Forming a club can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your college years but it can also be a ton of work. Find out how to maintain your recognized club status so your club can continue to enjoy the privileges and benefits that come with being a recognized club.
Many clubs choose to hold events off campus such as pancake breakfasts, banquets, fundraising events, etc. Facilities often used include the Arcata Veterans Hall, the Bayside Grange, Celebration Hall and the Arcata Community Center. If a club wants to sponsor an event at an off-campus facility they will be asked by the facility for a “Statement of Insurance” from the University. To get this “Statement of Insurance” stop by the Clubs Office at least two weeks prior to the event to fill out the appropriate request. Insurance will not be given for events where alcohol will be present. Requests presented without two weeks notice will not be considered.
It is critical that clubs understand that all campus policies apply to events sponsored off campus. This includes “unofficial” events sponsored off campus. Clubs and individual club members face possible university judicial action as well as criminal and civil actions for events that violate university policies and/or state/local/federal laws. An event does not have to be approved by or presented to the Clubs and Activities Office to be considered a club event or activity. The university considers an event to be the responsibility of a club if there has been any printed publicity including the club name or if there has been any verbal representation that a club is sponsoring an event. In addition, if a “reasonable participant” could consider the event to be sponsored by a club or organization, the university and/or a jury could also consider the event to be sponsored by that club. (i.e. An underage student who returns to campus indicates to UPD that they were at a Underwater Basket Weaving Club party and were served “jungle juice.” If, upon investigation, the university discovered that there was a party where the majority of participants were from the club and people had indicated it was an Underwater Basket Weaving party, the club would face judicial action that could include probation and/or suspension. In addition, individuals responsible for purchasing and serving the alcohol could also face individual university judicial action through the Office of Student Affairs which could include probation, suspension, or even expulsion from the entire CSU system.) For more information, please consult the Alcohol Policy.
Simply winking and saying “this is not an official Underwater Basket Weaving party” does not absolve clubs from responsibility for following the rules. Clubs are also responsible to monitor the actions and behavior of their guests. If a member or guest brings a 12 pack to your BBQ on Mad River Beach, it is the clubs responsibility to make certain that the alcohol is not allowed to remain at the event.