SECTION 3
– POLICIES FOR RSOs
A. Advocacy Policy: University Policies and Procedures Affecting
Political Campaigning and Advocacy Activities on Campus
B.
Alcohol Policy: The CMU Alcohol Policy can be found at http://www.cmich.edu/policies-procedures/alcohol-policy.htm
C. Chalking Policy: The CMU Chalking Policy can be found at CMU Chalking Policy
D. Club Sports
Policy: Sport Clubs must maintain an
updated participant's roster and comply with the rules set forth in the "Sports
Club Handbook."
E. Computer Policy: acceptable use of
CMU computing facilities
F. Dance Policy: The CMU Dance Policy can be found at Dance Policy
G. Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act FERPA
H. Fundraising
Policy: Fundraising,
Solicitation and Sales on the CMU Campus
I. Hazing Policy: CMU Hazing Policy can be found Hazing Policy
J. Liability,
Insurance, & Defense
The RSO understands and agrees
that the University and the employees and agents of the University will not be
liable for any of the RSO's contracts, torts, or other acts or omissions, or
those by the RSO's directors, officers, members, staff or activity
participants. The RSO understands and agrees that neither it nor its directors,
officers, members, staff, or activity participants are protected by the
University's insurance policies or self-insurance plans, and that the
University will not provide any legal defense for the RSO or any such person in
the event of any claim against any of them. Advisors to RSO's generally will be
indemnified by the University against claims and liabilities to which the
advisor is subject because of fulfilling the role of advisor as described in
the document, "Advisor Responsibility Statement". The indemnification
will be subject to University rules and procedures governing the
indemnification of University employees; performing the required and suggested
functions described in the previously mentioned document will usually be seen
as taken within the scope of a University Advisor's employment. Indemnification
means that the University will, in the case of a lawsuit, provide a legal
defense to the advisor.
K. Registered
Student Organization Non-discrimination Policies
The RSO agrees to follow and to include in its bylaws or constitution CMU's Non-Discrimination policy, which states:
An RSO may not discriminate on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, familial status, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status or weight.
However,
a) Social fraternities and sororities may select members based on gender. (See Regulations under Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972).
b) As long as no student is excluded from participation, separate club sports may be offered based on gender where selection for such teams is based upon competitive skill or the activity involved is a contact sport. (See Regulations under Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972).
c) As long as no student is excluded from participation, music organizations may make requirements based on vocal range or quality, which may result in a chorus or choruses of one or predominately one gender.
A registered student organization whose mission is to support a particular set of beliefs may use its mission as a criterion for selection of membership or leadership. The beliefs on which membership or leadership will be limited must be set forth in the constitution of the RSO. No student who affirms support for the mission can be denied membership or leadership. If a belief-based RSO exercises this provision, it may not discriminate on the basis of, nor inquire about the beliefs of individuals in order to limit participation of others in its open meetings and activities.
Guidelines for registered
student organizations related to Non-discrimination Policies
Question: Why does the University allow RSOs to limit membership on the basis of beliefs?
Answer: The University believes that students have the right to define the purposes of a group they wish to form. They have a right to operate that RSO consistent with those purposes. RSOs should not be limited to those that express a majority point of view. For example, an RSO for students committed to Muslim beliefs should not be at risk of being taken over by a group of students opposed to Muslim beliefs. The Gay Straight Alliance should not be at risk of being taken over by a group of students who believe that gay, lesbian and bisexual conduct is sinful. The College Republicans should not be at risk of being taken over by a group of students whose political views are directly opposed to those of the College Republicans.
Question: Does the University expect that many RSOs will choose to restrict membership or leadership in their Constitutions?
Answer: No. The overwhelming majority of RSOs do not have, as the central purpose, a set of beliefs that would limit membership. An RSO organized around a particular sport or recreational activity is very unlikely to feel the need to limit its membership to persons who enjoy and support that sport or activity. Other RSOs will be unwilling to state that the purpose of their organization is exclusionary.
Question: Can an RSO restrict membership only to persons of a particular race, gender or sexual orientation?
Answer: No. RSOs may limit membership based on beliefs, not status. For example, if an African American expresses beliefs consistent with the belief system of a "skin head" group, he/she must be allowed to join. If a woman affirms her beliefs that women must be subservient to men, and she wants to join a male supremacy group, she must be allowed to join. Since membership may be limited only on the basis of beliefs, persons may not be excluded from membership based on assumptions about identity (e.g. race, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, political persuasion, religion).
Question: Can an RSO refuse membership to a person on the basis of that person's conduct?
Answer: Sometimes. The RSO could look at conduct inconsistent with the beliefs of the individual and the RSO. For example, if the woman described above spoke at a rally for women's rights (advocating that women were not subservient to men), the RSO would have the right to exclude her from membership. If the conduct is clearly inconsistent with the beliefs of the RSO, a person could be refused membership or a leadership position.
Question: How does an RSO state in its constitution the beliefs on which its membership or leadership will be limited?
Answer: An RSO that wishes to restrict membership or leadership on the basis of certain beliefs must state what those beliefs are. The beliefs may be stated in the Constitution of the RSO. If the belief statement is long, the RSO Constitution may refer to the beliefs document and attach a copy to it.
Question: How general may the belief statement be?
Answer: The statement must be quite specific in describing the mission or central purpose of the RSO, so that the connection between the mission and the restriction of membership or leadership is clear. It is the actual, expressed beliefs of the RSO that are the criterion, not the personal preferences of members. For example, many religions condemn sexual activity outside of marriage, whether between persons of the same sex or opposite sexes. However, many of those same religions allow, or encourage, gays and lesbians, or sexually active heterosexuals, as members. An RSO could discriminate in its membership on the basis of actual beliefs and requirements of the religion, and not on their preferences or the personal views and attitudes of current members.
L. Open Meetings Act
An organizational meeting is
defined as "any scheduled or non-scheduled gathering, formal or informal,
of an organization, including gatherings of standing ad-hoc committees, for the
purpose of discussing or deciding upon any issue." Because some groups
receiving University funds are considered public organizations, it is
recommended that meetings remain open to the media. Concerns and written
regulations pertaining to the Open Meetings Act should be referred to the
Office of Student Life (111 Bovee University Center, 774-3016).
M. Student
Organization Center Rules of Conduct
Individual and organizational
conduct is supervised by the Office of Student Life, utilizing the SOC Rules of
Conduct, university policies, and generally accepted community standards of
conduct. It is the responsibility of organizations to inform their membership
of the rules of conduct in the SOC. In order to maintain an attractive
work/meeting area and businesslike atmosphere for all student organizations, as
well as support service to students visiting the Center, the following
guidelines must be followed:
1. Organizations are required
to maintain 10 office hours per week. Utilize the space provided your
organization because there are other student organizations that do not have the
"luxury of having office space. Encourage members to use the office and
take pride in it. If a organization is not utilizing the space effectively,
they will be removed (i.e., lose their office space). The organization's office
hours must be posted and a copy of the schedule must be submitted to the Office
of Student Life, Bovee U.C. 111.
2. Each organization is
responsible for maintaining a neat and organized office. Food items, trays,
trash, boxes, etc., must be removed after they are used. Should this become
problematic, the organization may lose its office space.
3. Notify the Office of Student
Life's Administrative Clerk at 774-3016 in writing if there is a problem with
the facility or if University services are needed (repairs, equipment, locks,
etc.).
4. Respect and communicate with
other organizations, with regard to any problems that may occur. Please be
mindful that respect includes, but is not limited to, using language that is
appropriate in a professional setting. Using profane, objectionable, and
offensive language will not be tolerated; if repeated problems exist,
individuals and organizations may be referred to the Office of Student Life for
possible discipline and sanctions.
5. No posters, bumper stickers,
or flyers may be attached to painted surfaces or public area walls or on doors
leading to or from the SOC because it may damage the furniture or painted
surfaces. No posters, bumper stickers, or flyers may be posted on the outside
of the doors for the offices of Program Board, Residence Hall Assembly, and
Student Government Association. When posting items to painted cabinet spaces in
the work station, use soft magnets designed for such surfaces. You may also use
poster putty. No tape may be used on these surfaces. On fabric surfaces, you
may use tacks or pins; tape should not be used on these surfaces either.
6. Obscene posters or postings
for activities that do not pertain to organizational business should not be
posted within the SOC, in general space or organizational space. Postings,
which promote alcohol parties, violation of local or state law, or which
present poor judgment or taste, will be removed.
7. Cabinet and drawer space
should not be overfilled. If the door of the cabinet can not shut, it is
overfilled and items should be removed from the cabinet. When not accessing
items from the cabinet or working at the station, cabinet/file drawers must be
closed; keeping doors closed will ensure better security for items and help
extend the life of the furniture.
8. Windows are not to be
covered up. Windows were placed in the offices of Program Board, Residence Hall
Assembly, and Student Government Association for security purposes. Covering
windows presents an unnecessary and unacceptable security risk for students and
visitors to these offices and the SOC.
9. Organizations with new
office spaces or who have been moved to different work stations may obtain keys
for their work stations from the Administrative Clerk in the Office of Student
Life.
10. For fire safety, Americans
With Disability Act compliance, and general respect, all aisle ways should be
kept free of chairs, cabinets, and other equipment. Please be respectful and
keep your area and the SOC conducive to user-friendly and safe conditions.
11. No furniture should be brought
into the SOC. Likewise; furniture located within the SOC is not to be removed
from the SOC. Please respect other organizations by not removing furniture from
their workstations. The Office of Student Life provides furniture needed in the
SOC; if you have questions, comments, or suggestions regarding furniture in the
SOC contact the SOC Student Manager.
12. A conference area is
provided for student organization use in the center area of the SOC. This space
is offered to all organizations, without regard to whether they have
workstations in the Center.
13. Discipline for violations
of the Rules of Conduct for the SOC will be enforced by the Director of Student
Life or designee.
N. Summary of
Policies for RSO Use of Space
University Center- For information about RSO use of the Bovee
University Center please call the Reservations Desk at 774-7477 or visit University Center
Student Activity Center - For information about RSO use of the SAC please
call 774-3686 or click on the Student Activity
Center
Rose Arena and Multipurpose
Room East & West
Rose Arena and Multipurpose
Room East & West are scheduled for athletic practice and contests by the
Athletics Department. Student organizations may reserve space at unscheduled
times through University Events.
O. Tailgating Policy Tailgaiting Policy
P. CMU Name, Identifying Marks, and Trademark
Policy
The department of public
relations and the licensing program regulate, promote and protect the use of
the CMU name and identifying marks, both on and off campus. Central Michigan
University has registered its marks with the State of Michigan and the United
States Patent and Trademark Office. This protects the integrity and identity of
the University. At the same time, royalties collected through the licensing
program help to support the athletics program and scholarships. By ensuring
that the products bearing CMU marks are of high quality and good taste, we
further promote the reputation of Central Michigan University. Proper use of
the university's name also stimulates public awareness and support.
Prior written permission is
needed from the licensing program for any use of the University name or marks
for anything other than official University business. This also applies to
student groups and organizations that wish to use the University's name in
conjunction with their group or activity. The licensing waiver is available
online at http://www.cmich.edu/licensing.
Registered Student Organizations cannot use "Central Michigan University," "Central Michigan" or "CMU" or anything that makes reference to the University as part of their official name or title. Any use of the University's name as part of the RSO's name is to be in the form of "The XYZ Club at Central Michigan University." This may be used when an RSO is registering for a club tournament or intercollegiate competition where the sponsoring organization requires that the participating members of the RSO be enrolled at CMU and members of a recognized RSO at the University. "The Central Michigan University XYZ Club" is not acceptable and cannot be used. In addition, there are special rules for use of the logos, seals, and names associated with Central Michigan University. Trademarks are the exclusive property of the Central Michigan University Board of Trustees. Reproduction of these trademarks for resale or other commercial purposes must have University authorization.
The RSO shall explain its
relationship with the University when dealing with third parties by including
the following statement (or another similar statement approved in advance by
the Office of Student Life) in the RSO's letters, contracts, publications, and
other such written materials (except intra-university and intra-RSO
correspondence):
"Although this
organization has members who are Central Michigan University students, the
organization is independent of the University, and the University is not
responsible for the RSOs contracts, acts, or omissions."
Using the University's name
on written documents
A Registered Student
Organization or sport club team may use the University's name in its title,
publications or letterhead but may not use the name in a manner that in any way
would constitute an endorsement, approval or underwriting of any organization,
product, activity, service or contract by Central Michigan University.
Using the University's name
on merchandise
A Registered Student
Organization or sport club team may use the university's name and marks on
t-shirts and other products as long as prior approval has been obtained from
the licensing coordinator. The university will waive the payment of the royalty
fee if the group meets the requirements of the policy and obtains a royalty
waiver.
Use of University Trademarks
In the Spring of 1989, the
Board of Trustees decided to stop using the Indian head symbol and spear as
logos for Central Michigan University. Use of the Indian head symbol and/or
spear by a Registered Student Organization is prohibited. We must respect our
Chippewa neighbors and American Indian culture. Because we use the name of a
contemporary people, every effort must be made to avoid behavior, which
demeans, belittles, or promotes stereotypes of Chippewa and American Indians.
CMU students should realize that what we do and say in association with our use
of the Chippewa name affects others.
Registered Student
Organizations cannot use "Central
Michigan University," "Central Michigan," "CMU" or
anything that makes reference to the University as part of their official name
or title.
All logos, seals, names,
symbols and slogans associated with Central Michigan University are trademarks
and are the exclusive property of the Central Michigan University Board of Trustees.
Reproduction of these marks for resale, or other commercial purposes, must have
University authorization. The University Public Relations Office is responsible
for protecting the use of CMU's trademarks and for licensing commercial use of
these marks.
Commercial Use
Commercial use is considered to
be:
Items for Resale
Selling products (such as cups,
sweatshirts, balloons, boxer shorts, etc.) bearing CMU trademarks, for all of
the following purposes constitutes commercial use:
- Sales to campus and private retailers
- Sales to individual customers
- Sales at CMU athletic events through concessions
- Sales on campus by student groups with vending permits
- Sales for fund-raising projects
Promotional Use
Items, which bear the
trademarks of the University and those of a commercial business, such as a
restaurant, which are either sold or given away, are promotion and are
considered commercial.
Activities Exempt from
Licensing
The following activities are
exempt from licensing:
1. In-House Use of Trademarks
Registered Student
Organizations, registered through the Office of Student Life, student sports
teams and residence hall organizations (i.e., official student organizations)
may use trademarks of CMU for "in-house" purposes such as on
stationery, posters, signs and banners dealing with the on-campus activities of
the organization, provided such use reflects positively on the University and
that the logos are reproduced accurately.
2. Sales Restricted to
Campus Events
Official student organizations
may sell or give away products (such as t-shirts) bearing the marks of CMU
combined with the names and/or logos of their organization or activity if such
merchandise relates directly to an on-campus activity sponsored by that
organization. Examples of such projects include:
- Homecoming Steering Committee
- Floor X, Wheeler Hall, CMU
- Greek Week 1998, CMU
Procedures for Receiving Approval
The licensing office must grant
approval to all outside vendors using the trademarks of the University, even if
they are producing it for a CMU affiliated group. If your organization is
involved in any of the activities deemed commercial, the vendor from whom you
purchase merchandise must be licensed. If your project falls into the exempt
category, we must issue a waiver to your organization and the vendor. Contact
the Licensing Office at 774-7330 or at West Hall, 204A.