Purpose

Lindenwood University encourages its students to organize and participate in group activities in order to broaden their scope of general learning, gain knowledge in specialized areas, and furnish increased options for service and social activity. This policy provides guidance for student organizations at the University.

Scope

This policy applies to all student organizations at the University.

Policy

• I. PHILOSOPHY

  Student organizations are expected to function within the framework of and be consistent with the mission and values of the University, the policies stated in the Lindenwood University Student Handbook and Academic Catalog, and all relevant civil statutes.  Student organizations are to contribute to the mental, physical, social, and spiritual well-being of all participants.

  • (A.) Student groups and organizations exist within the total University community and contribute to, and are dependent upon the life, growth, and well-being of that community. Therefore they should not only be building their own identity, but should seek to contribute to a positive and wholesome community by:
    • (a.) Fostering within the student organization support for the policies and regulations of the University.
    • (b.) Insisting that students adhere to their primary commitment to the University by attending classes, forming good study habits, and fulfilling all other obligations and requirements.
    • (c.) Assuring responsible care and upkeep of the campus physical facilities entrusted to the organization (fraternity/sorority floors, residence facility, offices, meeting space, etc.)
    • (d.) Encouraging a broader range of interests and social events for student involvement.
    • (e.)Attracting potential fellow students from their friendships, home communities, and acquaintances.
  • (B.) With this in mind, Lindenwood University commits itself to:
    • (a.) Building stronger campus student organizations.
    • (b.) Encouraging a broader range of interests and social events for student involvement.
    • (c.) Assisting in the promotion and publicity of organizations and their functions.
    • (d.) Fostering a climate of fun, spirit, and pride in the Lindenwood University community.
    • (e.) Creating leadership development opportunities.

• II. POLICY ON THE RECOGNITION OF STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

  Lindenwood University reserves the right to recognize groups of students who wish to create formal organizations. Recognition of a student organization by the University is an acknowledgment that the organization has complied with all relevant procedures, that the University approves the organization’s constitution and bylaws, and will grant all rights and privileges accorded every registered organization. 

  By following all applicable policies and procedures, recognized student organizations will be authorized to use University facilities and services, request funding, conduct activities and hold meetings on campus, and to identify themselves directly or indirectly with the University.  The University reserves the right to review the activities and recognition of all campus organizations and to monitor compliance with University policies.

  Official Recognition:  Obtaining official recognition by the University is required of all student groups in order to use University facilities, request University funding, use the Lindenwood name, and publicize events each year. 

  • (A.) In order to gain recognition, an organization must:
    • (a.) Obtain an advisor from current faculty and staff.
    • (b.) Maintain the minimum roster for their assigned tier.
    • (c.) Compose a constitution, which states the purpose and structure of the group.
    • (d.) Complete the Recognized Student Organization Registration Form - New Organization, found under “Organizations” on Involve U, including uploading the organization’s constitution.
    • (e.) Meet with the appropriate Lindenwood Student Government Vice President regarding the organization’s purpose, governing documents, and role in Lindenwood Student Government, and to schedule a presentation to the General Assembly.
    • (f.) Present before the General Assembly for voting.
  • (B.) Full recognition, with all privileges and responsibilities, will be accorded upon final approval by Lindenwood Student Government, in consultation with the Director of Student Involvement.
    • (a.) Any student religious groups must be approved by the University Chaplain.
  • (C.) Withdrawal of official recognition may occur when a student organization fails to abide by University policies or civil statutes, or is not perceived to be a positive influence in the University community.
    • (a.) Reinstatement of official recognition shall be determined by Lindenwood Student Government, in consultation with the Director of Student Involvement.
  • (D.) Recognized student organizations will be reviewed every year for compliance of their activities with their constitution and for the consistency of their constitution with the mission and goals of the University.

• III. RIGHTS AND BENEFITS OF RECOGNIZED ORGANIZATIONS

  Student organizations complying with the responsibilities and obligations of a recognized group have the following rights and benefits:

  • (A.) Use of the University name in association with the organization’s activities, meetings, and programs.
  • (B.) Use of the University’s facilities, at no charge or reduced charge, for meetings and activities. Facilities will be granted based on the consistency with the purpose of the organization as stated in its constitution.
  • (C.) Solicitation for membership from the student population.
  • (D.) Use of bulletin boards and other designated posting areas for information and announcements, within the guidelines of campus policy.
  • (E.) Requesting funding through Lindenwood Student Government.
  • (F.) Access to campus services, leadership programs, the expertise of faculty and staff advisors, representation on Lindenwood Student Government, the advice and counsel of Student Involvement, and the communication resources of the campus.
  • (G.) Listing of the organization in official publications of the University.
  • (H.) Access to campus services such as audio-visual equipment, inter-campus mail, photocopying machines, etc.
  • (I.) Holding of regular meetings, sponsor-approved fundraising events, guest speakers, and conducting campus activities and other events.
  • (J.) Promoting the goals, purpose, identity, programs, and activities of the organization. Active promotion may include wearing organizational clothing or accessories; displaying organizational paraphernalia; distributing written publicity, promotional letters or fliers; or displaying letters or symbols that could be associated with the group.
  • (K.) To withdraw recognition at any time by either not submitting a re-registration or by having an officer or advisor contact the Director of Student Involvement.

• IV. REGULATIONS GOVERNING STUDENT ORGANIZATION

  All recognized student organizations will function within the guidelines and mission of Lindenwood University. The regulations governing student organizations include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • (A.) Each student organization should demonstrate how its purposes and goals directly contribute to the educational mission of the University.
  • (B.) Campus organizations must not schedule activities which conflict with significant University events (i.e. NSO, Homecoming, Spring Fling, etc.). Student groups are encouraged to schedule on- and off-campus events that can assist the University in building and maintaining of spirit and activities to serve the common good, but cooperation with the University calendar is imperative.
  • (C.) Social functions held both on and off campus must conform to existing policies relating to quiet/study hours, visitation, alcohol, and other related issues. Organization advisors and/or other faculty/staff may be requested to be present.
  • (D.) Student organizations wishing to sponsor activities must submit all space and funds requests through Involve U at least three weeks prior to the event. Student Involvement can provide guidance for planning, be in a position to answer questions from students, and assist with publicity.
  • (E.) Student organizations wanting to use campus facilities or services for meetings or social functions must reserve space through the normal scheduling process.
  • (F.) Posters, signs, announcements, and banners may be posted on campus in authorized places, but must conform to good taste and be approved by the Director of Student Involvement. Student Involvement will post the approved fliers in designated spaces on campus.
  • (G.) The student organization should agree that the exercises of freedom of expression be done in a peaceful, non-disruptive manner and with appropriate consideration of and respect for differing points of view. The organization, when involved in issues that may be controversial or provocative, should seek the advice of its advisor and the Director of Student Involvement.
  • (H.) The University has the right to regulate the time, place, and manner of all campus activities and expression, and to prohibit any activity, speech, or expression that is deemed by the administration to create a clear and present danger of:
    • (a.) Restricting or preventing physical access to campus buildings.
    • (b.) Blocking roadways, walkways, or common areas.
    • (c.) Generating excess noise.
    • (d.) Interfering with or disrupting classes or other campus activities or events.
    • (e.) Inciting violence or unlawful behavior.
    • (f.) Advocating the physical harm, coercion, intimidation, or other invasion of the personal rights of individual students, faculty, staff, administrators, or friends.
    • (g.) Violating University policy against harassment or intimidation.
    • (h.) Violating University mission and values.
  • (I.) Lindenwood University reserves the right to:
    • (a.) Withhold funding or other forms of University support for particular events, which involve the organized advocacy of positions or activities that are deemed contrary to the University’s mission and character.
    • (b.) Impose discipline, as deemed appropriate, upon any student or student organization whose oral or written expression violate University policy or codes of conduct or who goes beyond that which is protected by this particular policy.
  • (J.) Eligible Lindenwood University student organizations may request funding for events and activities. These funds are disbursed through Lindenwood Student Government. Funds requests are submitted on Involve U.
  • (K.) Any Lindenwood University student organization that is using a Lindenwood facility for an event is responsible for monitoring the event. Faculty/staff advisors of student organizations may be required to be at these events. Furthermore, if something is damaged at an event, the person(s) responsible for the damage must be reported to the University. The University will then decide whether or not the person(s) need(s) to pay for the damage. However, if the student organization monitoring the event does not know the person(s) responsible for the damage, the student organization will be responsible for the damage. Therefore, the student organization will be responsible for the costs.

• V. DISCIPLINARY ACTION

  • (A.) The University has the right to take disciplinary action against student organizations that:
    • (a.) are fiscally irresponsible,
    • (b.) violate University policies and civil statutes,
    • (c.) abuse University privileges,
    • (d.) damage University properties,
    • (e.) violate Fraternity and Sorority Life standards.
  • (B.) If the above violations occur, the organization will be notified of the alleged violation(s).
  • (C.) Depending upon the nature of the violation, a disciplinary hearing may be scheduled.
  • (D.) Disciplinary measures will be decided upon by Lindenwood Student Government, in consultation with the Director of Student Involvement.
  • (E.) If a disciplinary hearing is deemed necessary, the student organization will be given the opportunity to respond to the allegations and/or correct the issue. If the organization is found to have violations, appropriate sanctions ranging from a warning to withdrawal of official recognition will be imposed.
  • (F.) Withdrawal of official recognition will be determined based upon the severity of the violation and the time of year the violation occurs. Reinstatement of official recognition will be granted at the discretion of Lindenwood Student Government, in consultation with the Director of Student Involvement. Any student organization that has its recognition withdrawn has the right to appeal.
  • (G.) Any sanction imposed can be appealed by submitting a written appeal to the Associate Vice President of Student Life & Diversity/Dean of Students, within one week after being notified of the sanction. Failure to submit the appeal within that timeframe constitutes waiving the right to appeal. Submitting an appeal does not guarantee that the decision will be overturned.

• VI. OFFICERS OF STUDENT ORGANIZATION

  • (A.) All officers of a student organization must be students of the University in good social and academic standing. Faculty and staff may not serve as officers in student organizations.
  • (B.) Officers are expected to participate in all conferences and meetings sponsored by Student Involvement for the purpose of training student organization officers.

• VII. MEMBERSHIP

  • (A.) Each recognized student organization shall determine its own membership, policies, and actions by vote of its members.
  • (B.) Each recognized student organization must maintain the minimum roster as dictated by their tier.
  • (C.) All members and pledges of a student organization must be students of Lindenwood University.
  • (D.) No student shall be restricted from membership on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy, religion, disability, veteran status, or other protected status under applicable federal or state law.
  • (E.) Lindenwood University is committed to a policy of non-discrimination. Any kind of discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or retaliation is unacceptable. For the purpose of this policy, discrimination, harassment, intimidation, or retaliation may be defined as any attempt on the part of individuals, groups, or recognized campus organizations to deny an individual or group those rights, freedoms, or opportunities available to all members of the Lindenwood University community.
  • (F.) Pledging for any organization shall not exceed four weeks unless affiliation with a national organization requires a longer period. The organization as a whole will be held responsible for all activities of its pledges. Any action requiring extensive time or energy commitments which interfere with studies are not to be scheduled within two weeks of the final exam week.
  • (G.) All forms of activities defined as hazing shall be banned. Hazing is defined as:
    • (a.) Any action or situation which recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health and/or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into, or association with, any organization operating under registration with the University.
    • (b.) Brutality of a physical nature such as whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements; forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug, or other substances; other forced elements; or any forced activity which could adversely affect the mental or physical health or safety of the individual.
    • (c.) Any activity that could subject the individual to mental or physical stress such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced contact which could result in embarrassment, or any other activity that could adversely affect the mental or physical health or dignity of the individual.
    • (d.) Forcing or requiring the violation of University policies; or federal, state, or local law.
    • (e.) Any activity, as described above, upon which the initiation or admission into or association with a University organization may be directly or indirectly conditioned, shall be presumed to be a "forced" activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such an activity notwithstanding. This definition applies to acts conducted on or off campus whenever such acts are deemed to constitute hazing.
  • (H.) Each Tier 2-4 recognized student organization is required to have at least one representative at all Lindenwood Student Government meetings. Lindenwood Student Government provides the opportunity for campus-wide communication, planning, and potential funding of activities and special functions.

• VIII. ADVISORS

  • (A.) Each registered student organization will select an advisor chosen from the University’s current faculty and staff population with approval of Lindenwood Student Government, in consultation with the Director of Student Involvement.
  • (B.) The advisor will work actively with the organization and is responsible for the academic and social behavior of the group and its members. Advisors must approve each organizational social event for the event to be held, and under special circumstances, the advisor may be required to attend an event (as determined by the Director of Student Involvement).
  • (C.) If an advisor deems it necessary that the removal of an officer (outside of the already stated mandatory social or academic reasons) is in the group’s and University’s best interests, he/she may exercise this option. Written appeals must be submitted to the Director of Student Involvement.