Officers and Advisers of student organizations are expected to take an active role in the choices their organization makes while on- and off-campus. It is also expected that all individuals involved in a student organization know University policies and Center for Student Involvement guidelines. If a student organization leader feels the group is participating in or exhibiting behavior that is inappropriate, it is in the best interest of the organization for the leader/adviser to intervene, knowing you are fully supported. You are also encouraged to seek assistance from the Center for Student Involvement staff.
Officer Conduct Expectation
While holding a leadership position is important to the overall development of the student, students are here for academics and student leaders are expected to maintain good standing with the University.
- Student Leaders must maintain a cumulative 2.5 GPA or higher.
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In accordance with the Student Standards of Behavior and Code of Conduct, all students serving as an elected or appointed officer/leader must be in good disciplinary standing with the University to hold and/or maintain their office. This means:
- "A student on Probation is not in good disciplinary standing with the University. A student on Probation is not permitted to serve in select leadership positions in student organizations, as defined in the Student Organizations Resource Guide and is required to notify the president and/or advisor of the organization regarding their ineligibility to serve. Nor can a student on Probation participate in the recruitment/pledge/initiation process of any fraternity or sorority. Students may experience additional restrictions and loss of privileges from varying programs and events, as specified in the policies of such activities." - Student Standards of Behavior and Code of Conduct
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The definition of a leadership position as it relates to this policy is as follows:
- Elected or Appointed Officers: Roles such as President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Social Chair, Risk Management Chair, Recruitment Chair, and Committee Chairs.
- Functional Representatives: Any student member who holds a title that involves managing organizational finances, recruitment or development of new members, planning/authorizing events, representing the organization to the University or external partners, or exercising administrative authority over members or group operations.
- Because title structures vary by organization, the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) reserves the right to make the ultimate determination as to whether a specific role meets the definition of an officer or leadership position under this policy.
- Students who are required to step down from leadership positions within a student organization will not be permitted to reserve campus meeting spaces, plan events in 1850, or attend risk management meetings related to high-risk events. These students should not serve in a volunteer capacity related to new-member education or orientation. Additional restrictions may apply.
Process for Officer Removal due to Ineligibility
- Self Notification: If an officer enters disciplinary probation or falls below the academic threshold, it is the student's responsibility to notify their organization President and/or Faculty/Staff Adviser immediately regarding their ineligibility. Students are not required to disclose the specific reason for their ineligibility / stepping down when stepping down from their position.
- Monitoring: The Center for Student Involvement (CSI) is notified when students become ineligible to hold student organization office due to disciplinary probation. CSI also conducts periodic GPA checks to verify eligibility. Student leaders who fall below the eligibility requirements will be notified of their ineligibility and must step down from their position until their GPA meets the requirement.
- Failure to Comply: Failure to self-notify and step down upon becoming ineligible may result in further violations of the University Student Standards of Behavior and Code of Conduct, which will be referred to the Office of Community Standards and Student Conduct.
- Vacancy Management: Organizations must follow their constitution to fill vacant officer positions resulting from academic or disciplinary ineligibility, updating their official roster in 1850 as soon as the leadership transition occurs.