Student organizations can be recognized by the following groups:
- Undergraduate Student Government
- Undergraduate Diversity Collaborative
- Graduate Student Council
- Interfraternity Congress/Panhellenic Council (Greek chapters)
- Physical Education & Athletics (club sports)
- University Media Board
- Professional schools or their affiliated governing boards:
- Other campus departments
The primary purpose of recognition is to permit organizations to use the university's name, to use university facilities, apply for funding through their recognizing org, and other privileges.
Recognition Status and Standing
Student organization benefits are granted on the basis of recognition status and standing.
Recognition Status
Guidelines and requirements vary by recognizing group, but recognition generally extends for one fiscal year and must be renewed annually (see Student Group Re-Registration).
Informal student groups may exist and operate with no intention of becoming recognized, but will not be able to access most benefits.
Student groups that are in the process of becoming recognized may be able to access additional benefits through the organization they are seeking recognition from. At minimum, they will need to have submitted a Group Maintenance Request (GMR) through CampusGroups, and completed any other initial requirements set by the recognizing organization.
Recognized student groups have successfully completed the recognition process and have full access to student organization benefits, as long as they are active (or have been inactive for less than one semester) and maintain compliance with their recognizing organization’s requirements.
Inactive student groups, defined as groups that have been inactive for more than one semester, are not considered recognized and must submit a GMR request if they wish to revive the group. The requirements and timeline for reviving an inactive group may vary by recognizing organization.
Standing
All student groups, regardless of recognition status, must be in good standing with the university in order to maintain access to the benefits their recognition standing would otherwise grant.
Student Conduct and Community Standards may determine a group is not in good standing, but reserves the right to tailor discipline commensurate with the violation(s). It may revoke only certain benefits, while permitting the group to retain others and stay in good standing.
Student Organization Benefits
Space Reservations
Recognized student groups can independently reserve meeting and event space in the Spartan Reservation System for free or at discounted rates, depending on the space, length of the event, and services requested.
Student groups in the recognition process can contact their recognizing organization for assistance reserving space.
Informal and inactive student groups cannot access this benefit.
CampusGroups and Public Websites
Recognized student groups have their own presence (group page) on the CWRU CampusGroups platform to host events, collect money, manage their budget, organize their officers and members, and publish a public website. They are listed on the CampusGroups directory under their recognizing organization.
Informal groups cannot have a group page, but leaders and members can use CampusGroups tools available to individual users.
Inactive groups cannot access their group page or be listed on the directory.
Student Activity Fee Funding
CWRU students pay a student activity fee every fall and spring semester. Recognized student groups in good standing may apply for and receive funding through their umbrella organization according to the guidelines set forth by their recognizing organization.
Use of the University Name and Logo
Recognized student groups in good standing receive permission from the University to use its name and trademarked logos in strict accordance with all applicable policies, standards, and the university's visual brand identity. Modifications of the university logo are never permitted. However, organizations requesting use of the university name or logos outside the university's official brand guidelines must submit requests to University Marketing and Communications at brand@case.edu for approval at least 4 weeks in advance.
Recognizing Organization Support
Student groups are not approved by Student Affairs, but rather, by the applicable Umbrella Group (USG, UDC, Media Board, Athletics, etc.) which can assist a recognized student group in its goal to be recognized and its operations.
Tabling
Recognized student groups and in good standing have the ability to table at certain spaces across the University. Reservations are made through the Spartan Reservation System.
Note: Groups formally in the recognition process (have submitted a Group Maintenance Form and have met with the recognizing organization) may request to table through the recognizing organization for recruitment purposes.
Please review the tabling policy.
Faculty Advisor
All recognized organizations in good standing have a professional faculty or staff member advisor. The advisor provides resources and guidance to support the success of each organization.
Posting/Spirit/Advocacy Wall
All groups in good standing, both those recognized and informal, are permitted to post on campus and paint the Spirit and Advocacy Wall.
University Resources
Student groups may utilize certain University resources such as Procurement for group transactions and University insurance coverage in certain circumstances
View a chart detailing these benefits.
Student Executive Council
The eight boards of the undergraduate student body convene to form the Student Executive Council (SEC), which has two subunits: The Student Presidents' Roundtable (SPR) and the Allocations Committee (AC). The eight boards are:
- Class Officer Collective (COC)
- Interfraternity Congress (IFC)
- Panhellenic Council (PHC)
- Residence Hall Association (RHA)
- Undergraduate Diversity Collaborative (UDC)
- University Media Board (UMB)
- University Program Board (UPB)
- Undergraduate Student Government (USG)