Student Organizations

2.33 | Student Organizations

2.33.A | Student organization leaders must meet minimum requirements, as outlined herein, in order to maintain the recognition of their student organizations. Should they fail to meet these requirements, a student leader will be ineligible to hold an office in the student organization.

2.33.B | The Office of Student Engagement and Leaders (OSEL) acknowledges that self-governing student organizations contribute significantly to the educational, social, and personal development of students, as well as the vibrant culture of the institution. The University further recognizes the students may freely establish and participate in these organizations within the context of local, state, and federal law, as well as University rules outlined in the WTAMU Student Handbook. In order to receive and retain official recognition, student organizations must be granted approval by OSEL and must meet annual requirements. Privileges associated with the status of being officially recognized by the University include the use of University name, logos, and trademarks. To be recognized and/or maintain their recognized status, student organizations must:

1. Have an approved faculty or staff advisor, employed at a level consistent with the categorization of the organization and committed to upholding the expectations of an advisor as defined in the Student Organization Handbook.
2. Annually renew their recognition with OSEL. An organization's annual recognition cycle should begin in the month that the organization elects to selects leadership, as defined by the organization's constitution. Each organization must provide: contact information of all advisors and offices of the group; an up-to-date profile of the student organization; and a current constitution and by-laws that comply with the provisions outlined in the Student Organization Handbook. Student leader and advisor trainings must also be completed during the renewal period. West Texas A&M may identify required enhanced expectations for organizations with a specialized/higher degree of risk or affiliation with the University.
3. A student organization must maintain a name and mission that distinguishes it from other existing organizations. Organizations may not be formed for the purpose of participation in illegal activities.

2.33.C | Student selected, elected, or appointed as officers in officially recognized student organizations shall:

1. Be in good standing with the University and enrolled:
   1. At least half time (six or more credits), if an undergraduate or first professional student (unless fewer credits are required to graduate in the spring and fall semesters) during the term of office.
   2. At least half time (five or more credits), if a graduate level student (unless fewer credits are required in the final stages of their degree) during their term in office.
2. Student organizations and their advisors are responsible for compliance with the WTAMU Student Handbook and local, state, and federal laws, as well as expectations and additional guidelines outlined in the Student Organization Handbook.
3. More information and guidelines concerning recognized student organizations are available in the Student Organization Handbook.
4. Actions of recognized student organizations are subject to review. Failure to abide by the WTAMU Student Handbook may result in organizational disciplinary hearings by the Student Organization Accountability Board. Sanctions may range from a warning to revocation of recognition privileges. Disciplinary procedures are outlined in the Student Conduct section of the WTAMU Student Handbook. 
5. Individuals who are not a student of West Texas A&M University are ineligible for membership and may not participate in regular activities of the recognized student organization.

2.33.D | All organization will be held to the Student Handbook as well as guidelines given by the OSEL.