Campus Administrative Policies: Chapter 620
Student Organizations

620 Student Organizations.

For purposes of this policy, student organizations include the campus student body organization and any university student clubs and independent student organizations that have been officially recognized by California Polytechnic State University (the "University" or "Cal Poly").

University student clubs are organized student activities that function as part of the University under the administration of the Vice President for Student Affairs. University student clubs may not operate independently of the University.

By definition, the student body organization, university student clubs, and independent student organizations are mutually exclusive.

620.1 Recognition of Student Organizations.

The University shall establish procedures for the granting, suspension and rescission of official recognition of university student clubs and for any official acts of dissolution.

621 Minimum Requirements for Student Organizations.

All university student clubs and the student body organization shall support the mission of the University.

Each university student club shall have an advisor who will be an employee of the University in good standing.

623 University Student Clubs.

University student clubs engage in extra-curricular activities of the University that:

  1. Are under the administration of the Vice President for Student Affairs and/or designated University personnel, and
  2. Are conducted by Cal Poly students under University guidance and approval, and
  3. Promote Cal Poly students’ knowledge about common interests, and
  4. Promote the social and cultural development of Cal Poly students, and/or enhance the academic career of Cal Poly student members.

University student clubs shall:

  1. Strive to be exemplars of student behavior.
  2. Strive to enhance the University mission.
  3. Strive to project a positive public image of the club and the University.
  4. Create beneficial opportunities for personal and professional development of Cal Poly students.
  5. Engage only in activities allowed in the club charter.
  6. Deposit funds collected by the club exclusively in depositary accounts approved by the University.

University student clubs shall not:

  1. Supplant the purposes of any other University program, project, or department.
  2. Be independent legal or business entities.
  3. Be parties to any agreements other than the club charter.
  4. Act independently of the University.
  5. Engage in or promote activities that endanger or harm the health and safety of any persons or that endanger or harm University facilities and assets.
  6. Engage in or promote activities not allowed in the club charter or otherwise prohibited by the University.
  7. Use funds collected by the club for purposes that inure to the personal benefit of any member of the club or to any other person or entity.
  8. Engage in commercial for-profit activities.
  9. Endorse any commercial products or services.

623.1 University Student Clubs – Recognition, Privileges, and Dissolution.

The University shall establish procedures for the official recognition, operation, and dissolution of a university student club. The official notice of University recognition of university student clubs shall be known as the club charter.

A student organization may petition the University for official recognition as a university student club upon a full disclosure of proposed club activities and upon declaring the intent to comply with the language and spirit of this policy and of the club charter. Such official recognition shall remain in effect for no more than one academic year. Previously recognized clubs in good standing may petition for recognition in subsequent academic years.

The University shall establish procedures for pre-evaluation of the risks associated with any proposed club charter and/or activities; and for providing appropriate risk management and insurance measures. Student clubs may be required to provide funds for all or part of the cost of insurance or other risk management expenses.

The University shall establish procedures for dissolution and winding-up of the accounts of any university student club with an expired club charter or after any other official act of termination. Upon dissolution, all assets of university student clubs will become the property of the University. Such assets shall not be contributed to any third party and shall be used to support University student life and leadership programs.

University student clubs, upon being duly recognized by the University and by remaining in good-standing, may:

  1. Use the Cal Poly name and symbols under the guidance of University officials.
  2. Request to use University facilities under terms and conditions comparable to other non-instructional University programs.
  3. Collect and deposit club membership dues and gifts under the guidance of University officials.
  4. Utilize monies collected by the club solely for lawful club activities under the guidance of University officials.