Office of Student Experience

If students desire to create an organization to supplement those that already exist, they must adhere to the following process:

• Initial interview and proposal: Students will meet with a staff member of The Office of
  Student Experience to present a written proposal for the new student organization. The
  proposal should include:
  1. The mission and purpose statement of the proposed organization,
  2. Specific short-term goals,
  3. A justification for the creation of the proposed organization,
  4. A list of a minimum of six students willing to commit to membership,
  5. An indication of the student who will be the primary contact person, along with her/his
     contact information,
  6. A completed petition with the appropriate number of signatures.

Initial Meeting: The Office of Student Experience staff members will discuss any outstanding questions and explain the chartering process. The Office of Student Experience will respond to the proposal within thirty (30) business days, indicating whether the organization is clear to proceed with the chartering process.

New Student Organization Packet: Once approval to continue the chartering process is obtained, complete the New Student Organization Packet. Students MUST fully complete the New Student Organization Packet to receive approval for probationary student organization status. The Office of Student Experience has paper and electronic copies of the packet. Once the students successfully complete the packet; it will be reviewed by the Dean of Students for approval to move to probationary status.

Probationary status: Student Organizations must demonstrate that they will be viable once the original members graduate. Therefore, new student organizations must complete a year on probationary status. No institutional funding will be available to them during this period. During probationary status, the organization must hold four (4) events each semester, track attendance with a sign-in sheet and satisfaction survey, and do a minimum of eight (8) community service projects, four (4) on-campus and four (4) off-campus, each semester. Each project must last at least one hour and have at least 80% of the organization’s members participate. The organization must submit their calendar of events according to the student organization planning cycle, and maintain a binder that tracks their progress according to the guidelines set forth by The Office of Student Experience.

Evaluation year: After successfully completing a year of probationary status, a new student organization will be up for review for full student organization status. During this second year, student organizations will be expected to increase their membership and continue to meet the criteria required during their probationary period. Based upon the organization’s performance during their probationary period, and their continuing success during the evaluation year, the Dean of Students will determine if the organization will be granted full student organization status. Student organization chartering guidelines are reviewed at the start of each semester during the student organization leadership retreat and will be reviewed with new student organizations who decide to apply in the middle of a semester.

Penalty: Any student(s) that attempts to initiate or begin an organization designating an affiliation with Paul Quinn without the consent of a designee of Paul Quinn will be subject to disciplinary action.

Student participation in student organizations is encouraged as a means of learning collaboration and communication with others in a group/team environment, in addition to gaining spiritual and intellectual stimulation, pursuing individual interests, developing social skills, and obtaining a better understanding of the individual. Learning and personal development are directly proportional to the quality and quantity of student involvement, so it is hoped that all students take full advantage of the educational and co-curricular opportunities available to them. Organization participation is a privilege and students are subject to certain requirements that may include:

1. Satisfactory academic standing, which includes a GPA (Grade Point Average) of 2.5 or better to join and to remain active.
2. No current disciplinary charges or sanctions, such as disciplinary probation.
3. Good standing with Work Program Office

The recognition of a student organization is a privilege, not a right. Recognition is the endorsement and approval by the College of the goals and purposes of the organization as being consistent with and supportive of the goals and purposes of Paul Quinn. Once recognized, the organization carries the name of Paul Quinn and represents its student body. This relationship should be considered when programs and activities are planned and presented.

The College accepts organizations in the following categories:

• Academic Interest/Majors
• Honor Societies
• Civic Engagement
• Entrepreneurship
• Greek Life
• Music/Vocal
• Recreational Sports Clubs/Spirit Groups
• Religious/Spiritual
• Community Service

Student organizations will be reviewed periodically to determine if they meet the needs of students and the College and if they continue to fulfill the organization’s mission. Recognition of the organization may be discontinued if this isn’t in the best interest of the College. 

All student organizations operate at the will of Paul Quinn. Therefore, all organizations must adhere to the policies, procedures, guidelines, and regulations of the College. All student organization activities must be approved through The Office of Student Experience. Off campus activities must be approved by the organization’s advisors and The Office of Student Experience. Violations may result in suspension of individual members involved or suspension of the entire organization for a predetermined period that will last up to two academic years and in severe cases more.

The SGA (Student Government Association) serves as the official representative and liaison between the student body and the College’s Administration. Annual elections are held for officers of the SGA, Miss Paul Quinn College, and officers for each class.

The Student Government’s responsibility is to create and mold leaders while providing vision and direction. To ensure continued professionalism and efficient handling of the numerous responsibilities of this body,  faculty/staff advisors guide the student leaders. Student government is the vehicle through which students actively participate in college decision-making. The College recommends students from SGA to serve on the various committees of the College to represent the student body.