3.10 Registration of Student Organizations

Purpose

To specify criteria for the registration of student organizations and to delegate responsibility for the student organization registration process.

Policy Statement

  1. The University or Northern Iowa recognizes and supports the right of students to form voluntary organizations and associations dedicated to pursuing mutual interests, developing leadership and organizational skills, providing pre-professional experiences, and fostering educational, social and recreational opportunities.
  2. Responsibility for developing and administering procedures for the registration of student organizations is delegated to the Northern Iowa Student Government (NISG).  The registration process is the mechanism through which student organizations are able to access University facilities and University and NISG services. 
  3. Registration of a student organization does not constitute University or NISG endorsement or approval of the viewpoints or activities of the organization.  It is the policy of the University and NISG to register any student organization formed in good faith for a lawful purpose.
  4. Registration criteria and procedures must be consistent with applicable University, Board of Regents, state, and federal policies and laws.

Procedures

  1. Individuals planning to establish a registered student organization must submit an application to the Organization and Finance Committee of the NISG Senate.
Chapter 3: Student Policies
  1. The following criteria will be used by the Organization and Finance Committee in registering student organizations:
    1. Registered student organizations must be non-profit in nature.
    2. Registered student organizations must demonstrate a viable program and/or purpose as determined by the Organization and Finance Committee review of the organization’s constitution and proposed activities.
    3. Registered student organizations must maintain a current constitution on file with the Student Involvement Center.
    4. Registered student organizations must update all organizational information with the Student Involvement Center annually.
    5. Newly formed student organizations must have a minimum of 2 (two) currently enrolled student members before initiating the registration process.
    6. Registered student organizations must have an advisor who is a member of the UNI faculty or staff.
    7. Registered student organizations must abide by the following membership criteria:
      1. Membership and participation in registered student organizations must be open to all students without regard to age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or on any other basis protected by federal and/or state law.
      2. Membership and participation in registered student organizations must also be open without regard to gender, unless exempt by law.
      3. Registered student organizations that select their members and/or leaders on the basis of a commitment to a set of beliefs may limit membership and participation in the organization to students who, upon individual inquiry by the organization, affirm that they support the organization’s goals and agree with its beliefs.
        1. This remains true so long as no student who meets the other criteria for membership or participation is excluded based on his or her status regarding age, color, creed, disability, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, veteran status, or on any other basis protected by federal and/or state law.
        2. Registered student organizations intending to limit their membership and participation according to this policy must outline their restrictions in their constitution or by-laws.

The NISG Senate is charged with approving, denying, and/or revoking registration of student organizations.  Appeals of registration decisions will be heard by the NISG Supreme Court.  The President of the University or designee shall have appellate jurisdiction over rulings of the Supreme Court.

Vice President for Student Affairs, approved November 14, 2013
President’s Cabinet, approved May 12, 2014
President and Executive Management Team, approved May 27, 2014