Introduction

Appalachian State University was founded in 1899 as Watauga Academy. It then evolved into a state teacher's college and later broadened its mission to include the liberal arts. Appalachian gained regional university status and in 1971 became part of the University of North Carolina system. Throughout its growth, the University has maintained a strong sense of community. With instruction as its primary mission, the University is committed to excellence in teaching and the fostering of scholarship. As an academic community, Appalachian takes pride in its tradition of faculty commitment to students both inside and outside the classroom. Mindful of the relationship between the curricular and extracurricular, Appalachian seeks to promote the intellectual, cultural and personal development of its students.

Student organizations play an integral role in the Appalachian educational experience. It is through its more than 250 clubs and organizations that Appalachian is able to maintain this sense of community and afford students the opportunity to pursue the practice of involvement, leadership, and service. The Center for Student Involvement and Leadership is charged with assisting clubs in meeting their purpose and promoting effective membership and leadership in student organizations. Through its programs, services, and practices, the Center and its staff work with student groups in leadership development, program planning, and other related areas of organizational development. This manual is one example of that effort. It is not intended to answer all of your questions. It is to serve as a resource. It is one tool in your repertoire of resources. The Center is located in 219 W. H. Plemmons Student Union. You are invited to come by and learn more about our office. Good luck in your involvement and leadership experience!

CSIL Services

The Center for Student Involvement and Leadership offers these services to recognized student clubs and organizations:
Advertising on Campus
Advising and Consultation
Allocations
Club Mailings
Conferences
Credit Courses
GPA Reports
Leadership Resource Center
Leadership Team
Mailing Labels
Solicitation/ Fund Raising
Starting New Clubs
Student Development Record
Student Publications
University Policies
Van/Bus Reservations
Web Site Development
Workshops

Club Council

The Club Council is an advisory board to the University on matters related to student organizations. The council is composed of undergraduate students who are members of recognized student organizations. The council executive officers are elected by the student body. There are committee representatives from the various categories of clubs (i.e., academic, religious, service, etc.).
The council is responsible for making recommendations on policies and programs for student organizations. It is responsible for reviewing funding requests and petitions by students interested in forming new student organizations.  The council also assists student organizations through educational, recreational, and recognition programs.

LEADERSHIP AND SUPPORT SERVICES

Appalachian State University offers several leadership and support services including credit classes, workshops, conferences, advising, and more. Take a look at what we have to offer.

University Recognition

Recognizing the value of effective student organizations, Appalachian affords recognized student groups many benefits beyond those programs and services mentioned above. Below is a brief listing of those benefits:

1. Use of the name of Appalachian State University;
2. Use of campus facilities and support services for meetings and approved activities;
3. Funds for educational activities from the Club Council;
4. Permission to enter into solicitation and fund-raising activities in accordance with University policies;
5. Through the organization's P.O. box, access to free on-campus University mail services;
6. Participation in the activities of state and/or national organizations, if such affiliation is established, or any other activities which are not in violation of University policy;
7. Ability to develop a web site using university resources;
8. Inclusion in university publications and web site; and;
9. Inclusion on distribution list for weekly electronic newsletter.
   

Recognition is not without its responsibilities. Organizations are also expected to maintain their recognition priviledges well after becoming newly recognized.

Judicial Review Process

A student club or organization may be sanctioned if it fails to comply with state and local laws, or with the policies and procedures established by the University, or if it fails to function within its prescribed purpose. Depending on the circumstances and the severity of the situation, the club will either (1) be warned in writing by the Director of the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership and will be cited specific steps which the organization must take to maintain University recognition, or (2) go before the Club Council for a hearing. If the organization receives a written warning and does not fulfill the steps outlined, it will then go before the Club Council for a hearing.

Throughout the judicial process, the organization shall be afforded the following rights:

1. The right to confront one's accuser;
2. The right to call witnesses and introduce evidence on the organization's behalf;
3. The right to cross-examine witnesses;
4. The right to a fair and speedy hearing; and,
5. The right to appeal.

Access to the full policy is available on the Club Council website.

Report alleged violations to the Assistant Director of Organizational Leadership. If the organization is found to be responsible for violations, Club Council will recommend sanctions to the Director of the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership. Sanctions can include, but are not limited to: probation or withdrawal of University recognition.

The decision of the Director may be appealed to the Vice Chancellor of Student Development within seven business days after the Director's decision is made. If an organization receives the sanction of probation, any attempt by the group to function as an active, recognized organization may result in withdrawal of University recognition. If an organization is placed on probation twice within a school year, recognition will be withdrawn.

Groups wishing to reform after withdrawal of recognition must follow the procedures for all new student groups. Specific guidelines on the withdrawal of recognition are available for review in the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership.

University Policies

Before assembling and using Appalachian State facilities, students should be familiar all university facilities, unscheduled public speaking and peaceful assembly, general room usage, and Student Union location policies.

Web Site Development and Posting

Appalachian State University can assist student groups and organizations with their web presence provided they follow our guidelines.

Food Preparation and Usage Policy

On-Campus Catering

The Food Services Department offers a full line of catering services ranging from special functions scheduled in the campus dining facilities to special occasion items. These services are available to students, faculty and staff of the University who order such services either for receipt of catered items at the Food Services Department for consumption elsewhere, or for the provision of such services at one of Food Services facilities, or other campus location as arranged. Requests for catering services should be made to the Office of the Director of Food Services (262-3061).

North Carolina purchasing and contract guidelines must be followed anytime University funds are involved. Any food purchased from a University departmental budget must conform to these guidelines and can only be made with prior approval for payment of catered food from funds within the University's State Appropriation's Budget.

Clubs or organizations are permitted and may receive authorization to contract with a licensed catering service for private (no sales on site) functions which are limited to members and/or guests of the organization. If the function is to take place on campus, a special campus catering permit must be scheduled or a contract can be executed.

Catering Permit

Any recognized student, faculty or staff organization must secure a campus catering permit from the Office of Business Affairs prior to scheduling or contracting any activity that includes the serving of food not prepared by the University Food Services Department. This permit must be displayed by the vendor. Unauthorized private vendors in violation of this policy will be required to comply or vacate the campus.

University Speaker Policy

Any recognized club or organization wishing to bring a speaker to campus, must first meet with the Director of the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership before planning the program. The organization must secure the facility prior to inviting the speaker to campus. Any non-student group that wishes to sponsor a public speaker must contact the Office of Student Development before planning the event.

University Amplified Sound Policy

It is unlawful for any student or group of students to make unapproaved use of moving or stationary sound systems on campus in such a manner as would disrupt or disturb the normal functioning of the University. As with any activity, the proposed event should be registered with the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership. An organization may pick up an Amplified Sound Policy request form from the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership or from the Student Development office.  Upon submitting a request in writing to the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Development, a final decision will be made on the request.