Student Organization Registration Policy

Student organizations must follow certain guidelines in order to be recognized by the College and to be eligible for College or student government funding. All groups must adhere to the following principles and policies. More information can be found in the Student Org Handbook.

General Principles

• All groups must complete the registration process as outlined by the office of Student Leadership, Involvement, and Community Engagement (SLICE).
• Groups must submit officer updates to SLICE every semester in order to maintain good standing.
• All groups must have at least two Executive board members who are currently enrolled Oxy students and have one member of the Oxy faculty, staff, or administration to serve as the organization's advisor.
• Each group is expected to be nondiscriminatory in its practices and policies.
• Students in leadership positions must carry at least a 2.75 GPA and may not be on disciplinary probation.
• Student groups and their members can speak only for themselves and not for the College. Student organization and student government bylaws do not obligate the College to act.
• Students may not commit the College to any contract, vendor, or organizational relationship; only designated College administrators may sign contracts or enter into relationships with off-campus organizations.
• Individuals must be free to join or leave an organization without fear of being subjected to pressure, harassment, or intimidation.

Student Government

The Associated Students of Occidental College (ASOC) is the official student government with all rights and privileges therein and no other organization can make such claim. It is the duty of the ASOC to maintain communication with the College and to make recommendations regarding matters important to the student body.

Religious Organizations

In addition to completing the SLICE registration process, groups with a religious and/or spiritual focus must be registered with the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life. Failure to do so will result in the revocation of the group's registered status and benefits. All religiously and spiritually affiliated groups must also adhere to policies regarding such groups, as established by the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life.

Religious Organizations - Code of Conduct

1. All student religious organizations must follow applicable College procedures to be recognized as a student organization.
2. All student religious organizations must have a certified Religious Advisor and be registered with the Office for Religious and Spiritual Life.
3. All student organizations must be open to general participation by any interested student.
4. Any student must be able to leave the group free from harassment or retribution.
5. All student religious organizations must respect the privacy of the individual and the religious and spiritual diversity of the college community. They must not engage in proselytizing or high-pressure recruitment tactics. Examples of unauthorized behavior include:
   • Unwelcome solicitation or door-to-door visits
   • Misrepresentation of religious group or activities
   • Breach of individual privacy or conscience
   • Harassment regarding personal life choices
   • Shunning or other forms of social isolation resulting from students leaving the group.
6. In public statements, announcements and activities, all religious organizations must avoid denigration or de-legitimizing any religious group, tradition or spiritual expression. Religious groups shall clearly identify themselves on all publicity, displays or other posted, distributed or erected organizational material.
7. Any conflicts between religious organizations must be reported to the Director for Religious and Spiritual Life.
8. The Director reserves the right to rescind the privilege of any campus religious organization.

Club Sports

Club Sports at Occidental College are recognized student run organizations that serve the students' interests in competitive or recreational activities. A Club Sport is defined as any Occidental College Organization registered with SLICE that participates in an intercollegiate competitive or recreational physical activity and/or requires use of College Athletic Facilities. Sports that have existing intercollegiate teams will not be represented as a Club Sport. All Club Sports must also adhere to policies regarding such groups, as established by SLICE.

Community Service Organizations

Groups whose primary function is community engagement and/or service must also be registered with SLICE. Failure to do so will result in the revocation of the group's registered status and benefits. All service organizations must also adhere to policies regarding such groups, as established by SLICE.

Food Service Organizations

In addition to completing the SLICE registration process, groups whose primary purpose is to engage in food service enterprises must also be registered with Campus Dining. Failure to do so will result in the revocation of the group's registered status and benefits. All food service organizations must also adhere to food safety requirements, as established by Campus Dining.

Unrecognized Organizations

Occidental does not condone the activities of student groups not recognized by the College. Occidental is not affiliated with such organizations and does not provide oversight of their activities. Therefore, the College advises students not to associate with such organizations, as their activities may pose a risk to student welfare. Students who participate in activities as members of such organizations may subject themselves to conduct that jeopardizes their good standing with the College.