Organization Policies: Policies for Student Organizations

TTU Student Handbook

TTU Student Handbook (www.ttu.edu/studenthandbook): The TTU Code of Student Conduct outlines standards of behavior pertaining to student organizations.

Specific Policy Violations

Specific policy violations, include but are not limited to, issues of academic integrity, sexual misconduct, hazing, and any federal/state/local law (a lack of conviction in any criminal proceeding does not preclude the University from proceeding with TTU conduct processes).

Where does the Code of Student Conduct apply?

• Anytime you are on campus
• At any university-sponsored event
• Any event (regardless of location) when it affects a substantial number of students
• Any event (regardless of location) that presents a danger or threat to the health or safety of other students
• Any event (regardless of location) that infringes on the rights of other students
• Any event (regardless of location) that causes a significant disruption to the educational community or is detrimental to the educational mission of the University.

What constitutes an organization event?

When a violation occurs, both or either individuals and organizations can be held responsible. As a student organization, it is your responsibility to ensure all members are responsive to misconduct that occurs anywhere members are present. If a member violates a university policy or local/state/federal law and the organization does not intervene and take corrective action, the organization is more likely to be found responsible for organization misconduct.

When determining if member misconduct is the responsibility of the student organization, the following items will be considered:

• How many students and how many members were involved? (no specific number constitutes an organization event)
• What is the context in which the behavior occurred?
• Does the behavior grow out of or is it directly related to the organization's formal or informal activities?
• Is the behavior reasonably considered acceptable as part of organization membership and involvement?
• Does the organization condone an atmosphere where the behavior is allowed to exist?
• When made aware of the behavior, does the organization and its member attempt to conceal it from authorities or does the organization take corrective action to indicate that the behavior is inconsistent with membership standards in the group?
• If the acts are those of a guest of an organization, does the organization indicate its disapproval and take corrective actions?
• How did the organization leadership, members, and advisors respond when made aware of the behavior?
• Did the organization honestly and ethically cooperate with school officials and/or law enforcement when investigating and responding to potential misconduct?

Student Organization SGA Funding Guidelines

(Guidelines): Policies and processes for student organizations receiving Student Government Association funds.

Student Organization Risk Management Guidance:

Student organizations can often avoid incidents of possible misconduct by following risk management guidance when planning events and with day-to-day organization processes.

• General Student Organization Risk Management Requirements & Checklists
• Fraternity & Sorority Life Risk Management Resources

Other Guidance for Student Organizations:

• Organization constitutions and bylaws (to request a copy of a student organization constitution or bylaws, please contact the Center for Campus Life) – student organizations should operate in accordance with the constitution and bylaws voted on by the active membership and on file with the Center for Campus Life.
• Council or Governing Body constitutions and guidelines – some student organizations (specifically fraternities and sororities or sports clubs) must be in good standing with a specific council or governing body's constitution and bylaws.
  • Interfraternity Council (IFC) Constitution & Bylaws
  • Panhellenic Council (PH) Constitution & Bylaws
  • Sports Club
  • Other
• Inter/National & Regional Headquarters or Organization Policies & Standards – Some student organizations are chartered or recognized by inter/national or regional organizations and must be in good standing with related policies and standards. If an organization is uncertain if this applies to them, they can contact the Center for Campus Life.