Starting/reactivating a new organization

Forming a New Organization on Campus

Any group of students desiring to establish a new organization on campus must follow the procedure outlined below to gain official recognition and access to University facilities:

1.   Petition the Student Government Association (SGA) for formal recognition.

2.   Provide the Director of Student Life, SGA President, Chairperson of the Student Affairs Committee and the Vice President for Student Affairs one copy of its proposed Constitution or Statement of Purpose.

3.   Submit a list of charter members with Constitution at time of petition.

4.   Present a letter of acceptance from a University faculty or staff member indicating his/her willingness to serve as advisor to the organization being formed.

5.   Any group desirous of obtaining Registered Student Organization (RSO) status must have a charter membership of no less than six members at the time of application.  Once an RSO, the group must maintain an active membership of no less than five members in order to retain its RSO status and remain eligible to receive financial consideration from the Student Government Association.  A new organization is usually sanctioned by the University when it receives the approval of the SGA, the University Student Affairs Committee, and the Vice President for Student Affairs. 

6.   Any RSO that falls below the criterion of five members will be granted an extension of one semester to regain the required membership of five members in good standing.  The acquiring of new members must be done by the approved method set forth in the RSO’s constitution.

Generally, a new organization must comply with the following:

A.  Should not duplicate offerings of currently existing approved organizations on campus; and

B.   Must complement and be related to the basic goals and objectives of the University.

Advisors to Student Clubs, Associations and Organizations

All organizations must have two advisors chosen by the group members, except in the case of certain University-funded groups which are appointed advisors by the Vice President for Student Affairs. Faculty members, staff members or administrators may assume advisory roles on a voluntary basis. Spouses of faculty, staff and administrators as well as other persons who work closely with the University may also be eligible to serve as advisors.

Organizations requesting an advisor who is not an employee of the University must receive the approval of the Director of Student Life.

Responsibilities of advisors to campus organizations at approved activities on University property are as follows:

1.   To monitor the behavior of all persons attending an approved social activity. If the activity is held indoors, a pre-activity check and final check of the area before closing must be completed to insure that the premises have not been damaged.  Improper behavior among participants during the activity should be properly addressed.

2.   To enforce University regulations by using campus security officers or local law officials if necessary.

3.   To provide assistance in case of an emergency.

4.   To work cooperatively with students in exploring and developing their leadership and human potential.  The advisor has final approval over all decisions or any decision which has the potential to threaten the safety and security of the University community.

5.   There must always be two advisors at any function hosted by an organization.  One advisor at the front table to check I.D.’s (either University or Missouri State ID’s).  Lincoln University has the right to refuse admittance to anyone at a function held on the University’s premises.

Activities judged unsatisfactory will result in the elimination of the privilege of sponsoring social affairs for the remainder of the semester and/or the remainder of the school year as deemed appropriate by the Vice President for Student Affairs.