• Applying for University recognition annually through the Department of Student Activities. Recognition must be granted before the student organization can begin operating.
• Remaining in good standing with the University, including full compliance with any conditions, stipulations, or restrictions placed upon organizational recognition.
• Keeping the Department of Student Activities informed of changes to organizational leadership or governing document in a timely fashion.
• Demonstrating respect for the University community and other student organizations.
• Operating in a manner consistent with the mission and goals of the University and the governing documents of the organization.
• Consulting with the appropriate University departments, offices, or representatives when planning large, unusual, or potentially complex events.
• Ensuring in leadership from year to year by training newly selected leaders and maintaining good records.
• Communicating.

Recognized Student Organizations Categorization

In an effort to more effectively understand and communicate the relationship that exists between the University and recognized student organizations, the Department of Student Activities has defined the following categories of student organizations.

Each student organization granted recognition by Alabama A&M University is categorized as either sponsored, or registered. This categorization is determined by assessing the student organization’s relationship to the University, the scope and complexity of its activities, and the perceived potential risk to participants and the university. The privileges and responsibilities associated with each type of recognized student organization are outlined below.

Sponsored organizations

Sponsored organizations are those considered critical to the mission and culture of the University. These organizations are inherently linked to the University because of their role in representing AAMU or in presenting events that are considered an integral part of the institution. Sponsored organizations routinely present events for the campus and broader community, and typically have a close relationship with a University department. The activities and events of these organizations are considered to involve a higher level of complexity because of their scope and perceived association with the University.

In addition to the University resources available to all recognized student organizations, sponsored organizations shall have:

• A full-time professional staff member whose job description designates them as the primary advisor to the sponsored organization. Designated office or workspace provided by the University.
• Access to funding from University revenues and student fees.
• A University fiscal account and accounting staff support.
• Priority consideration for reserving University facilities, such as meeting rooms.
• Cursory review of contracts.
• Benefits for student leaders, such as opportunities for regular interaction with the Vice President for Student Affairs and other key administrators, and appointment to University committees.

• Sponsored organizations routinely present events for the campus and broader community, and are expected to work closely with the Student Activities Department in the planning of these events.

Registered Organizations

Registered organizations are those that are consistent with the mission and culture of the University and primarily present events limited to their membership and campus community. These organizations are primarily interest groups capable of functioning with minimal support. The activities and events of these organizations are considered to involve a lower level of complexity due to their limited scope. In addition to the University resources available to all recognized student organizations, registered organizations may:

• Select their own advisor, who may be a faculty or staff member
• Apply for funding through the Student Activities funding board
• Reserve rooms for meetings

• Prior to hosting events beyond the membership of the organization, it is the responsibility of these organizations to develop an event plan and review it with the organization’s advisor and in some cases with the Department of Student Activities.
• Registered organizations will be assessed during the recognition process to determine whether the organization must meet additional requirements.
• Advisors to registered organizations must be present at all events sponsored by the organization.

All Student Organizations (Revised Fall 2006)

For new organizations, or those that have not been recognized for more than a year, the Department of Student Activities has implemented the following process to appropriately assess the request for recognition and to allow the organization the opportunity to participate in the recognition process. The following steps will need to be taken:

• Complete Application for Recognition and submit to Department of Student Activities. Applications are available in the Student Activities Office in room 209.
• Submitted items will be reviewed by appropriate staff members in the Department of Student Activities~ review process will be completed when all documents have been received.
• Student Activities staff may also meet with the student organization leader and advisor or request additional written information when necessary to discuss the organization further during the recognition process.
• The completion of the process from this point will be explained in detail at the fall annual workshop. Upon completion of the workshop, the organization will complete registration and recognition forms and submit to the activities department.
• The organization must then turn in the following documents before they can operate:
  • Advisor Agreement Letter
  • Constitution with signatures of new leadership and advisor
  • Mission statement and purpose
  • Membership Roster
  • Roster of Executive Board