Contact the Office of Leadership & Engagement
Student organization policies
Student organizations at Northern Arizona University are designed to serve students and contribute to the academic, political, cultural, religious/spiritual, social, or recreational life of the campus. Student organizations are a valuable part of the student experience and provide opportunities for students to take on leadership roles and build skills related to organizational development and administration, event planning, fundraising, budgeting, marketing, and public relations. Student organizations also provide learning experiences specific to students’ areas of academic or extracurricular interest.
While the University supports student organizations, registration of a student organization with the Office of Leadership & Engagement does not constitute University endorsement or approval of the policies and/or activities of the organization. No student organization should represent or imply that it speaks for or in the name of Northern Arizona University.
The Office of Leadership & Engagement uses an online system called True Blue Connects to register student organizations. Please log in to True Blue Connects to see a complete list of all organizations that are currently registered and active on campus.
Types of student organizations Accordion Closed
NAU student organizations are classified into the following categories and groups may designate multiple categories. Student organizations self-select the category they wish to be in with some exceptions. Groups wishing to be recognized in the Fraternity and Sorority categories must be recognized by the Office of Leadership & Engagement. Groups wishing to identify as a Club Sport must be recognized by the NAU Sport Clubs Program. Graduate students interested in getting involved with student organizations should check the Graduate Student Government website for more information.
Academic student organizations comprise the largest number of clubs and organization on campus. These include any organization that is affiliated with an academic program or college.
Advocacy student organizations are those that advocate for a particular cause or population of students.
Club Sport student organizations are sports teams or groups engaged in active practice and competition against other schools or individuals. The Office of Leadership & Engagement collaborates with Campus Recreation Services to support these organizations.
Cultural student organizations represent and promote the traditions and activities associated with a particular culture.
Fraternity and Sorority groups are associated with national social Greek-letter fraternities and sororities that select membership through a bid process.
Recreation/Game student organizations focus on recreational activities and games in a non-competitive atmosphere.
Religious student organizations may also register with the Office of Leadership & Engagement. Although the university, as a state institution, is prohibited from promoting religious activities, it recognizes the importance of religion and spirituality in the life and education of its students.
Representative student organizations are those elected bodies that represent the general student population.
Residence Hall Councils are groups that represent the concerns and interests of a particular residence hall
Service/Honorary student organizations are academically-focused groups that limit membership based on certain requirements or community service-oriented groups.
Special Interest groups are not connected to an academic program or college. They serve the needs of students with specific special interests.
Social events policy Accordion Closed
As an institution of higher education, the university has a responsibility to encourage self-directed group activity. In the recognition of this goal, the university makes available the use of its facilities. The grant of use, however, cannot be without conditions. All use of the facilities of students and student organizations must be orderly and lawful at all times. They must not constitute an undue interference with the instructional program, and they must be consistent with the educational purposes of the university. Failure to meet these conditions may be basis for denying the use of the university facilities. Application of the conditions, however, is to be tempered by an awareness that the ends served by vigorous student activity are vital and a realization that student organizations cannot flourish in a distrustful atmosphere.
Contracts
Students, student organizations, and faculty or staff members of the university may not contractually bind the university without written authorization of the Arizona Board of Regents or the President of the university. Activities contracts must be reviewed by Student Unions and Activities.
Legal responsibilities
Student organizations wishing to sponsor events on the NAU campus must have them approved by Student Unions and Activities. Please review the club and organization event approval process and the statement regarding planned events for more information. The Office of Leadership & Engagement recommends that any student organization planning an off-campus activity that involves travel, physical activity, personal/group risks, alcohol, etc. make contact with a staff member in their office for advising.
Solicitations Accordion Closed
University Clubs and Organizations
Student Unions and Activities coordinates the amount and type of solicitation for students and registered student clubs and organizations. Any registered student organization planning to conduct an event, a fundraiser and/or the distribution of materials on campus should obtain approval from Student Unions and Activities. Please review the club and organization event approval process and the statement regarding planned events for more information. Failure to have an event approved by Student Unions and Activities may result in the event being canceled. Revenue generated by a student organization may not be used for personal gain, for the purchase of alcohol, drugs or to fund any illegal activity as defined by Arizona Statutes.
Commercial Vendors
Any vendor wishing to conduct the sale or distribution of commercial items anywhere on university property must obtain permission from Student Unions and Activities as well as permission from each location where the vendor may wish to conduct a sale. The vendor will be required to complete a solicitation permit at least 30 days in advance of the requested sales date(s). Vendors are prohibited from conducting business on campus without a fully executed solicitation permit. All vendors shall comply with the laws, rules and regulations of the United States, the State of Arizona, the City of Flagstaff, and Northern Arizona University. Any individual(s) distributing literature is/are also responsible for any fees related to the cleaning of litter related to distribution efforts. University policy prohibits door-to-door distribution of literature and/or sales of items of any kind in any building on campus as well as placing advertisements or flyers on cars in university parking lots. In addition, solicitation in residence halls must be approved by the Campus Living Central Office in North Hall, or please call 928-523-3978.
Trademark licensing Accordion Closed
Student organization policy
This policy was established by the University Cabinet in response to Board of Regents regulations. The registration of a faculty or student organization by the university does not constitute university endorsement or approval of the policies and activities of the organization. No student organization shall represent nor imply that it speaks for or in the name of the university.
Membership Accordion Closed
A. Northern Arizona University values the diversity of the human experience. Student organizations should intentionally strive to enrich themselves and ensure access by inviting membership from a diverse range of students on campus.
B. Membership in a student organization is generally limited to members of the university community. Non-members of the university community who are also members of scientific, academic, scholarly, and/or honorary organizations that have registered units or chapters on the NAU campus may become affiliated with that organization.
C. In order to hold an officer position in a registered student organization, a student must meet the following academic requirements:
l) The student must be registered for a minimum of seven (7) units at Northern Arizona University. Exceptions may be made for graduate students.
2) The student must have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.25 for all NAU course work undertaken.
D. Individual student organizations may impose higher standards regarding minimum grade point average and other membership requirements.
E. Each organization must have a membership of at least five (5) currently enrolled students with at least two (2) officers. The organization must verify this via an updated roster in the True Blue Connects system.
F. Each registered group on campus must have an adviser who is a full-time NAU faculty or staff member. In addition, student organizations may choose to have other advisers such as graduate students, community members, or members of clergy. The group determines the choice of adviser and may change advisers at any time
E. Northern Arizona University prohibits discrimination in organizational membership on the basis of sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, gender identity, or genetic information. Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 106.14, makes an exception for social fraternities and sororities with regard to gender requirements for membership.
Procedures for registering new organizations Accordion Closed
A. Individuals seeking to form a new or reactivate an old student organization shall:
- Log in to True Blue Connects and complete the “New Group Registration” or “Group Re-Registration” request form.
- Upload to True Blue Connects a constitution containing:
- Statement of Purpose
- Statement of Nondiscrimination
- Organizational Structure
- Provision for Regular Meetings
- List of Activities
- Provide in True Blue Connects a list of officers.
- Provide in True Blue Connects the name, email address, and phone number of full-time faculty or staff adviser.
- Provide in True Blue Connects a roster containing the names of student members.
- Professional fraternities, societies, or clubs, associated with a particular academic discipline shall, in addition, submit evidence of approval and sponsorship by the dean of the college with which the organization is associated.
- Organizations wishing to use Greek letters in their name must be affiliated with a nationally or internationally recognized organization and must have a national office supported by full-time staff members or a national board. This applies to all types of organizations including social, professional, academic, honorary, or other groups.
B. National fraternal organizations need not present constitutions which contain secret clauses provided:
- Assurance is obtained from the Office of Leadership & Engagement that the constitution is in order.
- The National is formed from a previous local fraternal organization and no changes have been made.
It is assumed that each residence hall, fraternity, and sorority has adopted or will adopt its own hall and chapter rules and procedures for the enforcement thereof.
C. It is the policy of the university to register any student organization formed in good faith for a lawful purpose consonant with the objectives of the university. A group of students may organize and secure official registration provided that the proposed organization: represents an academic, political, cultural, social or recreational contribution to the life of the campus; is not for profit in nature (student organizations are not required to obtain legal nonprofit status); does not discriminate in the selection of members on the basis of sex, race, color, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, gender identity, genetic information, or other legally or policy protected status; agrees to abide by the University Hazing Policy and other university regulations; and has followed the established administrative procedures required for registration. The Dean of Students (or designee) exercises the authority to withdraw registration immediately from any student organization.
D. New student organizations must be approved by Associated Students of NAU or Graduate Student Government (for graduate student organizations). Following the ASNAU or GSG approval for student organization status and approval by the Office of Leadership & Engagement, the newly registered organization is activated in the True Blue Connects system.
Statement on registration of new social fraternities and sororities Accordion Closed
Social fraternities and sororities wishing to establish or re-establish a chapter at Northern Arizona University must comply with the expansion policies and processes set forth by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life in accordance with the College Panhellenic Council, the Inter Fraternity Council, and/or the United Greek Council. Expansion involves inviting inter/national fraternities and sororities to establish chapters at Northern Arizona University. This is encouraged when a need exists and the Greek community is viable for additional chapters. Social fraternities and sororities must be approved to move forward with the expansion process by the Office of Leadership & Engagement before they can register and be approved by the Associated Students of NAU as a registered student organization.
Only inter/nationally recognized fraternities and sororities may be considered for expansion. The organization of interest must have a national office supported by fulltime staff members (or a national board).
The organization of interest must prohibit simultaneous membership in any other organization that is a member of the NPC, NPHC, NALFO, NMGC, NAPA or NIC.
Statement on registration of new club sports Accordion Closed
Student organizations that meet the following criteria must be classified as a Club Sport:
- Consist of a sport component
- Competitive in nature
- Physically active
- Ability to compete against similar groups at other institutions within a reasonable geographic area
- Participate in more than one competition per year
- Abide by rules set forth by a national governing body for that particular activity
If a student organization meets the above criteria and chooses not to be classified as a Club Sport, they will not be recognized as a registered student organization at Northern Arizona University. No organization shall be duplicated as a student organization if a sport club is already offered for that activity.
Groups wishing to identify as a Club Sport must be recognized by the NAU Sport Clubs Program. In order to establish a new Club Sport groups must:
- Confirm there are no existing sport clubs/student organizations that offer the same activity
- Complete the New Sport Club Application
- Meet with the Sport Clubs Coordinator to discuss program expansion
- Present to the Sport Clubs Executive Board
After these steps are completed the group may register as a new student organization with the Office of Leadership & Engagement and seek approval from ASNAU.
Procedures for maintaining status as a student organization Accordion Closed
A. At the end of each spring semester, prior to a deadline specified by the Office of Leadership & Engagement, the president or authorized representative of each returning student organization must log in to True Blue Connects and complete the “Group Re-Registration” request form. (Groups continuing their student organization status must meet this deadline for filing. Prospective new groups may file at any time.)
B. Organizations that fail to re-register after two consecutive years will be required to seek re-approval from ASNAU or GSG.
C. All organizations must also submit all proposed changes, amendments, and additions to constitutions and by-laws to the Office of Leadership & Engagement through the True Blue Connects system.
Privileges of registered student organizations Accordion Closed
A. Using the University’s name, as long as the word “club” or “student organization” also appears in the organization’s name (i.e. NAU Volleyball Club, NAU Forestry Club) or the University’s name is used to designate location (i.e. Art Student Association of NAU, Hillel at NAU).
B. Applying for organizational funding from Associated Students of NAU (ASNAU), Student Activities Council (STAC), and Sodexo.
C. Utilizing University facilities, including weekly meeting space.
D. Hosting/sponsoring events and activities on campus.
E. Sponsoring candidates in campus events, forums, and elections.
F. Requesting Institutional Excuses for extracurricular activities directly related to the educational mission and scope of the University.
G. Recruiting new members from among the NAU student body.
H. Participating as an organization in Associated Students of NAU sponsored events.
Fraternity and Sorority organizational sanctions
1. Letter of Warning Accordion Closed
A letter of warning provides a warning to a group that the conduct is in violation of published rules. Warnings often take the form of a letter summarizing the infraction and corrective measure and warns the group about possible future consequences should that behavior continue. The fact that the group is admonished should be clearly stated in the body of the letter which they receive. A copy of the letter is sent to the Dean of Students where it is placed in a confidential disciplinary file.
2. Restitution Accordion Closed
Restitution is reimbursement for damages to, destruction of, or misappropriation of University property or of any person/group while on University premises or University related premises. If restitution is the determined sanction, the individual or individuals who impose the corrective measure must specify, in writing, the amount due, the time and/or manner by which restitution is to be made, and the individual, office or group to be reimbursed.
3. Educational Assignment Accordion Closed
Educational assignments are tasks which are creatively applied with the education of the violator in mind. It is essential that the assignments imposed have some meaningful relationship to the violation. Assignment of research to be done in a certain area is one of many creative possibilities. A duty, work assignment, or alcohol education class are other examples. Again, the aim of such a task is the education by the group regarding their behavior and the consequences of such. Whoever imposes the sanction is responsible for seeing that it is carried out. Failure to perform an educational assignment may result in an additional sanction.
4. Social Probation I Accordion Closed
Social probation I prohibits a chapter from hosting or attending any social event as a chapter. This includes but is not limited to mixers with other fraternities/sororities, bid parties, formals, and any social gathering (including alcohol free events). The chapter may participate in and host rush/recruitment events (except bid parties), philanthropy and community service events, and brotherhood/sisterhood events with prior approval from the Director of Leadership & Engagement.
5. Social Probation II Accordion Closed
Social probation II prohibits a chapter from hosting or attending any social event that includes alcohol including at a third-party vendor. The chapter may participate in socials, mixers with other fraternities/sororities, bid parties, formals, and any social gathering as long as alcohol is not present. Any member who attends any social event with alcohol in their system would be considered in violation of this sanction. If the sanctioned chapter is sponsoring the event and anyone attending the event has alcohol in their system, this would be a violation of the sanction.
6. Loss of Privileges Accordion Closed
Loss of privileges restricts organizational members from designated privileges with a particular residence hall. The loss of privileges will be for a specific time, as defined by the person imposing the sanction. The group will be notified in writing of these privileges which will be forfeited and for what period of time.
7. Building Probation Accordion Closed
This sanction may be imposed due to serious on-going misconduct by the chapter, failure to completely fill assigned spaces with members holding contracts, inappropriate group behavior outside the residence hall or off-campus, or a combination of any of the above. Building probation will exist for a specified length of time and will be communicated in writing to the chapter president. A letter will outline the reasons for this action, the expected response from the chapter, and the timeline for said response.
8. Denial of Access Accordion Closed
Denial of access to and/or use of all or part of a facility or facilities again must be implemented for a specified period of time, as defined by the individual(s) who impose the sanction. The group must be notified in writing of those areas to which they will be denied use and for what period of time.
9. Suspension of Intramural Privileges Accordion Closed
This sanction will prohibit a fraternity or sorority from participation in University intramural sports activities or receiving points for the same for a specified period of time.
10. Building Suspension Accordion Closed
Building suspension is the formal notification to a fraternity or sorority that their privilege to hold space in Mountain View hall is being revoked. This sanction is in direct response to the chapter’s failure to completely fill their assigned spaces with members holding housing contracts, or misconduct occurring on or off-campus. Suspension will be for a specified period of time after which a chapter could petition for reconsideration on a space available basis.
11. Group/Chapter University Probation Accordion Closed
This sanction is the formal warning to the local fraternity/sorority and their national office that their affiliation with the University is in jeopardy. It outlines the specific behavioral concerns with the chapter, references any incidents occurring on or off-campus which prompted this action, sets forth the duration for the probationary status, specifies any limitations on the chapter and outlines the required conditions which must be met to retain their charter/affiliation with Northern Arizona University.
12. Group/Chapter Suspension Accordion Closed
Group/Chapter suspension completely severs the relationship with the University. As a suspended group you may not utilize University facilities, you may not participate in activities as a group (i.e., Homecoming, Intramurals, etc.), you may not participate in recruitment, and are removed from university publications, etc. A suspended group will be notified in writing of the duration of their suspension and any steps required for future reconsideration as a campus organization. The national office will be immediately contacted by the Director of Leadership & Engagement and copied on correspondence to the Chapter. In some cases, the University will encourage the immediate revocation of the Charter of the local chapter.
Procedures Accordion Closed
1. The individual councils’ judicial boards will be involved in cases referred by the Director of Leadership & Engagement which do not pose a concern for individual confidentiality or the possibility of higher-level sanctions (University probation/suspension).
2. Administrative sanctions may be taken in addition to or in place of individual council judicial board actions.
3. All “individual” (as opposed to “group”) issues will be handled by the Student Code of Conduct Procedures and the Student Code of Conduct.
4. Issues potentially resulting in a decision of “Group/Chapter Probation” or “Group/Chapter Suspension” will be heard by the Office of Student Rights & Responsibilities. A decision and letter will then be rendered to the Chapter President. At the meeting the student/organization shall be provided with the following:
- An explanation of the charges which have been made;
- A summary of the fact-finding investigation which has taken place;
- A reasonable opportunity for the student/organization to reflect upon and respond on their behalf to the charges; and
- An explanation of the applicable disciplinary procedures, including the student’s/organization’s right to request a hearing before a University Hearing
- Board if a serious disciplinary sanction (suspension/revocation) is imposed.
5. Should further fact-finding be required, the results of any further investigation will be presented to the student/organization and an additional opportunity to respond will be provided.
6. Copies of judicial letters will automatically be forwarded to Chapter Advisors and National Advisors and National Offices of the fraternity or sorority sanctioned.