Student Org Handbook

This handbook outlines basic policies and procedures that student organizations will use to conduct business on campus. Violation of these policies may result in sanctions up to and including a loss of recognition and funding.

Throughout this manual, the term student organization is used to refer to any structured, recognized group of students on campus. Where specific types of organizations are concerned, they will be referenced by affiliation (i.e., club sports, religious/spiritual organizations, social fraternities/sororities, etc.)

Any questions about information presented in this handbook can be directed to the Office of Student Leadership, Involvement and Community Engagement (SLICE) at slice@oxy.edu

Also, you may want to visit the Student Leadership Library which is a supplement to the SLICE and ASOC student leadership curriculum. There you'll find personal and professional leadership development resources and teambuilding materials regarding:

• Virtual Team Management
• General Management
• Preparing for & Running Meetings
• Personal & Professional Development
• Advocacy, Representation & Decision-Making
• Equity & Inclusion
• Social Justice & Activism
• Identity-Based Leader Development
• PR, Marketing & Branding
• Career Development & Employability

To be officially recognized by Occidental College and conduct business on campus, student organizations must register with SLICE. Recognition does not imply the College’s endorsement of organization purposes, objectives, or policies.

SLICE will not recognize any group that engages in hate speech, harassment or discrimination. Bias in regard to age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity and expression, sexual identity, socioeconomic class, educational level, religion/spirituality, national origin, ableness/disability, ethnicity, culture, size, English literacy, immigration status, and skin color, will not be tolerated.

Privileges of recognition:

• Use of campus space and College vehicles for meetings and programs in accordance with college policy.
• Eligibility for funding from ASOC Senate and campus departments, such as SLICE and the Intercultural Center (ICC)
• Ability to use campus resources to recruit new members
• Opportunity to have an Oxy-affiliated email address
• Opportunity to have an organization mailbox through the Student Activities Center
• Ability to post organization events to the oxy.edu website calendar

Requirements for establishing a new student organization:

• Have 2 student e-board members (see requirements to hold an e-board position below). One person should serve as the club President and one should serve as Treasurer.
• Have at least one advisor who is a college faculty member, administrator, or staff member.
• Submit a completed Petition for Recognition to SLICE that contains at least an approved constitution, the contact information for organization leadership, and the signatures of at least 25 current students.

In order for a new organization to be approved, the organizations must abide by the following:

• Membership may not be discriminatory. Any student, regardless of race, color, sexual orientation, religion, creed, nationality, ancestry, ability, or gender identity and expression, must be permitted to join (except where permitted by law).
• The organization's purpose must not violate College policy or federal and/or state law.
• The operations of the organization may not provide profit for any individual.
• The organization may not sponsor activities that recklessly or intentionally endanger the health or safety of an individual.
• Students must be free to join or leave an organization without fear of being subjected to pressure, harassment, or intimidation.

Requirements to hold an executive board position in a student organization:

• Student organization e-board members must be registered as full-time students.
• E-board members must not be on conduct probation with the college.
• E-board members must maintain a 2.75 GPA.

Requirements for club to maintain registered status:

• Maintain updated officer and advisor contact information with SLICE as changes occur.
• Submit all organization constitutional amendments to SLICE for approval.
• Annually submit a signed letter of intent from the organization’s college affiliated advisor expressing the desire to serve in that capacity.
• Remain in good judicial standing with SLICE and the College.

Withdrawal of Recognition and Sanctioning:

Organizations must adhere to all College policies and the directives of College Administrators acting in their role as agents of the College. Organizations that violate College policies may be referred for Conduct Action, which may result in loss of privileges. Organizations may face charges of violating this Code if their behavior meets criteria such as:

• one or more members of the Organization is alleged to engage in behavior that violates the Occidental College Code of Student Conduct and the behavior appears to be supported by the organization, organization members, and/or its officers;
• one or more of the organization members' behavior is alleged to violate the Code at an activity sponsored by the organization or on property utilized by the organization; and/or
• a reasonable person would understand the alleged misconduct of one or more members to fall within the scope of the organization's usual and customary activities.

An organization and its officers may be held collectively and individually responsible for violations of this Code when it has been determined by a preponderance of the evidence that those associated with the organization have received the consent or encouragement of the organization or of the organization's leaders or officers. Sanctions for organization misconduct may include revocation or denial of registration or recognition, as well as other appropriate sanctions.

If Conduct Action is determined by SLICE, the matter will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct (OSC). The OSC is designated by the Dean of Students Office to administer the Occidental College Code of Student Conduct. When a violation of College policy is alleged, the OSC engages with those involved, investigates and takes appropriate action in accordance with the Code. More at www.oxy.edu/student-life/student-affairs/resources/office-student-conduct.

Club Status Descriptions:

SLICE offers club support in a variety of ways. Professional staff is available to support through challenges and celebrate your success. Here are the categories that clubs at Occidental fall typically fall into.

• Active - Fully recognized student organization. Able to reserve spaces, host events, and advertise on campus.
• Frozen - An organization that has completed some of the requirements to be active, but has reached out to SLICE for reactivation support.
• Inactive - An organization that had been previously active (within 2-3 years) but did not complete all recognition requirements or no longer has student interest on campus.
• Received an Organizational Warning - An official warning that the organization's behavior is in violation of the Code of Student of Conduct and that, if the organization is subsequently found in violation of a rule, subsequent action may be more severe.
• Following a Club Improvement Plan - An organization can opt-in or be placed on a Club Improvement Plan to create (with SLICE) goals for the organization to improve areas of communication, leadership structure, recruitment, or other identified areas of concern.
• On Organization Probation - An organization is found in violation of the Student Code of Conduct and placed on a restrictive semester—barring or limiting some or all of the organization's activities and/or privileges.
• On Organization Suspension - An organization that loses College recognition and privileges of a student organization for a period of time or permanently.

Maintaining Recognition:

• Clubs treasurers need to attend one of the
  annual treasurer trainings and afterwards take a quiz in the ASOC Finance Office. 
  If there is a change in treasurer after just one semester, the new treasurer needs to attend the training at the beginning of their first semester

• The club president (or an e-board representative) needs to
  attend an annual club leader training. 
  If there is a change in club leadership, the new president needs to attend a training at the beginning of their term.

• Update your officer roster on RAFTR 
  upon election of your new officers. This keeps our records up to date and maintains your status as a recognized organization.

• Club leaders are expected to find out when the training will take place. You can always check our event and training dates on RAFTR just visit SLICE and ask for the upcoming dates. If the club does not already have a shared email account, SLICE can set one up for you and you will receive reminders about the training.

• Transition your club on RAFTR when prompted to do so. Contact clubs@oxy.edu if you have any questions or contact the RAFTR support by clicking on the chat icon.

Here are some worksheets to help you keep track of important info so you can pass it on to people who take over your org when you graduate.

The SLICE Program Coordinators have been working with student organizations as members, club leaders, or through SLICE helping them plan events. To help organizations continually improve their presence on campus and the efficiency with which they plan events, they've created these worksheets. Feel free to download them, adapt them, complete them, and then share them with your incoming leadership.

• Important Dates - summary of important club deadlines
• Pass-on Advice by Position - words of wisdom to pass along for a leadership positions
• RAFTR - the platform to keep track of members and officers during times of transition, but also to advertise your events.
• Club Account Info - have your club account number logged on this worksheet to pass from treasurer to treasurer
• Budget Tracking Sheet - The stability of a club rests on strong financial planning. Use this sheet to keep track of your club finances.
• Event Program Calendar - log past and future events using this document
• Vendor Information Sheet - pass along useful vendor information to future club leaders using this document. It is especially useful if you have used a DJ, t-shirt guy, or other vendors that you know you would (or would not) want to use again.
• Funding Tracking Sheet - track who has given your group funding in the past and for what projects

Advisors are not expected to be an expert in the organization, especially at first. Rather, their role is to help the organization operate to the best of its ability while allowing the students to be the driving force.

Advisors are responsible for filling a variety of roles:

• an interpreter of policy
• a contact between the organization and other entities (i.e., college administration, entertainment industry, and other organizations)
• an information resource regarding organizational procedures, group process and programming concerns
• a resource providing history and continuity between changing organizational leadership
• a teacher of programming skills
• a presenter of philosophical ideas and concepts of leadership
• a counselor, mediator, consultant, or sounding board

Advisors have different styles and organizations have different needs. These styles and needs may change from year to year or even month to month. Additional support and resources are available for advisors at SLICE.

Oxy.edu Events Calendar - You can request an account for one person in your organization to be able to add your club events to the oxy.edu website. Use the account request form to get access.

Oxy.edu email accounts - If you would like to request an organization-specific email address for your club, please email slice@oxy.edu

Student Organization Mailboxes - Each organization gets a student org. mailbox at the Student Activities Center. If your organization gets mail for the club, rather than have it delivered to one of the e-board members directly, have it sent to your club mailbox. This will prevent having to change your address when officers graduate or study abroad and will make sure that your mail continues to get delivered. Just have your mail sent to:

Student Organization Name
c/o Student Activities Center
1600 Campus Rd. - M39
Los Angeles, CA 90041

You can then pick up your mail at the Student Activities Center located in Johnson Student Center Lobby during their normal operating hours.

“Doxxing,” as it is frequently called, is the act of gathering someone's personal information and revealing it to the public, often in a malicious way. This can be done in a variety of ways including but not limited to public humiliation, online harassment, stalking and identity theft.

Many people maintain a public presence online, whether publicly and/or professionally. Given the risk of online harassment, we recommend you take precautions and be attentive about posting personally identifiable information. CLICK HERE to learn about precautions you can consider taking to decrease the chances of online harassment.

Adventist Health Urgent Care - Glendale
(Accepts Oxy Health Plan and most PPO's)
544 N. Glendale Ave., Suite A
Glendale, CA 91206  (4.8 miles from Campus)
(818) 241-4331
M - F 8:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sat - Sun, & Holidays: 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Map and directions

Glenoaks Urgent Care
(Accepts the Oxy Health Plan, most PPOs and HMOs with local medical groups - check this page to be sure)
1100 W. Glenoaks Blvd.
Glendale, CA 91202 (7.3 miles from Campus)
(818) 242-3333
Monday - Friday: 9:00am - 8:00pm
Saturday & Sunday: 9:00am - 5:00pm
Map and Directions

Kaiser Permanente Urgent Care
3280 East Foothill Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
(800) 954-8000 (9.3 miles from Campus)
Open 7 days a week: 9:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m.
Maps and Directions

A student club or organization recognized by SLICE may request a maximum of two (2), single day events, per semester, that take place in athletics operated spaces. The event(s) must fall between the first day and last day of classes in the given semester, and space requests must be submitted on 25Live (via SLICE) at least 10 business days in advance. All requests and use of athletics operated spaces are subject to availability, and may be subject to a set of one-times rules and/or requirements specific to each individual event, including attending a CEAC meeting.

This policy does not apply to recognized Club Sports, or any club/organization activity in the Dance Studio (AGYM 21).

Groups involved in community engagement projects must attend training through SLICE in order to retain student group status. Failure to do so will result in the revocation of the group's registered status and benefits. All community engaged groups must adhere to the campus policies regarding such groups, as established by SLICE.

Groups whose primary focus is spiritual or religious development must also register with the Office of Religious and Spiritual Life (ORSL). These clubs may have an off-campus advisor in addition to their on-campus faculty/staff advisor. Click here to learn more about Religious & Spiritual groups on campus.

Here are some ways you can get the money you need for your organization to operate. We recommend going through these in order as they tend to build on one another.

Tier 1 - Self Sustaining Funding

These funds provide the most flexible and reliable source of funding. They roll over from year to year.

• Fundraising - bake sale, merchandise sale, car wash, etc. ASOC will help you purchase items you want to sell if you need. A popular way to collect revenue is to allow students to charge your items on their student accounts. See below for details.
• Collecting membership dues
• Getting donations

Tier 2 - Club Co-sponsorship

These funds are often limited in what they can be used for and unspent money often reverts to the originating organization.

• Other student organizations - from their Tier 1 funds
• ASOC - yes, this is considered a co-sponsorship - go to the ASOC Funding page for more information
• Going in with other student orgs to request funds from ASOC

Tier 3 - Departmental Co-sponsorship

Departments have their own programming and services they need to use their money to support. Sometimes, they can help if you are planning an event that fits closely with their mission.

• Academic Departments
• Student Affairs Departments
• Remsen Bird Fund - specifically for bringing speakers to campus and available through the Intercultural Community Center and SLICE.

Tier 4 - Closing the Gap

The Dean of Students office is committed to helping students reach a particular goal that may be otherwise out of reach. The Dean wants to see demonstrated efforts in each of the previous three tiers before they will consider contributing some of their limited money toward co-sponsorships. To apply for Dean of Students funding, contact SLICE for instructions.

Charging Student Accounts

Student Business Services provides the opportunity for individuals to charge their student accounts for purchases related to recognized student organization fundraisers. Charges collected will then be deposited in the student organization ASOC account. Please note that this is a
service
provided and can be removed without notice if abused. Below are the guidelines:

1. Download the sign-up form from Student Business Services (labeled "SBS Account Charge Sheet - Student Club")
2. Fill out the form completely. You must type in each entry.
   Handwritten account charge sheets will not be accepted.
   1. Suggestion: ask students to show their ID and then the club member types in the information -- prevents bogus numbers being entered.
3. Minimum amount to charge = $5.00
4. You will need separate sign-in sheets for separate fundraisers (e.g., 1 sheet for t-shirt sales; 1 sheet for ticket sales, etc.)
5. Email your completed sign-in sheets to stuaccts@oxy.edu
   and
   schraeder@oxy.edu
   within 10 business days after the close of your fundraiser.
6. Your deposit should be processed and reflected in your student organization ASOC account within 10 business days after receipt.

Student Business Services reserves the right to refuse processing of student account charges if the above are not followed.

Student organizations are required to register their trips with SLICE at least one week (two weeks if overnight) prior to departure. For approval, email mrodriguez6@oxy.edu. If you are traveling outside the United States, you are required to have your trip reviewed by International Programs Office at least
one month
prior to departure. Any trip not registered is considered unauthorized by the College.

The mission of ASOC is to advocate on behalf of the student body, to promote discussions about how Occidental College can evolve to better serve the students, and to support and organize activities that enhance the educational, recreational and social experience of students. All branches of ASOC serve to promote, regulate and maintain the social and educational welfare of our student body through a student government that embodies the mission of Occidental College. Please see the descriptions of each branch below. More information at www.oxy.edu/student-life/clubs-organizations/asoc

Senate

The Senate acts as an official voice for the student body, supports students and their activities, allocates and administers funds from the student body fees, oversees Student Services, and serves as the legislative body for all Associated Students of Occidental College.

Diversity and Equity Board (DEB)

DEB works toward empowerment and improved conditions for structurally marginalized groups on and off campus. DEB supports initiatives that foster a campus climate of inclusivity, further ASOC’s commitment to equity, and lead to improved practices at Occidental College.

Renewable Energy and Sustainability Fund (RESF)

RESF’s mission is to disburse student fees with the goal of contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally just campus by promoting renewable energy, resource conservation, sustainable programming and workshops, food justice, environmental justice and the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, and by advocating for environmental sustainability, education and awareness on campus.

Honor Board

Acting as the ASOC's judicial branch, Honor Board is comprised of 10 student jurors elected by the student body. Honor Board voices student perspectives in cases concerning alleged violations of the Student Code of Conduct, the College's Academic Ethics policy or the Honor Principle.

When it comes to the ASOC student government funding model, you've got options!

Senate

Serving as a voice for the student body, supporting students and their activities, allocating and administering funds from the student body fees, the Senate oversees Student Services, and acts as the legislative body for all Associated Students of Occidental College.

• Need money for a club project, event, program or initative? Review the ASOC Senate Funding Guidelines and apply here.
• Got an idea for a campus art project? Learn more about the Arts Endowment Fund.
• Need more than $500 for new equipment? Learn more about Capital Improvement funding.

Diversity and Equity Board (DEB)

DEB works towards student empowerment and improved conditions for structurally marginalized groups on and off campus.

• Working to improve diversity and equity in your community? Review the DEB's Funding Guidelines and apply here.

Renewable Energy and Sustainability Fund (RESF)

RESF works to improve Oxy by empowering students to carry out their own visions for sustainability.

• Want to launch an eco-initiative or sustainability project? Review and submit the RESF Funding Application.

Not quite what you were looking for? Try some of these alternatives.

• Remsen Bird Funding - Resources for guest speakers, lecturers and artists. Available through the Intercultural Community Center and SLICE.
• Club Fundraisers - Learn more about registering fundraisers and soliciting donations.
• Academic Departments - Based on the nature of your club or initiative, consider approaching the academic side of the house for funding.
• Senior Administration - Some funding may also be available via the Dean of Students, Dean of the College, and/or the President’s Office

Bengal Bus

Bengal Bus is a student-run program that provides free and low-cost transportation throughout Oxy's surrounding community. Book your ride to L.A.-area airports and other popular locations including Target, the Highland Park Metro stop, museums, beaches and more!
bus@oxy.edu | FB and Insta: @oxybengalbus | app: TapRide

KOXY Radio

KOXY Radio is Occidental College’s student-run radio station. Besides giving students the opportunity to curate their own radio shows, KOXY puts on concerts for the student body, bringing in artists of many different genres. KOXY prides itself in engaging with the student body, providing sound supports, showcases, giveaways and music on the Quad for all to enjoy.
koxy@oxy.edu | Insta: @koxyradio | koxyradio.com

Bike Share

Oxy Bike Share is a student-run free bike rental service. Aside from offering rentals and repairs, Bike Share hopes to create a community focused on sustainability and adventure through a love of bicycles.
bikes@oxy.edu | Insta: @oxybikeshare

Food, Energy and Sustainability Team (FEAST) Organic Garden

Located below the Urban Environmental Policy Institute, the FEAST Organic Garden is a student-run garden that hosts planting and harvest parties, raises a brood of hens, offers various sustainability-related workshops, and is a community focused on environmental awareness.
feast@oxy.edu | Insta: @oxy.feast.garden

La Encina

La Encina is Occidental College’s official yearbook, created by a student team of photographers, editors and writers. La Encina strives to provide a comprehensive, enjoyable and accurate record of the school year for the benefit of the current and future Occidental community.
laencina@oxy.edu | Insta: @laencinayearbook

Occidental TV

Occidental TV broadcasts a variety of eclectic and relevant entertainment, news and opinion to Oxy students, staff and alumni. It provides rising filmmakers, designers, performers and artists with a highly visible platform to showcase their talents.
oxytv@oxy.edu | Insta: @occidentalTV

Occidental Design Service (ODS)

ODS is a student-run graphic design service that designs for departments, clubs and organizations on campus. If you are hosting an event, planning a fundraiser, presenting a speaker or showing a movie, let ODS help you spread the word!
ods@oxy.edu | Insta: @oxydesignservice

Programing Board

The Programing Board plans and markets major campus events like SpringFest, collaborates with other student services on events, and creates a sense of community and school spirit at Oxy.
pb@oxy.edu | Insta: @oxyprogrammingboard

The Occidental

As the official student newspaper of the College, The Occidental endeavors to provide fair, accurate and balanced journalism of the highest quality to members of the campus and local communities, maintaining professional journalistic standards and ethics.
theoccidental@oxy.edu | Insta: @theoccidentalnews | theoccidentalnews.com

SAC is a student-run organization that provides services to students, faculty, staff, clubs and organizations. The Center loans out chalk, tape, paint and Quad-sitting equipment to help promote events on campus, while offering a wide range of services from selling discounted tickets to renting out camping equipment. Additionally, SAC collaborates with other on-campus departments, such as the Bengal Bus and the Sustainability Fund, to provide students opportunities to engage in activities both on campus and in the Greater Los Angeles area.

SAC Services:

• Discounted movie tickets
• Discounted theme park tickets
• Quad-sitting equipment
• Board games and hammocks
• Camping equipment rentals
• Club deposits and mailboxes
• TAP Vendor
• FREE chalk, paint and tape loans