Student Activities and Organizations | Policy and Procedures
Starting a club
Registration: Student Organization
Each student organization is required to secure an application form from the Office of Student Activities and Organizations and return it within three weeks after the first day of classes during the Fall Semester.
Only registered student organizations are permitted to hold meetings and activities on the campus.
Posting Policy
All posting of flyers, banners, posters, and stickers on University property must be approved by the Office of Student Activities and Organizations. To receive approval, submit an electronic document and wait for an email confirmation. The purpose of this is for your records.
Under no circumstance should signs or leaflets be posted on the interior or walls, interior/exterior windows, glass doors, utility poles, fences, trees, trash receptacles, or parked vehicles. Signs may be posted on designated bulletin boards and on the outside of brick walls of designated buildings, glass doors, utility poles, fences, trees, trash receptacles, or parked vehicles.
Offenders may be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including expulsion from the university. Furthermore, individuals who fail to comply with the university's sign policy may be subject to trespassing charges. Therefore, it is important for students to obtain approval from the appropriate office before posting any type of sign or flyer on campus.
Notices and Announcements
All posting of signs, notices or advertising on campus and on SUNO’s Website must be approved prior to posting. Approval can be obtained through the Office of Student Activities and Organizations. Refer to Posting Policy in the section on University Policies for more details. Major student activities are posted in the following key positions and publications throughout the campus:
- The Observer (Student Newspaper)
- Career Counseling and Placement Office
- Television Monitors
- Student Newsletter
- Campus Stationery
- Bulletin Boards
- Campus E-mail
Departmental Clubs
Departmental Clubs are basically local. While they do not usually require a minimum cumulative grade point average or a particular field of study, the majority of students who are affiliates are usually majors in those departments and in good academic standing.
Other Student Organizations
All other student organizations are open to any student. With the exception of the SGA President and Vice President who are required to have a 2.75 cumulative grade point average; other SGA officers and appointed SGA staff and Observer staff, and students in organizations who receive any stipends or emolument for service are required to have a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average. These required averages must be maintained for the duration of the appointment. Otherwise, unless stipulated, no minimum cumulative average is required.
Advisor
The advisors for established student organizations are full-time members of the University’s faculty or professional staff. Depending on the size and/or diversity of certain organizations, some groups may wish to have more than one advisor. It is permissible to have more than one member of the faculty or professional staff working with organizations. However, only one person serves as the official advisor.
The advisor is selected by the student organization with approval from the Director of Student Activities and Organizations. In selecting advisors, students should make certain that prospective advisors have a sincere interest in the goals and objectives of their respective organization.
As a student at the university, you are expected to uphold certain standards of conduct. This includes maintaining a respectful and professional attitude towards your peers, instructors, and advisors. One way to ensure that this standard is met is by ensuring that all advisors, instructors, and coaches are employees of the university. This way, students can be confident that they are receiving advice from someone who is qualified and has the university's best interests at heart. Additionally, it means that students who are chosen to represent the university will have undergone a fair and transparent selection process. All students are welcome to try out for club or organization teams, but the final decision rests with the Office of Student Activities and Organizations. This policy ensures that only the most qualified and dedicated students represent the university in competitions and events.
All student clubs, organizations, teams, groups, and associations must follow the proper procedures for electing their leaders. It is not permissible for a student to self-appoint as the head of an organization, as this would undermine the integrity of the electoral process. This process ensures that those who hold positions of power have the support and trust of their peers. Additionally, the Director of Student Activities and Organizations or Human Resources must approve all senior-level advisors and coaches. It is also important to note that no student will serve as an advisor or coach. These guidelines are in place to maintain student-led organizations' integrity and professionalism and ensure that those in leadership positions are qualified and approved by the proper channels. Any violations of these policies will be taken seriously, and appropriate action will follow.
Advisors must approve and sign all requests for on-campus and off- campus activities to be held by the organizations.