department menu

University Recognition Process

The recognition of student organizations at California State University San Marcos is governed by policies and procedures established by the State of California, the Committee of Trustees of California State University, and the President of CSU San Marcos.

University policy requires that all campus student organizations be recognized through Student Life & Leadership in order to associate the student organization with the name of California State University San Marcos.  Since the 2012-2013 academic year, CSU policy requires that all recognized student organizations abide by an open membership policy - "no campus shall recognize any fraternity, sorority, living group, honor society, or other student organization that discriminates on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, color, age, gender, marital status, citizenship, sexual orientation, or disability...regarding the prohibition of membership policies that discriminate on the basis of gender, this does not apply to social fraternities or sororities or other university living groups."

OFFICER REQUIREMENTS:  Per CSU Coded Memorandum AA-2012-05 all Presidents and Treasurers of recognized Student Organizations are considered Minor Student Officers.  Failure to meet the requirements below will result in removal from office and will risk the recognition status of the organization.  SLL will verify that each officer:

  1. Is matriculated and enrolled at CSUSM.
  2. Maintains a minimum on-campus grade point average of 2.0 each term.
  3. Is in good standing with the University and not on probation of any kind.
  4. Is earning at least six semester units while holding office, as undergraduates. Graduate and Credential students must earn at least 3 semester units while holding office.
  5. Is limited to 150 semester units or 125 percent of the units required for a specific baccalaureate degree objective, whichever is greater. Graduate and Credential students are allowed to earn a maximum of 50 semester units or 167 percent of the units required for the graduate or credential objective, whichever is greater. 
  6. Attends the annual Student Organization Leadership Conference in the fall or the Recognition Workshop in the spring.

Student organization recognition forms are submitted on an annual basis.  

2020-2021  Recognition Timeline

Date             Action item for student organization
August 24-28th Student Organization Leadership Conference  Week
October 26th  Fall 2020 Intent to Organize Form Available to Submit
November 20th  Deadline to Submit Fall 2020 Intent to Organize Form
February 22, 2021 Spring 2021 Intent to Organize Form Available to Submit
March 19, 2021 Deadline to Submit Spring 2021 Intent to Organize Form
March 22, 2021 Annual Recorgnition Application Re-Opens 
May 14, 2021 Deadline to Submit Annual Recognition Application 
August 2021  Student Organization Leadership Conference 

Benefits

Recognized student organizations are afforded a variety of privileges, including but not limited to the following:

  • Use of university facilities for meetings and events.  
  • Fundraising opportunities on campus within established guidelines.
  • Organization name listed in the student organization directory.
  • Use of ASI Banking and Accounting services.
  • Ability to receive full or partial funding for specific events through ASI.
  • Use of a mailbox in the Student Life & Leadership office.
  • Use CSU San Marcos' name in organization correspondence and publicity.
  • Use of designated bulletin boards for publicity.  
  • Ability to recruit members on campus.

Responsibilities

Recognized student organizations and their members represent the University and they have a responsibility to conduct themselves in such a manner as to give a favorable impression of California State University San Marcos to the public and to fellow students.

In exchange for the advantage of having these privileges, the following minimum standards are required for all chartered organizations:

  • Organization policies must be consistent with those of the University. This includes all policies, organization purpose, and regulations, including regulations involving non-discrimination and hazing.
  • Select and maintain an authorized advisor from the Cal State San Marcos faculty or staff.  
  • Schedule all social functions and meetings according to the approved procedure for scheduling events.  
  • Maintain an active programming calendar (meetings, events, co-programming, and community service projects) that reflects the purpose of the organization as stated in the constitution.
  • Assume responsibility for clean-up after on-campus and community events.
  • Submit an accurate membership roster, list of officers and advisor to Student Life & Leadership at the begining of each semester (and whenever changes are made).
  • Regularly check and empty the student organization mailbox in Student Life & Leadership (SLL), USU 3600.
  • File one copy of the most recent version of the Organization's Constitution and Bylaws with Student Life & Leadership (one copy of the national constitution must also be on file in the case of national affiliation).
  • Send appropriate represenatives to the annual Student Organization Leadership Conference.
  • Fiscally be in good standing with the University. 

Recognition Forms

10/26/2020: Intent to Organize form opens

4/22/2020: Annual Recognition Application form opens (Deadline May 14th). Sign in using your CSUSM credentials. 

Officer Change Form (Submit if you change your officers during the academic year).