Student Engagement

Steps of Recognition Process (Starting A New Student Organization)

Presentation to Student Experience Council

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:

• Recommend approval of your organization’s request.
• Recommend tentative approval of your organization’s request until changes required by the Council are made.
• Deny your organization’s request.

Presentation to Campus Community

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.

Presentation to President of the College (Final Approval)

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.