)

Contact: Pam Hess ([email protected])

IHSA English Team


IHSA Western Team


Italian Culture Club

Contact: Joe Munaretto ([email protected])

The Italian Culture Club helps expand students’ knowledge of Italian culture through a variety of activities on campus and in

the surrounding area. This group is open to all students.

Laddie’s Legacy Club

Contact: Morgan Blanyer ([email protected])

Laddie’s Legacy Club gives back to the Lake Erie College owned horses through members’ time and fundraising efforts to

give the animals extra treatment. This group is open to all students!

Mortar Board

Contact: Natalie Erickson ([email protected])

Mortar Board is a national organization that recognizes students as scholars and leaders dedicated to serving the Lake Erie

College campus and community. This group requires certain membership standards. For a list of those requirements, please

contact Natalie Erickson.

The Joseph G. Weber Student Society of Lake Erie College (Physician Assistants Club)

Contact: Abigail Skorpuski ([email protected])

The Physician Assistant Club is to provide an environment that supports and promotes the physician assistant program while

providing the community with service and knowledge in the pursuit of healthcare. This group requires certain membership

standards. For a list of those requirements, please contact Jenny Sample ([email protected]).

Pre Med Club

Contact: Carrie Grace ([email protected])

The Pre-Med Club aids in the development of students as leaders in both the professional health-care field and the

community by providing information for shadowing, volunteering, researching, and helping students improve academically.

This group is open to all students.

Pre Vet Club

Contact: Rob Holowecky ([email protected])

The Pre-Vet Club assists students with the process of being eligible and applying to veterinary school.


Psychology Club

Contact: Gabby Horney ([email protected]); Delaney Hustak ([email protected])

Psychology Club gives students the opportunity to further the study of the human mind with the assistance of discussions,

videos and guest speakers. This group is open to all students.

Skittlez

Contact: Rebecca Althouse ([email protected])

Skittlez is a community dedicated to advancing the LGBT narrative and providing a safe space for LGBT members.


Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)

Contact: Ally Dipre ([email protected])

SAAC is a national organization to help enhance the overall collegiate experience as well as to promote a positive athlete

image. It serves as a voice for student-athletes on Lake Erie College campus and provides programs and community service

opportunities outside of the athletic world. This group is open to all students.

Students Making a Difference (SMAD)

Contact: Carrie Grace ([email protected])

SMAD is a volunteer organization intended to create and sponsor service opportunities for Lake Erie College

and Lake County.

Video Game Club

Contact: Spencer Furr ([email protected])

Video Game Club gives students an opportunity to explore other extracurricular activities in a safe, social setting by playing

classic and modern video games. This group is open to all students.

Student Organization Advisor Handbook

2017-2018

Welcome!

Dear Organization Advisor:

Thank you for volunteering your time to advise one of Lake Erie College’s Student Organizations. We appreciate your support by helping our students grow and develop into leaders and positive citizens. We encourage you to be as active as possible with this role, while keeping in mind the difference between advising and managing.

This handbook was created to assist you in this new role! Inside you will not only find responsibilities for yourself, but also the expectations we have for your group and of the StudentLife Office. Please note that much of the information in here was collected by the Office of Student Life and past advisors that was deemed useful, but are merely suggestions for you in this role. Please use them as guidelines and feel free to add your own style to help motivate your group!

Various resources have been utilized and compiled for this handbook. However, if you cannot find the information you’re looking for, feel free to contact the Office of Student Life any time. 440-375-7505 or [email protected]

Again, thank you for agreeing to volunteer for such an important role in our students’ experience. We look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

Kimberly RobareKim RobareDirector of Student Life & Engagement


Benefits of Being an AdvisorBeing an advisor gives you the opportunity to interact with Lake Erie College students outside of the classroom setting. Through projects and events, the role as an advisor can make you more connected not only with the College community, but with the City of Painesville as well.

Being on a small campus with limited resources, it is important for our students to never feel like they are missing something from their college experience. Serving as an advisor will give you that mentor role in our community and give our students another outlet to feel comfortable to go to when in need.

Advisors are not meant to lead a group, but to help the group lead itself. This role will allow you to teach students much needed team building and leadership skills to assist in making them self-sufficient and successful. Witnessing first hand this transition of developing new skills and grow as individuals and as a group is the most rewarding benefit of being an advisor!

Roles of an AdvisorEducatorThe role of educator will often present itself through role modeling behavior. One of the most difficult actions of an advisor is to do nothing, especially when you disagree with your group’s decision. However, sometimes this is the most effective method of educating the members of the group. It is important for an advisor to then serve as a reflective agent and discuss the pros and cons of the decision.

Forward ThinkerGoal-setting is the method of planning for the future and systematically working to achieve that plan. Goals allow the group to recognize and celebrate accomplishments. It is up to the Advisor to help set these goals and to keep them realistic for the group and the College.

Conflict MediatorAn advisor can be assured that managing conflict is a regular, ongoing part of the position. Effective conflict resolution is a basic training topic that should be covered early in the year. Remember, an advisor is not a parent. Students should be treated with respect, but held accountable. Advisors should not be the center of attention.

Policy InterpreterAll student organizations are required to write and follow a constitution. It is important for the advisor to help write the group’s policies, procedures and standards, and then hold all participating students to these rules and the guidelines of the College.

MotivatorSince organizations are extra activities, it is easy for them to draw the short stick in regards to effort and time given by the students in the group. With the help of the Advisor, it is important to help keep members motivated to achieve the goals they set and keep them from getting discouraged if something does not go according to plan.

Effective AdvisorsEffective advisors…

are educators who understand group development and dynamics. understand how to work with volunteers. provide lots of positive reinforcement. are flexible and have high tolerance of ambiguity. know how to balance providing direction and allowing students autonomy. are role models who emphasize the importance of student contributions to the campus and

outside community. present information and issues to students so they can make good decisions. are approachable, visible, highly engaged and closely involved with the organization. develop talent and encourage students to grow. maintain a global picture of the organization and its relationship to the whole-the College, its

national affiliation, if any, and the community. are patient, have an open and positive attitude, and respect students. involve students and show their support and appreciation of student involvement. assist in ensuring a smooth transition from semester to semester and year to year. serve as stimulators, generating new ideas for services and programs. avoid giving personal opinions, and know that advising is not a vehicle to voice personal or

professional opinions or concerns. serve as “overseers” of budget and organization’s finances, making every effort to ensure

association solvency.

Do’s and Don’ts of AdvisingDO DON’T

-serve as a resource -micromanage the organization-interpret and clarify College policies -run the organization meetings-suggest program ideas -use veto power over organization decisions-serve as a role model -be the sole recruiter for new members-provide history for the organization -say “I told you so”-act consistently with what you say -break promises-allow the group to succeed -be the leader of the organization-allow the group to fail -be unavailable-teach leadership -take everything seriously-keep your sense of humor -be afraid to let the organization fail-enjoy it

Advisor Directory (in alphabetical order by organization-Extensions begin with 440-375-XXXX)

Accounting Club

Advisor: Julie Ziemak

Contact: x7126, [email protected]

Black Student Union (BSU)

Advisor: Roy Alexander


Campus Activities Board (CAB)

Advisors: Kim Robare


EQ Leadership Council

Advisor: Pam Hess


Forward (A ministry of Fellowship of Christian Athletes)

Advisors: Kim Robare (on campus), Ty Waarenberg (off campus)


Gender Equity Club

Advisor: Nicole Kathol

Contact: [email protected]

Intercollegiate Dressage Association (IDA)

Advisor: Debby Savage


IHSA English Team

Advisor: Mary Pardee


IHSA Western Team

Advisor: Seth Clark


Italian Culture Club

Advisor: Paola Basile


Laddie’s Legacy Club

Advisor: Cami Blanchard


Mortar Board

Advisors: Linda Siegel


The Joseph G. Weber Student Society of Lake Erie College (Physician Assistants Club)

Advisor: Jenny Sample

Contact: 440-339-3074, [email protected]

Pre Med Club

Advisor: John Tedesco


Pre Vet Club

Advisor: Pam Hess


Psychology Club

Advisor: Susan Culotta


Skittlez

Advisor: Josh Linerode


Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC)

Advisor: Ryan Scanlan


Student Government Association (SGA)

Advisor: Kim Robare


Students Making a Difference (SMAD)

Advisor: Katie Holden


Video Game Club

Advisor: George Lucas


Student Organization President’s Handbook

2017-2018

Welcome!

Dear Organization President or Chair:

Thank you for volunteering your time to head one of Lake Erie College’s Student Organizations. This role is a great opportunity for you to grow and improve on your leadership skills. It is also a great resume builder!

While I understand you are a busy individual, it is important for you to stay active while in this position. It is easy to let your role drop on the priority list as college life begins to pick up. However, part of being a good leader is strong communication, proper delegation and excellent time management.

This handbook was created to assist you in all aspects of this position. Inside you will not only find responsibilities for yourself, but also the expectation we have for your group. As the head of your organization, it is your responsibility to share all of this information with the members of your group and executive board. Although some information is mandatory, I encourage you to use your own method of motivation and take risks. Do not be afraid to try and fail and then learn from your mistakes.

Various resources have been utilized and compiled for this handbook. However, if you cannot find the information you’re looking for, feel free to contact the Office of Student Life any time. 440-375-7505 or [email protected]

You will get from this experience what you put into it! Make the most of your time in this role!We look forward to working with you.

Sincerely,

Kimberly RobareKim RobareDirector of Student Life & Engagement


Expectations and ResponsibilitiesExpectations set the standards for the organization and all its members. Without expectations, it can be unclear what is expected of members and can cause conflict or loss of membership. Not setting expectations or following through is the greatest cause of inactive organizations. To keep the status of active student organization, the Student Life Office holds each group and all its members to the following expectations:

Serve as leaders and role models and be a positive representation of yourself, your organization and Lake Erie College.

Utilize the resources on campus and do not be afraid to think outside the box. Maintain good communication with your group members and the Student Life Office; answer and

respond appropriately to emails from administration in a timely manner. Return necessary paperwork in a timely and efficient manner. Provide equal opportunity for all members and students and do not discriminate against any student

based on (but not limited to) age, gender, sex, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, interests, etc. Remain appropriate with the promotion of your group and events including following flyer, social media

and recruiting guidelines. No hazing of members will be tolerated. Stay positive and learn from mistakes and success. Celebrate accomplishments in your organization, other organizations, and campus wide Work with other organizations and department to create a better Lake Erie College. Do everything with passion.

Budget & FundraisingEach organization is allowed to have a separate account, controlled by the Student Life Office. Some organizations may already have one! Questions about individual accounts can be directed to Kim Mariotti ([email protected]).

There are a few ways you can get funding for your student organization:

1. You can borrow money from the Student Government Association (SGA). You will need to fill out the “Request for Funds” form and write a proposal to SGA detailing what you would like the funding for. All submissions must be at least TWO WEEKS prior to when you will need the money. Depending upon the program, project or request, you may be asked to pay back all or part of the loan.

2. You can do a fundraiser on or off campus. All fundraisers must be approved by SGA. You will need to fill out the “Request to Fundraise” form and write a proposal to SGA detailing what you would like to do for a fundraiser and what the money will be for. All submissions must be at least TWO WEEKS prior to when you will begin your fundraiser. Depending on the requests, SGA reserves the right to deny a group or offer suggestions for joint fundraisers.

3. Your club may already have money in its budget from the previous year. To find out if this is the case, you can talk to the Coordinator for Campus Activities.

4. You can have your members pay dues. This also allows for funding to build without doing a fundraiser or asking for a loan.

Recruiting and Retaining MembersThere are a number of factors to consider when you are recruiting members and also retaining them. Managing an effective organization includes actively finding new faces as well as working to ensure you keep those who are already part of the organization. Although some organizations have particular membership standards, it is expected that every active Lake Erie College student organization ensures equality for all members and does notdiscriminate against age, gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, interests, etc. Furthermore, all student organizations are expected to recruit students in a positive way; hazing of any kind will not be tolerated and willbe grounds for deactivation of the group.

Recruiting MembersSimple as it may sound, you need people to have a student organization. More specifically, it is important to bring new people on-board regularly, as new members are the future of your organization. Some ways of accomplishing this are:

Participate in the Student Organization Involvement Fair at the beginning of each semester. Each group that RSVP will have a table at lunch to help recruit new members.

Have a table in the Holden Center throughout the year. You can register this with the Student Life Office by turning in the “Facility Request and Tabling Form”.

Publicize, publicize, publicize! This is a great way to get people to know you exsist. Flyers, emails, and ads in the Stall Street Journal are just some ways to get your name out there.

Talk with professors, academic or non-academic departments that may have similar interests and goals as your organization.

Maintain clear and detailed information about your organization that can be given to interest people. Be sure to bring printed information about your organization to your programs.

Talk yourselves up! Word of mouth is a great way for people to know who you are. Speak with friends, faculty and staff and tell them about your organization’s purpose, goals and programs.

Request current members to bring someone new to the next meeting! Stay consistent with your meeting dates, times and locations. The Student Life Office is always

promoting it’s many organizations, Information that is known will be shared with interested participants. Volunteer around campus and in the community. Putting your group name’s out there by helping others

is a great way to meet other students. Wear organization apparel (if you have some). Be proud to represent your group and get people asking

about it.

Retaining MembersWhile the organization actively attracts new members, it must also work hard to keep its current members. Having seasoned members involved can help in creating strength and stability within your organization. These people have knowledge about the organization and can pass along a great deal of information to newer members. Some ways of members are:

Provide each group member with opportunities for learning, growth and development. Communicate necessary information about the group to all members- no need to keep people in the dark

if you want them to feel included. Create an organization email list for meeting minutes, updates and reminders. Create new positions in the organization for new needs or new talents in your membership. Involved group members when planning and implementing organizational activities. Forming

committees and delegating tasks are great ways to offer members an opportunity to contribute to the organization.

Clearly communicate expectations of group members. Encourage, support and trust fellow members. Make meetings interesting by facilitating icebreaker activities at the start of each meeting, which help

new members and experienced members get to know each other. Recognize and reward members for all their hard work and achievements. Provide opportunities for both group and individual evaluation. Start meetings on time and run them efficiently.

Meetings & EventsMeetingsTo help build membership and keep current members on task with the organization’s goals, it is encouraged thateach organization meets throughout each semester. All meetings must be scheduled through the Student Life Office TWO WEEKS prior to the desired date.

Scheduling a MeetingTo schedule your organization’s meeting, fill out and submit a “Facility and Table Request Form” to the Student Life Office TWO WEEKS prior to the desired date. It is possible to request multiple meetings at a time. Please be specific on the form. Questions can be directed to the Coordinator of Campus Activities.

Effective MeetingsTime and effort needs to be put into developing organized and effective meetings. A well-developed meeting will help members feel confident about the group and provide a sense of purpose and achievement. It also helpsretain members if they feel their time is not being wasted. There are a few important ideas to keep in mind when planning meetings:

Arrange the meeting time around when the greatest number of people can attend. Try to find a time that also does not conflict with another organization or event, as many members will be in multiple groups.

Make arrangements for a meeting room that can accommodate the organization’s needs. Advertise organizational meetings throughout the campus community. Confirm that all members and your organizational advisor are aware of the date, time and location. Be respectful of members’ schedules- start and finish the meetings on time. Involve the entire membership by encouraging, supporting, and trusting all group members. Some

meetings may also provide a great opportunity to recognize members for their hard work. Plan and utilize an agenda to keep the meeting on track.

Events & Programs Hosting an event or program is a great way to promote your organization and help build membership. It is important to host a well-planned program in order to have success!

Scheduling Events & ProgramsTo schedule your organization’s event or program, fill out and submit a “Facility and Table Request Form” to the Student Life Office TWO WEEKS prior to the desired date. Since Lake Erie College is small in population,it is important to pick a date for your event that does not conflict with something else that is happening on campus. To find this information, ask the Student Life Office.

Planning Events and Programs

Good planning and preparation can make any event run more smoothly and cost-effectively, reducing the stress for leaders and increasing the fun for the participants. This is true for general meetings as well as special events. The planning process may seem overwhelming at first, but by practicing a few basic techniques, anyonecan plan effectively.

Set aside time for an “official” planning meeting; come up with a checklist of needs. Request input from your members; including members outside of your Executive Board will most likely

raise awareness and volunteer willingness. Use your resources wisely; again stay away from planning an event on a night where one is already

happening, ask around for materials and other volunteers. Work together!

Publicizing Meetings & EventsPerhaps the most important part of planning a meeting or event is the way in which you communicate it to the college community and public (if applicable). All organizations are encouraged to promote any meeting or event by using the following resources:

The Student Life Office CalendarThe Student Life Office shares an activities calendar with various departments on campus to let them know about the events taking place. Once your organization submits an event request, the information is added to the calendar. The Stall Street JournalThis bi weekly publication that ends up in all the restroom stalls in populated buildings on campus is a good avenue for publicity. The deadline for submittals is Friday TWO WEEKS prior to your meeting or event by emailing Kim Robare ([email protected]) FlyersStudent Organization may post flyers around campus. Flyers must be created by the organization and sent to Student Life ([email protected]) for approval and printing. When hanging flyers, organizations must stick to bulletin boards and office doors only! DO NOT hang flyers on building doors, windows or any painted surfaces. Social MediaThe Student Life Office is happy to promote by emailing the College community and posting on the office social media sites. The organization is responsible for creating the information to Student Life ([email protected]).

Word of MouthRequest a table outside the cafeteria at lunch or dinner, or walk in and make new friends. Everyone is afraid to talk to people, but word of mouth is the best way to get people to attend!OtherIf you have an idea to promote a meeting or event, please see Kim Mariotti ([email protected]) in the Student Life Office for approval.

Campus Resources and CollaborationLake Erie College’s small population is something to be celebrated. It gives students the ability to feel like more than just a number and provides many opportunities to teach leadership and other resume builders. With that being said, it is important to keep the mantra “work smarter not harder” and utilize campus resources for allstudent organizations to find success. The Student Life Office provides various resources to help with the planning and implementation of events, and encourages all organizations to use them:

Student Activities & EventsThe Student Life Office hosts many events throughout the semester, both educational and social, that align with the goals of all of our organizations. Student Activities CalendarShared with organization Presidents and Advisors, various campus departments and Resident Assistants to promote events and help refrain from overlapping or competing programs. The President’s CornerWeekly email to the organization Presidents that highlights important information as well as meeting schedule for the week and upcoming programs and fundraisers. Student Government MeetingsAll SGA meetings are open to all students to voice their concerns and questions to the government. It is also an opportunity for organizations to promote events or ask for assistance. City of PainesvilleStudent Life offers many opportunities to volunteer and be a part of city wide events. This creates good opportunities to promote the organization, network and potentially gain sponsors for future events. Guide to Student OrganizationsPieces and parts of this handbook are great resources to help the collaboration of groups. Each organization is given the name, a description, meeting dates and locations and President’s contact of all of the active organizations. All groups are highly encouraged to reach out to others for a common goal to help make an event more successful by adding man power and new ideas!

Constitution and Bylaws

Each student organization should all be governed by constitutions or bylaws that the members of the

organization create and vote into effect. A constitution is important because it gives everyone a voice

in the group and keeps all decisions fair to all members. It also handles disputes and serves as a

mediator for group conflict. Furthermore, organizations that follow the rules written in their

constitution are more likely to stay active from year to year.

Each year, every active student organization is required to turn in a written constitution along with the

Student Organization Recognition form. It is acceptable to use the constitution from the previous year,

however it is expected that the document is reviewed by the President and current members to ensure

that no changes or updates are needed.

A sample can be found in the resource section of this handbook.

Documents

Guide to Student Organizations