University Recognition and Privileges

In order to exercise the privileges afforded to student organizations at CSUEB, all student organizations must be granted official recognition by the University. The recognition process is the means by which the University ensures that each organization:

  • Is comprised of and exists primarily for the benefit of CSUEB students.
  • Has goals consistent with the University's educational mission.
  • Operates in a means consistent with University policies.
  • Has the structure necessary to function as a successful organization.

Privileges of Recognition

As a recognized student organization you may:

  • Recruit members on campus.
  • Hold meetings on campus.
  • Reserve and use University facilities and equipment.
  • Use the banking services provided by the University.
  • Apply to Associated Students, Inc. for funding of programs and events.
  • Hold a voting membership in appropriate inter-organizational groups.
  • Have a mailbox, and receive mail, in the Studen Life & Leadership Office.
  • Be included in the University listing of recognized student organizations.

Responsibilities of Recognition

As a recognized student organization you must:

  • Comply with all applicable federal and State laws and policies of California State University and CSUEB.
  • Ensure that the rights to vote and hold office are restricted to matriculated, currently registered students of the University.
  • Adhere to the CSUEB policy on hazing: no member shall engage in any way in hazing, i.e. commit any act that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, physical or mental harm, or personal degradation to any member of the University community (California Education Code, Article 8, Sections 10851-10853). In cases of hazing, individuals as well as organizations, are subject to University disciplinary action.
  • Ensure that membership in the organization will not be denied on the basis of race, national origin, religion, sex (except as permitted by law), age, physical disability or sexual orientation (California Administrative Code, Title 5, Section 41500; Education Amendments of 1972, Title IX).
  • Not interfere with or disrupt the orderly conduct of University business.
  • Disclose any affiliations with other organizations and provide Student Life and Leadership Programs with copies of the constitution and bylaws of each affiliate.
  • Submit all changes in constitutions, bylaws and officers to Student Life and Leadership Programs within 10 days of the change.
  • Exercise fiscal responsibility with the University, Associated Students, University Union, other auxiliary organizations and off-campus vendors.
  • Have a campus Advisor approved by Student Life and Leadership Programs. Student organizations may have an off-campus co-advisor in addition to a faculty/staff advisor.

Suspension of Recognition

A student organization may have its recognition suspended if:

  • It is found to have submitted falsified required information.
  • It is found to have violated any law, ordinance, written policy or regulation of California State University, East Bay, Associated Students, and/or the State of California.
  • It is found to have failed in discharging its financial obligations to the University, to the Associated Students or to the State of California.
  • It has violated any of the policies related to the recognition process. Privileges may be suspended subject to the appeal process outlined in University Regulation No. 6, Section II, Part 3.

Starting a Student Organization


  • Submit the "Intent to Organize" form on BaySync. An approved "Intent to Organize" provides the group with organizational privileges for thirty days.
  • Complete the recognition process within thirty days of receiving the approved "Intent to Organize" petition.
  • Meet with a member of the Student Life and Leadership Programs staff to review the constitution and recognition request, discuss the policies and procedures applicable to student organizations at CSUEB and discuss the support available from the office staff.

Recognition and Renewal

Each Fall, Student Life and Leadership Programs opens the recognition and renewal process to leaders of recognized student organizations. During the first four weeks of the Fall semester, all continuing student organizations must renew their recognition for the coming year. Organizations that do not complete the process by the established deadline are considered inactive and lose the privileges that accompany University recognition.

In order to renew recognition, an organization must:

  1. Complete the recognition and renewal registration form in BaySync
  2. All officers must complete the Officer Training form in BaySync
  3. Attend the Student Leadership Conference

Change of Officers

Student organizations are required to notify Student Life and Leadership Programs within 10 days of any change in officers by completing and filing an updated Officers List. 

Membership

General

Membership in recognized student organizations is open to all matriculated, regularly enrolled CSUEB students, faculty and staff. Only student members may vote or hold office.

Membership may not be denied to anyone on the basis of race, creed, national origin, religion, sex (except as permitted by law), age, sexual orientation or physical disability (California Administrative Code, Title 5, Section 41500; Education Amendments of 1972, Title IX).

An organization may define limitations of membership (e.g. major, year in school, GPA) or types of membership (e.g. student, faculty/staff, alumni) in the organization's constitution.

Alumni

After graduation from CSUEB, a former student may become an alumni member of an organization as recognized in the organization's constitution. Alumni members may not vote or hold office.

Constitutions

Title V of the California Education Code stipulates that each student organization must keep a copy of its constitution on file with the University. Each recognized student organization at Cal State East Bay has a constitution on file with Student Life and Leadership In addition to specifying the purposes of the organization, the constitution outlines membership information, the selection process and responsibilities of officers, procedures for ratification and amendments, guidelines for meetings, etc. Student organizations affiliated with a local, state, national or international organization must also maintain a current copy of the affiliate's constitution on file with Student Life and Leadership Programs

A copy of your organization's constitution is available from Student Life and Leadership Programs and/or amendments to an organization's constitution must be submitted to Student Life and Leadership Programs days of the change.

Hazing

No member of a recognized student organization shall engage in hazing, i.e. commit or participate in any act that causes or is likely to cause bodily damage, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any student or any other member of the California State University, East Bay community. (California Education Code, Article 8, Sections 10851-10853). In cases of hazing, individuals, as well as organizations, are subject to University disciplinary action.