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Student Organizations
The various student organizations existing at Lycoming College provide numerous opportunities for involvement and leadership. Students are expected to become contributors to campus life by actively involving themselves in student government, service and social organizations, academic clubs, and club sports. The Office of Student Engagement staff advise student leaders and organizations in the development and promotion of student activities. The Director of Community Service and Involvement, Wertz Student Center, ext. 4112, is available to provide further information.
Fraternities and Sororities
Fraternities and sororities are an important part of the institution's commitment to student development. There are 3 national fraternities on campus (Lambda Chi Alpha, Phi Kappa Psi, and Tau Kappa Epsilon), one national multicultural sorority (Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc.), two national Panhellenic sororities (Alpha Sigma Tau and Alpha Xi Delta), and two local sororities (Beta Phi Gamma and Gamma Delta Sigma). The goals of all three fraternities and all five sororities are promote academics, fellowship, leadership development, group responsibility, and service to both the community and the campus. Involvement in fraternity and sorority life is open to all students who meet the minimum GPA requirement (2.5 cumulative) and who have been enrolled for one full semester. To join a sorority or fraternity, you must participate in recruitment. Different organizations have different recruitment prosesses (see below). Once recruitment is completed, new members of all organizations go through a new member education process that allows them to learn more about the history and values of their organization and connect with their fellow members. For more information on how to join a fraternity or sorority, please contact the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (fsl@lycoming.edu).
Recruitment for Beta Phi Gamma, Gamma Delta Sigma, Alpha Xi Delta, Alpha Sigma Tau, and all three fraternities:
Primary recruitment periods are held in the beginning of Spring semester. During the remainder of the year, Continuous Open Bidding (COB) is in effect. In COB, a fraternity or sorority may officially extend an invitation for membership to interested individuals.
Recruitment for Mu Sigma Upsilon Sorority, Inc.:
To become a member of MSU, you must attend their recruitment events, Ladies Night, and become a part of the official interest group, the TIARA program. Once a part of the TIARA program, you will complete a portfolio and interview to then start the new member education program.
The Fraternity and Sorority Life (FSL) Leadership Council is FSL's governing body, consisting of members from all chapters, who govern the FSL system through policy and resolutions that affect all chapter members. The Council aims to act as a coordinating and unifying organization for the fratrnities and sororities at Lycoming College.
Recognition of Organizations
To be recognized by the College, a new campus organization must route its request through the Office of Student Engagement to the Student Senate of Lycoming College (SSLC). The request must be accompanied by a copy of the proposed organization's Constitution and Bylaws, the name of its advisor, who must be an employee of the College, and a list of at least ten (10) members and executive officers. In each case, SSLC must judge that such recognition would promote the mission and principles of the College. After reviewing a proposed request, the Director of Community Service and Involvement will forward the request to the Student Senate who may approve the organization for recognition. Recognition enables an organization to use College facilities and receive College funds.
Student Organization Events
All social functions and other activities sponsored by an organization that are held on campus must be registered with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Community Service, and Student Engagement no later than seven (7) working days prior to the event. The officers of the organization and security personnel are responsible for the enforcement of College policies at any registered on-campus social event. The College makes no effort to supervise or control activities held off campus. Organizations that hold such functions do so at their own risk. Student groups that sponsor activities off-campus are individually and collectively liable for damages that may result from destruction of property or injury of persons. An officially recognized student organization may seek approval for an off-campus event (e.g., ski trip, backpacking, canoeing, etc.) by complying with requirements that have been established by the College to provide for adequate supervision. When such an event meets minimum requirements for official sponsorship, the College's liability insurance may be extended to provide the group with protection. The requirements for official recognition of off-campus events include approval of location, mode of transportation, and supervision by faculty or staff members. In addition, alcoholic beverages may not be served, provided, or in the possession of those in attendance at the event. Violation of any of the requirements established for each event will result in the nullification of liability insurance coverage.
Space Scheduling
College facilities are available for use by faculty and students, who are required to make reservations using the EMS scheduling system. Reservation confirmation is sent out by the Student Engagement Office. Space for use by recognized student organizations and faculty who are scheduling space for activities associated with their teaching responsibilities or departmental programs is provided free of charge. Individual groups or departments scheduling space must assume responsibility for damage or extra cleaning necessitated by misuse of the space. All space for meetings and other activities must be scheduled through the Student Engagement Suite. Non-recognized or unchartered organizations and off-campus groups are charged a rental fee for the use of campus space and should contact Conference Services for date availability and rental fees.
Solicitation of Funds
Any campus group desiring to sponsor any fundraising activity or solicitation of funds on or off campus must secure approval of the plans and projects from the Office of the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, Long Hall, Room 102. The Sales, Fundraising, and Solicitation Policy, in the Policies section of the Student Handbook, sets forth the guidelines for solicitations. Off-campus fundraising must also be approved by the College Advancement Office.
Commercial Sales, Solicitations
Organizations or individuals may sell items that do not compete with similar items sold in the Campus Store. Distinctive clothing items that are printed for single purpose events or that bear an organization's name may be sold on the campus, in designated areas, by its representatives provided a concession authorized by the College has been issued to that organization. Soliciting for sales or services is not permitted on campus by non-students, except for salespersons who have been invited by fraternities, sororities, or other student organizations to sell items identified with their own names or emblems to their own members. The presence of any other salespersons or solicitors should be reported to an RA, Public Safety Officer, or a Student Life professional staff member. Any campus group desiring to sponsor any fund-raising activity on or off campus must secure approval of the plans and projects from the Office of the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students, Long Hall, Room 102. The Sales, Fundraising, and Solicitation Policy in the Policies section of the Student Handbook sets forth the guidelines for fundraising activities. Off-campus fundraising activities must also be approved by the College Advancement Office. Individual students and student organizations must register with the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students to conduct sales or solicitations on campus.
Use of College Name, Seal, Facilities
Only chartered student organizations and recognized student publications may use the name and seal of Lycoming College. No student may use the name or seal of Lycoming, nor may they imply a connection with the College in relationship to any advertising, medium, promotional project, unapproved social event, unchartered organization, or unrecognized publication without the permission of the College.
Central Student Fund
Student organizations are required to deposit all of their funds with the Central Student Funds Account. An organization must have an account in the Central Student Fund to receive a Student Senate appropriation. The central treasury is a service provided by the Office of the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students for the convenience of student organizations. No organization loses control over its own funds when they are deposited in the Central Student Funds Account, which is audited annually. The student accountant pays all bills of groups with accounts on vouchers submitted by the organization and provides monthly statements of account to all organizations. The student accountant can be reached through the Office of the Vice President for Student Life and Dean of Students.
Special Program Needs
Student organizations are encouraged to seek the assistance of the Office of Student Engagement with programming efforts. Authorization from the Office of Student Engagement is necessary for special services, labor, and equipment from the Office of Buildings and Grounds.
Interfaith Council
The membership of the Interfaith Council at Lycoming College will consist of the Director of Community Service and Involvement and the president of each faith-based group that is recognized by the Student Senate. The Council will meet to share the happenings of the individual organizations. Collaboration among the groups is expected. While seeking to foster the spiritual growth of students, and encouraging community service, the council will endorse the education of the members (speakers, etc.) As a resource, the council will remind clubs to be faithful to their respective constitutions.
Registered Student Organizations
There are approximately forty (40) student clubs and organizations on campus. For further information, contact the Office of Student Engagement at ext. 4118. Students who elect to join a student organization are considered to share mutual interests and purposes. It is expected, therefore, that such organizations assume a standard of collective responsibility consistent with the educational mission of the College. All recognized student organizations have a responsibility to ensure that individual members and group members reflect favorably upon their organization.