Resources

Sacred Heart University’s Council of Clubs and Organizations (CCO) is a governing branch of student government that supports all recognized SHU student organizations. CCO provides leadership development, resources, funding guidance and policy support while serving as the liaison between clubs and University administration. 

Monthly CCO meetings are mandatory for all active organizations and provide key updates, leadership training and opportunities for collaboration. Representatives receive information on policies, events, funding and campus initiatives while building connections that strengthen a unified, engaged campus community.

Sacred Heart University recognizes a wide range of student organizations, so long as they adhere to the University’s expectations and policies. Recognition is granted through a formal process designed to establish a meaningful relationship between student organizations and the University. This relationship helps ensure that student organizations are supported in their efforts to contribute positively to campus life.  

Clubs and organizations considered to be in good standing are eligible for the following benefits:   

Event Planning  

• Access and permission to reserve on-campus rooms, outdoor spaces and other facilities for events and activities (including organization meetings)   
• Permission to publicize events, including digital and print requests   
• Advising support from the Student Involvement Team for assistance with planning events, including:   
  • Licensing applications such, entertainment, vendor, contracts and raffle licensing   
  • Collaboration opportunities with campus departments and other clubs/organizations  

On-Campus Recruitment   

• Participation in the annual fall Just SHU It Student Involvement Fair & Involvement Weeks  
• Contact information in the online directory of student organizations  

Finances and Fundraising Management (See finance guidelines for specifications)  

• Access/request to additional funds for events, activities, conferences and club meetings  
• Fundraise for additional club funds and/or charity donations  

Other  

• Ability to receive Campus Life Leadership Award recognition 

All recognized clubs and organizations are expected to take full responsibility and ownership for their decisions. Your club or organization is responsible for contributing positively to our campus community and beyond, including respectful and thoughtful interaction with students, offices and departments, as well as individuals or groups.  

All clubs and organizations must meet the following responsibilities:   

1. Establish that membership is open to all students in good standing who are currently enrolled as a full-time undergraduate student at Sacred Heart University, regardless of race, religion and creed, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation or physical disability  
2. Ensure that your club or organization complies with all Sacred Heart University policies and the Student Handbook   
3. Maintain an official club or organization profile on SHU Engage and updated roster of your organization’s leaders or officers, updating each change immediately in SHU Engage  
4. Must have a constitution with a mission statement that reflects the mission and values of the University   
5. Re-register each spring with the Student Involvement Team  
6. Host regularly scheduled meetings for members  
7. Have a representation by an executive leader at the Just SHU It Involvement Fair, attend the monthly CCO meetings and leadership workshops/trainings.  
8. Transition leadership positions responsibly by ensuring new officers are aware of their assigned obligations and processes outlined in this resource guide.  
9. Maintain your finances and uphold your fiscal responsibilities by keeping financial records in order based on semester statements provided by the Student Government VP of Finance.   
10. Maintain a relationship with, and seek counsel from, your SHU-employed full-time faculty/staff adviser.

• Each club and organization is required to function with a president, vice president, secretary and treasurer  
• General membership is open to full-time undergraduate students 
• Faculty, staff or community members may participate in activities when appropriate, but may not hold membership, officer or leadership roles  
• A full-time faculty or staff adviser employed by Sacred Heart University is required   
• Clubs may not require members to pay dues to participate, however organizations can require dues from their members upon approval from Student Involvement  
• Only currently enrolled full-time undergraduates at Sacred Heart University are permitted to serve as officers   
• Required membership is at least 10 members who are enrolled as full-time undergraduate students   
• Practice adherence to the University's nondiscrimination policy at all times 
• Clubs and organizations must host one event in the fall semester and one event in the spring semester that is open to the entire SHU community

Individuals seeking leadership roles should be aware of and committed to the time and energy required for the task. At a minimum, four leadership positions are required: president, vice president, treasurer and secretary. Leaders must be full-time undergraduate students in good academic standing. Below are duties that should be included in the responsibilities of your club officers.  

President   

• Complete a summer training and workshops throughout the semester conducted by Student Involvement   
• Attend monthly CCO meetings  
• Provide overall responsibility for club operation including maintenance of SHU Engage 
• Call and preside at meetings  
• Coordinate activities   
• Act as the liaison between the club and the club’s adviser   

Vice President  

• Perform the president’s duties in their absence or inability to serve   
• Provide support to the club president   

Treasurer   

• Attend annual mandatory training   
• Supervise the finances of the club, including the preparation of a budget   
• Approve club/organization funding request form approvals  
• Follow all finance guidelines of the Student Government VP of Finance   

Secretary   

• Track attendance of members at events and meetings   
• Keep full minutes of all meetings and record all action taken by the student organization including minutes, copies of contracts and correspondence 
• Manage official club correspondence

All recognized student clubs and organizations are required to complete a yearly re-registration process through SHU Engage in April to remain in good standing with the CCO and Student Involvement.

A listed officer must complete the re-registration form in SHU Engage by April 30 and: 

• Confirm the organization’s name, category, mission statement and branding elements (logo, description, social media links) 
• Update the primary officers, including president, treasurer, adviser(s) and additional executive board members 
• Verify the organization’s adviser information and confirm continued adviser support 
• Complete all required officer trainings, including any role-specific trainings assigned by Student Involvement 
• Acknowledge all policies, including event management, finance guidelines, risk & compliance expectations and anti-hazing standards 

Organizations that do not complete re-registration will be considered inactive and may experience limitations on room reservations, funding access and event approvals until the process is complete. 

Every member of the University Community is expected to uphold the Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy.

Hazing is strictly prohibited and incompatible with our recognition of the dignity and worth of every human being. This policy applies to all students, faculty, staff, student organizations, athletic teams, alumni groups and other affiliates of the university, on- and off-campus. For more information, visit the Campus Anti-Hazing Policy.  

For more information, including the full Clubs and Organizations Resource Guide, Finance Guidelines and Event Management, please visit SHU Engage.