41. Student Organizations
(Revised: 2020)
Student organization leaders must meet minimum requirements, as outlined herein, in order to maintain the recognition of their student organizations. Should they fail to meet these requirements, a student leader will be ineligible to hold an office in a student organization. Students wishing to contest their ineligibility may submit an appeal through Student Activities as outlined in the Student Organization Manual. Organizations choosing to set higher standards for their membership or leadership are responsible for holding members accountable to these higher standards.
41.1. Texas A&M University acknowledges that self-governing student organizations contribute significantly to the educational, social, and personal development of students, as well as to the vibrant culture of the institution. The University further recognizes that students may freely establish and participate in these organizations within the context of local, state, and federal law, as well as University policies and Student Rules. In order to receive and retain official recognition, student organizations must be granted approval by the Vice President for Student Affairs through the Director of Student Activities or their designee, and they must annually meet certain requirements. Privileges associated with the status of being officially recognized by the University include the use of University name, logos, and trademarks as defined by the University Brand Guide, University facilities for meetings, and University property for solicitation as defined in Student Rule 39. To be recognized and/or maintain their recognized status, student organizations must:
41.1.1. Have an approved faculty or staff advisor, employed at a level consistent with the categorization of the organization and committed to upholding the expectations of an advisor as defined in the “Acknowledgement of Student Organization Advisor Expectations” and the Student Organization Manual.
41.1.2. Annually renew their recognition with Student Activities. An organization’s annual recognition cycle should begin in the month that the organization elects or selects leadership, as defined by the organization’s constitution. Each organization must provide: signatures of the University advisor and the student officers authorized to withdraw money; the names and contact information of all advisors and officers of the group; an up-to-date profile of the student organization; and a current constitution and by-laws that comply with the provisions outlined in the Student Organization Manual. Student leader and advisor trainings must also be completed during the renewal period. Texas A&M may identify required enhanced expectations for organizations with a specialized/higher degree of risk or affiliation with the university.
41.1.3. Deposit and withdraw all funds of the organization in the Student Organization Finance Center and/or with a University fiscal account unless an on-campus banking exemption has been submitted and approved by Student Activities.
41.1.4 A student organization must maintain a name and mission that distinguishes it from other existing organizations. Organizations may not be formed for the purpose of participation in illegal activities or activities that violate the rights of others.
41.2. Students selected, elected or appointed as officers (an officer is an individual in a leadership position as defined in the organization’s constitution) in officially recognized student organizations shall:
41.2.1. Have a minimum cumulative and semester grade point average (GPA) as stated below and meet that minimum cumulative and semester GPA in the semester immediately prior to the election/selection/appointment, the semester of election/selection/appointment, and semesters during the term of office.
41.2.1.1. For undergraduate students, the minimum cumulative and semester GPA is 2.00 and for first professional students the minimum cumulative and semester GPA is 2.50. In order for this provision to be met, at least six hours (half-time credits) must have been taken for the semester under consideration unless fewer credits are required as they complete the final stages of their degree. In one limited circumstance, summer semester hours may qualify toward a grade point average prior to election/selection/appointment if at least six credit hours have been taken during the course of either the full or two summer session(s).
41.2.1.2. For graduate level students the minimum cumulative and semester GPA is a 3.00. In order for this provision to be met, at least five hours (half-time credits) must have been taken for the semester under consideration unless fewer credits are required as they complete the final stages of their degree. In one limited circumstance, summer semester hours may qualify toward a grade point average prior to election/selection/appointment, if at least five credit hours have been taken during the course of either the full or two summer session(s).
41.2.2. Be in good standing (see 27.1.2) with the University and enrolled:
41.2.2.1. At least half time (six or more credit hours), if an undergraduate or first professional student (unless fewer credits are required to graduate in the spring and fall semesters) during the term of office. A student enrolled in the Blinn TEAM or Engineering Academy at Blinn College-Bryan programs is eligible to hold an office, as long as the student is meeting all applicable eligibility requirements outlined herein.
41.2.2.2. At least half time (five or more credits), if a graduate level student (unless fewer credits are required in the final stages of their degree as defined by the Continuous Registration Requirement) during their term of office.
41.3. Student organizations and their advisors are responsible for compliance with University student rules and local, state, and federal laws, as well as expectations and additional guidelines outlined in the Student Organization Manual.
41.4. More information and guidelines concerning recognized student organizations are available in the Student Organization Manual.
41.5. Actions of recognized student organizations are subject to review. Failure to abide by the University Student Rules may result in organizational disciplinary hearings by the Director of Student Activities or their designee. Sanctions may range from a warning through revocation of recognition privileges. Disciplinary procedures are outlined in the Student Organization Manual.
41.6. Minors who are not students at Texas A&M University are ineligible for membership and may not participate in regular activities of the Texas A&M University recognized student organizations.