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Student Organization Recognition Purpose and Structure

Why is there a Recognition Process?

The purpose of recognizing student organizations at William & Mary is to provide a structure through which students may exercise their right to freely associate in pursuit of a common purpose or goal that enhances community at William and Mary.  Recognized student organizations create opportunities for leadership development, learning, student engagement, and fostering of shared interests.

General Expectations of Recognized Student Organizations

All recognized student organizations are expected to uphold University policies and procedures and always act in good faith when conducting organizational business.  Further, recognition does not imply that the University assumes liability or legal responsibility for the actions of any group.  Recognition of a group does not deprive the University of any of its rights to act for the welfare of the community.  Continuation of recognition is dependent upon the fulfillment of intent and demonstrated ability to abide by the organization's constitutions and the University's educational purposes.

Organization Classifications

Each student organization granted recognition by William & Mary shall be categorized as either Sponsored or Affiliated.  Classification is determined by assessing the student organization's relationship to W&M; the purpose, scope and complexity of its activities; and the perceived potential risk to participants and the university.

Explanation of different organization classifications
Sponsored Organizations

Sponsored Organizations are those considered to be critical to the mission and culture of the university.  These organizations have a substantial relationship with W&M because of their role in representing the university or in presenting events that are considered to be an integral part of the institution.  These organizations have a defined relationship with a university department or office.  The activities and initiatives of these organizations are considered to be more complex because of their scope and perceived association with the university.  These organizations must have advisory support.  The organization's purpose and impact serves a broad segment of the campus community, not just its membership.

Affiliated Organizations

Affiliated Organizations are those that contribute to and are consistent with the mission and culture of the university.  These organizations engage primarily in activities that benefit their own membership but may periodically engage in activities that benefit the larger campus community.  Due to the variety and scope of Recognized Student Organizations at William & Mary, Affiliated Organizations shall be further appraised as either Affiliated-Green OR Affiliated-Gold.  Determinations shall be made based on the purpose, scope, complexity of activities, and perceived potential risk to participants and the university.

  • Affiliated-Green:  The activities and initiatives of these organizations are considered to carry moderate level of complexity in relation to their nature and/or scope.  These organizations may have a close relationship with a university department or office.  It is recommended that these organizations identify advisory support.  These groups have the opportunity to balance the interests of both their membership and possibly the larger campus community.
  • Affiliated-Gold:  The activities and initiatives of these organizations are considered to carry a lower level of complexity due to their more narrow scope.  These organizations primarily serve the interests of their members and are capable of operating with minimal support.
Campus Recreation Sport Clubs (CRSC)

Campus Recreation Sport Clubs are recognized student organizations that have a specifically established and sponsored relationship with the Department of Campus Recreation.  These Sport Clubs are critical to the mission and culture of Campus Recreation.  The activities and initiatives of these organizations are considered to be more complex due to their relationship with Campus Recreation and their representation of the University and their potential risk factors.  These organizations must work closely with staff in Campus Recreation and meet all requirements set forth by the department.  This relationship also includes access to identified privileges only available to RSO's classified as Campus Recreation Sport Clubs.

 

Benefits and Responsibilities of Recognized Student Organizations