Recognition
Relationship Statement
As a student progresses through their college career, they participate in a variety of experiences in and out of the classroom. Experts have consistently estimated that 70% of a student's time is spent on activities outside of the classroom. This involvement includes work, independent study, intercollegiate and intramural athletics, student clubs and organizations, study abroad, and living-learning programs.
Grand Valley State University acknowledges the important value student organizations have in the educational process. Registered Student Organizations (RSO's) are inherently linked to the University while playing an integral role in developing student leadership and providing a quality campus environment. It is the responsibility of each RSO to adhere to the mission of the university and its’ supporting values. An organization's goals, objectives, and activities must not deviate from established University policies or regulations. Participation in any given RSO by a student is voluntary, and any risk associated with participation is assumed by the student alone. Grand Valley State University does not assume liabilities for an RSO’s financial transactions, group activities, or the actions of an individual or its group members, unless the RSO is deemed by us to be performing services or engaged in activities on our behalf or under our direction.
Because of their importance, RSO's are granted special privileges and benefits. These privileges include use of university facilities and services, the privilege of participating in certain university-sponsored student activities, and access to the established student governance funding process. In order to exercise the privileges accorded to RSO’s, a student organization must register with and be recognized by the Office of Student Life through the Student Organization Review Board. The provision of University benefits to RSO’s should not be misinterpreted as meaning RSO’s activities are controlled by the University. The Office of Student Life reserves the right to grant, suspend, or deny any Registered Student Organization status at any time.
Non-Discriminatory Policy
Every aspect of University life should be free from discrimination because of age, color, disability, familial status, height, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex/gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, veteran status, or weight. Student housing, organizations, athletics, classes and University community facilities should be open to all who desire to participate (University Policy). The only exception is where federal or state law or national governing organization by-laws permits or requires sex- or gender-specific organization membership.
Benefits of Being a Registered Student Organization
Registered Student Organizations (RSO's) have access to the university resources listed below:
- Use of university facilities as established by university facilities policy
- Sponsorship of activities and promotion of those activities through the GVSU Events Calendar (approval based), and the LakerLink Events Calendar
- Access to the RSO Promotional Resources from the Promotions Office
- Distribution of literature, flyers, posters, banners, and organizational materials according to university posting policy
- University services and resources such as purchasing, printing, technology, and mail services (bulk mail, etc.)
- Assistance and advisement from the Office of Student Life
- Awards and honors presented to university organizations and their members
- Acknowledgement in university and Student Life publications, including the Student Life web page, LakerLink, and a student organization informational pamphlet given to students and parents
- Participation in university events such as Campus Life Night, Ignite, Homecoming, etc.
- Solicitation of funds on campus through programs and fundraisers, as established by university fundraising policy
- Access to funding for: campus programming, and student organization travel. These funds are provided through the Student Life Fund, which is administered through the Student Senate Allocations Committee.