As students at the University of Missouri - St. Louis and as members of a RSO, it is all students’ responsibility to be aware of and follow the Student Standard of Conduct. While recognized RSOs at UMSL are not considered an extension of the university or official representatives of the university, they are still required to comply with all university policies and regulations. This includes but is not limited to, policies governing Non-Discrimination, Anti-Hazing, Student Conduct and Community Standards, and all related grievance procedures. It is important for you and the members of your RSO to review these policies and ensure that your organization adheres to them.
All student organizations shall comply with the University of Missouri Board of Curators Standard of Student Conduct.
In addition to the information covered in the Student Standard of Conduct, RSOs should be aware of the following:
NON-DISCRIMINATION/HUMAN RIGHTS STATEMENT
It is the policy of the University of Missouri to provide equal opportunity for all enrolled students and applicants for admission to the university on the basis of merit without discrimination on the basis of their race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or status as a protected veteran. Sexual harassment shall be considered discrimination because of sex.
An exemption for restricted membership may be granted to fraternities, sororities, professional, and honorary societies only if the following three conditions are met: (1) It is the interest of the organization to restrict membership to individuals with higher GPAs, other academic or merit-based credentials, or area of study in a particular field; (2) All such restrictions are mandated by the national level of an organization, or appeal is made to the Student Affairs Committee; and (3) Membership is only restricted by criteria other than those listed above. If a RSO has a restricted membership, the constitution must contain the following statement, replacing the above paragraph.
Membership decisions shall not be made on the basis of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, or veteran’s status.” Fraternities and sororities may omit “sex” from the preceding statement.
NON-HAZING STATEMENT
Hazing, defined as an act that endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or an act that is likely to cause the mental or physical health or safety of a student, or an act that is likely to cause physical or psychological harm to any person within the university community, or that destroys or removes public or private property, for the purpose of initiation, admission into, affiliation with, or as a condition for continued membership in a group or organization. Participation or cooperation by the person(s) being hazed does not excuse the violation. Failing to intervene to prevent and/or failing to discourage and/or failing to report those acts may also violate this policy.
The University of Missouri - St. Louis and its Student Organizations do not condone nor tolerate hazing of any type by any organization, or by an individual against another individual.
DEMONSTRATION POLICY
All members of the University of Missouri - St. Louis community, students, faculty and staff share a mutual interest in maintaining conditions where the work of the university can go forward freely, in accordance with the highest standards of quality, institutional integrity and freedom of expression. UMSL is committed to retaining an academic environment for free expression and civil debate where each member of the public has the freedom to speak, to assemble peaceably, and to petition for redress of grievances.
Student organizations who intend to hold rallies, demonstrations, or similar activities are encouraged to review the University of Missouri - St. Louis Campus Free Speech Guidelines which were adopted to govern the time, place, and manner of demonstrations and other assemblies that fall under the Missouri Campus Free Expression Act (MO Senate Bill 93) of 2015.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON UNIVERSITY POLICIES
For more information on each policy, please visit the link provided:
- Student Standard of Conduct (CRR 200.010)
- Rules of Procedures in Student or Student Organization Conduct Matters (CRR 200.020)
- Discrimination Grievance Procedures for Students (CRR 390.010)
- Campus Free Speech Guidelines