Student Organization Recognition Policy

The Division of DEI and Student Affairs is the responsible authority in approving and re-registering student organizations status at Butler University. Criteria and procedures for recognition status are established through the offices of Fraternity and Sorority Life, Health and Recreation, and Student Activities. The benefits of recognition are also set forth in this policy.

For the purpose of this policy, definitions include:

Student Organization: A student-run/led organization formed around shared interests to enhance campus life.

Recognition: Status in which Butler University officially acknowledges that the student organization can use the Butler University name along with access to additional privileges (i.e. – space reservations on campus, access to funding sources, etc.).

Re-Registration: Upon initial recognition, student organizations are required to re-register annually to maintain recognition.

Procedure for Student Organization Recognition Status

Recognition and re-registration as a student organization is at the discretion of respective offices listed below. New organizations must apply for recognition, and all returning organizations must re-register annually as outlined in the procedures of the respective offices listed below.

Recognition & Annual Re-Registration

1. Undergraduate and Graduate Student Organizations: Undergraduate student organizations are recognized and annually re-registered by the Office of Student Activities in accordance with the criteria outlined in the Student Organization Manual.

2. Social Fraternities and Sororities: Social Fraternities and Sororities with national headquarters who express interest in having a local chapter must follow the expansion process outlined in the Fraternity and Sorority Life Manual. Current local chapters are recognized and annually re-registered by the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life in accordance with the criteria outlined in the Fraternity and Sorority Handbook.

3. Club Sports Organizations: Student organizations with a sports and recreation focus that have been recognized by the Office of Student Activities for a minimum of 1 academic year is eligible to apply to become an officially recognized Club Sport. Club Sports organizations are recognized and annually re-registered by Recreation and Wellness in accordance with the criteria outlined in the Club Sports Handbook.

Privileges of Recognition

Officially recognized groups and organizations may:

  • use the name of Butler University and other indicia of association.
  • use University buildings and grounds with limited to or no rental charge. Charges will be assessed by Butler Arts and Events Center and only applied for the cost of services (event labor, custodial, trucking, security, equipment rentals, and similar expenses) provided in support of an event.
  • Eligibility to request student organization funding.
  • establish an agency account with the University to accept revenues and pay expenses of the group or organization, subject to requirements associated with such accounts; accounts may not elsewhere be established using the name “Butler University” or similar characterization.

Officially recognized groups and organizations may not authorize or allow other parties to use any privileges of recognition and may not make space reservations on behalf of external groups or individuals.