42. Activities of University-Recognized Student Organizations

(Revised 2003)

The university is a forum for ideas and their exchange. Such exchange can only occur on a scholarly plane if good order is maintained and standards of decorum and good behavior are recognized by all. The university recognizes that some activities will have audiences of a single class, seminar or organization, and that others will be addressing themselves to a wider spectrum of the campus community. It is the responsibility of the university to provide the climate and conditions for teaching, research, extension and other services. The following are designed to serve these objectives:

42.1 Any university-recognized organization may sponsor speakers or programs for its own group. The organization may sponsor programs or speakers for an all-university audience if approved to do so by the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs. An "all-university audience" shall generally be defined as one that is advertised outside the membership of the organization and is promoted as being open to persons who are not members of the sponsoring organization(s).

42.2 If a recognized student organization is entering into a contract on behalf of their organization, the contract must be approved by the following:

42.2.1 If the contract is for an all-university audience, then the contract needs to be approved in compliance with the Texas A&M University President's Delegation of Authority for Contract Administration;

42.2.2 If the contract involves films or events subject to copyright laws, then the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs shall monitor those contracts;

42.2.3 In all other cases, the organization is expected to provide their university advisor an opportunity to review the contract prior to execution.

Ultimately, student organizations, and not Texas A&M University, are responsible for the financial responsibility associated with the execution of the contracts.

The Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs or a duly authorized representative shall book concerts, plays, lecturers, and films of regional or national prominence which are being considered for presentation to an "all-university audience" by recognized student organizations unless otherwise approved by the CEO for Texas A&M University at Galveston.

The Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs or a duly authorized representative shall book dance bands selected to play for recognized student organizations unless otherwise approved by the CEO for Texas A&M University at Galveston. Students are not authorized to sign contracts on behalf of their organizations unless they are checked by the appropriate university officials.

42.3 The privilege of inviting speakers and performers carries with it important responsibilities to ensure that the proper objectives of the university are not compromised. The university reserves the right to cancel any event it deems likely to cause an interruption in the university's orderly activities. The CEO for Texas A&M University at Galveston or his or her duly authorized representative may order an event to be terminated on grounds that it constitutes a disruptive activity as defined by the Texas Education Code. (see Appendix I and Appendix XI.) Any member of the faculty or staff or any student who resists such an order shall be subject to disciplinary action.

42.4 Because the university is judged by the action of its students, no individual, group or other organization may use the institution's name without the express authorization of the institution except to identify the institutional affiliation. Institution approval or disapproval of any event may not be stated or implied by any individual, group or organization as a position held by the university.

42.5 It is expected that all student organizations will have their events, whether on or off campus, reviewed by their university advisor(s).

42.6 State law as it regards candidates for public office and campaigning on public property and all other applicable statutes must be observed. Any recognized student organization wishing to bring in this type of speaker must first get the approval of the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs.

42.7 The university hereby prohibits the use of any of its symbols, insignias or other identifying marks in any political endorsements, campaigns or elections.

42.8 Persons wishing to dive from university facilities or vessels, use scuba or other underwater breathing apparatus, or use university diving equipment must obtain a university certification from the TAMUG Diving Officer.

42.9 Recognized student organizations must seek advance approval to use university marks on commercial products or service promotions, purchase the products from a licensee and have the design approved by the Office of Collegiate Licensing and approval coordinated by the Assistant Vice President for Student Affairs.