Purpose

This policy establishes the requirements, expectations, and procedures governing the recognition, operation, and oversight of student clubs and organizations at Hofstra University. It provides a framework for student organizations to access University resources, maintain recognition, and operate in a manner consistent with University policies and standards.

Scope

This policy applies to all recognized and prospective student clubs and organizations at Hofstra University, including national, regional, and local chapter organizations. It governs the recognition process, organizational requirements, operational expectations, appeals, and the authority of the University to suspend or withdraw recognition for failure to comply with applicable policies, procedures, constitutions, or the Code of Conduct.

Policy

Office of Student Leadership and Engagement

The Office of Student Leadership and Engagement (OSLE) is responsible for supporting and managing all recognized student clubs and organizations at Hofstra University. All student clubs and organizations, including national, regional, and local organizations that have chapters at Hofstra, are allowed to operate at the will of the University.

Expectations and guidelines for all recognized student groups at Hofstra are publicized online. Student leaders should consult the Undergraduate Student Organization Handbook for all updated student organization policies and procedures. These documents provide information about creating new student clubs and organizations, registering student clubs and organizations, accessing University resources, and other relevant policies and procedures. Particular student organizations and fraternities and sororities may also be subject to other specific policies and constitutions. Where student clubs and organizations fail to meet expectations; fail to comply with guidelines, policies, procedures, or constitutions; or violate the Code of Conduct, the assistant vice president of Student Enrollment, Engagement, and Success and/or dean of students, or designee may suspend or withdraw the group’s recognition and permission to operate at the University.

Within seven (7) calendar days of receiving the notice of suspension or withdrawal of recognition, the club or organization may submit a written appeal of the decision of the assistant vice president of Student Enrollment, Engagement, and Success and/or dean of students, or designee setting forth in detail the reason(s) the club or organization believes its recognition should be restored. The decision of the senior vice president for Student Enrollment, Engagement, and Success is final.

Recognition of Student Clubs and Organizations

• Each semester, the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement sponsors a New Student Organization Recognition Process.

• Students interested in creating a club or organization must attend one New Student Organization Information Session to obtain access to an online application on the GetInvolvedHU platform. Applications must include an updated student organization constitution, a roster of at least 15 interested members, and a full executive board consisting of a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer.

• The Student Organization Recognition Committee reviews applications and extends invitations to applicants to present their student organization proposal.

• Applicants who receive invitations are given an opportunity to present their new student organization proposal to the committee, which reviews and decides if an application will be approved or denied.

• If approved, a new student organization is formed and receives all benefits of a recognized organization.

• If denied, applicants have an opportunity to appeal the decision of the committee or reapply in the following semester.

Please Note:

• Students interested in forming a chapter of a fraternity or sorority must follow guidelines outlined by the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement through the fraternity and sorority expansion process.

• Students interested in affiliating with an academic department for a specific academic honor society may petition that department.

• Authorization to function as a student club or organization is determined by a Student Organization Recognition Committee, composed of representatives from the Office of Student Leadership and Engagement, Campus Recreation, , Office of Commuting Student Services and Community Outreach, Student Government Association, and other campus partners within the Division of Student Enrollment, Engagement, and Success.

Related Policies and References

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