Introduction

This handbook has been compiled as a resource for conveying the policies and procedures that govern how club members may request assistance in accomplishing club goals.  The University is dedicated to supporting student engagement that enhances learning in a safe and respectful environment while allowing for flexibility, diversity and creativity in the types of student events and activities that flourish in our campus community.

Important Contact Information & Hours of Operation

Clubs & Activities Office Overview

Office services - UC240 Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm 

Services Provided for Clubs

• Event Approval

• Tabling Approval

• Food Sales and Distribution pre-approval

• Free Printing (up to 100 B&W or 20 Color total)

• Lamination services (20 total)

• Yearly Recognition Paperwork

• Organization Support & Advocacy

• Publicity / Advertisement of Club Events

• Secure Storage for club’s supplies

• On-Campus Accounting

• Mail services

• Reduced cost or no cost for on campus event reservations

Club Privilege and Responsibility

Recognition as a University Club is a privilege, not a right. This privilege carries with it certain responsibilities. Club members are obligated to conduct themselves in a manner that is a credit to themselves, their fellow club members, advisors, and the University. Failure to uphold these responsibilities may result in the temporary or permanent loss of recognition and accompanying privileges. Lesser sanctions, such as community service and reimbursement for damages, may also be imposed

Scheduling meetings with Office Staff

The best way to schedule meetings with Clubs support staff is to book through the links below:

CSU Executive Order 1068- Student Activities

Formal Chartering and Recognition Policies

Campuses shall comply with all student organization filing requirements described in California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Article 4, Nondiscrimination in Student Organizations, Sections 41500 (Withholding of Recognition), 41501 (Definition of Recognition), 41503 (Filing Requisites), and 41504 (Penalties). These sections require each student organization to deposit with the Clubs and Activities Office copies of all constitutions, charters, or other documents relating to its policies. Documents shall be re-filed within 90 days after any substantive change or amendment.

No California State University Campus shall recognize any fraternity, sorority, living group, honor society, or other student organization that discriminates on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, color, age, gender, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or disability. 

The prohibition on membership policies that discriminate on the basis of gender does not apply to social fraternities or sororities or other university living groups. Student organizations shall deliver to the vice president for student affairs or his/her designee a statement signed by the president or similar officer of the local student organization attesting that the organization has no rules or policies that discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, color, age, gender, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or disability. This statement shall be renewed annually. This should be a part of the student organization constitution.

No campus shall recognize any fraternity, sorority, living group, honor society, or other student organization unless its membership and leadership are open to all currently enrolled students at that campus, except that a social fraternity or sorority or other university living group may impose a gender limitation as permitted by Title 5, California Code of Regulations, Section 41500. Student organizations may require applicants for leadership positions to have been members for a specified period of time, and may require officers to compete for those positions in elections of the membership. (CSU Executive Order 1068)

Withholding and Withdrawing Official Recognition

Official recognition of student organizations that fail to abide by the open membership policy or that discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, color, age, gender, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or disability shall be withdrawn.

In addition, official recognition of a student organization may be withdrawn for hazing or conspiracy to haze as defined in the California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Standards for Student Conduct, Section 41301(b)(8). Individual students may be disciplined for hazing under Section 41301(b)(8).

HSU has established codes of conduct for student organizations and procedures for sanctions against the organizations. Sanctions may include actions such as withdrawal of recognition, suspension of recognition for a specified period of time, probation (warning that might lead to a more severe sanction), restriction of privileges, reprimand, and restitution for losses caused.

Minimum Number of Students

Official recognition of a student organization requires a minimum of five [5] HSU students who are currently enrolled in at least one class. A maximum of twenty percent of the members of a student organization may be individuals who are not HSU students, e.g., community members, students at other colleges. Only students enrolled at HSU may vote on issues that come before the student organization. The Director of Student Life may waive the twenty percent and voting provisions for fraternities and sororities to accommodate such organizations as the National Panhellenic Council that includes representatives from non-CSU campuses. Documentation for this waiver shall include copies of national charters or other appropriate documentation, and these documents shall be submitted to the Director of Student Life. Campuses retain authority to include additional requirements for recognition and/or to make the requirements listed here more limiting.

Club Advisors

Each officially recognized student organization must have a university advisor who is either a faculty member or professional staff member. Campuses may permit part-time faculty and professional staff to serve as advisors. Advisors should not be selected from auxiliary organizations. HSU provides an online training/orientation presentation for student organization advisors.

Training/Orientation Programs

The CSU Alcohol Policies and Prevention Program (Board Resolution REP 07-01-03) requires campuses to provide orientation programs for student organization advisors and for student officers that outline policies, expectations, and information on alcohol use/abuse. In addition, campuses shall advise student organizations and student officers about the California State University Student Conduct Code in Title 5, California Code of Regulations, Section 41301. This orientation at HSU is an in person orientation held at the beginning of each semester. We require two (2) leaders from each organization to attend each academic year. The club or organization advisor will be required to complete an online training every academic year as well. 

Off-Campus Student Activities

Campuses shall comply with Section 41301, Standards for Student Conduct, of Title 5 of the California Code of Regulations. This section clarifies the university's authority for off-campus behavior that includes students who are members of clubs and organizations. The Student Conduct Code sets the standard of expected behavior and describes conduct that is unacceptable and subject to discipline through the university's disciplinary process. At HSU, we require all club events that are held off campus to be submitted for approval similar to all on campus events. 

Categories of Student Organizations

Academic

Organizations focused on academic development; promoting a specific major; and exploring career avenues that will assist students after graduation. 

Associated Students (A.S.) Programs

Student led organization/departments that receives financial support and advocacy directly from the Associated Students. Many of these groups also have paid staffing. 

Cultural

Organizations that focus on personal development for students who identify with various ethnic, cultural, and/or multicultural groups. 

Environmental

Organizations that focus on the issues that affect our planet. These groups promote environmental justice through education and awareness campaigns. They also come together to share their love of nature and to explore the land around us.

Fraternities & Sororities

Fraternity and sorority organizations are social groups that engage in philanthropic activities. They also provide members with academic support, networking opportunities, and community building skills.

Honor Societies

Organizations that are affiliated with a major that recognizes academic achievement in those disciplines.  

Political/ Activism

Organizations that supports student engagement in the area of politics and/or social activism. 

Professional Societies

Organizations that are connected to a certain professional field or career path.

Religious

Organizations that provide a gathering place and support for students who identify with a particular religion or spiritual belief. 

Special interest

 Organization united by a common interest or goal, with a theme that cannot be grouped under one of the existing categories.

Sports clubs

Organizations that promote & develop an interest in a particular sport or physical activity. Club's focus may be recreational, instructional, competitive, or combination of these types of activities based on its constitution. These organizations are overseen by the Rec Sports Director in the Recreation Sports Office.

Student Media and Publication

Organizations that engage students in opportunities to interact with campus media outlets and publications.

Visual, Performing Arts & Music

Organizations that provide opportunities for students to explore artistic endeavors. 

***Combat/simulated war-games/martial art-style clubs are NOT permitted.

The Associated Students and Humboldt State University 

The Associated Students of Humboldt State University was formed by students for the purpose of representing collective student interest in the governance of the University and the CSU System. A.S. has grown since it's incorporation in 1990 to support 24  student-directed programs and student-centered services which augment and enhance the quality of student life at HSU. Programs and areas funded by A.S. include: Marching Lumberjacks [MLJs], Campus Center for Appropriate Technology [CCAT], Eric Rofes Queer Multicultural Resource Center Multicultural Center [ERC], Waste Reduction & Resource Awareness Program [WRRAP], Youth Educational Services [Y.E.S], Womxn’s Resource Center [WRC], Clubs & Activities, Drop-In Recreation, Student Governance, and more! Through the collaborative efforts of student leaders and campus partners, the Associated Students works to advocate the student perspective and allocate to student services to create institutional change through the lenses of equity, empowerment and overall well-being.  

For more information about Associated Students and AS Funded Student Organizations, please visit: associatedstudents.humboldt.edu