• Registered student organizations must abide by all of Temple University's policies, including those regarding nondiscrimination.  Included in its obligations, registered student organizations must allow any student to participate, become a member, or seek leadership positions in the organization, regardless of their age, color, disability, marital status, national origin or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or veteran status.  A registered student organization may restrict membership on the basis of conduct, provided that such restrictions are not a pretext for exclusion based on status or belief, i.e.., are not used principally to exclude students on the basis of age, color, disability, marital status, national origin or ethnic origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information or veteran status.  Temple University applies this policy consistent with the requirements of the First Amendment.

• Student Organizations registered with Student Activities are required to have open membership.
• Open membership is defined as allowing any interested persons to join the organization and attend meetings/events. Violation of this policy consists of, but is not limited to: 
  • excluding membership by major or college
  • excluding membership by identity (age, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, etc)
  • limiting the number of members accepted in the organization per semester
  • hosting interviews, auditions, or preliminary sessions on which membership is solely contingent
• Student Organizations found to be in violation of this policy will be immediately frozen. This means that all student organization meetings, events, reservations, and allocations requests will be paused. Student organization leadership will be contacted and meet with Student Activities to be held accountable for the violation of the policy.

• A raffle drawing, where an individual purchases a ticket for a chance to win a prize, constitutes illegal gambling under Pennsylvania law. Gaming licenses would have to be purchased and be in compliance with the proper record keeping and regulations of the state of Pennsylvania. Selling raffle tickets in order to win a prize is not permitted to student organizations.

• Student Organizations are required to register annually with Student Activities to maintain their active status. Re-registration is available to all student organizations in May. Failure to register the student organization at this time will result in an inactive status. 

• Operating an inactive student organization violates this policy. The operation of a student organization consists of, but is not limited to:
  • continuing to meet or gather together
  • hosting and organizing events
  • use of funds in the student organization bank account 
  • requesting funds from Temple Student Government Allocations 
  • use of the student organization name and logo Inactive
• Student Organizations found to be in operation will immediately meet with Student Activities to be held responsible for violation of this policy.

• In an effort to standardize the removal process for Student Organization members and officers, Student Activities asks all Student Organizations to incorporate a probation period into the member and officer removal sections of their constitution beginning Fall 2020.
• For example, when an issue persists or the member's performance is inadequate for their agreed-upon responsibilities, someone of the executive board and/or the advisor should have a meeting with the officer. In the meeting, the issue will be shared with the member/officer and they will be put on probation.
• Over the next 2 weeks to 30 days, the member/officer will have the opportunity to correct their behavior. After the probation period is over, a second meeting can be held to assess whether the individual can continue their role. Adding this probation period will provide your organization members the opportunity for growth.
• Additionally, your organization must include an appeals process for members and officers to appeal organization conduct and removal hearings in a fair process. This process is at the discretion of your organization, but may include a written or verbal appeal to the president or faculty/staff advisor of the organization.

Temple University does not tolerate hazing. Any student, student group, student organization, team, or other persons associated with such groups found responsible for Hazing, Aggravated Hazing, or Organizational Hazing under this policy, whether occurring on or off campus, may face disciplinary action, in addition to criminal charges.

Any violation of this policy by a Student shall be investigated and adjudicated under the Student Conduct Code and may be referred for prosecution under applicable laws. Alleged violations of this policy will be investigated by the appropriate university office, typically either or both of the Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards or Campus Safety Services. Employee violations will be handled in accordance with applicable work rules and collective bargaining agreements.

Minors on Campus Policy

• For events that will have minors on campus, submit the Minors on Campus Registration form (linked above) to the Office of Risk Management & Treasury at least 60 days in advance.

Travel Policy and Documents

All RSOs planning to travel outside the city limits of Philadelphia must complete the Student Org travel approval process which includes: 

• successful completion of the Student Org Travel form
• meeting with a member of the Student Activities team
• if traveling internationally, the completion of International Risk Management's approval process (our process will aid you in this process, see steps outlined below)
• submission of requested waivers for all travelers
• written approval from Student Activities for domestic experiences; from International Risk Management for international experiences

International Travel: 

• On January 1, 2020, Temple University's International Travel Policy went into effect.
  • Step 1: Obtain approval/confirmation that your international travel is Temple affiliated - approval form due to Risk Management at least 3 months prior
  • Step 2: Receipt of Approval, Pre-Departure Planning, & Attend Health and Safety Workshop
  • Step 3: On-Site
  • Step 4: Returning to Campus: Debrief Meeting with Risk Management

Domestic Travel

• Outside the city limits of Philadelphia
• All participants (Temple or non-Temple) must submit a waiver online
• Submit the form online 4 weeks in advance 
• The form is a pre-departure planning guide co-created with Risk Management
• Must have a debrief meeting upon returning to campus with Student Activities

• Organizational funds are prohibited from being used to purchase alcohol.
• Events are prohibited from including alcohol as an attraction.
• For events that take place in locations where alcohol is served, no funding for the event can be used in the purchase of alcohol at the location. The event should not take place at a location solely for the purpose that the location serves alcohol.

Reserving and Using Space on Campus

• All policies and procedures related to the reservation and use of space on campus are available on Student Center Operations' website. Please direct all questions to Student Center Operations at [click-for-email]. 

Trademark Licensing Policy

• Temple requires that all individuals, organizations, departments, and companies, both internal and external, obtain prior approval before producing any product(s) that will display the university’s trademarks, regardless of the method of distribution.

• All food brought into Student Center Operations facilities must be provided by Aramark's Cherry & White Catering Company. 

  • Click here for detailed instructions on placing a catering order.

• At the time you are requesting space in Student Center Operations' online reservation system, you must indicate that you plan to have food for your event, as a planning meeting is required at least 20 days before the event.

• If you’d like to bring food that Aramark cannot provide (including pizza), organizations must obtain a signed Catering Exception Form according to the instructions on the form. Please note that "Authorized Budget Unit Approval" is a signature from any Assistant Director or Director at Student Activities. 

  • Catering orders under $250 will be approved once a Catering Exception Form and Certificate of Liability Insurance (COI) from the caterer are submitted directly to Business Services.

  • Exceptions are required for Donated Food Items (include a letter from the donor detailing what is being donated).

  • Exceptions are NOT required for Pot Lucks, Bake Sales, and Brown Bag Luncheons. 

• The Catering Exception Form must be turned into Student Center Operations at least 10 days prior to your event. Failure to abide by this process violates Student Center policy and will cause your organization to lose its reservation privileges. If you have any questions, contact Alicia Ferguson with Student Center Operations.