Clubs and Student Organizations

A Club is a group that is closely tied to a department on campus and has the oversight of that department rather than oversight by Student Life and Development. It is often the department member’s responsibility to advise the group. Often times, funding comes from the department to support the group’s initiatives. Clubs must register with the Office of Student Life and Development for the purposes of record keeping. They do not have to go through the organization application process, nor are they required to have a constitution. Programming limits will be outlined in an approval letter.

An Organization is a group of students with a designated purpose who are not specifically regulated by a department other than Student Life and Development. Because the management of the organization is intended to be a student learning experience, the day-to-day functions of the organization are carried out by student members, although organizations must contract with an advisor. The advisor may or may not have an affiliation with the group and is chosen by organization members. In addition, all clubs must complete the application process in order to be considered an organization by the university. Organizations will be evaluated on a semester basis and must abide by the policies of the Office of Student Life and Development and the institution in order to maintain their privileges. Programming limits will be outlined in an approval letter.

Organizations and clubs must reapply every spring semester in preparation for the upcoming school year. Students may choose from over 50 student organizations and clubs, including but not limited to those whose focuses are academic, cultural and advocacy. Additionally, any student may create a new student organization to serve a particular niche, provided there is an identified interest.

New Club Policy

Any student group that desires to be officially recognized as a student organization at Lincoln University must submit the following information to the Office of Student Life and Development (and/or any additional information required in the current application):

1. Completed registration application
2. Advisor’s statement
3. List of officers
4. Signed hazing policy and statement of acknowledgement
5. Campus organizations affiliated with nationally recognized organizations must have, on file, the name of their national president and address of their national office.

All organizations function on a yearly basis. If they wish to remain active they must resubmit a packet each year. Organization packets are generally made available toward the end of the spring semester for the following academic year.

Student Organization Policies, Procedures, and Practices

The Office of Student Life and Development is responsible for establishing policies governing social affairs. All social functions sponsored by student organizations must be approved, at least two (2) weeks in advance, by the Office of Student Life and Development. Major social activities are considered parties, fashion/talent/variety shows and any other functions which anticipate a crowd in excess of 100 persons.

All requests must be made in Astra. Student organizations must submit an Advisor Approval Form and diagram to the Office of Student Life and Development within 48 hours of submitting an event in Astra. Failure to do so will result in permission for the event being denied.

All organizations are responsible for the rental of their own vehicles for any off-campus trips. Either the advisor will be responsible for the cost of renting a University vehicle, or the organization must rent a vehicle from an off-campus facility.

  Student Groups and Organizations Code

A student group or organization and its officers may be held responsible collectively and individually for violations of this code when the actions of those associated with the group or organization have received the consent or encouragement of the group or organization, or the group’s or organization’s leaders or officers.

The dean of students shall determine whether the charge(s) will be adjudicated pursuant to the procedures outlined in this Code of Student Conduct, or be referred to the Office of Student Life and Development. The officers, leaders, or any identifiable spokesperson for a student group or organization may be directed by the dean of students or a designee to take appropriate action designed to prevent or end violations of this code by the group or organization. Failure to make reasonable efforts to comply with the dean’s directive shall be considered a violation of this code, both by the officers, leaders, spokespersons, the group, or organization, and by the group or organization itself.

Sanctions for group or organization misconduct may include revocation or denial of registration, as well as other appropriate sanctions.

Hazing is strictly prohibited. See Policy 1.16.

Organizational Auxiliaries

No auxiliaries are recognized by Lincoln University in any form, including any auxiliary that is recognized by a national organization. Any individuals found to be in violation of this policy are subject to sanctions including exclusion from membership in a nationally chartered organization. Organizational auxiliaries are defined as male or female groups that exist to assist in the provision of programming or membership intake activities by a specific fraternity, sorority, or social fellowship. Initiation into these groups is generally characterized by physical abuse, psychological humiliation and trauma, and financial, and sometimes sexual exploitation.

Sanctions for the organizations and individuals may include but are not limited to: fines, probation, and suspension, pending the outcome of the investigation.

Lincoln University will:

1. Provide written notification to presidents, advisors, and national headquarters if chapters fail to meet the required Grade Point Average.
2. Adhere to a policy of confidentiality.
3. Conduct investigations of any alleged activities which are deemed illegal by the University or state law.
4. Facilitate an awards program designed to encourage academic excellence, leadership, and campus/community service.
5. Maintain records to continue strong communication with local sponsoring graduate chapters as well as regional and national offices of respective organizations.
6. Keep a current database, including officers, membership status, advisors, and semester grades. Information may be added, deleted or revised throughout the year by the Office of Student Life and Development.

Insurance Requirements

Insurance coverage is required for all fraternity, sorority, and social fellowship organizations approved to operate on the campus of Lincoln University. Fraternities, sororities, and social fellowships must carry a basic combined single limit of bodily injury and property damage liability insurance. Lincoln University should be notified of any change or cancellation of a policy term with a period of 30 days’ notice. The certificate of insurance must be furnished to the Office of Student Life and Development by August 25, 2018.