2-18: Registered Student Organizations Policy

Policy Overview

This policy provides the process by which Santa Fe Community College (SFCC or College) students can organize in groups to further learning, collaboration, collegiality, and success.

Scope and Applicability

This policy applies to all students who assemble as a formal student club or formal organization on campus.

Policy Statement

SFCC is committed to fostering communication, critical thinking, learning, and collaboration with and among students through student clubs and organizations.

Definitions

1. Employee is any member of the college workforce: all staff (regular full-time, regular part-time, term, temporary, probationary, sensitive position); all student employees; all faculty (full-time, part-time, adjunct, probationary); all administrators, including interim; all contract employees.
2. Registered Student Club or Organization is a College-sponsored group that provides students the opportunity to share interests in academic or extracurricular activities. Involvement in clubs and organizations supports student retention and encourages engagement on and off campus. Students interact with peers and campus community members to pursue these interests and develop lifelong skills. Requirements for becoming a Registered Club or Organization: 1. Must be comprised of seven or more students who are registered in at least one credit hour (audit or credit), 2. Must have a sponsor who is a part- or full-time SFCC faculty or staff member. 3. Officers and advisers must attend orientation, and 4. Must comply with SFCC policies and procedures. In addition, a Registered Club: 1. Must submit an application with the Office of Student Development, and 2. Is eligible for funding from the Student Government Association. A Registered Student Organization is not eligible for funding through the Student Government Association unless they choose to become a Registered Student Club.
3. Student refers to anyone enrolled at the College, including, but not limited to students taking credit, noncredit, continuing education, adult education, dual credit, workforce or contract training classes. Enrolled students under the age of 18 are not considered minors or children.

Policy Process

1. Involvement in clubs and organizations supports student retention and encourages engagement on and off campus.
2. Students interact with peers and campus community members to pursue these interests and develop lifelong skills.
3. Requirements for becoming a Registered Club or Organization:
   1. Must be comprised of five or more students who are registered in at least one credit hour (audit or credit).
   2. Dual Credit students are encouraged to participate in clubs and organizations; however, as they do not contribute to student activity funds they are not included in the minimum of five credit students required to constitute a Registered Student Organization.
   3. Must have an advisor who is a part-time, full-time, or adjunct faculty or staff member.
   4. New officers and advisors must attend orientation and returning officers and advisors are strongly encouraged to attend orientation.
   5. Must comply with SFCC policies and procedures.
   6. Must submit a charter or re-charter application with the Office of Student Engagement and be approved prior to meeting as a club/organization and prior to requesting funding.
   7. Is eligible for funding from the Student Government Association once officially registered as a club/organization.
4. Students interested in establishing a club or organization must submit an application with Office of Student Engagement.
5. Any student club or organization that is approved to use College facilities shall comply with SFCC Policy 5-4 Facilities Allocation, Use, and Management.
6. Use of College facilities by a Registered Student Club or Organization shall apply only to that organization.
7. All activities, events, or initiatives (excluding meetings) of an approved club/organization must have approval from the Office of Student Engagement prior to hosting said activity, event, or initiative.
8. Membership must not require, limit, or deny participation on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender, gender identity, age, ancestry, physical or mental disability, serious medical condition, spousal affiliation, sexual orientation, Genetic Information Non-discrimination Act (GINA), and veteran status or any other basis prohibited by law.
9. Students who are under disciplinary penalty/penalties prohibiting registration may not serve as a member or officer of a Registered Student Club or Organization (SFCC Policy 2-1 Student Code of Conduct, Student Handbook, SFCC Policy 2-2 Student Concerns and Complaints, SFCC Policy 2-3 Student Corrective Action and Disciplinary Action).

Statement of Accountability and Responsibility

The President, through the Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs, the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs, and the Academic and Student Affairs Office, shall be responsible for enforcing student-related policies and procedures. The Academic and Student Affairs Office shall work with the different departments and offices to comply with this policy and to develop procedures that will enforce this policy regarding awareness, prevention, and remediation.

Authority

SFCC Policy 2-1 SFCC Student Code of Conduct
SFCC Policy 2-2 SFCC Student Corrective Action and Disciplinary Action
SFCC Policy 2-3 Student Corrective and Disciplinary Action
SFCC Policy 5-4 SFCC Facilities Allocation, Use, and Management Policy

APPROVAL
SFCC Governing Board approved: 7/28/2003
Revised and Governing Board approved: 11/18/2004
Revised and SFCC Governing Board approved: 3/22/2017
Revised and SFCC Governing Board approved: 5/22/2024

Associated Procedures

• Registered Student Organizations Policy – Procedures