Letter to Advisors

“What you do, what you say, who you are, may affect people
In ways you’ll never know; your influence, like your shadow,
Extends to where you may never be.” ~Author Unknown

Thank you for agreeing to serve as a student organization advisor. As the poem states, your influence and assistance can greatly impact the success of the organization you work with as well as the individuals you mentor as leaders in the group. The Student Organization Office is here to assist you in this endeavor as well.

This guide was designed to serve as a resource for you in your role as an advisor and in conjunction with the Student Organization Handbook, addresses many of the questions and issues that seem to arise from year to year. However, please contact our office if you need more information or your questions are not being addressed – we are here to serve you as well as the student organization.

Although, having student organization advisors are not required by the university, our research has shown that, for the most part, the impact of the student organizations on campus and within the community are much greater by those groups who do have advisors. To assist with the student groups’ success, the most important area to address with new officers is their expectations. Identifying from the beginning of their term what is expected of you, the advisor, and sharing your expectations of the new officers, outlines very early the operating procedures for the group and assists greatly when or if conflict or confusion should occur.

It is our hope that being a student group advisor will be a rewarding experience. Please contact us if you have questions or are feeling overwhelmed. Please also refer any new faculty or staff to our office if they are interested in serving as an advisor. Thank you again for accepting this role and contributing to the out-of-classroom learning experiences of our student body.

Sincerely,

Renee Alfano
Assistant Director, Student Organization Office
alfano@odos.wisc.edu, 608.262.2421
soo.studentorg.wisc.edu

The Mission of the Student Organization Office (SOO) is to promote student involvement as an integral part of a university education, register student organizations, and provide services, information, education, support, recognition, and advising to assist with the development and strengthening of students and student groups. Working with university and community partners, including student group advisors, alumni, and national organizations, and through education on university resources, policies, and procedures, SOO provides leadership development, organizational management and skill development opportunities in an effort to empower students, to support quality learning experiences outside of the classroom, and to encourage active, thoughtful, involved community citizens.

The SOO fulfills our mission by providing Registered Student Organizations services, involvement programs, advising, leadership education, and recognition programs.

The purpose of this resource manual is to give advisor's additional applicable information to compliment the Student Organization Handbook.

Student Organization Office at the University of Wisconsin-Madison
239 Red Gym, 716 Langdon Street
Madison, WI 53706
608.263.0365
soo@odos.wisc.edu
soo.studentorg.wisc.edu

Section 1: Role of the Advisor
Section 2: Legal Liability
Section 3: Most Common Policies Affecting Student Organizations
Section 4: General Student Organization Information
Section 5: Resources and Opportunities

Section 1: Role of the Advisor

Advise: (ad viz') v. -vised, -vising, -vises. 1. To offer advice to; counsel. 2. To recommend; suggest. 3. To inform; notify. 4. To take counsel; consult. (American Heritage Dictionary)

Advisor's Responsibility to the Group

• Assist the group in setting realistic goals and objectives each academic year, ensuring opportunities for educational and personal development.
• Help the organization justify its expenditures of students' time, abilities, energy and funds.
• Should be well informed about all plans and activities of the group. This can be achieved through regular attendance at meetings and/or frequent meetings with student officers.
• Discourage domination of the group by any individual or group members.
• Be familiar with the history of the organization.
• Assist in promoting group interest by evaluating programs.
• Assist the group in making sure that the proper paperwork is submitted to the Student Organization Office when required or when officers change.
• Be aware of unversity policies.
• Consultation about the organization's affairs.
• Certification of the expenditures of the organization when authorized to do so.
• Provide suggestions and constructive feedback regarding the operation of the organization.

Advisor's Responsibility to Students

• Seek to assist students in maintaining a balance between inside- and outside-the-classroom activities.
• Encourage each individual to participate in and plan group events.
• Encourage students to accept responsibility for specific parts of programs and help them recognize the importance of their roles in relation to the group.
• Be concerned about developing the leadership skills of members, particularly the executive board, by discussing and helping to analyze group interactions and decision-making.
• Be aware of the goals and directions of the organization and help the members evaluate their progress toward those goals.

Advisor's Responsibility to the University of Wisconsin-Madison

• Work with students to help them plan programs that are beneficial to students and consistent with the educational objectives of the university.
• Work with the student leaders to assist them in setting and achieving goals that will benefit the organization.
• Become familiar with the policies and procedures pertinent to RSOs and strive to see that they are followed.
• Become familiar with the responsibilities of departments who choose to sponsor student organizations on campus and/or co-sponsor programs or activities. The responsibilities are:
  • Departmental Sponsorship of Registered Student Organization Events or Activies
  • Minimum Requirements

A University department may choose to sponsor some or all of a registered student organization's (RSO's) events and activities. A department electing to sponsor an RSO event or activity should ensure that the nature and extent of the sponsorship is clearly understood by both the department and the organization. In order to sponsor an RSO event or activity, a department must adhere to the following practices:

Special Notes: If the student organization is a formal part of University Housing, Wisconsin Union Directorate/Hoofers, or Recreational Sports, the policies and procedures established by those units must be followed. If a student organization receives funding through the Student Services Finance Committee (SSFC) student government allocation process, additional financial restrictions imposed with that funding must be followed.

Advisor's Rule in Departmental Co-Sponsorship: A University employee must be appointed to provide "direct supervision" of the RSO program or activity that is being co-sponsored by the department. The chair of the department and the Dean/Director of the School/College involved must be aware of the appointment.

Liability: In order for student organization events/activities to have University liability coverage, members of the student organization must be filling the role of an agent of the University. The member's agency derives from the direction and control received from the University department and in benefit to the University in fulfillment of the University mission. Therefore, the advisor shall provide direct supervision of the group's activities. Coverage can only be extended to events/activities that correlate with the University mission. If you have questions about coverage, the risk management office should be consulted. Recommendation: It is recommended that the department obtain appropriate review of, and an authorized University signature for, any contracts or legal agreements that pertain to a departmentally sponsored activity of the student organization.

Expenditures: If your department chooses to sponsor a student organization's event or activities, state funds may not co-mingle with an "outside" checking account maintained by the RSO. Any funds controlled by the department to support the RSO's activities, must be paid directly to the vendor from whom goods/services are purchased on behalf of the RSO activities. An exception is the reimbursement of funds previously expended by the RSO with respect to departmentally sponsored activities. In this case, the reimbursement may be paid directly to the RSO, assuming that the expenditures are of the sort reimbursable with state funds and assuming that appropriate documentation, such as paid receipts, event programs/agendas, and participant lists, is provided. Property purchased with departmental funds for the benefit of an RSO remains the property of the department, not the RSO. Recommendation: If your department "sponsors" an RSO, assists financially with their activities, and the RSO has an outside checking account, it is recommended that the outside checking accounts be used primarily to pay for social activities and expenses that the department or other grants will not fund. It is beneficial for the sponsoring department to pay for any durable goods, such as a personal computer or video camera, to ensure that these items are insured as university property and are available for subsequent groups of students that may be sponsored by the department.

Revenue other than gifts and donations: Student organizations may receive revenue from sources other than gifts and donations. Examples include membership fees charged by the organization or sales of goods, such as t-shirts. If these revenues are earned as a result of an event/activity that is being sponsored or co-sponsored by your department, by state statute, these revenues must be deposited to a university account and then must be expended by your department in support of the student organization to the extent agreed to between your department and the student organization. If the student organization conducts these revenue producing activities without departmental sponsorship, the revenue may be deposited to the outside checking account of the student organization or deposited in a university account.

Acceptance of gifts and donations on behalf of the RSO: Most student organizations are not eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions on their own. Gifts and donations in support of a departmentally-sponsored RSO event or activity are tax deductible to the donor if accepted by a department via the University's Gift or Gift-In-Kind processes, or designated to the department's UW Foundation account. Therefore, if a departmentally-sponsored RSO asks a department to accept a donation or gift on its behalf, it will be the decision of the department on whether or not to accept it and whether to accept the gift/donation internally or direct it to the department’s UW Foundation account. Proceeds from the gift/donation must be deposited into and expended from a University account, even where the gift/donation is accepted by the UW Foundation on behalf of the department’s RSO.

Use of Fleet Vehicles: University departments may reserve fleet vehicles on behalf of a student organization, only if it is for official University business.

Advisor Traits

A student organization advisor is asked to assume many roles. These will vary greatly, depending on the philosophy of the advisor and the student group. Some of the roles an advisor may be responsible for include:

• Teacher or Educator – Advisors do teach. The classroom is informal. The attendance is voluntary. It's a "raw" type of education. Advisors must lay themselves open to students' calling on their expertise, knowledge, and human relations skills to enable effective teaching.
• Resource Person - As the years go by, advisors gain a great deal of experience, which becomes extremely valuable to an organization. Knowledge of university policies and services, where to find pertinent information, and an historical perspective are just some of the dimensions of a resource person.
• Coordinator And Expediter - This role is certainly close to both that of a resource person and a teacher, but it tends to be more action involved. The advisor can act as a motivator and an overseer for the organization. Step in, as need be, to provide direction and to be a communication link towards the group goal.
• Partner And Friend- During periodic times of the year. The advisor can be a "shoulder" for the student to vent frustrations. He or she can also become a close friend in the educational experience of an involved student volunteer. This, perhaps, is the easiest trait to fulfill under the description of an advisor.
• Counselor - The ability to lend a listening ear and offer suggestions to the student is important. If serious problems arise, the advisor can make a referral to Counseling & Consultation Services at 115 N. Orchard Street, 265-5600.
• Accountable Administration Official- The advisor possesses the skills of follow-through and consistency, especially in matters of university policies and paperwork. There may be times during the year when the advisor must work through the proper channels, straighten out unresolved matters, and cut through red tape.

Other Traits of an advisor:

Enjoys students	Trustworthy	Objective
Patient	Consistent	Sense of Humor
Insightful	Creative	Good Listener
Accessible	Always Prepared	Organized
Good Communicator	Energetic	Invites Feedback
Flexible	Keen Observer	Empathetic

Group Dynamics and Working with Students

Working with groups in various stages of development can be both a rewarding and challenging experience. Having a firm grasp on the stages of group development and dynamics can be extremely beneficial for leaders of any organization. The Adventure Learning Program (ALPs) features an excellent overview of group dynamics and stages of development. Groups can also request further training by ALPs to help with their individual needs. Click Here to view more information regarding group dynamics.

An Overview of Student Development

An understanding of student development can be extremely beneficial to advisors. Below are brief overviews of both Nevitt Sandford and Arthur Chickering's models of student development.

Nevitt Sanford created one of the most widely used models for working with students. He proposes that there must be sufficient challenge present in order for students to grow. If the challenge is too great and there is an absence of appropriate support, students will not develop and may retreat back to earlier stages of development. It is important to have a good balance between challenge and support. When advising a student organization, be sure to see that student leaders are gently pushed and encouraged into new involvement opportunities but are not thrown into positions too challenging for their level of development (Evans, Forney, & Guido-DiBrito, 1998).

Another student development theorist, Arthur Chickering, proposed that student development occurred along the lines of seven developmental vectors (areas of competence). He used the term vectors because each seems to have direction and magnitude, although the direction may be more appropriately represented by a spiral than a straight line (Evans, Forney, & Guido-DiBrito). Learning more about each vector can provide you with useful insight as you work with student leaders; you can use this knowledge to help identify and meet needs of organization members so that they are more satisfied with their overall experience.

The following is a summary of Chickering's seven vectors (Evans, Forney & Guido-DiBrito, 1998):

• 1. Developing competence - this vector involves three areas of competence: intellectual competence, physical and manual skills, and interpersonal competence. Students in this vector are developing the confidence to cope with challenges and achieve goals successfully.
• 2. Managing Emotions - with this vector, students develop the ability to recognize and accept emotions in addition to expressing and controlling them in a responsible manner. The feelings a student may face range from negative emotions like anxiety, anger or guilt to more positive emotions such as caring, optimism, or inspiration.
• 3. Becoming Autonomous - this vector results in increased emotional independence, which includes freedom from continual and pressing needs for reassurance, affection or approval from others. Students also develop instrumental independence, which involves self-direction and problem-solving skills. As students become autonomous, they hope to be viewed as adults capable of making their own decisions while maintaining positive relationships with others.
• 4. Developing mature interpersonal relationships - in this vector, students develop intercultural and interpersonal tolerance as well as the appreciation of differences and the capacity for healthy relationships with partners and close friends.
• 5. Establishing Identity - this builds on the other vectors that come before it and includes comfort with body and appearance, a clear self-concept and comfort with one’s roles and lifestyle. Students who are facing identity issues often struggle with the identity given to them by others and are seeking roles and a lifestyle that they will find meaningful.
• 6. Developing purpose - with this vector, students develop clear vocational goals, make meaningful commitments to specific personal interests and activities, and establish strong interpersonal commitments. This also includes intentionally making and sticking with decisions, even in the face of opposition. Students who are developing purpose are sometimes attempting to find a life direction that makes sense for them.
• 7. Developing integrity - there are three stages associated with this vector. They include humanizing values, personalizing values, and developing congruence. Students progress from rigid, moralistic thinking to a more humanized value system where the interests of others are balanced with one’s own interests. Students examining integrity issues tend to move away from a value system dictated by others and establish their own personal value system where values have implications for actions.

Arthur Chickering is widely used as a model for determining what types of educational programs to offer students. He suggests development can be enhanced if the following occurs:

• 1. Students are engaged in making choices.
• 2. Students interact with diverse individuals and ideals.
• 3. Students are involved in direct and varied experiences.
• 4. Students are involved in solving complex social and intellectual problems.
• 5. Students are involved in receiving feedback and making objective self-evaluations.

Section 2: Legal Liability

*The information in this chapter contains risk management areas common to student organizations. It is not all-inclusive, but can be used as a guideline to assist with your event management. For legal advice, please contact the Risk Management Office at 262-8925

Managing Risk

Tort. "A tort is generally defined as a civil wrong other than the breach of a contract for which the courts will provide a remedy in the form of damages" (Gehring, 1987, p. 137). In the case of advising, the most common tort is negligence. In other words, if something happens to a person or persons during an RSO sponsored event, a tort lawsuit could be brought against individual students, the RSO, and or the University.

"Negligence demands that a duty of care be breached; and, as a result, an injury occurs. The duty or standard of care may be breached by an act of commission or omission" (Gehring, 1987, p. 161). Whipple (1996, citing Fenske and Johnson, 1990) points out that "tort law has most often been applied in negligent cases relating to personal injuries sustained while attending an activity sponsored by a student group or the institution, while transiting university property, or while on a class field trip. Higher education institutions have a duty to protect their students and other invited guests from known or reasonable foreseeable dangers" (p. 326).

Certain elements must be present for litigation to be successful for the plaintiff or claimant in negligence cases (Barr, 1988). They are:

• 1. The defendant owed a duty of care to the claimant
• 2. The defendant breached that duty
• 3. The breach of duty was the proximate cause of injury

The general standard in this situation is that you must behave like a "reasonable person," that is, behave the way a reasonable person would in a similar situation. The standard does not call for extraordinary insight or some other quality that an average person normally would not apply to similar circumstances.

In practical terms, the "resonable person" standard means that normal precautions should be taken to prevent problems from occurring that a reasonable person would anticipate.

Event Planning

Although things can go wrong even when events are well planned, keeping the "reasonable person" standard in mind and trying to anticipate problems and provide solutions in advance makes excellent sense. Three basic principles apply in event planning that will help minimize risk.

1. Industry Standards: Industry standards should be followed if they are available. For example, whenever equipment is to be used in an event, your group should follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer on how to use the equipment. In addition, governing bodies, such as the National Intramural-Recreational Sports Association, are sources of information on how to provide for the safety of participants in various activities.

If people supervising various elements of an event are required to have a certain level of skill, they should be trained in accordance with the industry standards. If an organization is having a swimming event, for example, the lifeguards should be trained to meet Red Cross (or equivalent organization) standards. Industry standards should never be compromised.

2. Transportation:

Fleet Vehicles: A committee of the Dean of Students, the Pro-Active Risk Management Committee, has developed an on-line training video to assist student drivers before they use a fleet vehicle. It is recommended that the student drivers view the video before they submit their driver's authorization form. Please follow the following instructions to access and complete the Fleet Training Video:

• 1. Go to Learn@UW
• 2. Log in
• 3. Click the Self-Registration link in the upper right corner: select Fleet Vehicle Training
• 4. Enter the required information
• 5. Watch the five video clips
• 6. Take the Quiz

Private Vehicles: The use of private automobiles with student drivers has the potential for tremendous problems. You certainly cannot ensure that problems won’t arise during a trip, but your group should take several steps in advance of the trip to make sure that reasonable precautions are in place.

Among these are the following:

• All drivers should have valid operating licenses.
• No drivers should have a history of speeding tickets, reckless driving, driving while intoxicated, or any other problems that would lead one to conclude that they are not prudent operators of vehicles. In short, all drivers should have a clean record.
• All drivers and vehicles should be insured.
• All vehicles should be in good operating condition.
• No vehicles should be operated in a fashion that is not consistent with how the vehicle was designed, for example, overloaded with passengers or luggage, or with passengers riding in the open bed of a truck.
• No driver should be at the wheel for an extended period of time. Drivers should be rotated to avoid fatigue.
• No person should be allowed to drive after consuming alcohol beverages.

At times it may make more sense to use institutional vehicles rather than the members' vehicles. Again, this may require additional expense, but presumably vehicles kept in the institution’s motor pool undergo routine maintenance and have excellent vehicle service records. At the UW, only student organizations that are supported by a University department are allowed to reserve car fleet vehicles. However, student groups can also rent vehicles from local rental establishments if they have the extra funds available.

3. Managing Risk: If an event is planned in which there is some risk, then your group should take steps to ensure that the risk is minimized. Some kinds of activities - such as tug of war, weight-lifting contents, and eating and drinking competitions - are inherently risky, and if it is possible, your group should plan substitute events.

Waivers

One common way organizations attempt to minimize risk is by asking participants to sign waiver forms. Waiver forms are usually worded in such a way as to absolve the organization (and its leaders) from any responsibility for injury that may result from participating in the activity. The assumption is that by having students waive their right to hold anyone responsible for their injuries, the institution will be held harmless from whatever occurs. In fact, these types of waivers do not carry that force with them.

Waivers have a more useful purpose: they can serve as documentation that the participant is aware of the risks involved in participating in certain kinds of activities. UW student organizations can have waiver forms designed and approved by the Risk Management Office. Call 262-8925 for more information.

Insurance

Another way to minimize risk is to purchase insurance, including health and accident insurance as well as liability insurance. The Risk Management Office has a Special Event Insurance Policy available to student organizations to minimize their risk. Call the Risk Management Office at 262-8925 or look the information up on the web at http://www.bussvc.wisc.edu/risk_mgt/brochure.html

Money

Maloney (1988) points to three legal aspects of handling money:

• 1. More than one person should be responsible for financial transactions.
• 2. An organization must follow federal, state, local and university guidelines.
• 3. The advisor does not serve as the organization's treasurer, but should be keeping a careful eye on the legal aspects of how the organization handles its funds.

Copyright Laws

Although copyright laws are often considered in the context of photocopying sections of books and using the materials for class, there is much more to these laws. Organizations are more vulnerable to violating the copyright law as it applies to the use of videocassettes or music.

The Fair Use Doctrine comprises four elements:

• 1. The purpose and character of the use of the material, including whether such use is of a commercial nature or is for nonprofit educational purposes.
• 2. The nature of the copyrighted work.
• 3. The amount of the work that was used in relation to the copyrighted work as a whole.
• 4. The effect of its use upon the potential market (Kaplin and Lee, 1995).

Renting a videocassette or using someone's personal copy of a video that they own and showing it at a club meeting, a residence hall lounge, or at a fraternity house may seem like a harmless, inexpensive form of entertainment. The problem with this scenario, unfortunately, is that it constitutes a public showing of a video, which is illegal; assuming the material included in the video is copyrighted and those exhibiting the video have not purchased a special license. Without an agreement with the copyright holder, no one can show videos in a public forum even if no fees or ticket sales are involved.

Similarly, the use of music is governed by copyright laws. Generally speaking, students cannot make copies of music performances and sell them as a fund-raiser without violating the law (James, 1988).

Hazing

Hazing is defined as "any action taken or situation created, intentionally, to produce mental or physical discomfort, embarrassment, harassment, or ridicule." Although it is less common today, it has been known to be part of the ritual of certain organizations and clubs. "Advisors and students should be aware that, if found guilty, students who engage in hazing others where an injury results could be dismissed from school, fined, imprisoned, and be assessed damages." (Gehring, 1987).

Wisconsin State Statute - 948.51 Hazing
(1) In this section "forced activity" means any activity which is a condition of initiation or admission into or affiliation with an organization, regardless of a student's willingness to participate in the activity.
(2) No person may intentionally or recklessly engage in acts which endanger the physical health or safety of a student for the purpose of initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating in connection with a school, college or university. Under those circumstances, prohibited acts may include any brutality of a physical nature, such as whipping, beating, branding, forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance, forced confinement or any other forced activity which endangers the physical health or safety of the student.
(3) Whoever violates sub (2) is guilty of:

• (a) A Class A misdemeanor if the act results in or is likely to result in bodily harm to another.
• (b) A Class H felony if the act results in great bodily harm to another.
• (c) A Class G felony if the act results in the death of another.

Alcoholic Beverages

The best risk management technique regarding alcohol is that it should not be available at student events.

If student groups want to sponsor events or activities where alcohol is served, below are the current policies and several recommendations to increase the level of safety among participants and lower liability to the student group:

Student Organization Handbook Code of Conduct #10: Shall be responsible for compliance with University Alcohol Beverage Regulations, State Statutes and City Ordinances regarding possession, consumption and sale of alcohol beverages or other drugs, including controlled substances, at any event. An organization shall be responsible for verified instances of underage persons consuming or possessing an alcohol beverage, or other violations of any of the above rules at any event.

City of Madison/State of WI Law: Unlicensed Tavern Law. Money cannot be exchanged for alcohol or any "required" type of service at an event where alcohol is being served ie, "cup parties," requiring people to use the coat check, etc., unless the establishment has a liquor license.

UW-Madison Facilities Use Policy P-8 ILE: Advertising on campus or advertising using University resources may not include specific reference to alcohol as a part of the event. References to alcohol are prohibited in either printed word or graphic image.

Responsible Party Management Recommendations: (For some student groups on campus, the items listed below, among others, may be required by your governing council (ie. Interfraternity Council) or your departmental sponsor (ie. School of Pharmacy). If applicable, please check with the appropriate entity (national organizations, schools/colleges/departments, governance councils, etc.) to insure you understand the policies that govern your particular organization.

1. Do not use "common containers of beer" (ie. Kegs, party balls, etc.) unless at a 3rd party vendor. Alcohol served in individual servings tends to slow down consumption. Studies have shown that people tend to drink more when they are drinking from a keg vs. individual cans/bottles. There is also the tendency to over consume as there is the "we have to finish the keg mentality" vs. simply saving bottles/cans for the next social.

2. Do not provide bulk collective home-made drinks ie. Wapatui. Very dangerous. Participants do not know the level of alcohol in their drinks. People intending to drink responsibly do not necessarily know if they are or not.

3. Non-alcoholic beverages (besides water) should be available and if at a 3rd party vendor, less expensive than alcoholic beverages and comparable in size. Having options for non-drinkers and designated drivers lowers the risk of unsafe drinking levels. It also provides more of an opportunity for drinkers to switch from alcohol to non-alcohol alternatives.

4. Reasonable quantities of food relative to the size of the group should be provided. Food helps slow down the absorption of alcohol into the blood stream.

5. When holding events, including general or executive meetings, at a liquor licensed establishment, do so only if everyone is 21 years of age or older or the establishment is has a "R" license (restaurant) or a "CV" license (under 21) through the City of Madison. By making sure everyone can attend legally, it doesn't require or encourage members under the age of 21 to violate the law to attend a meeting or event.

6. Unless everyone is 21 years of age or older, consumption of alcohol should not occur at general or executive board meetings. In order to minimize risk, student leaders should declare a very clear beginning and ending time for the meeting. Doing so can significantly reduce the risk and liability to a student group if an incident should occur after the “official” meeting time had ended.

7. Events or activities where consumption of alcohol is the purpose, consequence, or reward of the event or activity should not be allowed. Generally acknowledged that drinking games and using alcohol as a reward can encourage over consumption in a short period of time. Drinking games are designed to have people drink when they win/lose, not when they want to.

8. Alcohol should not be used as an incentive for participating in recruitment events or as prizes in contests. When alcohol is used as an enticement, it increases the liability to the organization that is providing alcohol.

9. Events during Halloween weekend should only occur at liquor licensed facilities if everyone is 21 years of age or older or the establishment has a "R" (restaurant) or "CV" (under 21) license. Because of the known dangerous levels of drinking that occurs on this weekend, and the number of out of town visitors attending who want to access social events (invited or not), having a social event at a non-licensed facility exposes student organizations to greater liability issues than on an average academic calendar weekend.

It is also recommended that if your student group is sponsoring a philanthropy where alcohol is being served, the student group receives in writing from the charitable organization that they are comfortable with the serving of alcohol at the event. Depending on the charitable organization, they board members may not be comfortable accepting the donation if alcohol is served.

Another strategy at the UW is to require that the events sponsored by student organizations that involve alcohol are held on-campus. Although the events will cost more because the bartending/licensing services will have to go through Wisconsin Union or University Housing, the bartenders are trained and the laws are more strictly enforced.

People with Disabilities

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states: "No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States...shall, solely by reason of his or her disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance" (cited by Kaplin and Lee, 1995).

Federal law prohibits excluding students from participating in campus organizations and activities. Meetings and activities must be held in buildings accessible to students who use wheelchairs or other mobility aids. If activities require special accommodations for students with disabilities, those accommodations must be provided. For example, a student who has a hearing impairment may require an interpreter.

These examples are not all inclusive, therefore, if you have questions regarding a request made under the American With Disabilities Act, please call McBurney Disability Resource Center at 263.2741 or check out their home page at http://www.mcburney.wisc.edu.

Section 3: Most Common Policies Affecting Student Organizations

Use of University Facilities and Lands

P-1 9/03: Policy Information
Brief Description:

• Registered student groups may reserve space on campus (does not matter if they are political, religious, etc).
• General and special assignment space in University facilities is available at no cost for all events that are free and open to members of the University community.
• Rent may be charged for restricted, non-instructional space. Examples include Union Theatre, some rooms in Grainger, and the Alumni Lounge in the Pyle Center.
• Student organization events on campus are only open to the University community, students, faculty, and staff. If the organization wants to invite the community, they must obtain a University departmental co-sponsor for the events. If the student group wants to advertise off campus (including websites), they must include a clause that states this program is only open to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff.

Picketing, Rallies, Parades, Demonstrations

P-4 6/76: Policy Information
Brief Description:

• Order must be preserved. Entrances, exits, or normal use of the buildings may not be hindered. Noise levels may not intentionally interfere with university sponsored or university authorized activities. No group may enter a private office of a university employee unless invited. No signs supported by standards or sticks are permitted in University facilities.

Sound Amplifying Equipment

P-5 6/76: Policy Information
Brief Description:

• Student groups may not use sound-amplifying equipment on university lands without permission. To get permission, begin with Central Reservations.
• Permission may be granted to use the equipment only during the hours of Noon - 1:30 pm and 5-7 pm every day, and only when the equipment is 50 feet away from and directed away from any classroom building, residence hall, library, or building being used as a study hall.

Alcohol

P-7.1, P-7.2, P-7.3: P-7.1 Policy Information | P-7.2 Policy Information | P-7.3 Policy Information
Brief Description:

• If a student group wants to provide alcohol for sale at an event, they must go through the Wisconsin Union or University Housing who will also serve the alcohol.
• f a student group wants to provide alcohol for free, there must be a "responsible University employee" who signs the permit application and who's duties are to be present at all times during which alcohol is served and consumed, assure that the conditions of the permit are observed by all persons in attendance and assure that underage and intoxicated persons do not consume alcoholic beverages.

Acceptance of Corporate Sponsorships

P-8 6/00: Policy Information
Brief Description:

• Unacceptable advertising: conflicts with University policy, adversely affects the University's reputation, appears to create an endorsement by the University of a particular company, product, political candidate, or position regarding public policy, is considered or contains obscene, indecent, or profane material, ridicules, exploits, or demeans persons on the basis of their age, color, creed, handicap, national origin, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation or promotes tobacco products.
• Advertising of alcohol beverages may be permitted only when the primary audience is over 21 years of age and the content does not promote the misuse of such beverages. All advertising that has any reference to alcohol beverages must be approved by Legal & Executive Affairs.
• Student groups may accept funds from corporate sponsors but only through a co-sponsor or acknowledgement definitions. Student groups may not "endorse" a particular product.
• Recognition of the corporate sponsor on all advertising must not exceed the size of the student group's name/logo. It must be very clear the student group is sponsoring the event and not a corporate entity.
• Student groups may use the Bucky logo without permission from the Licensing and Trademark Office as long as Bucky is not doing anything obscene.

Use of Lobbies in University Buildings

G-1 3/97: Policy Information
Brief Description:

• To use the lobby of a University building, student groups need to contact the building manager of that building which can be found on the Facilities Planning & Management website.
• Students may sell food in University lobbies (with permission) however, all food must come from a licensed and insured vendor. No home baked goods.
• Building managers can identify space for literature distribution of University related activities.
• Lobby space for commercial activities, other than food sales will not normally be permitted.

Use of Bascom Hill

G-2 12/02: Policy Information
Brief Description:

• The lower third of Bascom Hill can be reserved through Central Reservations for banners, signs, balloons, displays, etc. by registered student groups as long as they are not used to support candidates in municipal, county, state, or national elections.

Use of Library Mall

G-3 1/97: Policy Information
Brief Description:

• Student groups may reserve Library Mall through Central Reservations. No reservation is required if the event does not require tables, chairs, displays, etc. Fundraisers may not be held on Library Mall unless the activity is sponsored by a University Department. There is a new exception to this if the fundraiser is for a charity, see G-18. Reservations are usually limited to two days.

Temporary Food Sales

G-6, 9/02: Policy Information
Brief Description:

• Bake sales are not permitted on the campus. The sale of food can take place in lobby areas of UW-Madison buildings and on university grounds with the proper approval and conditions being met. Information on locations, permits, and exemptions can be found in this policy.

Acknowledgements by Registered Student Organizations of Non-University Revenue Support

G-15, 6/00: Policy Information
Brief Description:

• If your student organization accepts co-sponsorship from a non-university entity this policy outlines the proper way to acknowledge their support. In general, the name or logo of the non-university entity cannot be the focal point of any publicity. It must be very clear the program/event is sponsored by the student group.

Departmental Sponsorship of RSO Events or Activities Minimum Requirements

Brief Description:

• If a department is interested in sponsoring some or all of a student organization’s activities, this policy provides an outline of the minimum requirements that need to occur in order for a department to agree in co-sponsoring/sponsoring a student group or student group activities. Please note these are minimum requirements, the department may at their own discretion, create additional policies that the student group must adhere. The minimum requirements can be found here.

Helpful Websites

• Student Organization Website: http://cfli.wisc.edu
• University Policies Affecting Facilities Use: http://www.union.wisc.edu/conferenceservices/policies
• List of Building Managers: https://physicalplant.wisc.edu - Log in and the listing can be found under the "Buildings" tab

Section 4: General Student Organization Information

Registering a Student Organization

Registration is the first process a student organization must complete each year in order to be recognized by the university. A Registered Student Organization is a campus-based group that has registered with the Student Organization Office (SOO) in order to be eligible for certain privileges and access to university facilities. RSOs enjoy benefits as well as have responsibilities. In addition, it should be noted that only currently enrolled students may register a student organization.

Registered Student Organization Eligibility Requirements

When the primary contact person submits the registration application form, it means that they have read eligibility and registration statements carefully and that their organization is in compliance. If at any time the organization no longer meets eligibility, the organization is no longer entitled to the privileges granted to Registered Student Organizations and at that time the primary contact person is obligated to inform the Student Organization Office of the change. Student groups at UW-Madison must be registered as a student organization in order to use university facilities or the name of the university. (Refer to Name Guidelines for further information.) To be eligible for registration, the student group must:

• Be a not-for-profit, formalized group
• Be composed primarily of UW-Madison students
• Be controlled and directed by UW-Madison students
• Be related to student life on campus
• Abide by Federal, State, City & University nondiscrimination laws & policies
• Identify a student as a primary contact person for the organization; the primary contact must provide the Student Organization Office with information required on the application form including contact information (address and phone number).
• Identify a student contact person who is authorized to represent the RSO in their financial matters
• Abidy by financial and all other regulations specified in the Student Organization Handbook

Registration Process

Student organizations must apply ANNUALLY for registration with the Student Organization Office (SOO). The 2008-2009 registration is effective from September 2008 through August 2009. The application is submitted online and must be completed by the primary contact person for the organization, and a SOO Orientation Session must be taken each year. While the application may be submitted and an orientation session may be taken anytime throughout the year, we encourage completion early in the year to maximize your choices of funding availability, facility location for meetings, events, and activities; and to ensure you are reaching new students since many begin looking to get involved as soon as they arrive on campus.

The 2008-2009 student organization registration process requires completion of the following steps:

• 1. Submit the 2008-2009 online application form, as found on the SOO home page http://cfli.wisc.edu/registration.html. The primary contact person for the organization must fill out and submit the application. Approval of the application must be granted by the SOO, including the verification of UW-Madison student status of the three student contacts for the organization.
• 2. Attend a SOO Orientation Session, which provides valuable information on resources that develop and strengthen your student organization. Any student representative from the group (not necessarily the primary contact person), a student who will share the information with its members, may attend on behalf of the student organization. Offered readily throughout the year, SOO Orientation Session dates and times are posted on the SOO homepage.
• 3. Chapter presidents of social fraternities and sororities, at the beginning of each semester, must complete the Greek Contact Inventory Form, indicating any changes in officers. Submit a printed copy to the Greek advisor, Student Organization Office, Room 239 Red Gym.
• 4. The Student Organization Office staff will review the online registration form for accuracy, compliance with eligibility criteria, and completion of all steps of the registration process. In most cases, this process will take up to one week from the date of completion of both Steps 1 & 2 above. After approval from the SOO, the primary contact person will receive an email notification verifying the organization’s status as an approved, registered student organization. The organization’s information will then be uploaded to the Directory of Registered Student Organizations posted on the SOO homepage.
• 5. Additional changes needing to be made to the organization’s form, after it has been submitted online, must be made by filling out the Changes/Updates to Your Org form located on the SOO homepage, to be filled out by the organization’s primary contact person.
• 6. The approved registration will remain in effect until the first class day of the following academic year on the condition that the organization maintains eligibility, follows the financial regulations outlined in this chapter, and is not under suspension by the Committee on Student Organizations. If at any point the organization no longer meets the outlined criteria, it is the organization's responsibility to notify SOO, who may terminate the registration due to change in status or any misrepresentation by the organization.

Discipline and Accountability

As a Registered Student Organization (RSO) the organization, through it’s primary contact, has agreed to the Student Organization Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct and complaint procedures were originally developed in 1996, and most recently modified by the Committee on Student Organizations and approved by the Chancellor in 2004. The full policy on the conduct and discipline of student organizations is available in the Student Organization Handbook.

The Committee on Student Organizations is an ASM Shared Governance Committee whose members represent the student body, ASM, Chancellor’s Office, Dean of Student’s Office, Faculty, and the Student Organization Office. The purpose of the committee is:

• To carry out the disciplinary process established and published in the Student Organization Handbook
• Review disciplinary process and procedures
• Set policy releveant to RSO's
• Serve as a bridge between ASM and RSO's
• Create programs which will better connect and serve RSO's
• Advise the SOO

The committee is made up primarily of students. All student representatives are appointed by the ASM Shared Governance Committee. Any interested students should contact either the ASM Shared Governance Committee or the SOO for the application.

Student Organization Code of Conduct - All Registered Student Organizations

1. Must comply with all the eligibility requirements and financial regulations published in the Student Organization Handbook;

2. Shall not discriminate on the basis of age, color, creed, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex or sexual orientation unless pursuant to an exception recognized by law;

3. Are not exempt from discipline for such actions under this Policy that constitute violations of federal, state or local laws, and may be subject to additional action by an appropriate judicial body;

4. Can be subject to disciplinary action as a result of actions of individual members of the organization undertaken while representing the organization;

5. Shall be responsible for all activities and/or damages resulting from its events. An RSO must exercise reasonable caution to ensure that its events, and agents acting on its behalf, do not cause damage to the property of students, University employees, other organizations, or the University; do not harm or constitute a serious danger to the personal safety of students or University employees; and do not obstruct or seriously impair University run or University authorized activities;

6. Shall be responsible for compliance with University policies, including, but not limited to, the use of University facilities and grounds, electronic information technology and facility reservation contracts;

7. Shall insure that invitations to events taking place in a University facility are limited to students, faculty and staff of the University unless an exception is specifically authorized in accordance with appropriate facility use policies;

8. May not knowingly organize, sponsor, cosponsor or in any way coordinate an event in University facilities with any student organization that has been prohibited from participating in that type of event or has had its RSO status terminated;

9. Are accountable, through their primary contact, officers and other designated representatives, to the University. When an organization's primary contact, officers, or other designated representatives make a knowingly false statement, either orally or in writing, to any University employee, committee, or agent, on a matter relating to the activities of the organization or its members, the organization shall be subject to discipline;

10. Shall be responsible for compliance with University Alcohol Beverage Regulations, State Statutes and City Ordinances regarding possession, consumption and sale of alcohol beverages or other drugs, including controlled substances, at any event. An organization shall be responsible for verified instances of underage persons consuming or possessing an alcohol beverage, or other violations of any of the above rules at any event; and

11. Shall abide by decisions of the Committee and/or the Dean of Students regarding complaints arising out of this Policy.

Click Here for a full copy of the Student Organization Code of Conduct & Discipline Procedures.

Help and Information

The SOO works hard to be your “one-stop” department to assist you and your student group with getting questions answered, suggestions on advising issues, policy interpretation, and referrals to other resources that can help you and your student group. Please contact our office with questions, comments, concerns and we will do our best to assist you.

What you can expect when you contact the SOO:

• Polite, respectful, and friendly service
• Prompt follow up
• Accurate information or referral: we strive to refer you to the appropriate office first, not simply another office who may then refer you to another office
• Assistance as it relates to student organization management issues, policy interpretation, guidance and advice, complaint procedures, and general responses to frequently asked questions
• Everyone working hard to assist you with your organization
• Basic information about SLP and ALPs and how to get in touch with their staff
• Leadership Training opportunities for your student leaders
• General student organization advisors and fraternity/sorority advisors to assist you

What's Up? Weekly E-Newsletter

Each week the SOO sends out an email newsletter that highlights various items of interest to student groups. All student group advisors also receive a copy of the email that was sent to the primary contact of each organization. The email’s primary purpose is to inform on priority issues such as funding information and deadlines, award opportunities and deadlines, recruitment opportunities, training opportunities for student leaders and some university announcements. The email may also include information on other activities being planned by student groups.

Section 5: Resources and Opportunities

The Student Organization Office (SOO) provides a number of resources to assist in the organizational management of your group and the leadership development of your organization’s members. The following list provides an overview of programs and services provided by or supported by the SOO or the Dean of Students Office. These offerings are subject to change; to find out more about any additional opportunities call the SOO directly at 263-0365.

Recruitment Opportunities for Students

Registration for all of the opportunities listed begins in November for the start of the Spring Semester and in April for the Summer/beginning of the Fall semester. All advisors and student organization’s primary contact receive an email announcement that registration is occurring.

Student Organization Fairs (Fall/Spring)
The Student Organization Office hosts the Student Organization Fair at the beginning of both the Fall and Spring semester. Every Registered Student Organization is encouraged to register for space at these events. Organization fairs are wonderful opportunities to reach out to thousands of students and recruit new members. The registration page for these fairs is located on the mainpage of the SOO website.

Student Organization Kick Off Meeting Booklet and Promotion
Registered Student Organizations have the opportunity to produce advertisements to be printed in the “Kick-Off Meeting Booklet”, listing organization kick-off meeting times and organization information. Currently the kick off booklet is published in collaboration with one of the campus newspapers and is inserted into the Back to School Issue. Organizations can find more information about placing an ad in the Kick-Off Meeting booklet on the mainpage of the SOO website.

Get Connected Interest Inventory
Each year, SOAR attendees are sent a link to fill out the Get Connected Interest Inventory. Student organizations can register to be included in the inventory and based on the answers given; students are matched up with organizations. Last summer, over 1500 freshmen students completed the survey that listed over 200 different options for students to consider.

Training Opportunities for Students

Student Leadership Program (SLP)
The Student Leadership Program (SLP) offers leadership training for UW-Madison students. The programs are designed to develop leadership skills for all students, as well as enhance the skills of those currently in leadership positions. Three student coordinators lead SLP with assistance from the SLP Committee and the SOO. The student group, which meets bi-weekly, is extremely vital in planning and implementing leadership development programs, resources, and opportunities on campus. All of SLP offerings are free and open to the UW-Madison student body.

SLP believes that "leadership is action, not position." Their mission is to develop effective and essential leadership skills in students and student groups through comprehensive leadership education and diverse experiences. They achieve this mission by providing opportunities for students to strengthen their individual leadership skills, by providing opportunities for students to practice the skills they are learning in a group setting and by assisting student organizations with the management and development of their groups and group leaders.

Services and opportunities available to you through SLP include:

• Leadership Summits: Speakers or teleconferences co-sponsored through the Society of Leadership and Success, are held once a month, this program series identifies current leadership and management theories and practical techniques that help students better understand and incorporate the suggestions into their lives.
• Organizational Management Services and Alumni Speaker Series: The purpose of this committee is to assist all student groups with the management of their organization. This is done through semester conferences that focus on basic and advanced skill development, through an alumni speaker series, and through electronic resources such as an email list serv "What the Leaders Read" and other on-line and hard copy resources. The alumni series (usually held once each semester) offers an opportunity for students to interact with alums currently in their field of study and learn the skills the alumnus feels are most critical to learn in order to be successful
• Complete Confidence in Communication (C3) Training Series: The purpose of this committee is to plan and implement curriculum for the C3 Series. This class is open to any UW Student (not taken for credit). This training program targets key areas of communication that students are struggling and provides opportunities for them to learn the skills and more importantly practice the skills in an environment of safety and open/constructive feedback. Skills that have been of focus in the past include; facilitating training programs, running effective meetings, interviewing, and power words.
• All Campus Leadership Conference: Scheduled every February the Student Leadership Program sponsors the All Campus Leadership Conference with over 600 students registered each year. The conference is marketed to students and student organization leaders. The conference includes a professional keynote speaker whose focus is on a specific area of leadership development, lunch, and then several sessions of break out workshops are offered for the students to choose which session they would like to attend. The conference is free to UW-Madison students.
• Leadership & Social Justice Committee: The purpose of this committee is to bring attention and awareness to the relationship between leadership and social justice. The committee discusses and designs events to bring people who are interested in these issues together. Past programs included a Social Justice Movie Series, a leadership poetry program and a Collaboration Dinner bringing student groups together to plan and support programs on campus that promote and educates other students on social justice and issues related to social justice.
• Tailored Workshops: Trained SLP members create and facilitate interactive workshops for students requesting training in many areas of leadership development. Free and tailored specifically to meet your student organization’s needs. Past workshops have included such topics as time management, strategic planning, and leadership styles.
• The ELP/GELP Programs: series of interactive workshops for freshmen and sophomores that focus on leadership skill development. The workshops are hands-on and provide an out of the classroom learning experience which builds young students skills and capacities to lead others. Offered each semester in the Fall and Spring, each class is limited to 25 participants.
• Leadership Through Volunteering Committee: The purpose of this committee is to develop and gain leadership skills through voluntary service. Helping students who volunteer their time identify and recognize the leadership skills they are developing by participating in service projects within the community is the core of this committee’s existence. The committee does this by collaborating with other student groups who are planning volunteer opportunities and facilitating reflection and skill identification sessions to assist the students in identifying what they learned through their experience.

Adventure Learning Programs (ALPs):
ALPs works with student organizations and groups ranging from honors fraternities and service clubs to sports teams and residence hall floors. Our programming – whether short on-campus workshops, longer retreat programming, or day-long ropes course experiences – offers individuals and groups exciting and stimulating challenges and a comfortable forum enabling positive discussion. This program provides student organizations with teambuilding and communication workshops at no cost. Using experiential education, groups are asked to engage in various activities that allow them to set and accomplish different goals. ALPs facilitators can plan workshops designed to meet the needs of your organization, which range from icebreakers to high-risk ropes course facilitation. Contact the ALPs program at 608-263-4663 or email alps@das.wisc.edu for more information on ALPs.

Peer Advisors:
SOO Peer Advisors are available to help organizations with their questions involving the Student Organization Office. Whether students have questions about how and when to register their organization, would like more information about how to get involved, or would like more training specific to their organization, Peer Advisors are available to help. Students and advisors are encouraged to call or e-mail the Student Organization Office with any questions they may have. The SOO’s group of Peer Advisors are available as a resource for finding answers. Contact us at soo@odos.wisc.edu, Phone: 608.263.0365

Leadership Seminar:
Student organization leaders are eligible to register for Sociology 496. This is a two ro three-credit course that is offered in the fall semester. The course is taught by Dr. Don Schutt, Director of Human Resources Development, which introduces concepts and skills related to leadership. This undergraduate class offers University of Wisconsin-Madison student leaders an opportunity to discuss contemporary leadership issues while enhancing their skills. Guest experts ranging from leaders in education to community leaders, applied learning approaches, and student participation are just a few of the features of the course. For more information or to apply for the course go to: http://www.ohrd.wisc.edu/leadershipseminar/

Training Opportunities for Advisors

Advising Advisors Electronic Q & A:
Once a month student group advisors receive an informative email that answers a legal or risk management type of question an advisor had submitted. The SOO contacts the proper individual (University Legal Services, Risk Management, Business Services, etc.) to answer the question and distributes the answer in the form of an email. To receive this valuable e-mail, contact Eric Knueve to join the advisor listserv or if you have questions, submit them to Eric Knueve at knueve@odos.wisc.edu.

Recognition Opportunities for Students and Student Groups

Leadership Certificate:
The Leadership Certificate recognizes exceptional energy and focus on leadership development demonstrated by a commitment to learning through application in the community. The certificate gives formal acknowledgement to the skills and abilities of outstanding character in all professions and sectors of society while on campus and beyond. Participating in this program encourages students to mobilize oneself and others to work towards a common goal, in turn, creating a positive impact on individuals, student organizations, and the community. A student can work on the Leadership Certificate over multiple semesters and can fit the program into their schedule with careful planning. The non-credit certificate requires the student to learn and practice what they learned regarding themselves and how to lead others a minimum number of hours in five distinct areas. The areas include leadership role, academic course work, civic engagement, work experience, and out of the classroom workshops, training programs, seminars.

Leadership and Involvement Record:
The L&I Record is an official document from the UW-Madison campus verifying a student’s leadership role(s) on campus. The student is able to go onto MY UW and enter the leadership roles and membership in student groups the student has participated. The SOO then verifies the information entered (membership information is not verified) and an official document with the UW seal and the Dean of Students signature can be printed. Students can use the record for graduate school applications, to verify the information they placed on their resume, or simply as storage to track the various involvements experienced. . For directions on how students can enter their information, go to http://cfli.wisc.edu.

Student Leadership Awards:

• Freshmen and Sophomore Leadership Awards
  At the end of the Fall semester, the SOO requests nominations from advisors, faculty, students and staff to recognize outstanding leadership from students who are freshmen and sophomores. The student recipients receive a plaque or certificate and are publicly recognized at the Fall Student Organization and Leadership Awards Banquet sponsored by the SOO and the Student Leadership Program. The criteria for the awards includes being highly active and holding leadership roles within student organizations, involvement in service activities and activities within the students school or college and students are asked an essay question and are evaluated based on their response and writing skills.
• Junior/Senior/Graduate/Professional Student Leadership Awards
  At the end of the Spring semester, the SOO requests nominations from advisors, faculty, students and staff to recognize outstanding leadership from students who are juniors, seniors and grad/professional students. The student recipients receive a plaque or certificate and are publicly recognized at the Spring Student Organization and Leadership Awards Banquet sponsored by the SOO and the Student Leadership Program. The criteria for the awards includes being highly active and holding leadership roles within student organizations, involvement in service activities and activities within the students school or college and students are asked an essay question and are evaluated based on their response and writing skills.

Undergraduate Excellence Award:
Awarded to a junior or senior student who has excelled in the areas of academic achievement, student leadership, and service. There are a number of these awards across campus. The SOO award has traditionally emphasized the leadership aspect of the award. All students who apply for the Junior/Senior Leadership Awards are automatically considered for the Undergraduate Excellence Award which includes a Lunch Banquet and $750.00 stipend presented by Harvey Meyerhoff, an alumnus who personally donated a scholarship which funds the awards and program.

Student Organization Awards:

• Fall Semester Awards
  During the fall semester the student organization awards are focused on outstanding programs sponsored by registered student organizations. Applications are available in late October. Contact the SOO for specific deadlines soo@odos.wisc.edu.
• The Commitment to Diversity Award
  This award was created to recognize a student –directed year-long and community wide commitment to awareness and education of students concerning diversity issues. The award is designed to honor the organization which displays outstanding effort and improvement in their community from the previous academic year to the present.
• Program of the Year Award
  The Student Organization Office Program of the Year Award was created to recognize those organizations that organized and sponsored programs that have had a positive impact on the University community. The award is designed to honor the organization, which displays tremendous effort and improvement in their community from the previous academic year to the present. Eligible programs for this award are to have occurred between October of the previous year and November of the current year.
• Innovation Award
  The Student Organization Office Innovation Award was created to recognize those organizations that organized programs and/or services that have had a positive impact on the University community as compared to previous years. The award is designed to honor the organization, which displays tremendous effort and energy to improve the effectiveness of a program or service to better meet the needs of their community. Eligible programs for this award are to have occurred between October of the previous year and November of the current year. A program may not win consecutive years.
• Outstanding Achievement Award
  The Student Organization Outstanding Achievement Award was created to recognize those organizations that have made significant steps in the development of their organization. The award is designed to honor one or more organizations, which displays tremendous effort and improvement in their development from the previous academic year to the present. Recipients of the award will be evaluated on their internal operation, successful implementation of external programs and activities to the campus community, financial stability, and involvement of the organization in outreach activities.
• Spring Semester Awards
  As a registered student organization, groups are eligible to apply for four awards that recognize different aspects and contributions of organizational development. The first three student organization awards are: 1) the Contribution to Membership Award, 2) the Contribution to Campus Award, 3) the Contribution to Community Award and 4) the Outstanding Student Organization of the Year Award. Applications are available beginning in March. Contact the SOO for specific deadlines soo@odos.wisc.edu.
• People's Choice Program of the Year
  New during the Spring Semester of 2007, student groups submitted a poster presentation of an outstanding program they had sponsored. Before the awards program began, participants were given a ballot to vote for the program that they felt was the most outstanding during the past year. The recipients received a trophy.
• Outstanding Contribution to Membership Award
  This award recognizes a student organization that has contributed to the scholastic and leadership potential of its members. This may be demonstrated by use of quality programming, office training, good organizational development, and the cohesiveness of its members.
• Contribution to Campus Award
  This award recognizes a student organization that has achieved a high degree of excellence in their commitment to the University and the organization’s mission through campus-wide programming, recruitment of new members and service to the University by supporting the needs of the University community. This is demonstrated in the organization’s effort to enhance quality of campus life.
• Contribution to Community Award
  This award recognizes a student organization that has contributed to the quality of life outside of UW and has strived to improve connections within Madison or our surrounding community. This service may have been demonstrated through members volunteering time in community projects and willingness to offer assistance to community members.
• Outstanding Organization of the Year
  This award recognizes a student organization each year that contributes and excels in all three areas of organizational management. The three areas include; contribution to membership; outstanding work in the area of developing their members as leaders and the internal workings of their group; outstanding contribution to campus; having a significant impact on campus through programs and/or services, and outstanding contribution to community; having a significant impact within the community. The award recipients receive a trophy. The Outstanding Student Organization of the Year Award recipient also has the name of their group engraved on a plaque that hangs in the SOO in the Red Gym.
• Fostering Student Interaction Award Sponsored by the Dean of Students
  This award was created in the spirit of unity and interconnectedness among student organizations at UW. In hopes to create an incentive for student organizations, as well as reward those who successfully create coalitions and foster cross-cultural interactions, the Offices of the Dean of Students annually offers the opportunity to apply for this award to all registered student organizations (RSOs). Current RSOs, as well as formed coalitions with other student groups or community groups, may apply by completing an application and submitting one letter of support from a person who is knowledgeable about the organization's programs and activities. A subcommittee of the Offices of the dean of Students will review the application material and select one or two student organization award winners. Awarded will be either two $500 awards or one $1000 award. The award will be presented during the spring semester. Please contact the Student Organization Office at soo@odos.wisc.edu or 263-0365 for application deadline.