Starting a New Organization

Student organizations can be formed and recognized when the Office of Student Development (OSD) determines that the group’s purposes are in accord with the stated purposes and policies of the university. A group of students wishing to form an organization must:

• Complete a Request to Organize form available from OSD (AMU 121) and include signatures of at least five interested members;
• Receive preliminary approval from OSD (allows forming organizations to hold three meetings for recruitment or crafting the constitution);
• Develop and submit a constitution according to the guidelines in the Model Constitution (available in the Office of Student Development);
• If applicable, submit letters of support from the appropriate department, individual or council (e.g. Greek organizations, religious or spiritual organizations, club sports, domestic or international service);
• Obtain approval from the OSD and the Student Senate of MUSG;
• Submit the name of an advisor (recommended);
• Meet with an Office of Student Development staff member to review organization policies and procedures.

Additional considerations regarding the formation of a recognized student organization include:

• Proposed groups that have the same or substantially similar purposes as an existing recognized student organization generally will not be recognized;
• Proposed groups that are formed for commercial purposes or primarily for the financial benefit of an external corporation or organization will not be recognized;
• Proposed groups that are formed for the purpose of sponsoring a singular campus event generally will not be recognized;
• Social fraternities or sororities must be affiliated with a national organization; as part of the formation process they must be sponsored by and become affiliated with one of Marquette’s governing councils (Interfraternity Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, or Panhellenic Association) and have completed the appropriate expansion process.

Some organizations may be required to show proof of liability insurance coverage, depending on proposed organization activities.

Following receipt of the Request to Organize form and preliminary approval of the group by the Office of Student Development, three organizational meetings may be held for the purposes of recruiting members and drafting the constitution and by-laws. Facilities may not be used for events, and student organizations may not make a reservation for any event that requires a facilities charge or service fee.

Once the constitution is submitted, the Office of Student Development will review it. If approved by the Office of Student Development, the constitution will be sent to a MUSG Senate committee. An officer representing the organization must be present at the Senate Committee meeting to answer any questions.

If approved by MUSG, the Office of Student Development will meet with a representative of the organization to review, discuss, and answer any questions regarding policies, procedures, and expectations of the student organization. At the conclusion of this meeting, the organization will be informed that the University officially recognizes it.

In rare cases of an irreconcilable difference between or among a student organization, the Office of Student Development, and/or MUSG, the Vice President for Student Affairs will make the final decision on approval of the constitution and recognition of the student organization.

For organizations that have graduate students as regular members and/or officers, these procedures are the same, with the exception that approval of Marquette University Student Government is not required. The formation, recognition, and supervision of student organizations affiliated with the Law School or Dental School are conducted by student services staff within those schools and not through the procedures outlined above.

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Responsibilities of Student Organizations

The officers and members of student organizations are responsible for conducting their activities in accordance with the purposes and rules of the university, as well as with the purposes and procedures stated in their approved constitution.

1. The officers and members are responsible for observing all laws and regulations governing the various activities of the group. The university does not authorize, protect, defend, or assume responsibility for violations of public or private rights by students or student groups. Regardless of any civil or criminal action which may be taken against students or student groups by reason of irresponsible conduct, such conduct, on or off campus, may subject the student or group to university disciplinary proceedings. Student organization members and officers should be aware that the organization and officers may be held responsible for injury or loss to others arising from their operations and activities. Therefore, officers and members should consider whether they need liability insurance to protect the organization, its members, or officers. Organizations should check with national chapters and their associations to see if plans are available to them.
2. The officers and members are responsible for registering the organization annually and maintaining their good standing as an officially recognized Marquette University student organization by completing the registration process on Marquette Involvement Link and following all applicable rules, regulations, and procedures. It is strongly recommended that student organizations maintain at least five (5) active members in order to ensure the continuity of the group.
3. The officers and members are responsible for informing the Office of Student Development of any changes in officers and/or a change in advisor. NOTE: Failing to register for two consecutive academic years will result in withdrawal of recognition and the organization will be required to resubmit a Request to Organize form and a constitution to the Office of Student Development and the MUSG Student Senate for approval.
4. The officers and members are responsible for submitting a constitution to the Office of Student Development every four (4) years for review and revision. Constitutions must include all information required by the model constitution provided by the Office of Student Development. Any changes in a student organization’s constitution are to be authorized by the Office of Student Development and approved by MUSG before the proposed change(s) becomes effective.

Only officially recognized and currently registered student organizations are authorized to use university facilities or services, or permitted to identify themselves directly or indirectly with the university’s name or credit. Note that this regulation is not intended as a restriction upon the right of students to organize, but it is necessary in order to protect the proprietary name, credit, and facilities of the university. Student organizations do not officially represent the university but are considered independent entities that are eligible for benefits and privileges of recognition.

In some instances, the Office of Student Development may deem it necessary to review an organization’s recognized status, operations, and procedures. Under such conditions, Student Development reserves the right to remove an organization’s recognized status with the University. Marquette University reserves the right to take any action it deems appropriate with respect to any actions or activities undertaken by any student organization. Additional information related to student organization disciplinary actions is located in the student handbook, At Marquette.

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Benefits and Privileges of Student Organizations

The following are some of the benefits and privileges that are extended without charge (unless specified otherwise) to each Marquette University student organization upon its official recognition by the university. An organization’s failure to maintain recognition through annual registration may result in suspension of any or all of these benefits and privileges.

1. To reserve campus facilities and outdoor spaces up to one calendar year in advance of the event date. (Contact the Event Management staff for any fees that may apply)
2. To be included in the directory of officially recognized Marquette University Student Organizations on Marquette Involvement Link
3. To post authorized publicity in approved posting areas and to reserve publicity space (bulletin boards, display cases, windows, etc.) in the AMU facilities and residence halls
4. To reserve and use rooms in academic areas (Note: Only for current semester)
5. To reserve and use space in the AMU for the sale of goods (no food sales) or the distribution of approved literature
6. To use “Marquette” as part of the organization name (The Marquette University name may be used only for purposes generally consistent with the organization’s purpose and only to identify affiliation as a student organization. Marquette may not be listed as the first word in an organization’s official name)
7. To obtain permission from the AMU Event Management Office to host an event in a university building after its normal closing hour (Additional charges may be incurred by the organization in order to use facilities beyond posted hours)
8. To purchase catering services at a discounted rate
9. To borrow athletic equipment from the Helfaer Recreational Center
10. To request the formation of leagues in which to play inter-organization athletic events and be assigned referees for games
11. To apply for and receive funding from MUSG (undergraduate organizations only) and/or the Office of Student Development
12. To have buildings unlocked and locked for approved events by the Department of Public Safety
13. To be assigned a university mailing address and exclusive use of a secure mailbox in the Center for Leadership, Service, and Involvement (AMU 137)
14. To use facilities, resources, and services of the Center for Leadership, Service, and Involvement (some services or resources may have a fee)
15. To arrange for news coverage of events of public interest through the Office of Marketing and Communication
16. To participate in both the fall and winter Organization Fest
17. To have an advisor
18. To receive help, advice, and assistance from the staff of the Office of Student Development
19. To participate in all organizational workshops and training activities
20. To have access to mailing lists for students, staff, or faculty, as well as lists of incoming freshmen who indicate interest in a particular organization
21. To link its web site with the Marquette University web site. All organizations with links to the Marquette University web site must comply with student organization web site policies and procedures as outlined by the Office of Student Development

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Eligibility for Organization Membership

1. All full-time undergraduate students are eligible for membership in any undergraduate student organization in accordance with the standards, academic or otherwise, established by each organization. Any student organization which selects its membership or officers upon the basis of restrictive clauses dealing with race, color, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion, disability, veteran’s status or national origin will be considered to be operating in conflict with university policy.
2. Any part-time student, graduate student, professional student, faculty member, or administrator may be an associate member of any undergraduate student organization, and may not hold office or vote. Graduate students may only be regular members, hold office, or vote in graduate student organizations.
3. The officers of all student organizations as well as the elected and appointed senators and officials of MUSG must be in good standing (not on academic or disciplinary probation) at the time of their election or appointment and throughout their terms of office. The Office of Student Development will check the status of each student who runs for office or is appointed to a position within MUSG.
4. No student shall simultaneously hold more than one of the following positions:
   • president, executive vice president, program vice president, legislative vice president, financial vice president, or communication vice president of the Marquette University Student Government
   • MUSG legislative senator
   • College Council or Governing Council President
   • No student may serve simultaneously on more than two college councils
5. The authority and responsibility for ensuring that officers comply with grade requirements for club and organization officers (president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, social chairperson, etc.) shall reside with the officers of that organization. In instances of dispute, the decision-making authority and responsibility rests with the Office of Student Development.
6. Marquette University has a deferred joining policy for students interested in social Greek organizations. See the Fraternity and Sorority Information at the back of this handbook for more details about this policy.

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Hazing Policy

It is a violation of the Student Conduct Code for a student or student organization to participate in hazing or harassment which includes actions or situations that do or could result in mental, emotional, or physical discomfort, embarrassment, ridicule, or endangerment whether intentionally, for fun, or by consent.

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Requirements for Officers

The officers of all student organizations as well as the elected and appointed senators and officials of MUSG must be in good standing (not on academic or disciplinary probation) at the time of their election or appointment and throughout their terms of office. The Office of Student Development will check the status of each student who runs for office or is appointed to a position within MUSG.

The authority and responsibility for ensuring that officers comply with grade requirements for club and organization officers (president, vice president, treasurer, secretary, social chairperson, etc.) shall reside with the officers of that organization. In instances of dispute, the decision-making authority and responsibility rests with the Office of Student Development.

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Organization Mailboxes

Registered student organizations have the benefit of an organization mailbox at the Center for Leadership, Service, and Involvement. Both campus and off-campus mail can be received through this address. Student organization leaders are expected to check their mailbox at least once a week due to the small size of the boxes and the large volume of mail that comes through.

Mailbox combinations are released to the organization president via email at the beginning of each semester. Combinations can also be retrieved by stopping into the Office of Student Development (AMU 121). Please note that for security reasons the mailbox combination will only be released to the organization president.

If an organization fails to empty its organization’s mailbox, the Center for Leadership, Service, and Involvement staff will notify the organization of a date by which everything needs to be emptied. If the organization fails to empty the mailbox by this date, the mailbox will be reassigned to another organization.

Your Organization's Address
Marquette University
Organization Name
LEAD Center Mailbox # _____
AMU 140
P.O. Box 1881
Milwaukee, WI 53201-1881

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