Laurel Ridge Community College seeks to provide a diversified program of educational, cultural, recreational and social experiences responsive to the needs and desires of students. Although some major events have already been planned, the success of the program depends completely on you, the student. With your ideas and suggestions, the activities and programs can be exciting and enjoyable. Make the most of your Laurel Ridge Community College experience and get involved!
Clubs and Organizations
Clubs and organizations are one of the major segments of the student life & engagement program. All clubs and organizations are open to any student enrolled in at least one semester hour of course credit at Laurel Ridge Community College. A 2.0 minimum semester grade point average (GPA) is required for continued participation. To see a list of active clubs and organizations at Laurel Ridge Community College, please visit https://laurelridge.edu/student-life/clubs-organizations/.
Student clubs and organizations are sanctioned by Laurel Ridge Community College as official College entities and are benefactors of the support of the College. Student clubs and organizations provide a variety of services, information, and resources. These clubs and organizations benefit all Laurel Ridge Community College students. Student clubs and organizations may apply for funding through the Student Life & Engagement office. Any funding must be used to enrich the lives of currently enrolled students in their organization or College-wide.
Establishing and Chartering Student Organizations and Clubs
Student clubs and organizations which will contribute to the educational, social, community and/or physical improvement of Laurel Ridge Community College can be established. Student clubs and organizations must be academic, educational and/or service-oriented and all full-time and part-time students are eligible to participate.
All clubs and organizations must fulfill the following requirements:
- Include only enrolled Laurel Ridge Community College students and Laurel Ridge Community College faculty/staff members.
- Have at least five students who are currently enrolled.
- Have a full or part-time faculty/staff advisor who will participate actively in the role of advisor or sponsor.
All clubs and organizations must:
- Submit a constitution which describes the purpose of the club or organization; any academic or special membership requirements, such as fees, equipment needed, etc.; types of activities planned; and any national or other affiliations. A sample will be provided as a guide.
- Submit a Charter Request form which contains the day, time, and place of meetings; a list of members; a list of officers; and the name and signature of the faculty/staff advisor.
- Be approved by the Student Government Association (SGA), Coordinator of Student Life & Engagement, and the President of Laurel Ridge Community College.
- Be in compliance with the Laurel Ridge Community College nondiscrimination statement.
Once the official recognition has been granted, the President will notify the Coordinator of Student Life & Engagement. The Student Life & Engagement office will then issue an official charter to the organization or club. This charter will be good for the calendar year, up to the beginning of the next fall semester. This charter will grant the privileges of using college facilities and the Laurel Ridge Community College name. Officers of all clubs and organizations must remain enrolled at Laurel Ridge Community College and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA or higher. Some national and regional organizations may require a higher GPA to maintain involvement status.
Exceptions to the annual chartering process include honors societies (Phi Theta Kappa, Sigma Kappa Delta, and Epsilon Pi Tau), the Student Government Association and Student Ambassadors, and any organization that has been officially and specifically sanctioned as non-chartering organization by the Coordinator of Student Life & Engagement and the College President.
Funding Club & Organization Events
Student Life Fees (SLF)
The Student Life & Engagement budget, which is approved by the Laurel Ridge Community College Board prior to the beginning of each fiscal year, is largely funded from student life fees. These accounts are for purchases that directly impact students. These functions include campus, community, and cultural events; social activities; club and organization support; and College-wide activities. Funds are also provided for additional Student Life & Engagement staffing needs.
Requesting Student Life Funds
The Coordinator of Student Life & Engagement and the Student Government Association will hear budget requests at public SGA meetings. A representative of the club or organization should be present to field any questions and discuss the club’s request. These requests can also be emailed to the Coordinator of Student Life & Engagement to be considered at officer-specific SGA meetings if requests fall between open-forum SGA meetings. Each request will be decided by a majority vote of the SGA.
- Allocations will be based upon the following criteria:
- Relationship between the request and the club or organization mission statement.
- The request must meet at least four of the following six standards:
- Programs sponsored by the club in the past 12 months were successful.
- Programs have an educational value.
- Programs encourage interaction among students.
- The program supports student commitment and loyalty to the College community.
- The program will be visible and accessible to all students.
- The program is designed to promote a diversity of student interests.
- The event itself is eligible for funding.
- A club representative must be present at 70 percent of SGA meetings to request funding or have been approved to submit meeting minutes to the SGA president.
- Research and planning have taken place to ensure the feasibility of the event.
- College policies will not be violated by the program or event.
- Estimates of expenses and revenues are reasonable and have been researched.
- Overall level of detail provided in the request and budget hearing.
Items not eligible for SLF funding:
- Charitable contributions (students may participate in charitable fundraising activities)
- Scholarships
- Compensation for services if the individual is a member of the club or organization.
- Funds to provide financial support to off campus organizations.
- Products that violate College policies.
- Anything that promotes or has the potential to promote violence, illegal activities, defamation of individuals or defamation of groups.
- Anything that assists the promotion or opposition of a specific political party or candidate.
Funding Allocation Appeal Procedure
A club or organization can appeal for a funding allocation to the Dean of Students. The appeal must be submitted in writing within five business days of the funding allocation decision. The Dean of Students may request that the SGA reconsider the request and any additional information provided or may decide to grant the appeal decision without further SGA involvement. A decision of the appeal will be made in writing to the club or organization within five business days.
Inactive Student Organizations and Clubs
Any recognized student club or organization that is allocated funds by the College shall meet two standards to receive College recognition and funding:
A student club or organization shall meet at least once in both the fall and spring semesters and must communicate with the Coordinator of Student Life & Engagement, either through official submitted minutes from a meetings or meetings OR email updates.
The club or organization must assure that their president or designee regularly attends SGA meetings. If any club or organization misses more than 60 percent of the meetings during a particular semester, the SGA may recommend that the club or organization be declared inactive.
An inactive student organization or club can seek chartering each year and active status re-established.
Student Government Association
An integral part of the Student Life & Engagement program college-wide is the Student Government Association (SGA). Each year, the student body elects a president, vice president, secretary, and treasurer, unless candidates are running un-opposed. These officers are recognized as the official spokespersons for the student body and represent the interests of the students on a variety of College-wide committees. This group serves as the overseer for clubs and organizations, along with the Coordinator of Student Life & Engagement. For more information, contact clambert@laurelridge.edu.
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