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Organization Policies -
Student Organization Standards Planning Events:
Policies and Information Financial Policies -
Purchase Order
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Student Organization Guide Access to Benefits Introduction Georgetown University is built on a two-hundred year commitment to a Jesuit, Catholic understanding of undergraduate education. In this tradition the appropriate context for undergraduate education is within a community. Community is characterized by an ethos, a shared, common vision, in our case as a shared set of moral commitments and a shared understanding of the nature of undergraduate education. As a Jesuit, Catholic university Georgetown is committed to an understanding of education that comprises not merely the transmission of knowledge and skills, but the cultivation of virtues and the formation of character respectful of the Catholic vision. It is our intention that Georgetown’s extra and co-curricular programs will provide opportunities for the development of knowledge and skills, the cultivation of virtues and the formation of character consistent to our ethos. We hope these programs will be the source of community building and an opportunity for celebrating our tradition and commitment to diversity. Through the content of the activities the members share, through the process of leading and managing a club, through the shared experiences of the members, these hopes can be realized. The Access to Benefits Policy was developed over a two year period following the resolution of the lawsuit brought by the Gay People of Georgetown University addressing the university’s refusal to recognize their organization. The policy was developed by a committee of students, faculty, and staff called together by the president of the university and was chaired by Penny Rue, the Director of Student Programs at that time. The court had ruled that the university did not need to recognize the gay student’s organization, but it did need to grant them access to the benefits which were received by other organizations, such as use of university facilities, ability to apply for funding, office space, etc. The new policy does not use the term recognition, but rather defines benefits which the organization may be granted by the university. The five Advisory Boards (Center for Social Justice Board, Media Board, Performing Arts Advisory Council, Advisory Board for Club Sports, and the Student Activities Commission) are charged with granting access to new groups in their domain. These five boards advise the Vice President of Student Affairs, who may accept or deny their recommendation. Previous to the lawsuit, the university had decided that specialized groups such as religious groups or sports teams would work only with the university departments which had special knowledge of their activities; hence, all religious organizations have access to benefits only through Campus Ministries, and all varsity sports teams would have access to benefits only through Athletics. Access to benefits can be granted by any university department. The Accounting Society, for example, have access to benefits through the McDonough School of Business. Access to benefits is open to any other groups which have open membership, have at least 12 currently enrolled full time undergraduate students as members, do not duplicate any existing group, have a proper constitution, and agree to comply with university policy as outlined in the Student Organization Standards of this guide and complete the New Club Program. Several benefits are granted routinely when access to benefits is granted. These include a mailbox, use of the University mailing service, and inclusion in SAC Fair. Groups may also apply for use of university labels, and the use of University facilities, among other things. They may apply to boards for offices and approval for selective membership as outlined in the Student Organization Standards. Particularly because of the limited university facilities, ability to apply for space on campus is a valuable and desirable benefit. The university has decided that this benefit will be tied to organizations which have been granted access to benefits and have been determined to have a purpose which will help “provide students with opportunities for the development of knowledge and skills, the cultivation of virtues, and the formation of character respectful to the Catholic vision.” Students not working under the purpose of an organization with access to benefits who wish to meet to have discussions are able to reserve a classroom under the university’s Speech and Expression policy. They will need to sign the statement on the Classroom Request form that they understand that they must tell those attend the meeting that it is not sponsored by Georgetown University or any part thereof, and that they have access to classroom space due to their status as a student at the University through the Speech and Expression policy, before their request can be approved and taken to the Registrar’s office for scheduling. Members of the community are also able to congregate in Red Square or Leavey Center Lobby to express their ideas. (See the Student Affairs and Related Policies page.) Eligibility Criteria The following guidelines intend to provide a framework for the responsible distribution of university resources while building a community that is consistent with the moral vision upon which this university was founded. Student organizations wishing access to university benefits must meet the following eligibility criteria. Access to student club and organization benefits does not indicate University recognition or endorsement of the merits of any activity or objective. 1.
Open Membership: Because of the University's commitment
to inclusiveness, membership in a student organization
must be nondiscriminatory and open to the entire
Georgetown University undergraduate student community. 2. Organization size: A group must have a minimum of 12 currently enrolled undergraduate student members in order to be considered eligible for benefits. In order to preserve opportunities for undergraduate students to gain leadership experience, other individuals within the University academic community may participate in a group’s activities or programs but may not be voting members or inappropriately influence the group’s activities. Only members of the University academic community are eligible for participation in a student organization. 3. Non-duplicative: A group may not duplicate the purpose and/or activities of an existing student organization. This provision safeguards limited resources and encourages students to work cooperatively when their interests and intentions are similar. 4. Constitution: In order to provide for basic democratic principles and insure the integrity of the organization, a group must demonstrate that it has developed a sound constitution as shown by inclusion of the following:
> purpose clearly articulated and accurately
descriptive of the group’s function 5. Compliance with University Policy including completion of the Club Development Program: Groups must agree to comply at all times with any and all relevant University policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and guidelines. Since the views and activities of student organizations are not necessarily reflective of the University, all organizations are expected to include in all publications issued (newsletters, brochures, pamphlets, and the like), except those specifically approved, an appropriate disclaimer. For example, an appropriate disclaimer would read: “The views expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect those of the administration, faculty, or student body of Georgetown University unless specifically stated. 6. Groups will not be eligible for access to benefits if their purpose or activities:
> are unlawful or in violation of University policy; University Benefits The following benefits are available to student groups that meet the eligibility criteria and are given access by the appropriate advisory board (PAAC, Media, SAC, ABCS, CSJ). Special eligibility requirements or conditions on the scope or nature of a group’s activities may be imposed by each advisory board, or the Vice President of Student Affairs, where appropriate. Standard
Benefits which are routinely granted when access is
granted: Administrative Benefits which require an application and administrative staff approval:
> Ability to apply for CSJ vehicles The process and criteria used to determine access to administrative benefits are published in this on-line Student Organization Guide. Board
Benefits which require an application and Board approval
and final approval of the VP of Student Affairs:
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