Robert Morris University recognizes that student groups and organizations are a valuable part of the institution and contribute to the academic, personal and professional development of our students. Their presence enhances the quality of student life on campus. Students are supported and challenged to do their best in the classroom and in their out-of-class endeavors. The following guidelines support the development of our students and are designed to maintain the integrity and high standards of our programs.

Program Administration
The University provides administrative and financial support to student club and organizations officially recognized by the Student Government Association (SGA) or other departments within the institution. The Office of Student Activities will assist SGA recognized student groups and their Advisors with the following:

• Facility reservations
• Travel arrangements
• Equipment inventory and storage
• Telephone, fax, copying and mail services
• Publicity, marketing and promotions
• Budget development and management
• General supervision for on-campus events
• Assistance in the development of student groups.

Students representing the University in other areas of the institution including, but not limited to, academic departments, Office of Student Community Service, Resident Assistants, First-Year Mentors, Campus Ministry Association, and Marching Band are provided similar assistance by the appropriate department and are also subject to the established guidelines.

Eligibility
Only currently enrolled RMU students may participate in student groups and organizations. Student officers must maintain a minimum GPA of a 2.0. Students must also meet any eligibility requirements of any national or governing organizations. Honor societies, select professional organizations, and other leadership positions at the University may have higher academic requirements.

Finances
University recognized groups may elect to have a checking and/or savings account at an area financial institution. The University has no authority on financial matters that involve outside banking accounts. It is recommended that the Advisor and one student representative be the signatures on the account. This will allow for continuity from year to year since student leadership changes occur more frequently than Advisors.

Funding is available to SGA recognized student clubs and organizations at the beginning of each semester. The allocation process is coordinated by the Student Government Association. University funds are designed to support expenses as necessary and appropriate as they relate to professional, service, leadership, and social activities of the groups. Allocations are determined by the officers of the SGA. All purchases and uses of these funds must be approved by the Treasurer of the Association and the Director of Student Activities. Organizations may assess membership dues to help cover expenses. Students are asked to honor their obligations to their organizations in a timely fashion.

Fundraising
University recognized student groups are encouraged to conduct fund-raising activities to help off-set the costs for the organization's expenses. A fund-raiser is defined as any activity sponsored by an organization, which in some way is an attempt to raise monies for the benefit of the organization. All fund-raisers:

1. Must be approved in advance by the Office of Student Activities
2. Must be non-discriminatory in nature.
3. Cannot use charge card solicitation to raise monies.
4. Must be alcohol and drug free.

Organizations must provide documentation of the financial results of any fund-raising project(s) if so required by the Student Activities Office. Projects designed to raise funds for outside charitable organizations are subject to the same guidelines.

Risk Management
All injuries and accidents at student group sponsored events should be reported to the Office of Student Activities. The Offices of Student Activities and Health Services will follow-up with injured students and other involved parties as necessary. Public Safety officers will be present at events when deemed necessary by the Office of Student Activities. Students may be required to comply with additional University guidelines for certain activities if deemed necessary by the institution.

Advisors
All University recognized student groups must have an Advisor. The selection of an Advisor must have the approval of the Office of Student Activities for SGA recognized organizations. Advisors must be Robert Morris University employees. Students are not eligible to serve as Advisors for student groups.

Advisors are responsible for developing and improving the skills and knowledge of the students, being actively involved with the organization's activities, assisting student leaders with organization matters as appropriate, maintaining regular communication with University officials, and ensuring compliance with University policies and procedures.

Conduct
All students will conduct themselves in a manner that demonstrates respect for the University, and is consistent with the RMU Student Code of Conduct. Students will comply with all prevailing rules and regulations of any governing organizations, as well as local, state and federal laws. Students will abide by the expectations and guidelines of University officials and Advisors. Students will not use drugs, alcohol or other illegal substances or participate in any type of gambling activities. Conduct which is disorderly, lewd, or indecent will not be tolerated. Students may be subject to the University's judicial processes for violations of conduct at organization events.

Alcohol Use
The purchase or consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited by all members of a student group in conjunction with any organized activity or official representation. University funds may not be used for the purchase of alcoholic beverages. Students must adhere to the University's Alcohol Policy, as well as other prevailing laws and ordinances. Violation of such policies will be reported to the Judicial Board.

Drug Use
The use, possession or distribution of narcotics, other controlled substances, or paraphernalia associated with the use of illegal substances is strictly prohibited and will not be tolerated. Violations of this policy will be reported to the Judicial Board and may be reported to the Department of Public Safety or other law enforcement agency.

Hazing Policy Statement
The use of hazing in any organization at Robert Morris University is prohibited. The University adheres to the definition of hazing as defined in the University Fraternity Secretaries Association statement on hazing and pre-initiation activities. "The University defines hazing as any serious action taken or situations created, intentionally, whether on or off university premises, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule. Such activities and situations include paddling in any form; creation of excessive fatigue; physical and psychological shock; quests, treasure hunts, scavenger hunts, road trips, or any other such activities carried on outside the confines of the organization; wearing publicly apparel which is conspicuous and not normally in good taste; engaging in public stunts and buffoonery; normally degrading or humiliating games and activities which are not consistent with the regulations and policies of the educational institution."

Sexual Harassment Policy
Sexual Misconduct Policy

Travel
All students are representatives of Robert Morris University and are therefore expected to conduct themselves in a manner consistent with the mission and standards of the institution. A student may be denied permission to travel with a student group for disciplinary reasons. Advisors, or other designated University employees, must travel with students to out-of-town conferences and events. Additional representatives from the University may attend when deemed necessary. Students may be subject to the University's judicial processes for violations of student behavior that occur off-campus. Drug and alcohol use and abuse, gambling, gaming, and visiting adult entertainment establishments are prohibited and will not be tolerated.

Undergraduate Academic Attendance Policy
Participation as a team member, attendance at a conference, or other official function: If a student misses a class due to participation as a team member, attendance at a conference, or other official function in which the student represents the University, this may still be considered an absence under the course instructor's attendance policy. A student who is absent due to representing the University for an official function is, however, entitled to makeup work missed if the faculty member can reasonably do so and if the student fulfills the instructor notification requirements of the policy. Students are not to be penalized for any missed assignments, projects, examinations, tests, etc., when covered by this policy. Furthermore, the faculty must allow the student to "make up" or complete any assignments, etc., that were missed due to officially sanctioned obligations. Faculty are under no obligation to tutor or otherwise provide missed instruction. Faculty will determine when make-up exams are scheduled and when missed assignments are due.

The following situations are not covered by this policy:

• Conflicts between work schedules and class
• Conflicts between practice and class
• Conflicts between preparation for academic or student life events and class
• Non-emergency training room and medical appointments
• Requests not appropriately documented and submitted to the faculty member
• End-of-season tournaments, academic conferences, or student life (e.g., student government) conferences may require less than one week's notification.

Student University-Sanctioned Events
The appropriate head or faculty/staff advisor must provide each student who is officially representing the University at an event with a detailed schedule of competitive events including pre- and post-event obligations (e.g., club sports, AMA meetings, student government conferences.) The schedule must be delivered to the affected professor at least one week before a conflict arises in obligations.

Appeals dealing with this policy by faculty or students are to be considered first by the respective faculty member's department head. If the appeal is not resolved at this level, the respective dean of the faculty member will render a decision. The dean's decision is final.