Guidelines and Registration Process
Purpose
The purpose of student organizations at the California Academy is to provide opportunities for the enhancement of academic, professional, and service aspects of student life through participation in group programs and activities. Every CA student has the opportunity to become involved in campus organizations.
Definition of a Student Organization
A student organization is defined as a group of five (5) or more currently enrolled CA students, faculty, staff and/or individuals from the community whose primary purpose is to support the goals and mission of the school. Only students may serve as officers or have a controlling interest in the organization. All organizations must have a designated faculty or staff member of the school to serve as advisor. These organizations must adhere to expectations of the entire CA community, contribute positively to the campus and abide by all State laws and University policies. Student organization categories recognized by CA include Academic/Professional, Institutional, and Service Groups.
Types of Organizations
Academic/Professional:
Academic/Professional organizations are student organizations and local chapters of National Organizations whose primary purpose is to support and enhance the academic goals of the school. Examples: American National Medical Association; International Organization for Specialization
Institutional:
Institutional organizations are student organizations that serve a primary function and help to support the mission and goals of the school. These groups, by nature of their design, are essential to the fundamental purpose of student learning. Examples: Associate Student Government (ASG)
Service Group:
Service Group organizations are student organizations geared primarily to giving back to the community or serving the public.
Registering an Organization
Anyone interested in starting an organization should contact the Office of Campus Life and Student Support Services.
Criteria for Registration
Registration will be granted only to those organizations whose purpose and proposed activities are clearly related to the educational goals and mission of the school.
Registration Process
At the beginning of each academic year (September), an organization registration form should be submitted to the Office of Campus Life, along with a copy of the organization’s constitution/bylaws. Constitutions/bylaws are kept on file and should be updated annually. Forms must be signed by the organization sponsor/advisor. Incomplete forms will not be considered.
To become a registered VA student organization, the following information must be submitted to Campus Life and Student Support Services.
1. Organization Name
2. Sponsoring College/Dept.
3. Type of Organization
4. Mission/Purpose
5. Fees, dues, or other funding sources
6. Officer and leadership structure
7. List of student membership
8. Faculty Advisor
9. Time and location of meetings
10. Contact person (minimum of 3 contacts)
Completed registration forms and constitution/bylaws should be sent to:
School Clubs & Organizations: [email protected]
Campus Life and Student Support Services
Second floor Library Building
After the registration form and constitution/bylaws have been submitted, the forms will be reviewed and filed in the Office of Campus Life and Student Support Services. The designated organization contact person will be emailed with additional information for the organization (event requests procedures, contact list) and the Student Organization link will be updated on the CA webpage.
Registration shall be denied if the evidence shows that the proposed organization conflicts with the educational process of the university, including but not limited to:
• The regular and orderly operation of the school
• The requirements of appropriate conduct within the school community
• The academic pursuits of teaching, learning, and other campus activities
• The laws or public policies of the State of California and the United States
• The statutes and regulations of the school.
Renewal Requirements
Registration forms should be submitted each year with updated officer names, membership count, etc… In addition, any changes to the organization’s constitution or local charter must be submitted through the procedures for registration. Constitutions are kept on file in the Office of Campus Life and must be updated annually.
Relation to CA, Use of CA Name/Logo
The Student Government Association and other student organizations are independent associations. They are not agents or representatives of the California Academy and are in no way authorized or empowered to enter into any agreement, contract or understanding on behalf of VA. Any provision or understanding that binds CA is null and void. CA is not responsible for injuries or damages to persons or property resulting from the activities of student organizations, or for any debts or liabilities incurred by such organizations.
Student organizations should contact the Office of Communications and Marketing to request authorization to use the CA name or logo.
Non-Discriminatory Clause
CA strives to maintain and support an environment that promotes the free expression and exchange of ideas and viewpoints. All Registered Organizations and/or other students, faculty, and staff have the right to peacefully assemble on campus to meet those needs. The institution asks that all students, faculty, and staff respect the rights of others to express their opinions, beliefs and views.
No Student Organization shall discriminate against a qualified member of CA on the basis of their color, race, religion, creed, sexual orientation, national origin, age, gender, marital status, ability, or veteran status, and shall abide by the CA Anti-Discrimination Policy.
Misconduct
Student organizations whose members commit, encourage, condone, or contribute to violations of the institutional statues and regulations, the policies of the CA Board of Trustees, or the laws of California or the United States are strictly prohibited.
Any violation of the CA Basic Code of Conduct or individual School Code of Conduct should be reported to the police within 24 hours (via phone, email or memo).
Event Requirements
All registered student organizations must adhere to the Campus Event Policy set forth by the institution.