Chapter Three: Student Involvement, Governance and Athletics

CENTER FOR STUDENT INVOLVEMENT

At University of Bridgeport, opportunities are available for personal growth, leadership development, relaxation, and recreation. Student involvement opportunities vary from cultural, artistic, civic, political, and athletic activities to recreational opportunities. Activities and programs complement and enhance the academic mission of the University, improve campus community spirite provide constructive social interaction, and contribute to students’ physical, emotional and intellectual development. All policies and procedures specific to clubs and organizations are outlined in the Club Manual.

STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

All clubs and organizations must register with the Center for Student Involvement and the Student Government Association. Students who are interested in obtaining more information about any group or have other questions relating to clubs or organizations, should confer with the staff of the Center for Student Involvement, located in the Student Center Room 231. Students are not authorized to enter into contracts with any vendors; all commitments must be made through the Student Involvement staff.

For a list of Registered Clubs and Organizations (subject to change), please visit knightlife.bridgeport.edu.

Forming a new student organization

The requirements for the formation of a new student organization are as follows:

• A charter membership of no fewer than, but not limited to, ten full-time students who are in good academic standing (minimum of 2.0 GPA) after at least one semester at University of Bridgeport. Students in their first semester at UB can be granted an exception by Student Involvement following an advisory meeting.
• A group constitution presented to, and approved by, the Student Government Association Speaker of the House and the Center for Student Involvement, containing a statement that the group will not discriminate against any person or persons because of race, color, national origin, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, genetic information or veteran status.
• One faculty/staff/administrator who has accepted the group’s invitation to advise the group and its activities and be present at the group’s social events.
• For student organizations (new or existing) to be recognized by the University, they must have a Constitution on file with Student Government Association and must register with the Center for Student Involvement annually.
• In the case of a new national fraternity or sorority, admission to the Greek Council is also required. The fraternity or sorority must supply the national bi-laws and criteria of the national organization. The chartering process is outlined in the Greek Manual. For a copy of the Greek Manual please contact the Greek Life Advisor.

An inactive student organization may become reactivated by:

• Informing the Student Government Association of the group’s intention to reactivate the Constitution.
• Submitting to the Center for Student Involvement, the names of the new officers and the name of the faculty/administrator who accepted the group’s invitation to be its advisor.
• Reviewing, updating (if necessary), and submitting the organization’s Constitution.
• Conferring with the Center for Student Involvement.

Fraternities and Sororities

University of Bridgeport only recognizes nationally affiliated fraternities and sororities. All chapters’ charters must be consistent with the University’s objectives and their constitutions nondiscriminatory and non-restrictive. The University expects the Greek community to effectively serve itself and the University. Any/all interested parties wanting to expand onto the University campus must meet first with Director of Multicultural Affairs or designee. Interest groups must have the desire to affiliate with an inter/nationally recognized fraternity/sorority.

Funding of student clubs and organizations

University recognized student organizations may apply for an allocation of funds from the combined funding committee of the Student Government Association and the Student Programming Board (SPB) for operating expenses during any year that the club is active. A campus group interested in allocating funds must:

• Register its organization with the Center for Student Involvement.
• Have an approved constitution on file with the Center for Student Involvement at the time of the request.
• Be in good standing with the Student Government Association and the Center for Student Involvement.
• Follow the procedures for requesting funds from the Student Government Association and the Student Programming Board combined funding committee

Office space

All clubs desiring office space in the Student Center should make the request to the Center for Student Involvement. Office space is very limited and not all requests will be granted. Office space is only for one academic year. The Center for Student Involvement may ask the club to vacate the office space if all requirements are not meant. See the Center for Student Involvement in the Student Center, room 231, for information.

Student Government Association

The Student Government Association (SGA) is the representative form of student government for the student body. The Constitution is available in the SGA office, Student Center Room 117 or at knightlife.bridgeport.edu/organization/sga. In striving to promote good citizenship and democratic fellowship, University of Bridgeport representative student government gives individual students the experience of active participation in governmental procedure and further develops in each student a sense of personal responsibility for the welfare of the University Community.