Student Groups

Student Group Definition

A student group is any student-led organization recognized by Olin College. A student group utilizes Olin facilities and may or may not receive funding from the college. Student groups do not include faculty-led or academic/credit-bearing activities such as faculty research, passionate pursuits, or student-led classes.

Registration

Any student group that wants to be recognized as an official student group by Olin College must complete a registration process. This process usually includes a sign-up form, submitting a student group charter, and completing a risk assessment. Depending on the purpose and function of your student group, you may be required to submit a safety manual and/or complete additional forms. Typically, each step in the registration process should be completed before the student group's first meeting.

Trainings

Each student group must have a group leader complete Student Group Overview Training and Hazing Prevention Training. Student Group Overview Training will share information about starting and running a student group. Hazing Prevention Training is required by Massachusetts state law. Please see the Hazing Policy for more information. Typically, both trainings should be completed before the student group’s first meeting.

In addition to the two required trainings, any student group that plans to spend money received from the college should have a group leader attend either Spending Training or P-Card Training. Students that will utilize a purchasing card to buy items for their group should attend P-Card Training. All other students who will be spending money on behalf of their group should attend Spending training.

Events

Student groups may host a wide variety of different events. Please see the Event Policy for more information about hosting an event on or off campus.

Travel

Students who will be traveling for a recognized student group are required to fill complete an Olin Travel Request Form prior to departure, which can be obtained from the Office of Student Affairs & Resources. Any student group travel plans that will occur over a school break should still be communicated with the Office of Student Affairs & Resources. For more information about student group travel, please see the Travel Policy.

Conduct

All student groups must follow the Olin College Honor Code and abide by all conduct-related policies within their group. Any breach of the Community Expectations may result in a report being filed.