Student Organizations

There are 278 student organizations at the University of South Carolina which serve the various needs and interests of students. Registered student organizations include religious professional, honor, interest, international, political, sport, residence hall, military, media, Greek, and service organizations. There is a wide range of activities offered through involvement in student organizations.  For more information on any registered organization, visit the Student Government Office, Room 227 Russell House.

USC Student Organizations

Student Affairs Policy STAF 1.06

The purpose of the Treasurer’s Manual is to provide the following information to student organizations and pertinent staff:
° Guidelines of the Senate Finance Committee for obtaining funding for registered student organizations.
° Specific standardized procedures to be followed in preparing and administering student organization budgets.
° Procedures to be followed in the processing of organization expenditure and revenue documentation.

This manual is published and distributed to give organizations easy access to all policies and procedures regarding the University’s accounting system and Student Government Codes. All procedures are updated annually when appropriate.

The Treasurer’s Manual is distributed to all organizations attending the Fall and Spring Treasurers’ Workshops. A copy is on file in the Student Government Office. An organization may obtain a copy of the manual from the Student Government office upon request. Additional copies will be distributed as appropriate.

NOTE: All funded organizations must attend a Treasurers’ Workshop each semester. They are generally held in early September and mid-January.

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION IS TAKEN FROM THE TREASURER’S MANUAL FOR STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS. FOR MORE DETAILS CONCERNING ALLOCATION AND MANAGEMENT OF FUNDS, PLEASE REFER TO THIS MANUAL. THE STUDENT BODY TREASURER AND STUDENT GOVERNMENT ADVISOR ARE ALSO AVAILABLE AT 777-2654.

Eligibility for Funding
Each student organization that has been registered for 12 full months may apply for general funding unless the organization is a social fraternity or sorority, a political organization, a religious group, or a residence hall government.

Student Tuition and Fees Funding Description
Program funds are generated from the collection of student tuition and fees which are paid each semester by most students. This fund supports student activities, programs, publications, and support services.

The Student Senate of Student Government works closely with the administration in the appropriation of student funds.

Student Affairs Policy STAF 3.10

Registered Organizations
The University of South Carolina recognizes both the right to exist and the mutual benefit of existence of co-curricular activities. The University, in the registration process set forth, seeks the freedom of existence for student organizations and ensures that designated privileges and support are available equally to all organizations that uphold the registration requirements. The University does not, however, automatically endorse the mission, goals or purpose of any organization.

Definitions

1. Student Organization: A student organization shall be defined as any group, consisting of at least 70% University of South Carolina students which desires to come together to support a particular view, explore common interests or accomplish identified tasks, which do not:
   a. have illegal goals and objectives;
   b. advocate or support the overthrow of the United States Government;
   c. propose or participate in activities which would violate regulations of the Board of Trustees, the University, or federal, state, or local laws and regulations, or materially disrupt activities and discipline of the University;
   d. advocate incitement of imminent lawlessness which may produce such action referred to in (c) above; or
   e. discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or veteran status.
   Any groups existing on campus that wish to use University facilities and/or services and that fulfill the above description must be registered. Only groups that are registered will have access to campus facilities and/or services.
2. Registration: Registration shall be defined as the collection and recording of specific information required of qualified student organizations as defined in Section I. The registration, in turn, affords those organizations certain privileges. The University views student organizations as private affiliations and does not endorse the mission, goals, or purpose of the organization. The University of South Carolina does not allow its name to be used in the organization’s name in any form or allow the organization to represent the University on behalf of the University. Registered organizations exist only on the University of South Carolina campus. Registered student organizations shall be referred to as “ , a registered organization at the University of South Carolina.”
   a. Denial of Registration: Organizations which are not in compliance with criteria in Section 1, a-e, above, or do not appropriately complete the registration procedures will be denied registration. Student organizations may not be denied registration based on similarity of purpose to previously registered organizations. The names of such organizations must be different.
   b. Loss of Registration Status: A registered student organization may lose its status of registration and all privileges associated with the registration status if any of the following occur:
   1) a student organization submits a written notification of its disestablishment,
   2) a constitutional provision deactivates an organization as of a certain date,
   3) a student organization becomes involved in any situation as described in the subtitle “Definitions” of the section of the Carolina Community titled Registered Organizations,
   4) a student organization fails to re-register by the third Friday in September of each year.
3. Privileges and Responsibilities: To function as a part of the University rather than as an outside organization of citizens, a student organization must be registered to obtain the following privileges:
   a. Reserve campus facilities.
   b. Conduct meetings on campus.
   c. Solicit funds/request funds (if eligible)
   d. Use University services.
   e. Use of a USC campus address.
   When an organization becomes registered it accepts the responsibility of adhering not only to federal and state law but University regulations as well.

Grant of Registration

1. Acceptance of a Registration: Acceptance of a registration by a student organization shall constitute an agreement by the organization to observe and obey all federal, state and University laws and policies, procedures, rules, and regulations.
2. Responsibilities of a Registered Organization
   a. The organization will seek approval from the Campus Activities Center for changes made in its constitution.
   b. The organization will register all changes that occur within the organization. The names, addresses, phone numbers, social security numbers of officers as well as the name of the advisor must be kept up-to-date in the Campus Activities Center, Lower Level, Russell House, records.
3. Fraternal Organizations: Prior to a registered organization being classified as a fraternal organization and exempt from Title IX requirements, official endorsement must occur from the appropriate Greek governing body. For more information, contact the Office of Greek Life, Campus Activities Center, Lower Level, West Wing, Russell House.

Membership
Active membership in registered student organizations shall be limited to persons officially connected with the University as faculty, staff, or full-time students. Students taking six (6) credit hours or more and who pay the University Fee are eligible for regular membership in student organizations. Spouses who have obtained the Spouse ID card are also eligible for regular membership in student organizations. Students enrolled in the spring semester under the above conditions and indicating intent to continue (students who have preregistered) in the fall semester as well as students enrolled in summer school are eligible for summer membership. Any persons not meeting the above requirements shall not be eligible for active membership in registered student organizations.

Annual Renewal

1. All registered student organizations must renew their registration annually.
2. Organizations shall renew their registration by the third Friday in September of each year and pay the annual renewal fee.
3. The Campus Activities Center shall be responsible for the annual re-registration process.
4. Re-registration Procedures are as follows:
   a. An informational letter and a registration form shall be sent to all registered organizations 15 calendar days prior to the deadline. This letter shall notify the organizations of the re-registration process and required meetings.
   b. Advertisements shall be placed in the student newspaper publicizing the re-registration meeting times and place. Advertisements will be placed to allow for appropriate notification of the re-registration period. Such advertisements shall constitute official notification.
   c. There shall be at least three re-registration workshops during the ten (10) working days immediately preceding the re-registration deadline. A representative from each registered organization must attend and bring a completed registration form, including the advisor’s signature.
5. Failure to Re-register: Failure by an organization to renew its registration by the third Friday in September shall terminate its privileges to operate on the University campus, utilize University facilities, or receive monies from the Student Activity Fee or any other student-generated revenue.

Summer Procedures

1. Each organization shall designate an individual to conduct the affairs of the organization during the summer and interim periods.
2. The name, address, and telephone number of this individual shall be filed with the Campus Activities Center.

Disciplinary Procedures
See the Student Judicial Programs section of the Carolina Community for information regarding disciplinary procedures for violations of University policies, procedures, rules, and regulations by registered organizations.

Advisors
To encourage positive interaction between both teaching and administrative staff and students involved in student organizations, every student organization is required to have an advisor. Eligible advisors must be selected from:
• Full-time faculty members at the University of South Carolina Columbia. Faculty members with the title “Professor Emeritus” are eligible to serve as an advisor to a student organization, even if they are not currently teaching full-time; or
• Full-time, exempt administrative staff members at the University of South Carolina Columbia classified as Band 4 or higher.

Graduate students are not eligible to fulfill this requirement. The Campus Activities Center will assist advisors with questions concerning their organization.

Leadership - Regulations for Organizations

1. GPA Regulations
   a. Any student member of a registered student organization who has been elected, selected or appointed an officer, as defined by his/her organizational constitution, must maintain the cumulative GPA requirement for a graduation and remain in good standing in his/her respective college before being eligible to assume that role.
   b. Students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirements at the time of elections may not serve in a leadership capacity. In the event that a student is elected to office without the minimum GPA requirements, the organization must hold a re-election and notify the Department of Student Life with the officer changes within two weeks.
   c. Organizations not meeting the above requirements will be placed on probation and may have their registered status revoked.
2. Faculty/Staff/Spouses as Officers: Faculty, staff, and spouses who have obtained the Spouse I.D. card, who are not full-time fee paying students shall not be eligible to hold elected or appointed office in a student organization.

Registration Procedure

1. Students wishing to form a new student organization should contact the Student Government Office in Room 110 of the Russell House. Representative(s) of the proposed organization must meet with the Campus Activities Center staff. The student(s) will receive:
   a. a copy of the Carolina Community,
   b. a copy of the Registration Form,
   c. a Petition to Register Form,
   d. a consultation on and a copy of constitution guidelines,
   e. an Outline of Student Organization Responsibilities,
   f. an Outline of Privileges granted to student organizations and orientation to services, resources, policies, and procedures.
   A constitution (including appropriate membership clause), the Registration Form and the Petition to Register Form must be submitted and reviewed by the Campus Activities Center. Once it has been determined that:
   a. no violation of federal, state, or local law or University policy exist in the proposed constitution and all necessary clauses are included (membership, non-discrimination, GPR requirements for student leaders, and faculty/staff advisor);
   b. the Registration Form and Petition to Register Form have been completed and correctly filled out;
   c. the organization has certified that membership requirements are non-discriminatory (except where exempt by Title IX);
   d. the registration fee has been paid; and
   e. a full-time faculty or administrative staff member (as defined above) has agreed to serve as the advisor to the organization;
   the Campus Activities Center will recommend to the Vice President for Student Affairs that the organization be registered.
   The Campus Activities Center will recommend to the Director of Student Life that the organization be registered. Upon final approval by the Director of Student Life, and when the registration form is completed and returned to the Campus Activities Center, the organization will be considered a registered organization and notification of the organization’s registration status will be sent to the organization as well as specified departments/service areas on campus. Once the registration criteria has been submitted and all questions or problems resolved, the registration process will take approximately five (5) working days. Should an organization be denied registration the representatives will be notified in writing no more than two days after all criteria has been submitted and reviewed. The organization may appeal to the Vice President for Student Affairs.
2. Organizations Pending Approval: Once a prospective student organization has initiated the registration process, and until registration has been granted, the organization must follow the guidelines below.
   a. It may meet on campus no more than three times in a University facility.
   b. These meetings shall be for the sole purpose of organizing. The organization shall not sponsor speakers, fund-raising efforts or any program or event.
   c. The organization may publicize meetings and invite membership but is not eligible to use the name University of South Carolina (USC) in association with the organization. It must be specified that the meetings are for organizational purposes only.
   d. Failure to follow these guidelines could impact the approval/disapproval of the organization’s registration.

Miscellaneous

1. Organizations wishing to change their constitution or affect changes in affiliation must submit these changes to the Campus Activities Center.
2. In addition to these regulations, student publications and the student radio station are subject to regulations by the Board of Student Publications and Communications.
3. Any organization wishing to sponsor a regional or intercollegiate meeting must have such sponsorship approved by the Director of Student Life before the meeting can be held on this campus.
4. Sports Clubs and Greek letter social fraternities and sororities are registered student organizations at the University. However, additional recognition criteria may be established for these organizations due to their unique relationship with the institution. For more information, contact the Intramural and Recreational Sports Office or the Greek Life Office.

Requests for Student Activity Funds Allocation
All registered student organizations that have been registered for one full year are eligible to apply for student activity funds with the exception of religious, fraternal, residence hall governments, and political organizations. Allocations are made annually during the spring semester.

Organizations wishing to request funds for the upcoming fiscal year should submit their applications to the Student Government Office within the deadlines established by the Senate Finance Committee as advertised in The Gamecock. Allocations are made by the Senate Finance Committee, subject to review by the Student Senate and the President of the University. Application forms and other eligibility information may be obtained from the Student Government Office.

The criteria used by the Finance Committee for allocating the student activity fees include:

Size of Organization
1. The number of students being served by the group’s activities
2. The number of students participating in the organization itself

Activities
1. The number and scope of services provided
2. The general value of the service provided
3. The expansion of the program in relation to the increase in the allocation request.

Past Use of Allocated Funds
1. A comparison of the approved budget with the receipts and disbursements of the past year
2. Economical use of funds

Other: Contributions in the form of special or unique services (especially communications). Detailed procedure for disbursing student activity funds are made available to the treasurers of all funded student organizations by the Student Government Advisor or designee.

Student Affairs Policy STAF 3.01

To encourage positive interaction between both teaching and administrative staff and students involved in student organizations, every student organization is required to have an advisor. The advisor must be selected from full-time faculty or administrative staff members at the University of South Carolina Columbia. Graduate students are not eligible to fulfill this requirement. The Student Government Office will (upon request) assist organizations in securing advisors. The Student Government Office will also assist advisors with questions concerning their organizations.

Procedure

For Appointment

1. The signature of a full-time faculty or staff member must be secured on a new organization’s application to receive recognition, to signify his/her willingness to serve as advisor to that organization.
2. The advisor’s signature must also be obtained annually during registration, to signify agreement to continue as the organization’s advisor.
3. The Vice President for Student Affairs will officially appoint each advisor to the position by a letter.
4. Should an advisor step down from his or her position at any time during the year, the Campus Activities Center should be contacted immediately, and a replacement acquired within three weeks.

For Advising

1. Become familiar with and understand relevant University policies and procedures.
2. Act within the scope of your authority.
3. Act in an advisory capacity, as opposed to a directive relationship in the organization. The following educational functions are cited as examples:
   a. providing the officers with the elements of good organizational practice;
   b. teaching the techniques and responsibilities of leadership and following;
   c. teaching the principles of effective group operations;
   d. developing procedures and plans for actions;
   e. keeping the group focused on its goals;
   f. developing self-discipline and responsibility in the group; and
   g. stimulating and initiating activity.
4. Be available to the officers and members to share ideas about organization affairs.
5. Meet with the officers of the group to discuss the progress and direction of the group.
6. Attend as many meetings and functions as possible.
7. Advise and consult with the organization and its officers in its financial affairs to see that the proper budgets are formulated and that the proper distribution of and accounting for funds of the organization are maintained. For non-funded organizations, provide financial and budgetary advice.
8. Approve/co-approve off-campus activities in which students represent the organization, such as meetings, conventions, etc.
9. Sign or co-sign appropriate University forms, such as those for use of campus facilities, purchase orders, travel requests, or the registration of visiting speakers or lectures.
10. Serve until a successor is appointed, if for any reason it is impossible to continue as advisor to the organization.
11. Contact the Campus Activities Center when questions or problems arise.

Student Affairs Policy STAF 3.17

Purpose
The University of South Carolina has the duty and responsibility to maintain a safe and healthy environment conducive to its principal mission of education. At the same time, the University recognizes and respects the constitutional protection of free speech as well as the individual student’s right to privacy. Accordingly, the University hereby adopts this solicitation policy for the purpose of establishing reasonable time, place and manner for campus solicitation.

Definition of Solicitation
Solicitation is defined as contact for the purpose of:
° Soliciting funds or sales or demonstrations that result in sales;
° Distributing advertising or other materials;
° Compiling data for surveys, programs, or other purposes;
° Recruitment of members or support for an organization or cause;
° Providing educational information sessions (exclusive of formal University of South Carolina academic classes).
Solicitation activities may not substantially disrupt or materially (or significantly) interfere with the educational, administrative, or operational activities of the University. Commercial speech which is false, fraudulent, or misrepresentative is not permitted. Events which are in violation of local, state, or federal law, Board of Trustees policy, or rules, regulations, and guidelines of the University are prohibited.

An event that places an undue burden on campus facilities, interferes with the use of campus facilities by other persons, disrupts normal operations, infringes on the protected rights of others, and/or has as a principal goal to incite a riot or to disrupt other activities, may be denied the privilege of using University facilities (or grounds) for solicitation.

Distribution of Literature
Distribution of literature by University or non-University individuals or organizations is subject to the solicitation policy in order to prevent harassment of students and to maintain the campus environment. The person-to-person distribution of literature by University or non-University individuals or organizations is restricted to the areas available for solicitation and must be registered and reserved in advance through the Department of Student Life.

The posting of literature by University or non-University individuals or organizations is restricted to appropriate reserved areas of bulletin boards in University buildings or on the Carolina Information Boards located at various outdoor points around the campus. Some bulletin board space is designated for University activities only.

The posting or attachment of flyers, posters, advertisements, or announcements of any type on the external/internal sides of buildings, trees, sidewalks, light posts, parked cars, or other similar structures is prohibited. (See policy on Posting Promotional Material in this manual for complete guidelines.)

Direct Mail Solicitation
The University of South Carolina postal office is responsible for providing services for USC faculty, staff, and students for official University business only. Mail determined to be of personal nature (such as checks, bank statements, utility bills, personal packages) will be returned to the sender. The only exception to this policy is mail service to on-campus resident students whose mail is delivered to their residence.

University Intra-Campus Mail Service cannot be used by faculty, staff, students, or outside businesses or organizations for advertising, campaign notices, solicitation, or for any purpose that is not determined official University business. No USC mailing list will be available for use other than for official University of South Carolina business. (Student organizations may be contacted through the Campus Activities Center.)

Statement of Equity
Approval to solicit on the University of South Carolina campus shall not be granted in an arbitrary or capricious manner on the basis of the content of the proposed speech related activity. Any constitutionally protected speech will be permitted within the reasonable time, place, and manner parameters of this policy.

Eligibility

University Organizations and Departments
Registered student organizations, academic units, or University departments may solicit in designated areas and under prescribed conditions as listed under Guidelines and Procedures later in this section.

Non-University Organizations and Individuals
Any non-University organization or individual wishing to come on campus for the purpose of solicitation must be sponsored by a registered student organization, academic unit, or University department.

Employee Solicitation
Employees of the University may not solicit for non-University sponsored activities during working time regardless of whether they are in their work area or not. (See System Policy A1.07, Personnel, 08/85).

Solicitors and Tradesmen
Solicitors and tradesmen, including students, faculty, or other University personnel are prohibited from entering the grounds or buildings of the University of South Carolina for the purpose of transacting business with students, faculty, or other University personnel, unless they have been issued a letter of permit for this purpose by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs (or designee). Guidelines and procedures for buildings, grounds, and residence halls are distributed to solicitors upon registration and permit approval.

Guidelines/Procedures

University Organizations and Departments

1. The organization or department must complete a USC Facility Reservation and Event Registration Form available from the RHUU Reservationist (located in the Russell House - Room 218).
2. Outside speakers and/or performers being sponsored on campus must be approved in advance by the Director of Student Life (or designee).
3. The Director of Student Life (or designee) must approve student fundraising activities. (See policy on Fundraising by Student Organizations in this manual for specific information.)
4. Lotteries, raffles, and games of chance must be in accordance with South Carolina state law.
5. Designated Areas - Solicitation activities are permitted in the following designated areas. (Note: Any use of space not normally designated for use by student organizations and University departments must be requested in writing from the Director of Student Life at least two weeks prior to the event.)
   a. Specific areas of the Russell House University Union (including the front and back patios, Ballroom, meeting rooms, and main lobby). Special Stipulations:
   1) User Fees - Charges will be assessed under certain conditions to University departments and academic units, for usage of Russell House facilities and equipment based on the current User Fee Policy. User fees will not be assessed to registered student organizations. A copy of the current policy may be obtained from the RHUU Reservationist. (Note: User fees should not be confused with fees for services such as costs for technical services, security, or other labor costs.)
   2) Equipment - Organizations must use Russell House equipment (tables, chairs, etc.).
   3) Space Limitation - Each display area will normally be limited to four (4) tables.
   4) Display Material(s) - In the interest of maintaining an environment that is consistent with the mission of the RHUU and the University, the RHUU staff reserves the right to determine appropriate location and manner of all display materials including goods, posters, banners, backdrops, etc. All display materials must be maintained in the designated display area.
   5) Campus-Wide Events - No charges will be assessed to non-University organizations or individuals who are invited to participate in a campus-wide event and provide services that are integral to the mission or specific function of a University department (e.g., Career Fair sponsored by the USC Career Center). Display and table regulations may be waived for such campus-wide events. Requests for exceptions should be submitted in writing with the Facility Reservation and Event Registration form two weeks prior to the event.
   6) Exceptions to the above policies may be approved by the Director of the Russell House University Union provided that exceptions shall not be in conflict with the general policy on Solicitation and Sales.
   b. Greene Street (between the gates ONLY and at specified times)
   c. Pickens Street Bridge (student organizations only)
   d. Designated areas of the Coliseum walkway (student organizations only)
   e. Designated areas of academic building lobbies upon the approval of the appropriate academic dean and the Director of Student Life (or designee)
   f. Other designated locations upon the approval of the Director of Student Life (or designee)
   g. Other specifically designated areas formally contracted through the University for the purpose of advertising goods and services to the Carolina community.
   h. Residence Halls: Solicitation is prohibited in the residence halls for all groups and individuals (official University business approved by the Vice President for Student Affairs, or designee, is excepted). Newspapers may be solicited and delivered by resident students or area managers after they have proper authorization from the Vice President for Student Affairs (or designee). All other deliveries must be made to the lobby desk located in the lobby of each residence hall. The residence hall governments and the Director of Housing and Judicial Programs must approve the use of lobby area tables for solicitation relevant to the needs and wishes of the individual residents of the particular residence hall.
6. Upon approval, all solicitation and related activities shall be confined to the designated display space only; passersby are not to be harassed or harangued.

Non-University Organizations and Individuals
Non-University organizations or individuals must be sponsored by a University student organization, University Department, or academic unit. The reservation/registration procedure must be properly completed by the appropriate registered student organization, academic unit, or University department prior to the non-University group setting up on campus. Sponsored non-University groups are limited to use of designated Russell House University Union facilities for the purpose of solicitation. Use of spaces by non-University organizations or individuals other than the Russell House University Union designated spaces is generally prohibited unless extenuating circumstances exist. Upon obtaining sponsorship, all other applicable guidelines and procedures must be adhered to as outlined in the section above for University organizations, academic units and University departments. Questions regarding sponsorship should be directed to the Office of the Director of Student Life. The sponsoring University organization shall be responsible for ensuring that the non-University group is informed and in compliance with University policies and guidelines at all times during the registered event. The following additional guidelines for non-University organizations and individuals must be adhered to:

1. A member or designee from the sponsoring student organization, academic unit or University department must be present at the solicitation location at all times.
2. Use of facilities by non-University organizations or individuals for the purpose of solicitation is limited to no more than 5 (five) days per academic semester. Multiple sponsors do not allow for additional reservations.
3. All advertising or “giveaways” must be in compliance with University policies.
4. No food, beverage, alcohol or illegal items may be sold.
5. The appropriate business license and sales tax remission form (if applicable) must be provided upon request; registration with the Better Business Bureau may be required.

NOTE: Non-University entities that are major sponsors of University-wide programs or services (such as Freshman Orientation), and non-University entities that provide services that are integral to an ongoing University-wide function of a specific University department (such as Employment Recruiters registered with the USC Career Center) may be exempt from the sponsor attendant and the five (5) day time limitation as listed above. Exceptions must be requested in advance in writing and shall be subject to the approval of the Director of Student Life (or designee).

Student Affairs Policy STAF 3.22

Policy
The University has established the following policies and procedures to ensure that student organization fund-raising activities are conducted in accordance with University policy and state law. All fund-raising activities must be approved in advance in accordance with these policies.

Fund-raising is defined as any event in which an organization solicits money from its members or from other members of the campus community. The following guidelines shall apply:
° Only registered student organizations shall be permitted to hold fund-raising activities.
° No door-to-door solicitation shall be permitted in the residence halls.
° Lotteries, raffles, and games of chance must be in accordance with South Carolina state law.
° Fund-raising events are to occur during a specified period of time.
° Organizations funded by the Senate Finance Committee must place all monies collected in their University account no later than the next working day following the fund-raising event. Locked bags may be dropped in the Russell House safe overnight.

Fund-raising activities are permitted in the following designated areas only:

1. Designated areas of the Russell House University Union (including the front and back patios, Ballroom, meeting rooms, and main lobby)
2. Greene Street (between the gates ONLY and at specified times)
3. Pickens Street Bridge
4. Designated areas of the Coliseum walkway
5. Designated areas of academic building lobbies upon the approval of the appropriate academic dean and the Director of Student Life (or designee).

Procedures
Student organizations are responsible for obtaining all local, state, or federal business permits and/or licenses and filing all relevant tax statements. Submit a USC Facility Reservation and Event Registration form, completed by an officer of the organization, to the RHUU Reservationist (Russell House, Room 218 at least five (5) days prior to the planned event. Forms and specific information on areas available can be obtained from the Reservationist.

Approval

1. Funded Organizations - The RHUU Reservationist tentatively approves the space and forwards the form to the Student Government Advisor (or to the Assistant Director for Programming in Housing and Judicial Programs if the organization is a residence hall government).
   a. The Student Government Advisor (or Assistant Director for Programming) signs the reservation form, keeps a copy, and returns the original to the Reservationist.
   b. The Reservationist finalizes the approval of the space and forwards a copy of the reservation form to the organization.
2. Non-Funded Organizations - The RHUU Reservationist will approve the event and location.

Denial
Should the request for a fund-raising activity be denied, the decision may be appealed to the Director of Student Life (or designee).

Compliance with Procedures
Organizations should maintain records of receipts and expenditures for a period of three (3) years and shall make such records available upon request by the appropriate University official. Funded organizations must comply with procedures stated in the Treasurer’s Manual for Student Organizations.

Deposit of Funds
All funds collected by the organization should be deposited in its University account (in the office of Financial Services), according to guidelines outlined in the Treasurer’s Manual for Student Organizations.

Off-Campus Locations
Funded organizations planning a fund-raising event off-campus must check with the Student Government Advisor (or the Assistant Director for Programming for residence hall governments). Funded and non-funded organizations must check with appropriate local authorities for state and local laws governing fund raising activities.

Requests to Extend Approved Time Period
The fund-raising activity should go no longer than the reserved/approved time period allotted. For approval to extend the period of time, a new request must be submitted.

Disclaimer
The Solicitation Policy of the University of South Carolina must undergo constant revision in order to reflect prevailing community standards and the most recent case law which constitutionally defends the rights of students as citizens as well as protecting the individual privacy of students on the University campus. Contact the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs in the West Wing of the Russell House for the most recent revision(s) of this Solicitation Policy.

Student Affairs Policy STAF 3.12

The Board of Trustees is by law the governing board of the University and nothing in this statement of policy shall abrogate or limit in any way the authority of the Board in matters of governance.

The University of South Carolina is committed to the principle that students should be allowed to invite and/or to hear any person of their own choosing. The campus is open to free discussion and the examination of views and ideas (both popular and unpopular, orthodox and unorthodox) with the condition that such discussion or examination be accompanied by peaceful methods and conditions consistent with the scholarly nature of an academic community. Freedom of inquiry both in the classroom and in all other aspects of University life is essential to the search for truth, and therefore is a major tenet of the University’s educational philosophy.

ACCOUNTABILITY - A positive effort is made to provide for a vigorous presentation of varied points of view under conditions of suitable scheduling and publicity. Invited speakers and their sponsoring organizations are accountable to campus and civil authorities for compliance with existing regulations and laws which are designed to prevent disruption of the University, injury to person or property, obscene behavior, or riot.

DISCLAIMER - The University encourages the expression of diverse opinions and views. At the same time however, the presentation of a particular view or opinion by a visiting speaker on campus does not imply University endorsement of that view.

Procedure
Speakers may be sponsored by registered student organizations, academic units, or University departments. The Director of Student Life (or designee) shall approve requests for campus facilities for off-campus speakers provided all applicable requirements are satisfied. The following procedure should be adhered to:
° Submit a USC Facility Reservation and Event Registration form, completed by an officer of the organization, to the RHUU Reservationist (Russell House - Room 218) at least two weeks prior to the planned event. Forms and related specific information can be obtained from the Reservationist.
° The following information must be provided before the request can be considered for approval:

1. The proposed speaker’s topic; and
2. Sufficient biographical information to identify the proposed speaker, including the address and telephone number of the speaker or that of the agency representing the speaker.
3. The following additional information (but not limited to) may be required upon request:
   a. A statement as to what non-University attendance, if any, is invited or expected;
   b. An outline of the manner in which the event is to be publicized; and
   c. An outline of security measures planned (if applicable).

Arrangements for the scheduled use of University facilities must be subject to administrative approval to prevent conflict in scheduling and to assure appropriate attention to related concerns such as safety and security. When a negative decision must be made because of a scheduling conflict or related concern, the sponsoring organization is free to seek a more suitable date or other arrangement(s). Unless there are conflicts in scheduling, speaker appearances will be approved upon fulfillment of applicable requirements. An exception to routine approval occurs when the proposed speaker or activity is undesirable under criteria of the paragraph on Accountability (above), or when conditions within the University indicate that danger to persons or property might result from an appearance. The President of the University shall have final authority in these matters, whether upon review of the decision of the Vice President for Student Affairs or upon appeal of such decision by the sponsoring organization.

It shall be the responsibility of the sponsoring organization to provide speakers with a copy of the procedures governing off-campus speakers at the time of invitation. Once a speaker affected by the above procedures has been invited, and his/her acceptance received, his/her appearance on the campus shall be governed by the following policies:

Student attendance at campus-wide events is not compulsory.

In order to assure free and open discussion which is essential to safeguarding free institutions, the President of the University in his/her discretion and when he/she considers it appropriate, may require any or all of the following:
1. That a meeting be chaired by an officer of the University or by a ranking member of the faculty
2. That speakers at the meeting be subject to questions from the audience
3. That an opportunity be provided at the meeting, or later, to present speakers of different points of view.

Student Affairs Policy STAF 3.26

The University recognizes that the invitation of a distinguished guest(s) to the University of South Carolina Columbia may require extraordinary measures to insure the protection of the dignitary as well as the well-being and safety of Carolina students, faculty, and staff.

The value of inviting a distinguished guest to the University may require the temporary interruption of normally scheduled activities. The University reserves the right to take appropriate action to provide a secure environment for all present on the campus during such an appearance. The University will strive to minimize any inconvenience to students, faculty, and staff. Advance notice of schedule or operational changes will be published and distributed whenever possible well in advance of the special event.

The University recognizes the rights and responsibilities of both students and non-students to participate in these special events. However, the University, while acknowledging the rights of assembly and free speech, reserves the right to control the environment by time, manner, and place restrictions in order to provide for the well-being of all people present on campus during the special event. Additional information may be obtained from the Director of Student Life.