Life at LSSU

Process to become a Registered Student Organization

First, congratulations! LSSU is so excited to see your student organization flourish! There are so many reasons to start a student organization, and we’re so happy you’re interested and dedicated!

Let’s Get Down to Business!

1. Find five interested students who are willing to join your organization
2. Find a faculty or staff member who would be willing to serve as your organizations advisor
3. Determine the purpose of your organization and put it in writing
4. Create goals for your organization in writing
5. Submit this form asking for the aforementioned information
6. Create bylaws for your organization, if you’re not familiar, bylaws are a guiding and foundational ‘rulebook’ for efficient functioning of your organization
7. You will receive a follow-up email from the Vice Chair of the Student Organization Council (SOC) and/or the Coordinator of Student Life to discuss approval through SOC

How do I Ensure my Organization is within Good Standing at LSSU?

1. Every October, the student organization renewal form will be required for all registered student organizations to maintain their standing. This form asks for the most updated roster of members, your most recent bylaws, how LSSU and SOC can support you
2. The organization president and/or designee are required to attend the Student Organization Council (SOC) meetings. These meetings take place every other Monday at 9pm in the Superior Room of the Walker Cisler Center. For more information on SOC meetings, reach out to SOC ([email protected])
3. You abide by the handbook you will find right below this!

What is a student organization?

Registered student organizations are any group or organization, including social Greek chapters, at Lake Superior State University, which has met all of the stated criteria outlined in the Student Life Handbook (this page) and the Constitution of the Students with regards to the responsibilities and registration of groups.

What benefits does my organization have?
Once approved through the processes mentioned above, your organization has the following benefits:

• Eligibility to use University facilities as established by University policy with no additional cost
• Eligibility to sponsor activities and promote those activities
• Eligibility to distribute literature, flyers, posters, banners, and organizational material according to the University policy upon stamped approval from the Office of Student Life & Housing. The requirement for materials to be stamped prior to use is so we can help promote activities, and we can ensure posters do not remain up after the event has passed
• Eligibility to use University services and resources such as purchasing, printing, maintenance, motor pool, computer services, technology, and mail services (bulk mail, etc.), as established by University policy
• Eligibility to receive assistance and advisement from the Office of Student Life
• Eligibility to receive awards and honors presented to University organizations and members
• Eligibility to be listed in University and Student Life Office publications, including the web page and the University catalog
• Eligibility to participate in University events such as Lakerpalooza, Laker Week, Snowfest, etc.
• Eligibility for advisors to receive training and consultation from the Office of Student Life
• Eligibility to have a student organization mailbox (located right outside of room 125 of the Walker Cisler Center)
• Eligibility to solicit funds on campus through programs and fundraisers, as established by University policy;
• Eligibility to apply for funding from the Student Activity and Media Fee, through the Student Government Association and/or the Inter-Greek Council in accordance to established policies and procedures;
• Eligibility to use the Student Organization and all the Student Organization resources.

What are the different ‘types’ of student organizations?

• Academic Connect your passion with purpose! These organizations offer hands-on experiences tied to academic disciplines, helping you grow professionally, build networks, and dive deeper into your field of study.
• Club Sports Whether you’re a seasoned athlete or just starting out, these clubs let you compete at your level in sports outside the NCAA. Challenge yourself, build team spirit, and enjoy the thrill of the game!
• The Arts Step into the spotlight! These groups give you the chance to explore music, theater, dance, and more—on stage or behind the scenes. Express yourself and bring creativity to campus life.
• Fraternity and Sorority Life (Social) Join a legacy of leadership, service, scholarship, and lifelong friendships. These organizations connect you with national or local chapters that foster personal growth and community impact.
• Outdoor Get active, stay fit, and show your school pride! These clubs offer everything from intramural competition to wellness activities and spirit squads that energize campus events.
• Political Make your voice heard! These groups give you a front-row seat to the political process, advocacy work, and civic engagement.
• Honors and Professional Take learning beyond the classroom. These organizations let you explore personal interests or academic passions!
• Faith Based Nurture your spiritual journey and connect with others through providing fellowship and outreach opportunities.
• Special Interest These clubs celebrate the quirks and passions that make you, you! Find your people, share your interests, and make campus life more colorful.
• Student Assembly organizations serve as governing bodies in various aspects of student life and include foundational organizations like Student Government, the University Activities Board, and more!

Student Life Office Policies & Procedures

Meetings
Meeting times are typically recurring on a weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, or even semesterly basis. There isn’t one right answer for which day would be best, we recommend polling the group to ensure best availability and engagement!

Events
All event requests must be submitted to the Office of Student Life and the Student Organization Council. In the case your organization is asking for event funding, your event funding proposal must be submitted three weeks prior to the event. The process for releasing funds to the organization requires the three-week notice. If you will not be requesting funding for your event, we still recommend it is submitted one and a half weeks prior to the event. If the event could be considered to be medium or high risk, the event will have to be approved by university Risk Management.

How do I reserve a room for my event or meeting?
The process for reserving space is very simple! The minimum information required to reserve a room are the following:

• Organization Name and Primary Contact for the event/meeting
• Date, time, and preferred location of the meeting. If you aren’t sure about location, they are more than willing to help you determine the best fit
• Name of Event or Meeting, this can be as simple as ‘IEEE Meeting’
• How many attendees you anticipate
• If you have a preferred layout for the room

Who do I contact to reserve the space?
LSSU tries to make it easy to reserve space on campus for student groups! Where you hope to have the event/meeting will determine which route you choose:

• Walker Cisler Center: [email protected]
• Norris Center: [email protected]
• Academic Buildings: go to anchor access > student > reserve room > submit the form and someone who contact you shortly

In respecting university facilities, we require the following:

• Submit requests at least 24 hours in advance
• Cancellations should be made at least 24 hours in advance
• Groups may bring food/beverages but must leave rooms clean
• If furniture is rearranged, restore original setup afterward

Advertising Events or meetings
It is encouraged to create flyers, posters, graphics, etc., as promotion for your events and club. To ensure students can attend your event, include the following on your materials:

• Name of the organization
• Date(s) of the event
• Contact information and location of event

If you send a PDF copy of the poster to [email protected], we can print up to 30 copies for your organization.

What funding is available?
Every student at Lake Superior State University pays a fee known as the Student Activities/Media (SAM) Fee. Every semester, core student organizations (the Student Government Association, the University Activities Board, the Inter-Greek Council, the Student Organization Council, and the Judicial Board) come together and decide how to allocate out this funding. A portion of this funding every semester goes to supporting student organizations at LSSU!

Since every student pays the SAM Fee, ALL students should have access to funding and participation in ALL student organizations. LSSU is committed to acting with a neutral viewpoint in all matters relating to the allocation of funding, the approval of new student organizations, and all student organization matters.

What could my organization use this funding for?
There are SO many things your organization can request funding for! The following are examples:

• Attending conferences
• Hosting events

What can’t my organization spend funding on?

• Alcohol, Firearms, or Ammunition
• Personal items or services
• Telephones
• Animals
• Radioactive or Hazardous Materials
• Wagers or Gambling
• Other equipment or services as determined by Risk Management

All equipment purchased must remain with the organization. If an organization is derecognized, the equipment shall be returned to the university.

How do I access funding?

The Student Government Association is the governing group that approves and disperses funding to student organizations. The following describes the process for both applying for funding, getting approved, and receiving funding.

1. Submit this form for event funding.
2. Submit this form for equipment funding.
3. These forms are automatically routed to Risk Management, the Office of Student Life, and the Student Government Association. This form asks for the exact amounts you’re requesting, how much per category, what the funding will be used for, as well as logistical information, with a signature required. Once again, it is paramount to submit the funding requests a minimum of three weeks prior to when you’ll need funding. The more proactive you are, the easier the process will be!
4. The Student Government Association meets weekly on Mondays, at 7pm EST in the Anchor Room. During their weekly meetings, they will review and approve funding requests. They will outreach to you about attending the approval meeting.
5. Your funding request will either be approved, or not approved with the option for alterations and resubmission.
6. Once the Student Government Association shares the meeting minutes with the Coordinator of Student Life, the Student Life Coordinator will then complete business operations paperwork. A two week waiting period is standard, but fulfillment may take additional time depending on the capacity of business operations.
7. Your organization needs to have a Tax ID number, if you need assistance with this, come to 125 Cisler and we can help you.
8. Typically, when the business office receives the proper paperwork by Friday, the check is typically ready the following Wednesday. The checks are written in the organizations name, and are sent to the Student Life & Housing Office (125 Cisler).
9. When the Office of Student Life and Housing receives a check for your organization, they will notify the primary contact for the organization via email. The check will be placed in the student organizations mailbox
10. The student organization leader will go to 125 Cisler Center and get the key to their mailbox, and subsequently grab their organizations check.

How do I cash the check?
The LSSU business office explicitly writes checks to the organization name, not individual student members. It is explicitly prohibited for students to deposit approved funds into their personal bank accounts or any bank accounts other than their student organizations bank account. No exceptions to this rule will be allowed.

If your organization does not have a bank account, please stop by 125 Cisler Center for a how-to tutorial. We want to help you succeed!

Travel Eligibility and Purpose
As a student organization, you have the opportunity to travel for conferences, events, or other reasons as related to the purpose of the organization and approved by the Office of Student Life!

All travel by Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) must relate to the purpose of the organization and comply with the policies of the Lake Superior State University and applicable local, state, and national laws. These guidelines are designed to reduce risk and provide protection for all student organization travel. All student organizations must comply with the requirements for travel. Travel is considered University travel if any one of the following conditions are met:

• Expenses are paid or reimbursed by the University or RSO
• The university or RSO name are used or promoted in connection with the event
• Attendance is based on organizational affiliation rather than personal interest

Travel Expectations
Student organizations are generally not considered on “university business” when traveling and are most often only covered by a student’s personal insurance. It is assumed upon participation in organizational travel that participants have personal health insurance and auto insurance as applicable. All trip participants should represent Lake Superior State University appropriately at all times and act as active, helpful participants for the duration of the trip. All participants are required to engage in the planned activities of the trip.

Participants in activities involving student travel are responsible for their own behavior and any resulting consequences. The University shall not be liable for any loss, damage, injury or other consequence resulting from a participant’s failure to comply with University rules and regulations, the direction of University employees, or applicable laws.

While traveling, participants are bound by University policies as stated in Lake Superior State University Student Handbook, including the Student Code of Conduct as well as applicable laws. Failure to abide by these policies and violations may subject participants and sponsoring organizations to University review and disciplinary action pursuant to the guidelines in the Student Organization Code of Conduct.

Designation and Responsibilities of a Trip Leader
Lake Superior State University requires that a trip leader be designated and accompany the organization for all official University travel. The trip leader should work closely with the Office of Student Life to ensure the trip meets university standards, provides a safe experience for participants, and promotes student learning and development.
For each university-related trip, Trip leaders are required to:

• Serve as the main University liaison, representative, and ensure participant safety
  Facilitate a pre-trip planning meeting to review itinerary, expectations, and transportation
• Coordinate and submit all required paperwork and carry safety documents during travel
• Enforce compliance of all university policies and applicable laws
• Facilitate emergency procedures, manage issue resolution, and maintain student code of conduct standards
• Ensure access and use of personal credit card to place deposit on room for hotel reservations
• Oversee reservations, payments, and rooming arrangements.
  • Trip advisors who are LSSU employees are prohibited from sharing a bed with students and are heavily advised to stay in a separate room.

Modes of Travel

Privately Owned Vehicles

• Use should be minimized and is considered voluntary and at their own risk on part of the driver and passengers. Owners/drivers of the vehicle acknowledge the risks involved and assume responsibility for liability for themselves and the passengers traveling in their vehicle. All participants must follow university policies and applicable laws. Drivers must confirm the vehicle is in good mechanical condition and is serviced regularly. Drivers must confirm seat belts are available and functional with each individual required to wear one

Motor Pool Vehicles

• Preferred mode of transportation. Participants agree to review and assume full responsibility for adherence to the LSSU Vehicle Policy. For more information on renting a motor pool vehicle, reach out to this webpage. (My.lssu.edu on anchor access)

Fundraising Policy
For the purposes of this policy, any activities involving the collection of money by Registered Student Organizations are defined as revenue-producing projects. Fundraising will go through the same approval council via the Student Government Association. 

Revenue-producing projects include: 

• The selling of printed materials
• Student-produced goods
• Student-provided services
• The selling of tickets
• Travel packages 
• Charging admission to private or public activities
• Soliciting of voluntary contributions
• The selling of other goods and services.

Sponsorship by Non-University Affiliated Vendors

Non-affiliated individuals or organizations may advertise, solicit, or sell products or services on campus only if they are sponsored by a recognized student organization or a campus department. Approval from the Office of Student Life is required at least five business days prior to the event taking place. The University has the authority and may exercise regulations of the time, place, and frequency of these opportunities in compliance with the right to free speech. The sponsoring student organization assumes full and all responsibility for the sponsored organization. Sponsoring organizations are liable for reasonably foreseen violation of torts. 

Fundraising Financial Management and Safety

Members of student organizations may not independently profit from events or fundraisers held at Lake Superior State University. Money collected at any event must be deposited into the organization account within 5 business days after the event. Failure to deposit money raised at an event or fundraiser will result in disciplinary action as determined by the RSO Code of Conduct.

Prohibited Fundraising Activities 

Please note that any fundraiser that involves the “sale” of people (i.e.- date auction) is prohibited. Such activities may intentionally or unintentionally demean students on our campus, create unsafe situations and are not consistent with LSSU institutional values.

Contract Requirements 

If an organization is intending to work with a group, performer, speaker, or provider of services, they will need to follow the event proposal steps as outlined above. A contract will then need to be created and signed following approval. Your organization members, advisor, or club president do not have the authority to sign contracts with any outside agency, vendor, performer, or contracting entity. Contact the Office of Student Life to discuss next steps for contracts following event approval.

Volunteer Agreements

If your student organization is bringing a performer, speaker or service provider and is not paying them, the volunteer must fill out the Volunteer Agreement Form.

State of Michigan Gaming and Raffles Regulations 

The State of Michigan regulates raffles and gaming, or any other kind of gambling. They require 6 weeks notice and hold the authority to determine eligibility. The university foundation must approve before the event can take place as well. If you would like to plan an event that involves gambling reach out to the Office of Student Life!

Non-Discrimination Policy

Student organizations at Lake Superior State University shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, pregnancy, weight, height, marital status, parental status, or sex, unless pursuant to an exception recognized by applicable federal and state law. 

• Any Registered Student Organization with selective membership criteria must state this criterion in their constitution. University administration may review and evaluate membership selection practices at any time for compliance with federal, state, and institution policy.
• A non-discrimination clause must be in all RSO bylaws.

Student Organization Assumption of Risk 

By participating in student organizations, as a member and/or as a participant, it is assumed participation is voluntary and by its very nature, carries with it certain inherent risks. Specific risks vary based upon the activity and can range from minor injuries to catastrophic accidents that can result in major injury or death.

• Participants acknowledge, understand, and accept the risks that are inherent in participation in student organization activities and assert that participation is voluntary and that participants assume all such risks. 
• Lake Superior State University encourages participants to consult with a doctor regarding any strenuous activity since no health or accident insurance is provided for student organization participants by the Lake Superior State University. 
• Student organization leaders are responsible for making sure student participants are aware of the inherent risks associated with participation in campus activities.
• Students will be required to sign an “Assumption of Risk and Release” prior to participation in events where it is deemed necessary. 

Alcohol Procedures 

Any student organization planning to host an event where alcohol is served must submit and/or the following paperwork a minimum of 10 business days prior to the proposed date:

• Risk Management Protocol 
• Liquor License of Establishment 
• Establishments Proof of Insurance 

Proposals will be reviewed through the typical events mechanism, and either approved, or denied with the opportunity for feedback and resubmission. If you would like to appeal the decision, you may do so by reaching out to the Office of Student Life who will evaluate it in conjunction with Risk Management.

Academic Freedom and Freedom of Expression

Lake Superior State University is committed to academic freedom and freedom of expression. Students have the right to freedom of speech, peaceable assembly, petition and association. This includes the right of students through student organizations to examine questions of interest to them, to express opinions publicly and privately and to support their opinions and causes in a lawful manner that does not disrupt university operations or violate university procedures and policy. 

As with any right, the right of freedom of expression comes with responsibility. For instance, students have the right to express their views, but not necessarily the right to say anything, any time, or in any place. The university may place reasonable time, place, and manner restrictions on that expression. Freedom of expression does not protect students from the consequences of behavior or conduct that violates LSSU policies (including those that prohibit harassment or disruption of classes or other university activities). 

While the university refrains from restricting the exchange of ideas and viewpoints (even those that are offensive or disagreeable) it does not mean the university condones, supports, or agrees with all ideas expressed. While students have the right to express their views, others have the right to challenge those views by expressing a different perspective. 

Anti-Hazing Policy

Lake Superior State University will not condone or tolerate any acts of hazing, harassment or humiliation. Any such acts which interfere with scholastic activities, which are not consistent with fraternal law, state or federal law, or the University regulations and policies are expressly forbidden. Any allegations of hazing by students or organizations are subject to disciplinary inquiry and disciplinary sanctions. 

Hazing in Michigan is prohibited and individuals engaging in hazing can be criminally charged and prosecuted under Michigan Penal Code 750.411t.

Film and Video

Any public showing of a film by a student organization, regardless of location, requires the purchase of public performance rights. 

Bonfires

Outdoor fires are prohibited on the LSSU unless explicitly approved in advance by the Office of Student Life staff in conjunction with Public Safety. LSSU assumes no legal liability for student organization events held off campus involving outdoor fires and strongly discourages such activities. At all on-campus bonfires, Public Safety must be present for the entire duration of the event. Failure to comply with this policy will be considered a Code of Conduct violation. 

University Trademarks 

The Lake Superior State University name and images are trademarked property. 

• Registered Student Organizations using the university name and images for sale items must follow University logo standards. 
• For consultations, refer to this style guide and/or outreach to University Marketing and Communications.
• An Office of Student Life staff member must approve items with the university name and logo. 
• Only licensed vendors may produce items with the University name and logos. 

If events involving food take place in the Cisler Center, we are contractually obligated to use Sodexo Catering for the event food. Sodexo has provided us a menu effective for spring 2026.

If you want food for your student organization, reach out to [email protected] and cc’ [email protected]. The more time notice you can provide, the better.

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