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Q: What is recognition, and why do we need it?A: Because of limitations of space and resources, and the need to let legitimate university organizations have priority over non-university activities, Senate recognition is required of any organization that wishes to use university resources. There are 2 basic forms of recognition: funded and non-funded. The difference between the two is explained in the "What about money?" webpage. Recognition of either type gives an organization the right to:
use the University accounting system have a UC mailbox obtain an email account petition for office or storage space in the UC reserve meeting rooms poster according to the Senate poster policy set up displays in various campus buildings, subject to University regulations request special allocations
Q: How do we go about getting recognition?A: Very easily. Get your group together, and work out a petition to the Funding and Recognition Committee of Student Senate that has the following information:
If you need help in writing out your documents, we have a sample Constitution and Bylaws to help you out.Statement of Purpose Set of operating rules, including membership qualifications. These can be either a constitution and/or bylaws. List of officers Mailing address Name of Advisor (if any) Authorized signature for accounts Source of funds (if any) Q: OK, we've done all that. Now what?
A: Please contact the Funding and Recognition Committee Chair, currently Alex Markle. The chair will inform you how to submit your materials to the committee, and arrange a time for you to meet with the committee and go over your petition. Pending approval of the FnR committee, your petition for recognition will come before Senate at our next meeting, and will require majority approval of Senate to pass.
Q: Are there any restrictions on what types of organizations can be recognized?
A: There is for funded organizations. Please see the section on money and funding for more information. However, be aware that at all times Senate reserves the right to:
Q: Sounds complicated, how long will this take?
- Determine the qualifications for recognition
- Revoke recognition
- Determine whether or not recognition is granted
- Review recognition of any organizations
A: We try very hard to make this process as simple and quick as possible. Nobody wants to have to wait for a bunch of people to do paperwork so you can go and have fun. Senate meets weekly, the committees generally meet weekly also, so the process shouldn't take very long at all, provided you've done all of the advance requirements properly.
Q: Is there anything else after that?
A: Depends on what you want to do. Be sure that you read and understand the requirements of organizations set forth in the other sections of this webpage.
Q: What if I have any other questions?
A: Please feel free to contact Denise Fazio in the Student Activities Office. She can answer any questions you may have about running an organization on campus. Or, please contact your own Senator for questions about how Senate runs in particular. We are here to serve you.