Chapter 11. Organizations

11.1. Student Organizations

Student organizations are formed by groups of students who desire, through mutual interest in a specific area, to be organized for a purpose. Such purposes may be to promote scholarship, social development, hobbies, or other special interests and should contribute something worthwhile to the University community. These organizations are operated by their members who assume the responsibilities for achievement of their purpose, for sound business management, and for proper social and community relations.

In order to assist the organizations in fulfilling these responsibilities and in taking advantage of the opportunities and facilities afforded student organizations at Michigan Technological University, the organization must register with the Dean of Students Office.

The registration process represents a relationship in which the University provides advice and assistance as practicable, while the organization accepts the responsibility for its operation, conduct and contributions to the University community.

The transient nature of active membership in student organizations requires someone to act as a center for continuing policies and provide guidance for the activities and operations of the student organizations in order to protect the interests of the members, other students and the University. This responsibility is assigned, through the Vice President for Student Affairs, to the Dean of Students.

In fulfilling this responsibility the Dean of Students, with the approval of the Vice President for Student Affairs, shall:

1. Promote the interests of all groups and assist them with specific problems in keeping with the recognized goals of the University.
   
   
2. Appoint one or more advisers from persons affiliated with the University for each organization that receives funds directly from the University or from an allocation by the Undergraduate Student Government of the University, or for such organization as the Dean of Students deems desirable.
   
   
3. Expect that accepted standards of good taste and University policies be observed in the social conduct of an organization.
   
   
4. Expect that efficiency and integrity be maintained in the business affairs of the organization.
   
   
5. Expect proper democratic operational procedures within the organizations.
   
   
6. Expect all student groups to furnish information on their purposes, structural organization, membership, officers, activities, finances, etc. upon request.

In case any organization has difficulties arising in any of the above areas, the officers and/or advisers may consult the Dean of Students for assistance in resolving the difficulties.

The Dean of Students especially should be consulted on difficulties between a student group and other University groups, or between a student group and parties outside the University community.

The Undergraduate Student Government of the University is recognized as the official undergraduate student body government and the Graduate Student Council as the official graduate student body government. These two organizations are responsible for expressing the will of the general student body and for allocating University funds to other student organizations to support and promote on-campus student activities. The University, primarily through the Dean of Students, shall work with the Undergraduate Student Government and with the Graduate Student Council in seeking the opinions and assistance of the general student body in matters of its proper concern.

The Dean of Students and the advisers are available to assist the student organizations. However, ultimate responsibility for performance rests with the members themselves. Failure to meet these responsibilities may result in such remedies as the Dean of Students may determine, after thorough investigation, up to and including denial of the right to register with Michigan Technological University. A student organization could appeal any action such as denial to the Vice President for Student Affairs of the University.

The Dean of Students, advisers, or others of the University staff may not create any financial liability on the part of the University in their working with the student organizations. The members of each organization are the persons responsible for the group's actions and liabilities.