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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
http://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 Organization
Services, Involvement Programs, Advising, Leadership Education,
and Recognition Programs. These areas are explained in more detail
in the following sections.
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
http://soo.studentorg.wisc.edu
Section 1: General Student Organization Information
Section 2: Role of the Advisor
Section 3: Resources and Opportunities
Section 4: Legal Liability
Section 5: Policy on the Conduct and Discipline or Registered Student
Organizations
Section 6: Most Common Policies Affecting Student Organizations
Section 1: 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.
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
* Abide 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 2007-2008 registration is effective from September
2007 through August 2008. 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 2007-2008 student organization registration process requires
completion of the following steps:
1. Submit the 2007-2008 online application form, as found on
the SOO home page http://soo.studentorg.wisc.edu.
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 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 relevant 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 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 (disciplinary procedures
for handling allegations of discrimination are defined in Section
III of this Policy);
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.
For a full copy of the Student
Organization Code of Conduct & Discipline Procedures please
see the following link within the Student Organization Handbook.
Information
and Referral
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.
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Section 2: 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)
An advisor of a student organization needs to be available to
the officers and members of the organization for the following:
• Consultation about the organization’s affairs.
• Attendance at organizational meetings and functions as often as possible.
• Certification of the expenditures of the organization when authorized
to do so.
• Provide suggestions and constructive feedback regarding the operation
of the organization.
Responsibilities can be divided into three main categories:
1. Responsibility to the group
2. Responsibility to the individual members
3. Responsibility to the University of Wisconsin – Madison
In addition to discussing responsibilities, this section will
also outline some traits of an advisor and resources that may help
you better work with students.
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 university policies.
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 Activities
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 SSFC student government allocation process, additional financial
restrictions imposed with that funding must be followed.)
Advisor/Direct Supervision: 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.
8.28.2003
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
Group dynamics is the “scientific study of behavior in
groups to advance our knowledge about the nature of groups, group
development, and the interrelations between groups and individuals,
other groups, and larger entities” (Johnson & Johnson,
1991).
A model of group development was developed by Tuckman, which addresses
different stages a group will encounter. In the forming stage,
members determine their place in the organization, go through a
testing or orientation process, and are more independent. The organization
in the storming stage has members who react negatively to the demands
of whatever tasks need to be accomplished; conflicts arise as members
resist influence, and there is a high level of emotion. In the
norming stage, in-group feelings and cohesiveness develop, and
members accept the rules of behavior and discover new ways to work
together. In the performing stage, the group becomes quite functional
in dealing with tasks and responsibilities. Members have worked
through issues of membership and roles; they focus their efforts
and achieve their goals. In the adjourning stage, the group brings
finality to the process, tasks are closed, and members anticipate
a change in relationships (Forsyth, 1999).
As an advisor, you can use an understanding of group dynamics
to help the organization work together more effectively. The following
activities may help the group in the different stages of group
development.
Forming:
• Develop icebreaker and teambuilding activities that help the members
become acquainted with one another.
• Coordinate a retreat or workshop for the executive officers or the organization’s
members.
• Review the organization’s mission and purpose with the membership.
• Identify the expectations of members and executive officers.
• Work with executive officers to share organizational history and traditions.
• Provide information to the executives and members on institutional policies
and procedures.
• Have individual meetings with the organization president.
• Discuss effective meeting management, planning programs, and team building
with the executive officers.
• Provide support to the executive officers.
• Provide an initial “to do” list for executives to assist
them in planning their duties.
Storming:
• Provide mediation resources when conflicts become difficult for the group
to manage.
• Teach confrontation and communication skills to the executive officers
and members.
• Review the mission statement, purpose, and expectations in order to redefine
the organization’s action plans.
• Conduct a group decision-making activity.
• Discuss and review the executive officer roles.
• Develop a “rebuilding” team activity.
• Remind everyone that the storming stage is a natural part of the formation
of a group.
Norming:
• Schedule an in-depth team-building activity that involves greater self-disclosure.
• Have the members design t-shirts or some other emblem with which to identify
themselves and the group.
• Assist the group in starting a new program that will create a tradition.
• Review and possibly establish new goals for the organization.
• Maintain executive board and member relationships to avoid reverting
back to the storming stage.
Performing:
• Ensure that the organization and membership have a task.
• Support the members and executive officers by giving feedback about what
is going well and what can be improved upon for the next year.
• Step back and allow the organization to perform.
Adjourning:
• Develop a closure activity to help members determine what they learned
and benefited from during the year.
• Conduct an assessment or evaluation of the year.
• Develop transition reports for new executives.
• Ensure that a plan or recognition is in place for the close of the year.
• Coordinate a closing banquet with awards and other expressions of appreciation.
• Encourage the executive officers and members to assist the group of new
officers with training, orientation, and other responsibilities.
• Identify how the organization contributed to the history or tradition
of the organization.
• Ensure that the minutes, reports, and correspondence are properly stored
and maintained in an archive.
• Record the contact information of graduating and other departing members
for future correspondence.
• Give the members gifts of appreciation for their involvement in the organization.
An Overview of
Student Development
There are several models and concepts that relate to student
development theory. This information can help student organization
advisors better understand the normal growth and development of
traditional-age college students.
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.
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Section 3: Resources
and Opportunities
IN THIS SECTION:
• Recruitment Opportunities
• Training Opportunities for Students
• Training Opportunities for Advisors
• Recognition Opportunities for Students and Student
Groups
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
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)
At the beginning of each semester, the SOO sponsors a Student Organization
Fair in the Kohl Center. During the fall semester, over 500 student groups
will display items and recruit potential members. The
spring fair utilizes Great Hall, all of the surrounding rooms and Tripp Commons
in order to accommodate the number of groups wishing to participate. Our
estimated attendance is over 1,500 students. The fall fair is a featured
event in the Wisconsin Welcome materials and is advertised throughout the
summer at SOAR and through a mass email. The Spring Student Organization
Fair is a bit smaller with over 200 student groups attending and estimated
attendance over 750 students. At the spring fair we also allow student groups
to perform or show active video tapes to promote and entertain the participants.
Examples of past performances/videos include: the Bellydancing Club, Martial
Arts Groups, Break Dancing Club, Ballroom Dance, and the Skydiving Club (video).
• Student Organization Kick Off Meeting Booklet
and Promotion
The SOO often hears that the number of student groups is overwhelming and students
simply give up trying to find a group that interests them. In an effort to
assist students with the volume of information they receive when they get back
on campus and to assist student groups with their marketing. The SOO for the
past few years has been advertising student groups Kick Off Meetings. Originally
developed as a booklet that was distributed in the University residence halls,
private residence halls and at various resource fairs, Currently the kick off
booklet is published in collaboration with one of the campus newspapers and
is inserted into the Back to School Issue.
• Get Connected Interest Inventory
After a student attends SOAR, they receive an email asking them to complete
an online survey and mark the student groups they would like to receive more
information. The survey data is merged with the student’s local address
and email. This information is then given to the student group for follow
up. Last summer over 1500 freshmen students completed the survey that listed
over 200 different options for students to consider.
• Fall Fair Poster
At the beginning of the fall semester, although our fair is very general, a
number of other departments sponsor involvement fairs targeting a specific
audience. In an effort to assist in the promotion of these fairs and again
to avoid overwhelming the student looking to get involved, we have produced
a poster with all of the dates and purposes of the variety of opportunities
available to students. Examples of other fairs include graduate student,
international students, students of color, LGBT students.
• Category Specific Promotional Brochures
In order to provide involvement information throughout the academic year, the
SOO has partnered with Cross College Advising Services and the L&S/Human
Ecology Career Services Office. During CCAS’s Major Interest Sessions
for undecided majors, we provide pamphlets that reflect the theme of the
interest session. For example, if the interest session is about majoring
in the biological sciences, we create a pamphlet that highlights all of the
student groups that relate to the biological sciences. With the Career Services
Offices, we highlight all of the student groups that compliment the theme
of each particular career fair. For example if the fair is hosting employers
in the government and non-profit area, the information we distribute is related
to students groups in government or non-profit work.
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.
Emerging Leaders Program/Greek Emerging Leaders Program
The ELP/GELP programs are a 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 Program (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
With over 750 student organization’s on campus the need to assist student
organization leaders with the management of their organizations has become
imperative. The Student Leadership Program and the Student Organization Office
have collaborated to create a peer advising program to assist in meeting this
need. The role of peer advisor’s are to assist with student organization
orientation sessions and to schedule open advising hours and roundtable discussions
to assist student organization leaders on specific topics of interest as well
as general advising. Check the SOO web site for the most current schedule of
topical roundtable discussions. http://soo.studentorg.wisc.edu.
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
Advisor Training Program
New last year, the Student Organization Office advisors and several
other student group advisors sponsored ½ day training
programs on topics identified as most important by group advisors.
The programs blend both theory and practice in order to increase
the knowledge and techniques of student group advisors skill
sets. Past topics included: Assessing Student Development & Giving
Feedback, Working With Difficult Students, Motivation & Retention
of Volunteers, Training Tips & Techniques.
Advisor Roundtable Discussions
Once each month, student organization advisors are invited to a roundtable
discussion focusing on a particular area of interest. The agenda is set by
the advisors and the SOO invites other University personnel to present and/or
to answer questions to assist student group advisors with their role as an
advisor. Past topics have included: risk management, alcohol at student organization
functions, electronic communication (web blogs/Facebook), succession planning,
funding and fundraising issues.
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.
If you have questions, submit them to Renee Alfano at Alfano@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://soo.studentorg.wisc.edu and click on Leadership Resources
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 Student 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.
(back to top)
Section 4: 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.
“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 “reasonable 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 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 vehicle before they submit their driver’s authorization form. Please follow the following instructions to access and complete the Fleet Training video.
- Go to https://learnuw.wisc.edu/
- Log in
- Click the Self-Registration link in the upper right corner: select Fleet Vehicle Training
- Enter the required information
- Watch the five video clips
- 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. Substitute Events: Some kinds of activities -- such as tug
of war, weight-lifting contests, and eating and drinking competitions
-- are inherently risky, and if it is possible, your group should
plan substitute events. If an event is planned in which there is
some risk, then your group should take steps to ensure that the
risk is minimized.
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 two 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 videocassette
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 videocassette, 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
videocassettes 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:
Current Policy/Law:
#10 of the Code of Conduct:
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 II.E
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 gr |