Student Group Development

The Center for Leadership and Service recognizes all student groups (Greek organizations, honor societies, student governments, student clubs and organizations) on an annual basis.  There are approximately 146 student groups on campus.  A list of active student groups can be obtained in UC 219 and is available on our web site.  If a student is interested in joining a club or organization, a New Member Interest Form can be completed in UC 219.  The staff also works closely with students who are interested in starting new clubs and organizations and provides assistance to group advisors.  The Campus Awareness Festival is held in the fall, and a student group information fair is held in the spring.  These events provide opportunities to meet other students and learn how to get involved. Student groups set up and host tables in the University Center where student group members are available to answer questions for prospective new members.

Groups seeking recognition status at Kean University have certain responsibilities:

1. It is the responsibility of the President and/or Advisor to complete a Student Group Recognition Form (for funded and non-funded groups) and an Honor Society Recognition Form (for honor societies). The Student Group Recognition Form must be completed and handed in by the third Friday of October in the fall semester. Any exceptions must be approved by the Director of the Center for Leadership and Service.  Student groups that miss the fall deadline will have an opportunity to become recognized for the spring semester by submitting the Student Group Recognition form by the first Friday of February. Honor Society Recognition Forms will be accepted throughout the year. However, early submission of these forms is encouraged.
   
   Return of all forms in a timely manner ensures your group’s name will be listed in University publications, entitles the group to on campus scheduling privileges and helps individual members receive credit on co-curricular transcripts.
   
2. New student groups and organizations must submit a constitution with the Student Group Recognition Form. All groups must function in accordance with their constitutions and the by-laws which were approved by the Center for Leadership and Service. The official name of the group will be determined by the name defined in the constitution.
3. A group must consist of ten registered students who are in good academic and disciplinary standing within the University. Active membership is limited to faculty, staff and officially registered students.
4. A group and its members must comply with all University policies and regulations; with federal, state and local laws; and with regulations of the parent organization as applicable.
5. A group and its members must accept responsibility for all financial obligations incurred and decisions made as an organization.
6. A group must have a full time Kean University faculty/staff advisor who is appointed for a one year term and approved by the Center for Leadership and Service. Each of the two established student governments must employ at least one full time Kean University professional staff. Faculty advisors are selected by each student organization to support the organization and serve in a volunteer capacity.
7. An executive board member of a group must notify the Center for Leadership and Service immediately in writing of any changes in group name, names of members, and change in constitution or advisor.
8. Organizations seeking financial support must follow the guidelines established by the funding organization.
9. All members of student groups must adhere to student group policies and regulations. Failure to do so may subject the group or organization to a maximum sanction of termination of recognition from the University.
10. Recognition will be denied to any organization which selects its members on the basis of ancestry, race, marital status, color, sex, religion, gender, age, national origin, affectional or sexual orientation, disability or liability for service in the armed forces.

Characteristics of a Good Student Organization

• It has a clear sense of identity, purpose, direction.
• It communicates effectively, both internally with the membership, and externally with other organizations.
• It maintains a competent leadership with good organizational skills, a strong value structure and the ability to work in concert with the organization’s membership.
• It is durable and continuous, possessing the ability to recruit and train both members and leaders with respect to its purpose, and also in regards to the identity and direction of the organization.
• It possesses the vitality to grow, renew and progress.
• It effectively manages its resources of time, finances and people.
• It is responsibly responsive, meeting the needs of its membership and the institution of which it is a part.
• It accomplishes program objectives and evaluates programs on a regular basis.
• It has open access and has opportunities for those who wish to participate.
• It is cooperative and supportive of other organizations in that it seeks out and identifies opportunities to carry out inter-organization activities.