Recognition

The recognition of student organizations has been delegated to the Student Activities Office through the responsible University officials as established by the Education Code (Section 89300). The primary purpose of such organizations is to provide essential activities closely related to, but not normally included as a part of, the regular instructional program of the University.

Privileges of Organizations

Recognized student organizations are afforded a variety of privileges, including:

• Use of University facilities for meetings and events.
• Ability to register and conduct fund raising activities on campus within established guidelines.
• Ability to receive full or partial funding for specific events through ASI - DOC or other appropriate resources.
• Being assigned a mailbox in the Student Activities Office to receive mail and other notices.
• May apply for use of a file drawer for storage of organization supplies, a limited amount of space is available each year.
• Assistance from the Student Activities Office Staff in developing programs, planning events, and organization management.
• Opportunity to participate in Student Involvement Day and River City Days.
• Use of California State University, Sacramento's name in organization correspondence and publicity.

Expectations of Organizations

As a means of providing open access to organizations and to insure that organizations operate in a manner consistent with the objectives of the University, specific expectations and guidelines have been established. Recognized student organization are expected to:

• Adhere to local, state, and federal laws.
• Operate within the policies and procedures of the University and its auxiliary organizations.
• Not advocate, incite or participate in interference or physical disruption of the educational process.
• Not restrict membership on the basis of race, age, religion, sex, handicap or National origin in compliance with the University, Title IX (or as amended by Section 901a), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act policies on discrimination.
• Disclose any external affiliations and to provide the constitution and bylaws of the parent organization.
• Maintain a minimum membership of 8 students enrolled for at least 6.5 units.
• Not participate in any pre-initiation practices which produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, anxiety or ridicule.
• Not exceed by 20% of the membership the number of non-University related members. Only student members may vote or hold office in the organization. Non-University members are not permitted to hold membership in Sports Clubs or Greek social organizations.
• Have officers in good academic standing (2.0 or better) and not on social probation.
• Have a full-time faculty or professional staff member as advisor.
• Submit all changes in constitutions, bylaws, and officers within two week of the change.
• Maintain fiscal responsibility with the University, ASI, other auxiliary corporations, and community vendors.

Recognition Process

Organizations are recognized by the University through the Student Activities Office. The primary intent is to permit students the opportunity to join together to meet specific interests and needs. Self determination, both in governance and program development, is a very important factor. While affiliation with National associations is encouraged where appropriate, student organizations are intended to serve the needs of Sac State students first and foremost.

In order to be recognized, an organization must keep a current copy of their constitution, or like document, on file in the Student Activities Office and keep officer registration forms current. Sample constitution forms are available in the Student Activities Office which include specific items which are needed to meet University regulations. In addition, one officer from each newly forming or reforming organization must attend a Nuts and Bolts of Running a Student Organization workshop before the recognition process is complete.

User of the University's Name

Recognized organizations are permitted to use the name of California State University, Sacramento or Sac State only as a means of identifying the location of the organization. Such use should not imply University sponsorship or that the organization is an official agent of the University. Thus, the "Social Club of Sac State" would be permitted, but the "Sac State Social Club" would not be approved.

Loss of Recognition

Organizations may be denied recognition or lose their recognition for cause following due process. Loss or suspension of recognition can take place for a number of reasons, including:

• Failure to submit officer registration forms by deadlines.
• Violations of University policies and procedures.
• Violation of financial responsibilities.
• Not acting in accord with their own constitution or stated objectives.
• Violations of California Education Code, Title 5.

Loss or suspension of recognition may be appealed to the Vice President of Students Affairs.

Advisor(s)

Organizations are required to have a full-time faculty or professional staff member, with a classification of Student Services Professional I or higher, as an advisor. Groups are permitted to have non-University related advisors in addition to their faculty advisor if they wish.