Policies, Rules and Regulations

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.

Other Policies

Alcohol Policy:
The serving of alcohol at campus events is restricted to special events and is open only to the membership of the sponsoring organization and its invited guests. Alcohol may not be served at events open to the public. Approval to serve alcohol must be granted by the Vice President for Student Affairs in accordance with Humboldt State University “Management Letter 96-6.” Copies of this alcohol policy may be obtained in the Vice President’s Office, Nelson Hall East, Room 216. Approval to serve alcohol may be granted under the following conditions:

  • The serving of alcohol is deemed appropriate by the Vice President for the club’s event.
  • Food and snacks and non-alcoholic beverages are provided for those attending.
  • Acceptance of responsibility for any damages incurred during the activity.
  • Cleaning and restoring the facility to its condition prior to the activity.
  • Maintenance of decorum appropriate to the university setting.
  • Approval of the Building/Facility Coordinator.
  • Proof that those drinking alcohol are at least twenty-one years of age as determined by valid identification such as a driver’s license with photograph.

Failure to abide by the conditions and stipulations outlined in “Management Letter 96-6” can result in club suspension, civil action, criminal action and/or University judicial
action being brought against the club, individual members and/or the advisor. Please direct any questions about the alcohol policy to the Clubs Coordinator in advance of the event. Claiming a function or event is “not sponsored by the club” or not putting the club name on flyers advertising the event does not necessarily remove the organization from responsibility to this policy.

Anti-Discrimination Policy:
Discrimination is not tolerated by Humboldt State University. All clubs must include in their constitution:
“Membership in the organization will not be denied to anyone on the basis of race, religion, national origin, age, sex, disability, veteran’s status, or sexual orientation, except as sanction by law (California Administrative Code, Title 5, Section 41500; Education Amendments of 1972, Title IX).”

Additionally, every HSU recognized student organization will need to reaffirm their commitment to our anti-discrimination policy on an annually basis through space provided on the HSU club contact card.

Hazing and Initiation Policy:
Abusive behavior toward, or hazing of, a member of the campus community is forbidden and is a violation of state law and university regulations. Hazing includes “any method of initiation or pre-initiation into a student organization, or any pastime or amusement engaged in with respect to such an organization which causes, or is likely to cause, bodily danger, physical harm or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm” to any student or member of the campus regardless of location, intent, or consent of the participants.

Joining an on-campus organization should be a positive experience. Initiation rituals should focus upon the positive aspects of both the organization and the individual. Participation in a hazing practice will result in both individual and organizational disciplinary action, including possible expulsion. Commission of hazing is also a misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and up to a $5,000 fine. Disciplinary action will also be instituted against organizational officers that permit hazing to occur within their own organization.

Examples of prohibited hazing activities include but are not limited to:

  • Paddling, shoving, or otherwise striking individuals.
  • Compelling individuals to consume alcohol or drugs.
  • Compelling individuals to eat or drink foreign or unusual substances, or compelling the consumption of undue amounts of food.
  • Having substances thrown at, poured, on or otherwise applied to the bodies of individuals.
  • Morally degrading or humiliating games, or any other activities that make the individual the object of ridicule.
  • Transporting individuals against their will, abandoning individuals at distant locations, conducting a kidnap or engaging in any “road trip” or “ditch” that might in any way endanger or compromise the health, safety, or comfort of any individual.
  • Causing an individual to be indecently exposed or violating accepted social customs in regards to sex and relations between the sexes.
  • Activities that require a person to remain in a fixed position for a long period of time.
  • “Line-ups” involving intense demeaning intimidation or interrogation, such as shouting obscenities or insults.
  • Assigning activities such as pranks or scavenger hunts that compel a person to deface property, engage in theft, or harass other individuals or organizations.
  • Tests of courage, bravery, or stamina.
  • Compelling individuals to wear or carry unusual, uncomfortable, degrading, or physically burdensome articles or apparel.

Any activity as described above upon which the initiation or admission into, or affiliation with the organization is directly or indirectly conditioned, or which occurs during a pre-initiation or initiation activity shall be presumed to be “compelled” activity, the willingness of an individual to participate in such an activity notwithstanding.

Filing of Formal Complaint Against Student Club(s)
Complaints regarding alleged violations of the responsibilities by a student club(s) should be directed to the Office of Student Life. Complaints must be submitted in writing within sixty calendar days of the alleged infraction and include a specific, detailed description of the grounds of the complaint including names, dates, places, times and other information necessary for complete understanding. A complaint is not necessary for the Coordinator to determine that charges should be initiated.

Summary of Disciplinary Proceedings as Outlined in Responsibilities and Privileges of a University Recognized Club (For a more complete and detailed description of the proceedings, please see Responsibilities and Privileges of a University Recognized Club.

  • Step 1: A complaint is filed with or information is obtained from the Clubs and Activities Coordinator
  • Step 2: The Clubs and Activities Coordinator (or designee) conducts an investigation.
  • Step 3: The Clubs and Activities Coordinator (or designee) may hold a conference with the officers of the club(s) charged. If a resolution is reached during the conference and the club(s) charged accepts the recommended sanction stated in the conference, the resolution and recommended sanction are put in writing, signed by the club(s), and approved by the Director of New Student Programs. This ends the proceedings. If a resolution is not reached during the conference, proceed to Step 4.
  • Step 4: A formal hearing is held and conducted according to the following:
    1. The Vice President for Student Affairs appoints a campus official(s) to serve as a formal hearing officer(s).
    2. The Director for Student Life sends the club(s) a Notice of Hearing.
    3. Hearings are closed to all persons other than the person(s) conducting the hearing, the officers of the club(s) charged, the Clubs & Activities Coordinator, the club(s) advisor, and the witnesses while they are testifying.
    4. Club(s) and the University may not be represented by attorneys during the hearing process.
    5. The Club Hearing Officer may ask questions of the representative(s) and allow for presentations to be made.
    6. The Club Hearing Officer submits his or her recommendations to the Vice President for Student Affairs.
    7. After reviewing the Club Hearing Officer’s recommendation, the Vice President for Student Affairs makes the final decision regarding disciplinary action.
    8. The Vice President for Student Affairs notifies the club(s) charged of his or her decision.

Suspension of any organizations will result in the organization:

  1. Receiving a written letter as part of the organization’s file.
  2. Losing all access to University facilities, equipment, programs and other privileges for a defined period of time.
  3. Loss of all privileges to participate in University events or events utilizing University resources for a defined period of time.
  4. Loss of privilege to use the University’s name.

Revocation of Recognition means the University retracts its recognition of the organization resulting in the loss of all University rights and privileges on a permanent basis.