4 - 11.2

Administrative policy regarding the registration of student organizations

  1. Purpose. The university supports the right of individuals to organize and participate in organizations within the context of general university, student, alumni and community interests.
  2. Definitions.
    1. "Student member" - one who is enrolled and regularly attending at least three hours of Kent state university coursework. This includes Kent campus and/or regional campuses.
    2. "Affiliate member" - one who is taking less than three hours or is not currently enrolled, but is interested in working with the organization's membership. Such members may not outnumber student members, may not hold office, vote for officers, or vote on the expenditures of money. Furthermore, they may not schedule university facilities or services in on behalf of the organization. Such Affiliate members must be elected yearly by a majority of voting members. Membership is for one year contingent on adherence to the organization's constitution which must include the rights and restrictions of affiliate members. Affiliate members are expected to know, understand and abide by all university rules and regulations as well. Affiliate members have no vote on organization matters and may not participate in discussions during meetings except by majority of voting members present.
    3. "Registered group" or “recognized student organization” - the status given to those student organizations which register with the center for student involvement. In order to be registered, a group must include at least five persons, all of whom meet the criteria for offices/representatives of student organizations under paragraph (B)(1) of rule 3342-4-11.3 of the Administrative Code.
    4. “Interest groups” – a group of students that indicate interest in creating a student organization. Students in an interest group must provide a draft of their proposed student organization bylaws/constitution to a center for student involvement administrative staff member. Interest groups with Greek affiliation must follow the guidelines set in the Greek recognition policy.
    5. "Group function" - an event, meeting or gathering of a registered group.
  3. Procedure.
    1. Registration. All student organizations, including but not limited to departmental groups, interest groups, recreational clubs, political groups, and nonchartered governmental organizations, are required to register with the center for student involvement and provide information.

      Such information includes, but is not limited to, the organization's name and mailing address, a statement of its goals and purposes, and a statement concerning nondiscrimination based upon the protected categories as defined in rule 3342-5-16 of this Administrative Code. This information will be made available to anyone requesting it, unless the organization specifically requests that it be restricted to those officially connected to the university, such as students, staff, and faculty.
    2. Responsibility. Registered groups are responsible for the conduct of their members and guests at group functions as well as for all costs incurred at such events.
    3. Use. Registration permits organizations to use university services and facilities For example, the scheduling office can be utilized for space needs. Additionally, only registered groups may request allocated funds derived from the student activity fee.
    4. Disclaimer. Registration does not imply either university approval or disapproval of the organization's purposes.
    5. The director of the center for student involvement or designee will make final determination regarding organizational registration and will adopt such procedures as necessary for the implementation of the registration process.
    6. Appeals. Appeals regarding granting or rescinding of registered group status may be made to the dean of students, which shall forward its recommendation to the vice president for student affairs or designee, who shall make the final determination.

      This policy formerly numbered 3342-4-01.2.
Policy Effective Date:
May 30, 2017
Policy Prior Effective Dates: 
11/4/1977, 10/5/1979, 2/10/1984, 7/25/1989, 8/16/1991, 6/5/1995, 4/21/1997, 3/7/2000, 9/26/2005, 6/1/2007, 3/1/2015, 8/3/2015, 11/1/2016
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