Promotion of events sponsored by student organizations may be posted on campus bulletin boards, except for boards that are specifically reserved for a certain purpose. Fliers will be posted in the residence halls via the Residence Life staff and should be submitted to the Student Affairs office at least 4 days prior to any event. Most campus buildings have bulletin boards for advertising purposes, though it is best to ask departmental secretaries what may and may not be posted in specific buildings. Table tents may be displayed in dining facilities with the permission of Food Service staff. No advertising is permitted in the Art Gallery.
Nothing may be posted on any surface that is not an approved bulletin board, including any painted or glass surfaces, trash cans, walls, railings, bathroom stalls, benches, light post, staircases, windows, doors, newspaper boxes, trees, etc.
Promotional materials may not cover any other advertisement, nor may any current fliers be removed before the advertised event in order to make room. Fliers advertising past events may be removed to make room for current ads.
Promotional materials must advertise an event sponsored by a recognized student organization, Westminster College department, or other official government organization.
Painting the Rock (by Lake Brittain) to promote and celebrate student life is a time-honored Westminster tradition. Individuals and groups who decorate the rock are expected to do so in a way that celebrates the rich diversity of our community and demonstrated respect for all. It is available on a first-come, first-served basis and must be done in compliance with all College policies.
Chalking is permitted on sidewalks and only in areas where rain will wash the chalk away. Student and student organizations will be responsible for cleaning up the chalked area if the rain is not able to wash it away. Chalking is not permitted in the immediate path outside doors and not on the Veteran’s Memorial in the quad.
Digital signage and advertising should be considered. The Office of Marketing and Communications maintains the online calendar of campus activities, the College’s social media accounts, and the digital signage in campus buildings. Events and other publicity items may be submitted via the College’s Marketing form: www.westminster.edu/promote.
Commercial advertising is generally not permitted on campus. If an event is co-sponsored by a student organization or campus department and commercial business, the name/ logo of that campus organization must be printed in type significantly larger than the name/logo of the business/organization. The name of the sponsoring organization or department MUST appear on each poster.
Bulk mailing to students cannot be accommodated. Local vendors may reach out to students with printed materials. These print items should be 4x6 postcard size, 8 ½ x 11 fliers, or tri-fold brochures. Each vendor is limited to a quantity of 50 pieces. These should be submitted to the Student Affairs Office. If approved, they will be placed on the Community Bulletin Board in McKelvey Campus Center and in a magazine rack near the TUB dining facility where students can pick them up as interested.
The College welcomes recognized student organizations to display event banners in the Second Level and Carlson Atrium located in the McKelvey Campus Center. While Westminster supports freedom of speech, banners that do not reflect the mission of the College will be removed. We do request that students adhere to the following guidelines:
Recognized student organizations will have priority to hang banners in the TUB area. Banners belonging to campus departments or other organizations should follow the identified timelines but may be taken down to make room for those belonging to recognized student organizations before the two week period concludes.
All events hosted on or off campus by a recognized student organization must be registered with the Student Affairs Office. The Campus Event Registration form is available at www.westminster.edu/student/activities or in the Student Affairs Office. Event registration forms require the signature of the student organization adviser. Forms are due prior to each event.
Student organizations or persons employed by the College who wish to reserve a room on campus for a College activity should first consult the master calendar of events available online (my.westminster.edu) via the College homepage. Consulting this master calendar will lessen the chance of scheduling events that conflict with others. You may submit your event to be listed on the “Online Events Calendar” by going to www.westminster.edu/promote.
Given the special heritage of Westminster College and its continuing affirmation of the relevance of this tradition to its life and work, the College should avoid scheduling any meetings during Chapel. The College will also seek to avoid any scheduling of events during the times reserved for Catholic Mass on Saturday evenings and Vespers on Sunday evenings.
Reserve a Room
Student Organizations are encouraged to host social events on campus, especially in Berlin Student Lounge, on the campus grounds, or in residence halls. Social events held in residence halls shall be limited to the lounge. Officers of the organization sponsoring the social event are responsible for the conduct of those in attendance and for the observance of College and/or residence hall policies when on campus and, where applicable, when off-campus. Officers of the organization are to ensure that the conduct of those attending the social event does not interfere with the rights and responsibilities of others. A minimum of two officers of the organization should be present during the event, from the start to the end. Officers may choose to share this responsibility. Fraternity parties are governed by social regulations that are approved by the College.
This policy is intended to serve as a guideline for Westminster College departments and recognized student organizations (“hosting organization”) desiring to host events involving animals on campus. This information is not intended to provide guidance related to research endeavors involving animals, service animals, emotional support animals and / or K9 Police dogs.
Events involving animals include but are not limited to petting / therapy events, stress-relief events, live demonstrations, animal related fundraisers, and animal shows. Animals participating in these types of events must be in good health, both physically and emotionally and enjoy the type of planned event. The animals should never be involved in such ways that their safety or comfort are jeopardized as determined by both the animal handlers and onsite personnel. Animals must not be overworked or overwhelmed.
In addition to the applicable policies and rules for events that departments and recognized student organizations must follow, those desiring to host events involving animals are expected to comply with the following:
The hosting organization shall submit their event for approval through the Campus Event Registration Form.
The hosting organization shall obtain documentation that the animals are in good health and have been vaccinated against diseases.
The entity providing the animals shall provide a sufficient number of trained and experienced handlers. A minimum of one (1) handler shall be present at all times to supervise. The handler must be familiar with the individual animal taking part in an event, have knowledge of the animals’ well-being needs, and be able to detect signs of discomfort and stress. Animals in outdoor spaces must be leashed, caged, harnessed, or in a carrier, and under the control of the owner. Such an animal may be excluded if it is out of control and effective action is not taken to control it; if it poses a threat to the health or safety of others; or if its presence alters the nature of a program, service, or activity.
Westminster College is not responsible for the cost, care, and supervision of such animals, including keeping the animal under control and taking effective action when it is out of control; feeding and walking the animal; and disposing of waste appropriately. The owner must comply with all College rules regarding noise, safety, disruption, and cleanliness and is financially responsible for the actions of the animal, including any actions involving bodily injury and / or property damage.
Clean-up of animal waste shall occur immediately. If indoors, the space used shall not be carpeted unless prior approval is received.
An adequate supply of hand soap or a similar cleansing agent shall be provided for use by all persons handling the animals.
Wild or exotic species of animals are generally prohibited.
Westminster College reserves the right to control the location of an event, limit the duration of an event and / or mandate levels of services to be present in the form of security, custodial, and other support staff.
The hosting organization shall submit their event for approval through the Campus Event Registration Form. The Area Coordinator: Student Life shall notify the Director of Compliance and Risk Management of any events involving animal species other than dogs or cats or outside vendors.
The hosting organization shall obtain documentation that the animals are in good health and have been vaccinated against diseases.
The hosting organization shall obtain a $1 million dollar certificate of general liability insurance from individuals or entities bringing animals onto campus. The certificate shall name Westminster College as an additional insured.
The hosting organization shall request waiver forms to reduce their liability and risk. Student organizations hosting animal events are responsible for obtaining the waiver from the Area Coordinator: Student Life.
The entity providing the animals shall provide a sufficient number of trained and experienced handlers. A minimum of two (2) handlers shall be present at all times to supervise. The handlers must be familiar with the individual animal taking part in an event, have knowledge of the animals’ well-being needs, and be able to detect signs of discomfort and stress. Animals in outdoor spaces must be leashed, caged, harnessed, or in a carrier, and under the control of the owner. Such an animal may be excluded if it is out of control and effective action is not taken to control it; if it poses a threat to the health or safety of others; or if its presence alters the nature of a program, service, or activity.
Westminster College is not responsible for the cost, care, and supervision of such animals, including keeping the animal under control and taking effective action when it is out of control; feeding and walking the animal; and disposing of waste appropriately. The owner must comply with all College rules regarding noise, safety, disruption, and cleanliness and is financially responsible for the actions of the animal, including any actions involving bodily injury and / or property damage.
Clean-up of animal waste shall occur immediately. If indoors, the space used shall not be carpeted unless prior approval is received.
An adequate supply of hand soap or a similar cleansing agent shall be provided for use by all persons handling the animals.
Wild or exotic species of animals are generally prohibited.
Westminster College reserves the right to control the location of an event, limit the duration of an event and / or mandate levels of services to be present in the form of security, custodial, and other support staff.
When a student organization puts on an event on campus, scattering rice, birdseed, confetti, glitter, Mylar sprinkles, sand, silly string, or other items are not permitted inside or outside College facilities, except by permission from the Office of Student Affairs. Housekeeping charges will be applied for clean-up if this policy is violated.
At times, student organizations may wish to register an event that includes paint, whipped cream, or any other art creation. In order to register these types of events, organizations should prepare and present a Care of Facilities plan to the Office of Student Affairs alongside their event registration. This should be a comprehensive plan to ensure that college facilities are cared for before, during, and after an event. Events of this nature will not be approved until a care of facilities plan is created and shared with the Office of Student Life. Student Organizations are financially responsible for any damages caused by paint, whipped cream, shaving cream or other art creation materials as deemed necessary from the Physical Plant Office.
Additional approval of events with mess from the Physical Plant Office may be required for specific programs as deemed appropriate by the Office of Student Affairs. The Office of Student Affairs will coordinate with the Physical Plant Office.
Complaints must be presented in writing to the Chair of the SEC. The complaint must outline the nature of the objections. SEC shall call a hearing with the officers or representatives of the organization. The person(s) who filed the original complaint must be present at the hearing. The organization against which the complaint has been filed shall have a representative attend the hearing. The organizational representative will have the opportunity to provide any information s/he wishes to be considered.
SEC shall reach a decision on the case by majority vote of those present and hearing the case. A quorum of four students and three faculty or administrators must be present. The decision of SEC is final. There is no further appeal. The authority of SEC concerning official recognition of student organizations does not supersede the authority of Westminster College pertaining to violations of the Code of Conduct as outlined in the Handbook for Students.
This policy provides guidance to College employees regarding solicitation of funds. Fundraising by student organizations shall be conducted pursuant to the policies put forth by Student Affairs and the Offices of Finance and Administration.
Pursuant to the Gift Acceptance Policy enacted by the Board of Trustees in 2016, "No individual or group solicitation of funds may be undertaken by any department, program or individual without the approval of the Vice President for Institutional Advancement," and, "All gifts to Westminster College should be directed to the Office of Institutional Advancement, and all gift solicitations, fundraising events and grant proposals must be prepared or reviewed by a member of the Office of lnstitutional Advancement."
A recognized student organization is one that has successfully completed the recognition process and has received official status from the College. As such, it has earned the benefits and privileges associated with recognized student organizations and will be held to fulfill the responsibilities required of all student organizations. The Student Experience Council (SEC) is charged with administration of the recognition and review processes. Students interested in starting a new student organization at Westminster College must notify the Student Affairs Office, in writing, of their interest in starting an organization.
Official College recognition allows student organizations the right to apply for funding through the Student Government Association (SGA), utilize College-owned facilities for meetings and gatherings, use specified College media outlets for announcements and event promotion, and receive assistance and advice from College personnel.
Prospective organizations may use the facilities of Westminster College for information and interest sessions prior to recognition providing the meetings are approved by the Student Affairs Office in advance and the desired facility is available and scheduled through the appropriate office. Recognized student organizations may receive priority of facilities, even if the prospective organization submitted the request first.
Prospective organizations may not apply for funding through the SGA or host campus events until they have successfully completed the registration process.
The College reserves the right to deny gatherings of students who do not fall into any of these definitions.
Prospective Student Organizations are organizations that are working with the Student Affairs Office toward gaining active status and official College recognition.
Active Student Organizations are organizations that meet all of the annual responsibilities and are provided all of the benefits and privileges.
Inactive Student Organizations are organizations that are placed on a two-year hiatus either through conscious choice or sanction assigned by the SEC.
Probationary Student Organizations are organizations that have been placed on probation as a result of failing to meet the responsibilities of active organizations with provisions from the SEC or for a violation of local, state, and federal laws or College policy.
Closed Student Organizations are organizations that were once active student organizations that have lost official College recognition. An organization must remain closed for a 2 year period at which time a new group of students may participate in the recognition process through the SEC for a similar organization.
After submitting the above materials, a designated spokesperson for your organization must appear at the designated SEC meeting to present the organization’s request and to answer any questions from the Council. There will be one SEC meeting each semester dedicated to the consideration of new student organizations. The meeting date is determined each semester by the Chair of the SEC.
Following your presentation, the SEC will:
Receiving SEC’s recommended approval is the first of a three-step process. If your organization is recommended for approval, a representative from the Student Affairs Office will notify you accordingly. They will also announce the Council’s intention to recommend recognition by publicizing to the campus community via email a brief overview of the organization’s Statement of Purpose.
The email will invite campus members to comment on whether or not your organization should be granted recognition. Comments will be accepted by a representative from the Student Affairs Office for one (1) week during the period when classes are ordinarily in session (September to May, excluding holidays). A copy of your organization’s supporting documents will be made available in the Student Affairs Office for review. The documents may not be duplicated and/or removed from the Office.
Following the one-week comment period, the SEC will review the comments and determine whether further review of the organization is warranted. If additional input or clarification is necessary, you may be requested to meet with the Council until its concerns have been successfully addressed. If they have, the process continues as outlined in these policies.
The Council will submit its recommendation for approval to the President of the College who will have final authority concerning the recognition of your organization. The President will attempt to make his/her determination within 28 days. A representative from the Student Affairs Office will then notify you of the President’s decision. The President’s decision is final.
If your organization receives tentative approval, the organization’s representative will receive correspondence from a representative from the Student Affairs Office outlining SEC’s required changes (e.g., Constitution, By-laws) necessary to receive a recommendation for official recognition. Your organization will submit changes to a representative from the Student Affairs Office who will then share them with the SEC to make a final determination. The steps found in the approval process above will be followed accordingly.
Once a year, each student organization must submit a Student Organization Annual Report to the Student Affairs Office to be evaluated by a representative from the office. The annual report will provide the Student Affairs Office with updated executive officers, organization members, and other important information about the student organization. This form will also be shared with SGA in preparation of the Audit and Allocation process. Failure to submit this form may result in being moved to inactive status.
To retain recognition and active status, a student organization must:
Once every five (5) years, each student organization is reviewed by the SEC to determine if the organization is functioning according to its constitution and/or by-laws and upholding the philosophy, purposes and goals of the organization and College. The SEC will review an organization’s completed Self-Assessment Report.
Sanctions will be assigned to a student organization who violates campus policies or the Student Organization Guidelines and may include warnings, fines, probation, inactive status or closure. Failure to comply with terms of sanctions will result in additional sanction, up to and including closure of the organization.
Students wishing to start a new student organization must meet the following minimum requirements to apply for official college recognition:
Students interested in starting a new student organization at Westminster College must notify the Student Affairs Office, in writing, of their interest in starting an organization. After submitting their intent to start a new organization, the student must meet with a representative from the Student Affairs Office to learn about the recognition process and the steps that must be taken to gain recognition and active status.
A representative from the Student Affairs Office shall serve as administrative advisor during the period of organization (not to exceed one semester). The representative shall aid the prospective organization in developing a constitution, understanding College procedures pertaining to student organizations, and obtaining an advisor.
Westminster College does not permit members of any organization, group, or athletic team to haze. Hazing is defined as any activity in which the organization expects prospective members to participate and which is created intentionally, on or off college premises, for the purpose of producing mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment or ridicule. Such activities include but are not limited to the following: paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical or psychological shocks; required trips from campus; required physical exercises; the wearing of conspicuous public apparel; public stunts and buffoonery/morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; late night work sessions which interfere with scholastic activities.
A student may not choose (give consent) to be hazed. The giving of consent does not excuse hazing activities. A violation of the College’s hazing policy will result in disciplinary action taken against a student organization and may include separate action taken against an individual(s) within the organization.
The following guidelines for domestic travel are for currently enrolled undergraduate or graduate students attending sponsored trips.
Domestic travel includes any student travel sponsored by a unit of the College, a registered student organization or financed by College funds that involves travel within the United States, Canada, and U.S. Territories. This includes but is not limited to travel to academic or professional development conferences or student organization sponsored trips. It does not include travel undertaken by students who may travel as individuals to athletic/recreational events as non-participants, or as individuals who travel out of town to engage in student teaching, internships, practicums, observations, or research.
Travel to Canada will require a passport. Trip participants are responsible for securing their own passport in enough time to participate. International and exchange students are responsible for knowing the terms of their travel visas and obeying all laws in locations they visit.
A College sponsored event or activity is one that is initiated, actively managed, planned and arranged by a member of the College’s faculty or staff, or by members of a recognized student organization that has been granted sponsorship by the College, and is approved by an appropriate administrator and/or an event or activity that the College actively manages, is involved with, or oversees financially, physically, or administratively.
Recognized student organization travel must be consistent with the organization’s mission statement and constitution on file with the Office of Student Affairs. Travel must be planned so as not to create an undue interference with academic responsibilities.
Automobile: Refer to the Westminster College Motor Pool Policy
All drivers must be approved by the College. Procedures for approval are outlined in the Motor Pool Policy.
We recommend strongly that no student drive for more than four consecutive hours. If a sponsored trip or program requires greater than four consecutive hours of travel, a new, certified, and approved driver must take over driving responsibilities after each four-hour shift.
Charter bus: Trips involving large numbers of students that cannot be safely accommodated in Motor Pool or rental vans may want to consider charter.
Airline travel: Groups traveling more than 300 miles should consider flying. Airline travel must conform to the rules of the College’s Travel and Entertainment Policy.
Whether on or off campus, students serve as representatives of Westminster College and their conduct should be reflective of that responsibility. The Student Code of Conduct applies to all College-sponsored activities, including off-campus travel. All faculty, staff, and students participating in College sponsored travel are bound to applicable College policy, including the guidelines established by the sponsoring department or organization, Motor Pool Policy, Travel and Entertainment Policy, and the Handbook for Students.
Although not required, for reasons of safety, emergency coverage, and communication purposes, the College encourages the use of chaperones for group travel. Paid employees of the College are eligible to serve in this capacity.
A trip leader is defined as the faculty, staff, or student responsible for coordinating the trip and assuring compliance with all related policies. The trip leader holds responsibility for submitting the Travel & Risk Management Plan or the participant list. If a chaperone is attending the trip, the chaperone will generally fill the role of trip leader. Otherwise, the president or designated student organization officer should fill this role. Additional students, faculty or staff may support the trip leader in their responsibilities. The trip leader must attend the entire trip.
Westminster College authors two policy and procedure documents that apply to travel for student groups and organizations: The Motor Pool Policy managed through the Physical Plant Office and the Travel and Entertainment Policy, a financial policy housed within the Business Office. These policies apply to travel involving students in addition to policies and procedures outlined in this document.
Trips being paid for, in full or in part, by College operating or restricted budgets must comply with the Travel & Entertainment Policy.
Trips being funded, in full or in part, by student organization budgets are encouraged to follow the terms of the Travel & Entertainment Policy.
In accordance with Student Government Association (SGA) policy, SGA funds may only be used to pay for transportation expenses (i.e. motor pool, charter bus, or airfare).
Student organizations should follow the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) per diem definitions found at https://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104877 for lodging and meal expenses which are being covered by the organization’s funds. The GSA should be the maximum amount allotted or reimbursed.
All trip participants should be aware that the College and student organization assume no responsibility for providing students with funds for personal or emergency expenses. Personal expenses include snacks, beverages, or desserts that exceed the per diem, gifts, souvenirs, hotel incidentals, etc. Students should be prepared to assume their costs of travel and lodging if there are unanticipated delays or other incidents which may require additional expenditures. Additionally, students are responsible for personal belongings.
No College funds (operating, restricted, student organization) may be used to purchase alcohol. Additionally, alcohol consumption is not encouraged by the College and should be kept to a responsible minimum.
In the event of an emergency, complete each of the following steps:
The trip leader(s) will be responsible for taking a head count of all students traveling and providing an update on all participants to Public Safety. In the event that the trip leader is unable to perform these duties, one or more participants should be identified to do so. In addition to a head count, the trip leader should gather information on the condition of all participants as best as they are able (injuries, location, treatments of injuries or hospitalization). HIPAA may prevent the trip leader from gaining access to this information.
In the event of a family emergency, the College will attempt to contact participant(s) via their cell phone. If a family emergency occurs when the College is not ordinarily in session and/or offices are closed for the day, family members attempting to reach participants should contact Westminster College Public Safety at 724-946-7777.
Risk is inherent in any travel, regardless of location and mode of transportation. As such, it is imperative that student groups and organizations have a plan in place should an emergency occur.
A Travel & Risk Management Plan should be submitted by the trip leader(s) one week prior to departure from campus. This is required of groups traveling more than 300 miles or staying overnight at their destination. A copy of the plan should be held by the trip leader(s) during the trip as it will contain contact information for campus officials who will be needed in the event of an emergency. Participants are advised to carry identification, emergency contact information, and health insurance information.
A Participant List should include the name, cell phone number and emergency contact person/phone for each participant. Participant lists can be created in Excel and uploaded with the Travel & Risk Management Plan.
Travel & Risk Management Plans and Participant Lists are held in the Public Safety and Student Affairs offices.
Emergency Forms & Waivers are required of participants for overnight trips or day trips that are inherently dangerous. Trip leaders should maintain physical copies of these forms. Emergency forms should travel with the trip leader and waivers should be maintained in the appropriate campus office.
This policy is intended to clarify expectations for escorted travel with students at a College-sponsored event or activity. A College-sponsored event or activity is one that is initiated, actively managed, planned and arranged by a member of Westminster College’s faculty or staff, or by members of a recognized student organization that has been granted sponsorship by the College, and is approved by an appropriate administrator and/or an event or activity that the College actively manages, is involved with, or oversees financially, physically, or administratively.
Westminster students and employees are expected to know about and complete all required paperwork for a College- sponsored trip (e.g., the Travel & Risk Management Plan through Student Affairs when the trip involves a student organization). These trips may include but are not limited to scholarly meetings and conferences, research travel, study abroad experiences, travel courses, course-related field trips, sporting competitions, mission trips, music tours and off-campus concerts.
For escorted travel with students that require overnight travel, the College employee should stay in the same facilities where the students are lodging. Members of the faculty and staff may share a room if all individuals agree. Under no circumstances will College faculty, staff, or trustees share a room with a currently enrolled student, full- or part-time.