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Registered Student Organizations

(Student Group Regulation)

A. Introduction
A MSU registered student organization is a volunteer group comprised of enrolled students organized to obtain certain goals and objectives. The goals and objectives of these organizations are met through educational, social, cultural, religious, or philanthropic activities. These activities should enhance and support MSU students, the University, and the community. Membership in organizations benefits students’ growth and education while attending the University.

The University acknowledges the importance registered student organizations have on campus. As such, these organizations have the use of University facilities and services to assist them in meeting their goals and objectives.

It is the responsibility of each registered student organization to adhere to the mission of this University and its supporting bylaws and statutes. An organization’s goals, objectives, and activities are not to deviate from established University policies or regulations.

Due to the cyclical nature in the goals and objectives of these organizations, the Vice President for Student Affairs and Services, or his/her designee, shall review this document every five years (starting in 1991) with ASMSU, COGS, and other appropriate student groups.

B. Registration Requirements

  1. In order to exercise the privileges accorded registered student organizations, a student group which is not a living-unit organization must register with the Student Affairs and Services Division.

  2. Registration shall be valid from the date of registration until the end of the second week of the succeeding fall semester. Student Organizations Must Register Each Year. Registration for an academic year can begin as early as August 1 of the previous academic year.

  3. Registered Student Organizations must have an advisor(s).
a. For undergraduate organizations, an advisor must be an MSU faculty member, staff member, or graduate student. For graduate student organizations, the advisor must be an MSU faculty or staff member.

b. Advisors must sign an agreement form acknowledging their understanding of advisor responsibilities.

4. A constitution must be included in the organization’s file. A written constitution must provide:

a. A statement of purpose.

b. Eligibility of voting membership including that only students registered with Michigan State University are eligible to be officers and/or voting members.

c. Necessary operating procedures such as committees, rules of order, etc.

d. That the organization agrees to abide by the terms of the university’s Anti-Discrimination policy.

e. Procedures for amending the constitution.

5. To be registered, a student organization must also file the following information with the Student Affairs and Services Division:

a. The name of the organization.

b. The names, addresses, phone numbers, and student numbers of four members including the organization’s officers and their titles.

c. The purpose of the organization.

d. The name(s) of the advisor(s).

(NOTE: Sample constitutions and registration forms will be available through the Division of Student Affairs and Services.)

6. The Student Affairs and Services Division and the organization’s advisor must be notified of any change made in the original required information. The information must be presented within four weeks after an organization has instituted the change.

7. If the required information is not submitted, a group will be denied registration.

8. Registered student organizations may also submit (if available) to the Student Affairs and Services Division the following information:

a. Notification of national affiliations.

b. Notification of dates, times, and locations of regularly scheduled meetings.

c. Notification of dates, times, and locations of regular and special activities for the following year.

9. No organization may have its registration denied or suspended on the grounds of its beliefs or its attitude except that an organization’s goals, objectives, and activities are not to deviate from established University policies or regulations.

10. A student organization may have its registration suspended if:

a. The organization is found to be in violation of submitting falsified required information by the Student Affairs and Services Division.

b. The organization is found to be in violation of an ordinance or written policy or regulation of Michigan State University by the Student Affairs and Services Division.

11. Any or all parts of a decision by Student Affairs and Services Division personnel to suspend the registration of a student organization may be appealed to the All-University Student Hearing Board. The student organization can continue to operate within University guidelines, procedures, and regulations until the appeals process is exhausted.

12. Upon request, a student organization will be provided with a list of University facilities and services available to qualifying registered student organizations.

  • Associated Students of Michigan State University
  • Council of Graduate Students
  • University Committee on Student Affairs
  • Vice President for Student Affairs and Services
  • September 1, 1968, Amended, June 1980,
  • Revised, June 6, 1986

Student Group Regulations, Administrative Rulings, All-University Policies, and Selected Ordinances