Dalton State 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. 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:
- Application
- Mission and Purpose Statement
- Constitution & Bylaws
- Membership Roster with officer board included
- Organization logo or coat of arms
- 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 any new organization requesting recognition. The review process consists of verifying basic requirements such as analyzing constitutions for compliance and assessing whether the minimum requirement for membership has been met. This open meeting is also a time for RSO officers in attendance to ask additional questions before recognition is formalized. The SOC will be chaired by the Coordinator for Student Belonging as a non-voting member with representation from various areas across campus such as the Student Government Association and Faculty/Staff Senate serving on the Committee.
To be recognized as an active organization in good standing with the college, all student organizations must:
- Demonstrate that the group does not duplicate an existing organization.
- Maintain a membership roster with a minimum of ten (10) student members who are enrolled at the college. Exceptions may be applicable for other student organizations such as national chapters or Fraternity and Sorority Life.
- Have at least one active faculty or full-time staff advisor.
- Submit the Organization Registration form found inside DSConnect to the office of Student Engagement and Belonging at least two weeks prior to the scheduled RSO Roundtable.
- Consult with the Office of Student Engagement and Belonging to ensure guidelines are followed accurately and guidance by staff members is provided.
Appeals
If the application from a student interest group is not approved by the SOC 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:
- 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.
- Possible Biases of the SOC: if there is a belief that the decision was influenced by biases or conflicts of interest within the SOC.
- Additional Information: If new information has come to light that was not available at the time of the RSO Roundtable and could potentially alter their decision.
Appeal Submission Process
- 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 SOC.
- Contents of the Appeal:
- 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
- Submission to SOC: The SOC will review the appeal to ensure it meets the criteria outlined above.
- Referral to the Director of Student Engagement: If the appeal is validated by the SOC, it will be forwarded to the Director of Student Engagement for final review and decision.
Final Decision
- Director’s review: The Director of Student Engagement will thoroughly review the appeal, including any new evidence, claims of procedural violations, or biases. The Director of Student Engagement may request a meeting with the student interest group to discuss the request for an appeal.
- Outcome: The Director of Student Engagement will make the final decision regarding the appeal. The decision may:
- Uphold the original decision of the SOC.
- Overturn the SOC decision and approve the application for RSO Status.
- Remand the application back to the SOC for reconsideration with specific instructions.
- Notification: The student interest group will be notified in writing of the final decision made by the Director of Student Engagement. The decision is final and cannot be appealed further.