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.

Club Privileges

Recognition of a university club is a privilege, not a right. This privilege carries with it certain responsibilities. Club members are obligated to conduct themselves in a manner that is a credit to themselves, their fellow club members, advisors and the University. Failure to uphold these responsibilities may result in the temporary or permanent loss of recognition and accompanying privileges. Lesser sanctions, such as community service and reimbursement for damages, may also be imposed.

Once your club is recognized it may enjoy a variety of privileges. These include:

  • The use of Humboldt State University’s name in association with your club.
  • The ability to conduct fundraising activities on campus.
  • The use of campus facilities and club equipment.
  • The right to participate in such campus activities as the Clubs & Activities Fair, Homecoming, The Clubs Office Holiday Craft Sale, the Preview Fair and the Sustainable Living, Arts & Music Festival.

The steps to becoming a recognized campus club differ based on the type of organization you want to start. Most clubs are recognized by the Clubs Coordinator upon recommendation by the Club Coordinating Council. However, sport clubs are recognized by the Clubs Coordinator upon approval of the Intramural Office; fraternities and sororities are recognized by the Clubs Coordinator upon recommendation of the Greek Council. Information about how to start a club and club recognition procedures may be picked up at the Clubs Office.

Club Responsibilities

  1. Appointment of a university faculty or staff advisor (see section on Faculty and Staff Advisors).
  2. Adherence to all university rules and regulations, including those pertaining to hazing, alcohol, publicity, posting, sale of food and merchandise, drawings, use of campus equipment and dances.
  3. Compliance with the club’s own constitution and by-laws; and, when applicable, constitutions and by-laws of affiliated national organizations.
  4. Avoidance of activities that pose undue risk to the safety of individuals or which create liability for the club and the University.
  5. Avoidance of any act of dishonesty, breach of law or University regulation, or any public or private act that brings discredit to the University.
  6. In order to maintain University recognition clubs must submit an updated Club Contact Card to the Clubs Office at the beginning of each academic year (these will be placed in the club mailboxes at the beginning of the fall semester). Return the card to the Clubs Office within 30 days of the start of the semester. It is important to get the card on file even if the officers have not yet been elected, as their names can always be added later (so long as they fulfill the academic requirements for student officers outlined in #7). Failure to submit this card will result in the club being declared inactive. Once declared inactive, the club must repeat the entire club recognition process to regain active status.
  7. Academic Requirements for Student Officers: Students desiring to hold a leadership role for their club (President and Treasurer) must submit an unofficial HSU academic transcript along with their Clubs Contact Card. Transcripts will be evaluated to make sure that they comply with the CSU minimum requirements for Minor Student Representative Student Officers. The requirements are:
    1. Students must be matriculated, enrolled at HSU and maintain a minimum overall GPA of 2.0, be in good standing, and cannot be on any type of probation.
    2. Students holding office must be enrolled in at least 6 units (Graduate students 3 units).
    3. Undergraduates are allowed to earn a maximum of 150 semester units and hold office (Graduate/Credential 50 units). In order to determine eligibility for office your President and Treasurer must submit an unofficial HSU transcript to the Clubs & Activities office with their Club Contact Card.
  8. A club may be held accountable for the actions of its members if the behavior is or can reasonably be considered to be related to the activities of the club. (Specific acts of such misconduct are spelled out in Section 41301 of Title 5 of The California Code of Regulations excerpted in the back of the university catalog under the section entitled (The Fine Print, Students Rights and Responsibilities.) Such misconduct need not be officially sanctioned by the club membership in order to be considered grounds for sanctions against the club. The individuals may be subject to separate criminal and/or university sanctions.
  9. Policy on Non-Student Club Members: Clubs established at Humboldt State University are supported through the Clubs Office with the intent of providing opportunities for students to have educational, cultural, recreational, and social experiences outside of the classroom. The Clubs Office recognizes that community members may enhance club activities and are welcome to be members of clubs. However, non-student club members are limited in the following ways:
    1. They may not hold an office in the club.
    2. hey may not be funded for club travel through the Club Coordinating Council.
    3. They cannot be the contact person for the club.
    4. A maximum of 20% of the members of a student organization may be individuals who are not currently enrolled HSU students.

In the event that you would like to file an appeal, make an appointment with the Clubs Coordinator or Assistant Coordinator by calling the Clubs & Activities office (826-3776).