|
* For more details regarding your questions please refer
to the2007-2008
Student Organization Manual
1. How
do I start a new student organization?
As
an SRU student, you are encouraged to browse our list of
registered student organizations to identify those that
might be of interest to you. However, if you do not
find what you are looking for, we are hopeful that you and
others who share your interest will start something new.
If you are interested in starting a new organization,
please contact the Coordinator of Student Involvement and Leadership
at 724-738-2719. You will receive the information
necessary to begin the process.
2. How does
my organization reserve a room for an activity?
As
the leader of your organization you will probably have to
schedule a room to use for meetings, workshops, study hours,
special group sessions or social activities. There
are a number of spaces on campus that students organizations
can utilize for meetings and activities. The University
Union, Aebersold Student Recreation Center, Ski Lodge and
Alumni House are a few of the options. Campus staff
are extremely helpful in providing a room that suet your
needs. Planning in ADVANCE is still very important
considering the number of campus activities from year to
year. Don't wait until the last minute! For
assistance with reservations contact:
University
Union: 724-738-2118, Rec Center 724-738-4895 and Ski Lodge
724-738-4800, Field House or Sports Fields 724-738-2626,
Other University Classroom buildings 724-738-2027.
3. How and
when are student organizations eligible to receive funding
from Student Government?
A student organization
may be eligible to apply for funding after been recognized
as such for two years. Applications for funding are
typically submitted in the Spring and would be for request
occurring the following year. Once you become a student
organization it is crucial that Student Government see progress
and opportunities for student connection through your organization.
We recommend that you get to know the current SGA
officers and the staff in the Co-Operative Activities office
so that you will be prepared when your opportunity to apply
becomes available. You may call the Co-Op Office at
724-738-2103.
4. What should
our advisor be doing?
Having an active
advisor is essential to the success of your student organization.
As a leader of your organization it is important that
you provide your advisor with information and ask for assistance
and advise whenever you feel the need. You should
utilize your advisor as a resource for organization management,
differing of policy and guidance on all issues related
to the group. Advisors should meet with the president
regularly, attend meetings if available and stay abreast
of current activities and issues. Advisors must also
sign off on all room reservations and registration materials.
5. What type
of advertising mediums are available to student organizations?
There are a number
of different ways that your organization can advertise an
upcoming meeting, special event or activity. Posting
of flyers and chalking of walkways is one good way to let
potential participants know what you are planning. Go
to 2007-2008
Student Organization Manual (.pdf) on the web for more
details.
Probably the
best way to get information to a variety of different areas
in one shot is through posting on the SRU Master Calendar.
You can access the calendar on the SRU main page at
www.sru.edu. When submitting an event or activity
you should select the "activities" calendar to submit. When
submitting a meeting you should select "student organizations".
Information from various sub-calendars are automatically
submitted to the master calendar. If your activity
is posted on the calendar, Public Relations will advertise
through the "Rock On-Line Newsletter" that is distributed
electronically each Wednesday. The weekly calendar
is also placed on "My Rock One-Stop" for students to access
easily. This is one of your best bets when advertising
an event. Remember-don't wait until the last minute!
You may also
wish to advertise on the Channel 6 closed-curcuit tv system
that runs in the residence halls. To do so, provide
a one slide power point page to the university help desk.
You may send your ad via e-mail to "helpdesk@sru.edu".
6. How
do we acquire a tax ID #?
To obtain a Tax
ID number for your organization contact the Internal Revenue
Service(IRS) at 800-829-4933. Select menu option 'EIN'
(Employee Identification Number). You can also call
877-829-5500 for more information on non-profit organizations.
7. Are
there resources available to help prepare a training retreat
for our members?
The Center for Student Involvement and Leadership exists to provide student organization
leaders with resources for managing their organizations.
Information on team building, goal setting, communication,
member appreciation, parliamentary procedure, conflict resolution,
meeting management and stress management are just a few of
the resources available in the center. We have an
open office space for students to sit and view our resources
and invite organization leaders to ask questions of center
staff as often as need be. We are here to help your
organizations be successful and for you to become a more
dexterous leader. For more information about the resources
available please stop by our University Union location at
b-105. You can also contact us at 724-738-2092.
8. What could
happen if our organization is found in violation of any
of the university policies?
The SRU Code
of Conduct governs the behavior of all students and student
organizations on and off University premises. The
University will address behavior when it adversely affects
the University community and/or the pursuit of the University's
objectives.
Students and
student organizations are expected to comply with the statutes
of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, federal laws, and Slippery
Rock Borough ordinances and may be charged under this Code
for violation of state or federal law or Slippery Rock Borough
ordinances whenever those offenses occur.
Should actions
violate both University regulations and public law, this
may result in the application of University disciplinary
proceedings in addition to any criminal proceedings. (Cited:
SRU Student Code of Conduct).
9. How often
should we update our constitution?
It's important
to update your constitution as often as changes occur within
your organization. Considering the constant transitioning
of new officers, the constitution may be the only official
document a new officer or advisors has to utilize as a resource.
The Center for Student Involvement and Leadership does request that
student organizations provide them with an updated constitution
at least every two years. We store those constitutions so
that future leaders of the group have a document to refer
to incase originals where misplaced or destroyed. You
should double check with the Coordinator of Student Involvement
at 724-738-2719 to see if your organizations updated constitution
is on file.
10. Who
is liable for student organizations actions and activities?
Although student
organizations are typically well intentioned-we are still
working with students who are primarily 18-21 years of age.
From time to time an organization, or representative
of an organization participate in an action or activity
that is detrimental to the organizations, it's members,
the community and/or the university.
It is imperative
that organization leaders and advisors understand that they
may be liable for the actions of the organization. Long
before an injury or accident occurs, advisors have many
opportunities and the responsibility to provide guidance
in planning and managing activities and promoting a safe
learning environment. If you ever have any reservations
about a particular activity that your group is planning,
it is best to discuss the program with your advisor/and
or someone from The Center for Student Involvement and Leadership. You
may contact the Center at 724-738-2092.
|
