Lord Fairfax 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 LFCC experience and get involved!
Clubs and Organizations
Clubs and organizations are one of the major segments of the student activities program. All clubs and organizations are open to any student enrolled in at least one semester hour of course credit at LFCC. A 2.0 minimum semester grade point average (GPA) is required for continued participation. To see a list of active clubs and organizations at LFCC, please visit www.lfcc.edu/studentlife.
Student organizations are sanctioned by LFCC as official College entities and are benefactors of the support of the College. Student organizations provide a variety of services, information, and resources. These organizations benefit all LFCC students. Student organizations may apply for funding through the Student Life & Engagement office. Any organizational 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 organizations and clubs which will contribute to the educational, social, community and/or physical improvement of LFCC can be established. Student organizations must be academic, educational and/or service-oriented and all full-time and part-time students are eligible to participate.
All organizations and clubs must fulfill the following requirements:
- Include only enrolled LFCC students and LFCC 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.
All organizations and clubs must:
- Submit a constitution which describes the purpose of the 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), Student Leadership & Engagement Specialist, Associate Dean of Academic Support and Student Engagement, and the President of LFCC.
- Be in compliance with the LFCC nondiscrimination policy.
After these items have been reviewed and approved by the SGA, the information will be submitted to the Student Life & Engagement office. Once the SGA recommends approval of the petitioning club or organization, the documents will be forwarded to the Student Life & Engagement office. The final step in the process is the approval from the President of LFCC. Once the official recognition has been granted, the president will notify the Student Leadership & Engagement Specialist. 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 LFCC name. Officers of all clubs and organizations must remain enrolled at LFCC and maintain at least a 2.0 GPA or higher. Some national and regional organizations may require a higher GPA to maintain involvement status.
Funding Club Events
Student Life Fees (SLF)
The Student Life & Engagement budget, which is approved by the LFCC 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 Student Leadership & Engagement Specialist and the Student Government Association will hear budget requests at each public SGA meeting. A representative of the club or organization should be present to field any questions and discuss the club’s request. 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 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.
- Program has an educational value.
- Program encourages interaction among students.
- Program supports student commitment and loyalty to the College community.
- Program will be visible and accessible to all students.
- 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 has taken place to ensure 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
An organization or club can appeal a funding allocation to the Associate Dean of Academic Support and Student Engagement. The appeal must be submitted in writing within five business days of the funding allocation decision the Associate Dean of Academic Support and Student Engagement 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 provided in writing to the organization or club within five business days.
Inactive Student Organizations and Clubs
Any recognized student club or organization that is allocated funds by the College shall meet three standards in order to receive College recognition and funds. A student organization or club shall meet at least once in both the fall and spring semesters and must submit the minutes of their meetings to their respective Student Leadership & Engagement Specialist. 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.
Student Government Association
An integral part of the Student Life & Engagement program at each campus is the Student Government Association (SGA). Each year, the student body elects a president, vice president, secretary, treasurer and senators. 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. For more information, contact studentactivities@lfcc.edu.
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