Introduction

Purpose of This Guidebook

The staff at the Office of Student Involvement has created this Student Organization Guidebook to help you and your student organization grow and operate smoothly and successfully on the campus of Wittenberg University. Inside, you will find information about important campus contact people, tips on programming, procedures for making purchases and obtaining copy cards, as well as key Student Senate and Wittenberg University policies, such as the Senate funding guidelines and the rules regarding posting flyers in campus buildings.

This guidebook, however, is not your only resource; the Office of Student Involvement is open to all students and organizations for consultation and assistance. The faculty or staff adviser to your organization is another important source of information and guidance, as are the staff members in any of the individual offices on campus.

The Office of Student Involvement

Student Involvement is one of several departments in the Student Development division at Wittenberg University, and its primary purpose is the development and oversight of a comprehensive student involvement program. The mission of the Office of Student Invovlement is to encourage student involvement on campus, to provide support and guidance for student organizations and their leaders, and to develop activities that benefit the Wittenberg University community. And, along with the entire Student Development division, Student Involvement seeks to develop leaders who think critically, act morally, and serve others.

Other essential functions of Student Involvement include general organization advising, leadership development, contract negotiation, policy formulation, program development, maintaining updated contact information for student groups, promoting and coordinating student organization programming, supporting organization advisers, and developing late night and weekend programs for the university. The Director of Student Activities serves as the adviser to Union Board and sits on various university committees. Student Involvement also houses advising for fraternity and sorority organizations, general student leadership programs, Student Center operations, and facilitation of New Student Days. 

The Office of Student Involvement is located on the first floor of the Student Center and is open from 8:00am to 5:00pm, Monday through Friday. The staff is also frequently available during the evening hours, especially when major campus events are taking place. For the most up-to-date information on campus events and organizations, check out the Student Involvement Web page!

Student Senate

Student groups achieve official status at the university through recognition by Student Senate, which, along with the Director of Student Activities, oversees and supports all student organizations. Formed in 1952, Student Senate constitutes half of the Wittenberg University Student Government. Student Senate serves as the legislative body of Student Government while the Student Senate Hearing Board is the judicial body. Senate is composed of five executive senators, six organizational senators, four class senators, and three general senators. All senators, with the exception of the New Student Senator, are elected during the spring semester. A list of the Senate officers may be found in the appendices of this guidebook.

The purpose of Student Senate is "to provide creative opportunities for student self-governance in matters of student affairs, to provide a voice of the student body in matters of student concern, and to serve as a liaison between the student body and the Board of Directors, administration, and faculty." (reference) As an extension of its purpose, Student Senate is responsible for allocating the student activities fee. It is also charged with determining the recognition status of student organizations. In addition to gaining initial recognition, all groups must re-register with Student Involvement and Student Senate each fall semester.

In addition to its fiscal responsibilities, Senate serves as the voice of the students. Everyone is welcome to come and voice his or her opinion on campus matters during the Open Forum held at each meeting. Students can contact Senate by e-mail at the following address: stusen@wittenberg.edu. The Senate Web page address is http://www5.wittenberg.edu/administration/student_involvement/student_organizations/senate.html. Student Senate meets Tuesdays at 7:00pm in 002 (Lower Level) Shouvlin Center.
Please come!

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