3.1 General Standards for Student Organizations

Saint Louis University firmly believes that learning takes place in a wide variety of settings and circumstances. Involvement and participation in a Student Organization provides limitless opportunities for developing leadership skills and enhances campus life at SLU. In recognition of the potentially important role of Student Organizations in student formation and the significant contribution they can provide to the comprehensive mission of the University, Saint Louis University continues to support their growth. Learning leadership skills and learning in the area of interpersonal relationships are of great importance. Many ethical and moral decisions are encountered while running a Student Organization, planning an event, or carrying out plans for activities. Often, the decisions made, and/or the challenges faced, foster the skills vital for personal development and self-realization. This knowledge is of equal importance with the skills and information gained in the more typical "academic" setting.

A Student Organization shall be defined as a group of Saint Louis University Students joined together in the pursuit of a common purpose that is congruent with the University's institutional mission and/or Catholic teaching. Student Organizations are open to all students with regard to sex, gender, gender identity and expression, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, veteran status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other protected classification. Fraternities and sororities may retain gender specific membership (see Section 3.1.(G)).

Saint Louis University encourages all students to engage in a vibrant array of co-curricular opportunities.  By definition and governance, D/CSOs are organizations open and accessible to students of all ranks and status (undergraduate or graduate), as they are not permitted to restrict membership eligibility.  These organizations will be able to request funds via SGA, who are solely responsible for the distribution of the Student Activity Fee.  If an aspiring group of graduate students wish to organize, the only option for formal University recognition is via the application for RSO, as group membership would be exclusive. RSOs are not eligible for student activity fee funding. In addition, GSA does not have a mechanism to review, recognize, and fund graduate student organizations. 

There are three different types of Student Organizations:

  • Recognized Student Organization (RSO)
  • Developing Student Organization (DSO) 
  • Chartered Student Organization (CSO)

Recognized Student Organization

Recognized Student Organization (RSO): Recognized Student Organizations (RSO) are formally recognized by the University but are not chartered nor affiliated with SGA. This means they are financially independent of SGA and Student Activity Fee monies. RSOs must be endorsed by a department and/or unit of the University, who agree to provide advising support for the organization's operations. In some instances, the sponsoring department and/or unit may also provide financial support. These organizations will receive the following privileges:

  1. The use of Saint Louis University facilities.
  2. The use of campus bulletin board space.
  3. The ability to publicize events and activities open to all Students on all University calendars.
  4. Table during Fall and Winter Welcome events.
  5. Operate and manage a SLU Groups page.
  6. Reference or utilize the University in their name, which includes but is not limited to references to “SLU,” the Billiken, or Saint Louis University.
  7. Comply with the University’s Community Standards (Student Handbook, 2.0) and Student Organization Policies (Student Handbook, 3.0)

To become an RSO, the interested students should formally apply for recognition via SLU Groups, the University’s engagement platform. To be eligible for recognition, aspiring groups should have the following:

  • A minimum of ten (10) interested students;
  • An official organization advisor, as outlined in Student Handbook 3.2.1. 

Upon receipt of a completed application, students will  then meet with a member of the SIC team, including a representative from the sponsoring department/unit and their prospective advisor. In this meeting, they will share their vision for the Organization's mission and operations, and discuss a draft constitution. With successful completion of this process, including the drafting and review of a constitution, the organization will receive official recognition from the University and be granted RSO status. RSO’s are required to complete an annual “Intent to Return'' process to retain recognition and privileges from one academic year to the next.

Developing Student Organization

Developing Student Organization (DSO): These are groups that have expressed interest in becoming a Chartered Student Organization through SGA. They are responsible for applying for developing status via SLU Groups. To be eligible for DSO status, aspiring groups should have the following:

  • A minimum of ten (10) interested students, the majority of which should be undergraduate students;
  • An official organization advisor, as outlined in Student Handbook 3.2.1. 

If, upon receipt of a completed application, the SIC affirms the aspiring group’s qualifications to become a DSO, the application will be forwarded to the Vice President for Student Organizations (VPSO) (sga.stuorgs@slu.edu) for an initial consultation meeting, which will include guidance for drafting a constitution. When the VPSO determines the aspiring group has met all requirements, the group will be scheduled to present to the Committee for Student Organizations (ComSo). With a favorable vote from ComSo, the group will receive official DSO status. The rights and abilities of a DSO are similar to those of a CSO, with the exception of funding eligibility. In addition, a DSO has the right to access both the VPSO and ComSO as resources throughout their time as a DSO.

In some instances, DSOs may be invited to present to ComSO on more than one occasion.  If this occurs, it is likely that ComSO requires more information about the organization, its operations, function and/or purpose. ComSO may also deem that the proposed DSO is redundant to a currently recognized  R/D/CSO, and may encourage the aspiring group to collaborate with an existing organization. A DSO may present for DSO status twice in an academic semester, unless an exception is granted by the VPSO.

The developing period may last anywhere from three to twelve months to ensure a solid infrastructure, adequate student interest, and that the group successfully transitions through one leadership cycle. DSO status cannot be extended past 12 months unless recommended and approved by ComSO in extenuating circumstances. If a group fails to apply to become a CSO during this three-twelve month window, their DSO status may expire and they would have to reapply to initiate the DSO process.

When an organization is ready to apply for Charter recognition (CSO), they will again appear before ComSO to receive approval. At that time the VPSO will prepare chartering legislation for the organization to appear before SGA's General Assembly. An officer representing the proposed organization will be present to answer any and all questions. If one such officer is not present, the application will be automatically tabled until the following meeting of the General Assembly. Upon a second absence of such an officer, the charter will be automatically denied, and the Student Organization will need to reapply to initiate the DSO process.

If approved by a majority vote of the General Assembly, the organization will be granted immediate CSO status.

Extenuating Circumstances for DSOs:

When concerns arise about the existence of a developing organization and its compliance with any of the University 's Student Organization policies and expectations and the Organization has received approval through SGA's General Assembly, the Student Involvement Center, as represented by the Director, shall have 48 hours in which to file an "objection to charter. This objection must be filed with both SGA and the organization applying for a charter. If no objection is raised during this period, the organization will be immediately chartered and recognized.

In the event that SGA and the Student Involvement Center do not concur regarding the granting or revocation of a charter, the question will be referred for resolution to an appeals board composed of one faculty member, one administrator, and three Students chosen by the President of the University, or designee. This appeals board will meet and rule within a 10-day period after a request for appeal has been made, and its decision will be final.

In addition, the President of the University reserves the right to determine whether any organization proposed for charter does or does not conform to the ideals and goals of the University.

Chartered Student Organization

Chartered Student Organization (CSO): Once a DSO is chartered by the Student Government Association (SGA) via a favorable vote during the General Assembly,  they immediately receive Chartered Student Organization status. A CSO has the following rights and responsibilities:

  1. Use of Saint Louis University facilities.
  2. Use of campus bulletin board space.
  3. Ability to publicize events and activities open to all Students on all University calendars.
  4. Apply to SGA to receive funding from the Student Activity Fee and/or Wellness Fee.
  5. Ability to use the University’s federal tax identification number for operations.
  6. Receive a University operating fund, to manage organizational finances.
  7. Receive financial training and support from the Student Involvement Center.
  8. Table during Fall and Winter Welcome events.
  9. Operate and manage a SLU Groups page.
  10. Apply for a generic SLU email account via the University including a shared storage drive.
  11. Attend Leadership Workshops offered by the SGA Committee for Student Organizations (ComSO) and/or the Student Involvement Center.
  12. Utilize the Vice President for Student Organizations (VPSO) or ComSO for questions.
  13. Reference or utilize the University in their name, which includes but is not limited to references to "SLU;' the Billiken, or Saint Louis University.
  14. Comply with the University's Community Standards (Student Handbook, 2.0) and Student Organization Policies (Student Handbook, 3.0).

If a CSO is a member of a larger governing organization (local and/or inter/ national), both the CSO campus constitution and any additional operational documents must be uploaded to the organization's SLU Groups page (see: Online Presence) . The University will accept, in good faith, the provisions of such constitutions and bylaws, indicating that the organization is free to select members upon the basis of individual merit, and the membership in the organization is not governed by restrictive clauses that deal with sex, gender, gender identity and expression, race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, disability , age, sexual orientation, marital status, military status, veteran status, pregnancy, genetic information, or any other protected classification (see the University Harassment Policy, 1.11). The only exceptions to this guideline are Greek-letter organizations who are protected and permitted to remain single-gender organizations under Title IX.

Additional Guidance for Chartered Student Organizations

Membership. Membership in CSOs should be open to any member of the University student body, as CSOs are funded by the Student Activity Fee, paid by all SLU students. This includes both undergraduate and graduate student members.  Should a CSO be found in conflict with University Policy in the selection of its members, the group will be asked to submit evidence that action has been or is being taken to remove such restrictive membership provisions, such as a request for a waiver of the restriction from the inter/ national organization. The Director of the Student Involvement Center, in consultation with the SGA President, may provide a "reasonable timeline" for the Organization to remedy and remove the restrictive provisions. Continued restriction of membership by constitutional requirements and/or other binding enactment contrary to University policy will result in withdrawal of the charter of the Student Organization.

Review of Charter. If it is believed that a Chartered Student Organization has changed its purpose or method of operation, thus altering the essential nature of the organization as it was originally chartered, or has a purpose which has fallen outside the Catholic, Jesuit mission of the University, there may be a request for a "Review of Charter ". This may be initiated by the Director of the Student Involvement Center, or by the SGA President, and brought to the SGA General Assembly through a majority vote. The SGA General Assembly will conduct the charter review. Should SGA find that the organization in question has essentially departed from the terms under which it was chartered, it may vote to "Suspend Charter"; and the organization will have to reapply for recognition and charter.

Continuation of the Charter. To remain an active Student Organization at the University, with all rights and privileges as outlined herein, each organization must maintain an accurate and up-to-date record of executive level officers who are responsible for  organization  operations, as well as the name of their Advisor(s) via SLU Groups . At minimum, accurate contact information for following should be included:

  • Organization President (or relevant official),
  • Organization Treasurer (or financial official),
  • Organization Advisor (per Student Handbook 3.2.1)

​All CSOs must complete an "Intent to Return " form within SLU Groups , to persist as an active organization from one academic year to the next. This is an organization's official notice to the University and Student Government Association that they wish to continue operations for another year.

Organizations who fail to comply with SGAs CSO guidance and expectations, including failure to complete an "Intent to Return " will be presented for de-chartering in one of the final General Assembly meetings of the academic year. This legislation will be presented by the VPSO , and the legislation would pass with a majority vote from the General Assembly. 

Faith Based or Religiously Affiliated Organizations. If, upon receipt of a group’s application to become a R/D/CSO, the Director of Student Involvement and/or the VPSO deems the organization to be faith based or religiously affiliated based upon any of the application materials, the aspiring group will be referred to meet with the Director of Campus Ministry (or designee) to discuss mission, operations, and/or creating a ministry partnership. If, at the recommendation from the Director of Campus Ministry, the aspiring organization is deemed to be in conflict with the University’s Catholic, Jesuit identity, the organization may not be recommended for R/D/CSO status.

Club Sports. If, upon receipt of a group’s application to become a R/D/CSO, the Director of Student Involvement and/or the VPSO deems the organization to be a sport, athletic, or competition organization, based upon any of the application materials, the aspiring group will be referred to meet with the Intramural/Club Sport Coordinator from Campus Recreation & Wellness Programs (or designee), housed within the Simon Recreation Center.  This is to help the aspiring group develop and create an infrastructure and operations consistent with other like organizations, and to receive advising support from the appropriate University staff.

Fronting Policy. Student organizations, individuals, and departments are prohibited from serving as "fronts" for off-campus organizations. This means student organizations of any designation cannot sponsor, schedule, or plan events as a means to provide off-campus organizations (unaffiliated with Saint Louis University) access to university space, information tables, the University name, branding, or any other university resources.

Student organizations are welcome to host events in accordance with the included policy and designations including herein, in the name of Saint Louis University, which they directly plan, fund, supervise, and attend. An organization may receive partial funding for their event from an off-campus organization permitting the student organization complies with the university’s fundraising policy, receiving prior university approval. If a student organization is co-sponsoring a program with an off-campus, non-University affiliated entity, the student organization is responsible for any and all adherence with campus policies and expectations.  

Examples of fronted activities include, but are not limited to:

  • Third Party Involvement. Permitting a non-university group to schedule space or sponsor an event (commercial or non-profit) in any campus space. This includes permitting a third party to plan, invite, advertise, issue/sell tickets or otherwise directly plan or sponsor any part of a student organization activity.
  • Use of the Saint Louis University name, branding, logos, for their own marking and/or gain, if the event or activity violates University or student organization policy.