The University recognizes the role, which organized activities serve in enlarging the educational experiences of the members of the University community. Intellectual and personal growth takes place in student organizations, which have effective leaders and effective members. Students are encouraged to participate in programs provided by these organizations and the staff of the University serves to assist student organizations in their programs.

As a consequence, the University has adopted criteria for the approval of student organizations. The Office of Student Activities shall review and act on all request for such approval. Criteria for this approval and procedures to be followed in seeking approval are included in the Manual for Clubs and Organizations, published by the Office of Student Activities.

Organizations duly recognized under theses policies and procedures enjoy certain privileges:

1. A meeting place may be assigned in available University facilities.
2. Appropriate and available facilities for social functions may be assigned to an organization in accordance with University policies.
3. The privilege of participation in specified activities and programs is accorded the organization. Some examples are the Homecoming Activities and upon request and approval, the special funds program and fund raising ventures on the University campus in accordance with University policies.

Concomitantly, approved organizations, as agencies within the University community, are responsible for conforming to University regulations and procedures as contained in the Student Handbook. Suggestions for revision should be brought to the attention of the Office of Student Activities.
There are approximately fifty-six (56) registered student clubs and organizations on campus (affiliated with our office), including several Greek-lettered fraternities and sororities. These organizations have applied for and met all the qualifications to actively operate on campus.  Meaningful involvement in such out-of-class experiences is likely to provide opportunities for the development of self-governance, leadership, decision-making, team building and planning skills.

Membership in these organizations is open to students in good standing, who meet the common-interest objectives of the organization and their own internal criteria and standards.  The majority of the organizations are related to the academic interests of the student. Students interested in one of these organizations should contact the advisor. Guidelines are also outlined for students wishing to establish their own student club or organization.

PROCEDURE FOR RECOGNITION OF
STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

1. Application (Starter Kit)

             An organization seeking recognition must submit the following information in writing to
             the Student Activities Office:                                                                                      

1. Name
2. Purpose (including explanation of why the organization is desirable on campus)
3. Qualifications for membership (requirements)           
4. Fees, dues and other consideration for membership
5. Officers and leadership structure
6. Time and manner of election of officers
7. Number of students wishing to join
8. Faculty/Staff Advisor
9. Explanation of any extra-campus affiliation ( e.g., national parent organization)
10. Time and location of meetings
11. Names of prospective members who will serve as spokesperson for the organization during the recognition procedure (It is suggested that three students be named)
12. Names of at least seven (7) other students interested in the proposed organization
13. Devise a set of objectives, constitution, and an organizational outline for the proposed organization.

If the purpose, program, and constitution of the proposed organization are not in conflict with the policies, rules and regulations of the university, materials will be reviewed by the Office of Student Activities for approval.

If granted approval, an organization must serve a one-year probation period before being granted all rights and privileges of a fully established organization on campus.  Upon final approval, a permanent file will be kept in the Student Activities Office, and the proposed organization must comply on an annual basis with the existing standards for all registered organizations.

CONTINUING RECOGNITION PROCEDURE

1. Any club or organization approved for formal recognition remains a recognized club or organization  unless:
                a. The club or organization fails to adhere to the policies, rules and regulations of                     Albany State University.
                b. The club/organization ceases to have an approved advisor.
                c. The constitution is altered without prior approval of the Constitution Review and                     Revision Committee.

2.  Recognized clubs/organizations shall submit, at the beginning of every academic year, the required information as listed in the ASU Campus Club/Organization Starter Kit.

a. Proposals for newly established Clubs/Organizations will only be accepted at the beginning of Fall Semester every Academic Year. These organizations must adhere to all guidelines outlined in the ASU Campus Club/Organization Starter Kit.

3.  Recognized clubs/organizations must complete the (2) two mandated S.T.O.P. Sessions per semester as outlined by the Office of Student Activities. These sessions are used to strengthen the leadership skills of recognized clubs/organizations, in addition to providing clubs/organizations with  adequate tools and essential skills needed to be productive and successful. In addition to the required  S.T.O.P. Sessions; clubs/organizations are also required to complete at least (1) one community service oriented project (i.e. habitat for humanity, relay for life etc. . . ) or an on-campus service oriented project (campus clean up; fundraising for foundation, tutoring etc. .  .) per semester. Clubs/Organizations will be given credit for the these service projects upon completion of project and paperwork (that may be retrieved from the Office of  Student Activities. If the student groups fails to complete the semester requirements they will be allowed to make them up the following semester, but must also complete the current semester requirements.

4.  Failure of the club or organization to continue compliance with the criteria for recognition or with established rules, regulations and policies of Albany State University or with the provisions set  forth above in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3 may result in disciplinary action and/or loss of recognition. The Director of Student Activities and/or Program Coordinator for Campus Activities shall notify any recognized club or organization of loss of recognition.  The affected club or organization can appeal the decision to the Director of Student Life Activities.

B. Hearing
The Director of Student Activities or his/her designee shall examine each application and reject those not submitted in accordance with the procedure as stated in the handbook for student organizations. He/she may request a hearing on the proposed recognition. He/she may, at his/her discretion, request that the hearing be held before the Student Affairs Committee. The Director of Student Activities may request the presentation of oral and documentary evidence. A recording or transcript of the hearing shall be made and preserved for use in possible appeals and reviews.

CRITERIA FOR RECOGNITION AND REVIEW PROCEDURE

Recognition shall be granted only to those organizations whose purpose and proposed activities are clearly related to the educational goals and mission of the University. Recognition shall be denied if the evidence presented shows that the proposed organization will present substantial likelihood of material interference or conflict with the educational process of the University or any of the following:

1.  The regular and orderly operation of the University.
2.  The requirements of appropriate discipline within the University 
 community.
3.  The academic pursuits of teaching, learning, and other campus        
 activities.
4.  The laws of the public policies of the State of Georgia and the 
 United States.

1. The statutes and regulations of the University and Policies of the Board of Regents.

If the Director of Student Activities disapproves recognition, the organization may appeal the decision to the Vice President for Student Affairs, who shall review the same and affirm, reverse or modify the decision. The appeal shall be in such form as the Vice-President for Student Affairs may require.

All applications for recognition approved by the Director of Student Activities or the Vice-President for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs or the committee shall promptly entitle the organization to all rights and privileges of a student organization.

RIGHTS OF STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

Recognition authorizes an organization to use University facilities and equipment. Use is approved based on availability, the Board of Regents Policies, and University regulations governing the use of facilities and equipment.  There shall be reasonable scheduling and clearance of particular facilities and equipment by the Office of Student Activities.