Club Recognition is the process by which students propose the creation of a new club.

Procedures for New Student Club Recognition

Students are welcomed to organize and join associations whose stated purpose is consistent with the two institution’s mission statements and its Catholic, Benedictine tradition.

Recognition of a student organization by the institution is an acknowledgment that the organization has complied with all eligibility requirements and recognition procedures.  Recognition of an organization implies that the institution approves of the organization’s constitution and bylaws.  Access to certain benefits (listed below) are available to recognized organizations.

A.  A packet of materials for Club Recognition is available in the Department of Student Activities and Leadership Development (main office is located in Mary Commons 2nd floor at CSB or at SJU in Sexton 210), or click on the links in steps 1-4 below to access and print the necessary materials.  Potential Clubs must submit the completed packet of forms to the Department of Student Activities and Leadership Development.

The following forms must be completed for the Club Recognition process:

1. A completed Student Club Recognition Form including the name and signature of an advisor and a list of club officers.  This form must be submitted in hard copy. 
2. A completed and signed advisor contract.    This contract must be submitted in hard copy.
3. Three copies of a club constitution.  Please click here club constitution and follow the template provided as closely as possible.   Submit three hard copies of your constitution with the Recognition Form.  In addition, please send an electronic copy of your constitution to jointclub@csbsju.edu. 
4. A list of members with each person’s campus phone number and P.O. Box number (a club must have a minimum of 10 members)

B. When all application materials are completed and returned to Student Activities and Leadership Development, the proposed organization’s file is ready for review.

Review Process:

1. The JCB will review the materials. The JCB will consult with the appropriate staff, faculty, advisors and/or student groups before granting or denying recognition of the proposed organization.
2. The JCB votes to recognize or deny the proposed student organization. If recognized, the co-chairs sign off on the Joint Student Organization/Club Registration form. This form is then sent to Student Activities and Leadership Development.
3. The Director of Student Activities and Leadership Development, along with the Vice President of Student Development (or his/her designee), the official administrative representative for the College of Saint Benedict and Saint John’s University, will then grant or deny recognition. If recognition is granted, the  Director of Student Activities & Leadership Development signs the Joint Student Organization/Club form.
4. The official recognition of joint student organizations is granted when the written signatures of the JCB co-chairs and the Director of Student Activities and Leadership Development are recorded.

Benefits of Recognition

CSB|SJU recognized organizations are eligible for access to a number of services and benefits, which currently include the following:

1. Recognition as an institution-affiliated organization
2. Use of the institution name in the organization’s title and in association with the organization’s activities.
3. Listing of the organization in official publications of the institution including Every Woman’s Guide and J-Book.
4. Consideration for funding during the academic year
5. Consideration for office space
6. Options for requesting to hold fundraising events and solicitation
7. Use of institutional printing services
8. Use of media services equipment
9. Inclusion in the annual club fair
10. Option to establish an organization mailbox
11. Access to the staff, resources, and services of the Department of Student Activities & Leadership Development
12. General coverage provided under institutional insurance
13. Use of campus wide E-mail system

Club Eligibility Requirements

The following eligibility criteria must be met before club status is considered.

• Mission Statement:

The organization’s purpose and function must be consistent with the mission statement of the institution(s). A clearly defined statement on how the organization is consistent with the mission of the institution(s) its Catholic, Benedictine tradition must be included in the constitution. (Refer to the CSB and SJU Mission Statement in the Appendix)

• Membership:

Membership is open to all CSB|SJU students exclusively.  Currently enrolled students must be allowed to join any recognized organization.  Student organizations agree to comply with the Institution’s Joint Human Rights Policy in regard to membership. Organizations must have at least 10 students in order to be recognized.

• Club Events

All events, programs, and meetings sponsored or hosted by recognized clubs and organizations must be open to all campus community members.

• Constitution:

The organization must have a constitution that clearly states its purpose and function--see Sample Constitution

• Advisor:

All student organizations require advisors who are employees of CSB|SJU -- see Advisor Information

• Institutional Policy:

Student organizations are required to comply with all institutional policies and procedures as listed in the Every Woman’s Guide and the J-Book.

• Joint Club Board (JCB):

Student organizations must comply with the Joint Club Board Guidelines. The guidelines devised by the Joint Club Board apply to both joint and individual campus organizations.

The JCB consists of two women from the Saint Ben’s Senate (SBS) and two men from the Saint John’s Senate (SJS) along with one CSB and one SJU student campus club leader.  It is co-chaired by the Student Activities Representatives from the St. Ben's Senate and the St. John's Senate. 

The JCB takes an active role in the recognition of campus organizations. Primarily, it evaluates whether a club meets start-up guidelines.  It scrutinizes the constitution of each proposed club and votes on whether to recognize the club or not.

Final recognition of a club requires the written signature of the Joint Director of Student Activities & Leadership Development and the approval of the Vice President for Student Development from each campus.

Once an organization has been officially approved, the JCB works with the organization to ensure that  JCB guidelines are being met and that the organization receives the necessary support from the JCB.

In addition to involvement in the organization recognition process, the JCB reviews club grievances, develops club/organization policy, and is involved in recognizing club achievements annually.