Furman University

Student organization policies

Societies, clubs or similar organized groups in or recognized by the university are subject to the same standards as are individuals in the academic community. The commission of any of the offenses listed within the Student Handbook by such groups or the knowing failure of any organized group to exercise measures to prevent violations of the regulations by their members shall constitute a group offense. The officers of any student organization shall be held accountable by the university for the group's behavior.

Alcohol Allocation procedure for student government money Facility reservation and use Hazing Liability Member accountability Membership in governing councils	Off-campus property Posting of signs and banners Recognition of student groups Replacement meals Student media Student organization solicitation Violation of federal, state or local law

Alcohol

1. All student organization activities must conform to the Student Conduct Code regarding alcoholic beverages.
2. Student organizations hosting social functions where alcohol is served or available must abide by all university regulations and applicable laws. Consumption of alcoholic beverages by students 21 and over will be permitted for university approved catered or special group events at the following on campus facilities:
   • Cherrydale Alumni House
   • Timmons Arena
   • Furman University Golf Course
   • Younts Conference Center
   • David E. Shi Center for Sustainability in Cliff's Cottage
   • The Vinings Clubhouse
3. No university funds, including those raised by a student organization, may be used either directly or indirectly for the purchase of alcoholic beverages.
4. No student organization shall sell alcoholic beverages.
5. At any event sponsored by a student organization involving alcoholic beverages, that student organization is responsible for verification of the ages of guests and will be held responsible for ensuring that any alcoholic beverages are legally dispensed.
6. At an event sponsored by a student organization involving alcoholic beverages, the cost of the alcoholic beverages may not be included in any admission, meal, or entertainment charge.
7. No student organization shall collect a cover charge, donation, or admission fee, which entitles a guest to alcoholic beverages, utilize alcoholic beverages as contest prizes., participate in any activity or promotion with an establishment whose primary business function is the selling of alcoholic beverages or enter into an agreement with said establishment with regard to the sale or distribution of alcoholic beverages. This shall include, but is not limited to, any of the following arrangements:
   • The student organization sells or otherwise shares a profit from the sale of alcohol or serves as a cosponsor of an event involving alcohol with an establishment whose primary business is the selling of alcoholic beverages.
   • The student organization advertises or distributes advertising for programs or activities sponsored by an establishment whose primary business function is the selling of alcoholic beverages.
   • The student organization receives free or discounted room rental rates or other goods or services in exchange for holding an event with alcohol or meeting a bar receipt minimum.
8. Any advertisement distributed or posted on campus shall contain no reference to alcoholic beverages.

Allocation procedure for student government money

The allocation of all monies collected in the Student Government Fee is the final responsibility of the President of the university. The recommendations on allocations of monies to student organizations are initiated by the Student Government Association (SGA). Any recognized student organization may request allocations by presenting a written request and justification to SGA. Final budget recommendations are then submitted to the Vice President for Student Life for approval.

Facility reservation and use

University facilities may be scheduled only by recognized student organizations.

Hazing

Furman University prohibits hazing in any form. Any activities that tend to occasion or allow unreasonable physical or mental suffering are strictly prohibited by the university. In this regard, the university defines hazing as any action taken, or situation created, intentionally, whether on or off university premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, ridicule or suffering. Such actions and situations include paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shocks; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips or any other such activities; wearing publicly apparel that is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; morally degrading or humiliating games and activities; late work sessions that interfere with scholastic activities; and any other activities not consistent with the rules and regulations of Furman University. If any violations occur, an investigation by the Student Life Office will determine if a group is responsible for the allegations. Any organization found guilty of hazing will be placed on probation or withdrawn from the university.

Liability

Furman University assumes no liability for a group's actions on or off campus.

Member accountability

A student organization shall accept responsibility for a member's behavior when:

1. he/she is acting as a member of the organization, with or without official sanction, rather than as an individual student;
2. an event is held, officially or unofficially, in the name of the organization;
3. the association between, or the action of the individual(s) is under such circumstances which draw attention to the organization rather than to themselves as individuals.

The liability of an organization for the behavior of its members and guests shall extend to responsibility for making certain that members do not violate federal, state and local laws, as well as university regulations, in their association with the organization.

Membership in governing councils

1. All men's and women's fraternities and sororities must be functioning members of the university's governing bodies for fraternities and sororities (i.e. Furman Panhellenic and Inter Fraternity Council).
2. All organized religious organizations must be functioning members of the university's governing body for religious organizations (i.e. Religious Council).
3. All organized sports club organizations must be functioning members of the university's governing body for sports club teams (i.e. Recreational Sports Council).

Off-campus property

Students are expected to abide by the Off-Campus Conduct policy (see Student Conduct Code). When complaints are received regarding off campus property which may be identified as a venue used by members of any student group, all or part of the following protocol may be enacted:

If the group involved is chartered by a national organization and recognized by Furman University, a letter will be forwarded to the national office. The letter would outline the cited complaints, would delineate Furman's concerns and would also state Furman's response to these complaints. The above response could include all or part of the following:

• A probationary term of not less than three months
• Withdrawal of university recognition
• Revocation of charter
• Restitution

In addition the university may arrange a meeting with representatives of the local law enforcement authorities, Student Life, University Police and the complainant to discuss the complaints and/or possible resolutions.

Posting of signs and banners

The university recognizes the need for registered student groups and other university sanctioned organizations and individuals to communicate their activities, services, and ideas to the campus community, as well as the need to provide a visually pleasing and organized setting for the campus community to receive such communication.

Only enrolled students and registered student organizations may post signs or banners on campus as well as campus departments. All items to be posted must have the name of the individual student or registered student organization and/or department clearly identified as the sponsor, or the words “sponsored by (name of organization)” on each item.

The university retains the right to deny posting of any materials on campus. Questions about any part of this policy should be referred to the Office of Student Life.

The following guidelines are intended to outline the procedures by which such organizations and individuals can display and promote campus-related events and programs.

1. Reference to alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, or any other illegal activities in text, graphic or any other form is prohibited. 
2. Individuals or groups found damaging or tampering with another group’s publicity prior to an event’s occurrence, for any reason, unless otherwise instructed to remove the publicity, will potentially lose the privilege of posting publicity through that medium in the future and may be charged with a student conduct violation.
3. Materials should not overlap or conceal other items. Persons who post are asked to be considerate of others who have posted. Posting is on a first-come, first-served basis, and is dependent upon space limitations. 
4. Signs may be posted on bulletin boards in any academic building. Signs will otherwise be removed. 
5. Signs cannot be posted on exterior doors, windows, floors or painted surfaces. 
6. Signs or flyers posted in the Trone Student Center must be approved and stamped at the TSC information desk before hanging. 
7. Signs or flyers posted in campus housing must be approved by the Associate Director of Residence Life before being posted. These flyers may only be hung on gripper strips or bulletin boards not being used by RAs. 
8. All signs should be removed by the originating party within 24 hours after the event has concluded. 
9. Posting of signs or banners in the dining hall is available at the banner area and the bulletin boards at the entrance of the dining hall. All signs and banners will be taken down for special events at the manager's discretion. Additional regulations include the following: 
   • No on table promotions are allowed in any Dining Services operations except for Dining Services events. 
   • Informational flyers may be posted on the bulletin boards located at the entrances to the dining hall. 
   • Banners may not be any longer than floor level of the dining hall mezzanine. 
   • Banners may not be hung on railings. 
   • All banners must be dated, indicating the day the banner is hung. Banners will be removed after 7 days. If an individual and/or group wishes to keep the banner, it is the responsibility of the individual and/or group to return to the Dining Hall within the 7 day time period to take down the banner. Writing “do not move” on the banner does not grant the banner permanent residence. 
   • Dining Services is not responsible for hanging banners or deciding which banners are hung in which spot. 
   • Dining Services is not responsible for any lost or stolen banners. 
   • When setting up or removing a banner, all trash must be cleaned up by individual and/or group.

Violation of the Posting Policy may result in the removal of the items. Additionally, sponsoring individuals and/or organizations may be subject to follow-up with the Vice President for Student Life and/or designee. Responsibility for interpreting the university Posting Policy shall reside with the Vice President for Student Life and/or designee.

Recognition of student groups

The recognition process for a student organization is as follows:

1. The organizations must present to the Student Government Association (SGA) Advisor:
   • A constitution in the following form submitted by at least five charter members:
     • Name of organization
     • Purpose of the organization
     • Eligibility for membership
     • Description of the duties of each officer
     • Schedule of meetings
     • Description of committees and their functions
     • Provisions for recall
     • Provisions for amendments to the constitution
   • Name, address and phone number of university faculty or staff advisor as well as the list of charter members.
   • The membership drive for new organizations shall be conducted by the charter members who provide leadership until the election of officers.
2. The constitution, after being approved by the SGA Advisor, is submitted to the Student Government Association’s Vice President for Operations for study and revision. It is then presented to SGA and receives one reading.
3. Request for funds by organizations is made to the Finance Committee of SGA. Approval of a constitution does not guarantee funding through the  Student Government Association.
4. Student organizations must register each year with the Student Government Association and with the Trone Student Center through OrgSync.

Replacement meals

Student organization picnics/cookouts used as replacement meals for students on a meal plan may only be authorized by the Director of Dining Services. Student organization leaders planning group events need to be aware of this information.

• Only a standard menu (cooked hamburgers and hotdogs) is available.
• A written request has to be prepared seven days prior to the event with meal plan ID numbers.
• Recognized organizations in existence for 12 months or more are eligible for one picnic meal per school year.
• Contact the catering department to book the function.

Because of the transitory nature of some student groups, the following are not eligible for this program:

• Individual classes
• Intramural teams

When students without meal plans are included, the sponsoring organization will pay for their meals according to the current meal ticket fee.

Student media

All student media will operate under the Constitution of the Board of Student Communications.

Student organization solicitation

Solicitation, defined as approaching someone with a request or plea, is not allowed on campus without prior written approval. No individuals or groups will be given permission to solicit on a door-to-door basis. After the appropriate permissions are obtained, the designated building facilitator will assist Furman groups who wish to set up tables in high-traffic areas.

Violation of federal, state or local law

Alleged violation of any federal, state or local law can be adjudicated as a university violation and can subject the organization or the individuals affiliated with the organization or event to university student conduct sanctions, as well as appropriate criminal or civil action.

The Vice President for Student Life reserves the right to not recognize or to revoke any organization charter when it is deemed that the organization's goals are not compatible with the overall mission of Furman University.