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  5. IV. New Organizations

IV. New Organizations

USA is committed to the development of student organizations, including organizational leaders and members. The addition of new student organizations enhances the campus community and provides more opportunities for students to become involved and participate in activities that support their interests. The process for becoming a new student organization is consistent among all organizations. In order to establish such an organization, students are permitted a grace period in which they have access to facilities and services to recruit members and secure an advisor.

When the organization has met the criteria for recognition they must turn in required paperwork and meet with the Student Organization Committee as needed to become formally recognized.

Required documents include:

  1. Application Packet
  2. Mission and Purpose Statement
  3. Constitution & Bylaws
  4. Membership Roster with officer board included
  5. Organization logo or coat of arms
  6. Completed Advisor Agreement Form

Student Organization Committee

The Student Organization Committee (SOC) is composed of faculty, staff, and students who meet as needed to review the organization’s constitution to ensure compliance with requirements and format. This open meeting is also a time for the student organization representatives to ask additional questions before recognition is formalized. The SOC will be chaired by the Associate Director of Student Organizations & Leadership Development as a non-voting member with representatives from the Student Government Association, Risk Management, Campus Recreation, Student Center, and Faculty Senate serving on the committee.

To be recognized as an active organization in good standing with the university, all student organizations must:

  1. Demonstrate that the group does not duplicate an existing organization.
  2. Maintain a membership roster with a minimum of ten (10) student members who are enrolled at the university. The only exception to this policy is for Honor Societies. Up to 10% of the membership may include honorary members such as faculty, staff, and community members.
  3. Have at least one active faculty or full-time staff advisor.
  4. Submit the following information to the Office of Student Involvement by the designated deadline:
    • Annual Registration/Application
    • Advisor Agreement Form
    • Constitution and Bylaws (see requirements on page 154)
    • Provide organizational logo, crest, or coat of arms.
  5. Consult with the Office of Student Involvement and follow the procedures outlined to become formally recognized.

Appeals

If the application from a student interest group is not approved by the Student Organization Committee to become a Registered Student Organization, the student interest group may appeal the decision for reconsideration through the following steps. An appeal can only be made on one or more of the following grounds:

  1. Violation of Procedural Rights: If the student interest group believes that the SOC did not follow the established policy and procedures in considering their application.
  2. Possible Biases of the SOC: If there is a belief that the decision was influenced by biases or conflicts of interest within the SOC.
  3. Additional Information: If new information has come to light that was not available at the time of the SOC meeting and could potentially alter their decision.

Appeal Submission Process:

  1. Written Appeal: The student interest group must submit a written appeal within five (5) business days of receiving the SOC decision. The appeal must be addressed to the Attorney General (sga.attorneygeneral@southalabama.edu) of the Student Government Association.
  2. Contents of the Appeal: The written appeal must include:
    • The name of the student interest group.
    • The date of the SOC decision.
    • A detailed explanation of the grounds for the appeal (violation of procedural rights, possible biases, or additional information).
    • Any supporting documents or evidence relevant to the appeal.
    • Contact information for the primary representative of the student interest group.

Review Process:

  1. Submission to Student Government Association: The Attorney General of the SGA will review the appeal to ensure it meets the criteria outlined above.
  2. Referral to the Director of Student Involvement: If the appeal is validated by the SGA Attorney General, it will be forwarded to the Director of Student Involvement for final review and decision.

Final Decision:

  1. Director’s Review: The Director of Student Involvement will thoroughly review the appeal, including any new evidence, claims of procedural violations, or biases. The Director of Student Involvement may request a meeting with the interest group to discuss the request for an appeal.
  2. Outcome: The Director of Student Involvement will make the final decision regarding the appeal. The decision may:
    1. Uphold the original decision of the SOC.
    2. Overturn the SOC decision and approve the application for RSO status.
    3. Remand the application back to the SOC for reconsideration with specific instructions.
  3. Notification: The student interest group will be notified in writing of the final
    decision made by the Director of Student Involvement. This decision is final and cannot be appealed further.