Student Organization

The duties of an advisor include:

• Maintaining regular contact and involvement with the officers of their student organizations. The exact time commitment is up to you.
• Being knowledgeable about the missions, goals, and purpose of the student organization
• Helping the group uphold Florida Tech’s policies and guidelines
• Being familiar and involved with activities and events of the group
• Providing resources and support for events and usage of spaces
• Be familiar with the policies and procedures of the University and Student Life
• Assisting with the administration of the financial affairs of the group

Advisors take on different responsibilities depending on the needs of their organization. Some advisors are more involved in organizational planning and problem-solving, while others take more of a step back. Is it important to remember that an advisor is NOT a supervisor. Here are some of the common roles of advisors:

• Mentor
• Team builder
• Motivator
• Role model
• Educator
• Institutional policy interpreter
• Sources of information and ideas
• Liaison between the organization and university administration

While most advisors are faculty or staff members of Florida Tech, it is possible for a community member to step into the role, and we welcome you to do so! Just email our office at studentlife@fit.edu so we can help provide you with the documents necessary to work with the students!

• Satisfaction of seeing and helping students learn and develop new skills
• Increased student interaction
• Furthering personal goals or interests by choosing to work with an organization that reflects one’s interests
• Sharing one’s knowledge with others
• Helping students work toward common goals
• Taking part in exciting and meaningful student activities outside of the classroom or office environment

Convinced? If you’re interested in becoming a student organization advisor, fill out this interest form, and we’ll contact you if an opportunity becomes available.

Thank you to our current student organization advisors! Student organizations are an integral part of any University and Student Life. However, they would not be possible without the support of our amazing advisors! Student Life and the entire Florida Tech community thank you for your hard work and dedication to our students and higher education.

Advisors have potential liability exposure and should understand their obligations to actively and effectively provide advice (“legal duty of care”) to the organization. Depending on the intended scope, comments could be as simple as “to the extent, advisors become the subject of claims or other liabilities as a result of their role, they are covered by the University’s liability insurance programs so long as the alleged acts giving rise to the claims/liabilities fall within the scope of their official duties.”

Hazing

Hazing is any action taken or situation created, whether on or off university premises, that is harmful or potentially harmful to an individual’s physical, emotional, or psychological well-being, regardless of an individual’s willingness to participate or it's bearing on his/her membership status. As a student organization advisor, you must discuss hazing with your members, work to prevent it from occurring, and report any incidents to Student Life.

Title IX

Title IX of the Education Amendment Act of 1972 requires all entities receiving any form of federal funds and financial assistance to prohibit sex discrimination in their education programs and activities. Title IX applies to all aspects of education and programs at Florida Tech. Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination prohibited by Title IX. As an advisor, you should prevent these situations from occurring and report any incidents to the Title IX Office.

FERPA

Florida Tech adheres to a policy of compliance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act. The policy permits students to inspect their education records, and limits disclosure to others of personally identifiable information from education records without students’ prior written consent. It allows the students to seek correction of their education records where appropriate. This is important to remember in the case of organizations with GPA requirements.

We want to hear from you!

How are we doing? Please let us know if you have any suggestions regarding things you would like to see on the website, professional development topics, resources, or anything else that may be helpful to student organizations and advisors. Student Life is here to support you!

Waivers

All Rec Sport members must have a waiver signed to participate. Recreation Waivers can be found on the Student Life Engage Page.

Safety Officers

Due to the private organization status of all Rec Sports, it is the responsibility of the club officers to reduce risks through implementing risk management strategies and informing their respective teams.

Each Rec Sport will assign a Safety Officer. The safety officer's responsibilities are:

1. Have CPR, First Aid, AED certification and report club injuries.
2. Check safety and standards of club equipment.
3. Maintain Emergency Action Plan.
4. Attend Club Officer Trainings.
5. Responsible for checking the club email account at least twice per week.

An effectively implemented Emergency Action Plan minimizes the likelihood of injury and reduces the chance of negligence. Risk management in Rec Sports is a shared responsibility among staff, club leaders, and athletes.

Rec Sports are responsible for all equipment owned by the Rec Office and the club. All club equipment purchased, in whole or in part, with allocated funds becomes the property of Florida Tech. Clubs are responsible for the maintenance, upkeep, and overall safety standards
applicable to their respective sport or activity for all equipment.

If significant damage occurs to any piece of equipment, the club must notify the Rec Office within 48 hours. Recreation may be able to provide a designated space for storing club equipment owned by Florida Tech. At the beginning of each academic year, each Rec Sport must submit a Rec Sports Inventory spreadsheet to the Recreation Office. The spreadsheet must detail all items purchased through Florida Tech accounts, including SAFC. Rec Sports are expected to maintain all spaces in a clean and organized condition. Rec Organizations that do not meet this expectation put their equipment and supplies in jeopardy, as the Recreation Office staff reserves the right to revoke any spaces designated for Rec Sports storage and to remove any existing equipment.

• Clubs must follow all university guidelines for facility use. Violations may result in suspension of facility access or loss of recognition.
• Facility Reservations: A club officer must submit a request via calendar.fit.edu for practices, events, or meetings. Submission does not guarantee approval, and times may change based on availability.
• Set-Up and Clean-Up: Clubs are responsible for setting up and cleaning all facilities or fields used. This includes organizing equipment, removing trash, and assisting with field markings. Failure to maintain cleanliness or meet expectations may result in suspended access.
• Event Planning: Special events must be coordinated in advance with the Club Sports Assistant Director. For regional or national events, clubs are encouraged to meet with staff at least three months ahead of time. Late requests are not guaranteed approval.
• Misuse and Conduct: Improper use of equipment, failure to clean up, no-shows for reservations, or leaving trash or debris behind may result in disciplinary action and affect a club’s active status.
• Monitoring and Compliance: Club Sports staff will monitor facility use, check eligibility, and count participants. Staff have the authority to deny access to unauthorized users or individuals misusing facilities.
• Alcohol Policy: Alcohol is prohibited at all Club Sports events, whether on or off campus. Clubs are responsible for ensuring no alcohol is present among participants or spectators. Violations will result in disciplinary action, including potential suspension or cancellation of events, and reports may be filed with the Dean of Students and Florida Tech Security

Club Sports are accountable for all equipment they use, whether purchased independently or with university funding. Items purchased with university funds are considered property of Florida Tech.

• Ownership and Maintenance: Clubs must ensure all equipment is well-maintained, safe, and used appropriately. Any significant damage or loss must be reported to the Recreation Office within 48 hours.
• Storage Access: Designated storage space may be provided, but it is not guaranteed. Storage areas must be kept clean and organized. Failure to do so may result in revoked access and removal of stored items.
• Inventory Submission: Each academic year, clubs must submit an updated inventory list of equipment purchased with university funds. This allows for proper tracking and accountability.
• Cleanliness Requirement: All storage and equipment areas must be kept tidy and organized. If cleanliness standards are not maintained, access may be revoked or equipment removed.

Club Sports must actively manage risks associated with practices, competitions, and operations. Officers play a critical role in creating a safe and organized environment.

• Emergency Action Plan (EAP): Each club is required to develop a sport-specific Emergency Action Plan that addresses injuries, weather issues, and emergency procedures for all venues used.
• Purpose of Risk Management: A strong risk management plan reduces injuries, supports legal protection, and ensures safety at all club events, including travel and competition.
• Shared Responsibility: Risk management is a collective effort involving Campus Recreation, club officers, and participants. All members should be trained on safety protocols at the start of each semester or season.

All organizations must receive approval from the Dean of Students Office prior to traveling, regardless of whether university funds will be used. Travel conducted without prior approval or without completing the required forms may result in disciplinary action.

Any trip itinerary that includes two nights away from campus requires that one designated participant must have completed the Clery “Campus Security Authority” training and serve in this capacity for the trip. As it takes some time to arrange for and complete the Clery CSA training, this person’s identity should be disclosed to the Dean of Students Office at least two weeks in advance and the designated individual must arrange for training as necessary. During the trip, the designated Clery CSA must communicate with Campus Security and the Dean of Students Office regarding any incidents implicating a Clery concern as per their training. Failure to meet these expectations may result in cancellation of the trip as determined by the Dean of Students.

For any trip that is either outside Brevard County or overnight, organizations are required to submit a Travel Itinerary at least 48 hours before departure. Changes may be made to this document, as long as they are approved by all parties (including the university), until travel begins. When travel occurs during the academic week, the organization members may coordinate with the Dean of Students’ Office to issue a notice of consideration for student development for members missing class, where deemed appropriate. This document only verifies organization participation and does not excuse absences. 

Organizations must immediately notify the Dean of Students Office of any accidents or emergencies that occur while traveling. At least one officer on the trip should carry the organization’s emergency contact list at all times.

It is the Organization’s responsibility to ensure all designated drivers are licensed and insured. Throughout all travel, members are expected to uphold professional conduct as representatives of their organization, the Office of Greek Life, and Florida Tech. The Dean of Students Office reserves the right to deny travel for any organization or individual at any point if safety or compliance concerns arise. 

Student Life offers How To Videos on it’s YouTube page for quick training on how to use Engage:

How to Navigate Engage
How to Create and Event
How to Create a Form
How to Create and Election
How to Create a Portal (New Club Registration)

All recognized student organizations are eligible to request services from Facilities Management for meetings and events. However, most event needs, such as tables and chairs, are done through EMS when you request your space.

Please meet with Student Life before requesting services to ensure that all necessary documentation has been completed and returned to the appropriate office.

Facilities must be requested through your EMS reservation at least two weeks prior to the event.

Campus Dining offers a wide variety of options for various events. You can request a variety of items, each with a different price. This is often the most cost-effective and straightforward option for your event. If you would like to order food outside of Campus Dining, please contact Student Life. You may not have outside food if you are having an event in the Hartley Room. Food requests should be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event.

For safety reasons, students are not permitted to cook food themselves for serving at events. This includes bake sales or potlucks.

Please contact the Catering Manager at dlohse@fit.edu

The Gleason Performing Arts Center is also available to add additional sound and light support for larger events. For more information, please contact Student Life.

Please note that utilizing these services will incur additional costs.

All organizations must follow established university procedures to ensure the safety and compliance of all parties when entering into any agreement, contract, or similar arrangement, whether on or off campus. Prior to entering into any such agreement, student organizations must contact the Dean of Students Office to ensure all university policies and procedures are met.

As the recognition and operation of student organizations create institutional liability, only authorized university officials, such as the CFO, may sign legally binding contracts on behalf of any organization. To ensure proper and timely review, all contracts or agreements initiated by student organizations must be submitted to the Dean of Students to initiate the institutional review.

Students, advisors, and organizations are not authorized to sign or execute contracts with third parties.

Please note that contract review and processing may take two weeks to two months, depending on complexity and issue creating legal exposure. Organizations are strongly encouraged to plan ahead to avoid delays or cancellations. Events may be cancelled if the required documentation is incomplete or if the contract fails to meet university requirements. Additionally, where the proposed agreement would not be able to be approved, the university will often be able to fashion modifications that will allow the arrangement to proceed, but this takes time. So, earlier submissions have the best chance of being able to be brought to fruition.

All groups must submit the following documents for contract review:

• Vendor Registration Form
• Proof of Insurance (additional types may be required depending on the organization or event)
• Invoice
• Terms and Conditions, Agreement, and/or Contract

This guidance applies to all registered student organizations to the extent appropriate. While Greek organizations receive additional guidance and training, the same institutional expectations and disciplinary standards apply universally to ensure equitable accountability. References to this policy is also included in Greek Life guidance, training, and compliance materials to emphasize that these requirements are not unique to Greek-letter organizations but apply institution-wide.

If any organization is found to have signed an agreement/contract binding Florida Tech without authorization, the agreement will be cancelled, and disciplinary action will be taken.

Waivers 

Any organization hosting an event that the Dean of Student’s Office deems risky is required to use University-created participation waivers. High-risk events include, but are not limited to, activities involving physical exertion, outdoor adventure components, the use of recreational equipment, competitive elements, or any other activity that increases the potential liability for the chapter or the University. The Dean of Students’ Office will determine when waivers are necessary and will provide the appropriate forms and procedures. Organizations must ensure that all participants, including members, students, guests, and non-students, complete the required waivers before engaging in the event or activity.

Failure to disclose all potential activities, obtain waiver forms for use to address same, collect signed waivers from all participants, or to properly submit waivers may result in disciplinary action and could impact the organization’s ability to host future events. Organizations are responsible for accurately tracking and submitting completed waivers to the Dean of Students Office within three business days after the waivers are signed. Failure to meet this deadline may result in the suspension or cancellation of events. 

All items (e.g., hats, shirts, uniforms, glassware) must be approved by the Dean of Students Office and the Marketing Department before a product is ordered and/or produced. The full name of the recognized student group must be clearly identified on all imprinted items.

Florida Tech controls all sales of products bearing the University’s trademarks. Please consult Marketing’s resources to ensure your designs comply with their guidelines. Alternatively, you can submit a request to Creative Services, and they can design something for you, free of charge.

All imprinted items must be purchased through a University approved vendor. Please contact Student Life for a list of vendors.

Printing

The Copy Center provides printing services to all recognized clubs and organizations for all copying needs. To see available options, visit https://www.fit.edu/copy-center/ or visit Academic Quad 406.

Note: Contact Student Life to place your order. It will be cheaper to have the department do it than to request it yourselves.

Make sure that enough time is allotted for copy jobs. Fliers typically take 24-48 hours to be printed, while banners and larger jobs could take several weeks.

All items must be approved by Student Life before being printed.

Please complete the Flier Approval Form in Engage under Forms before printing your fliers. Any fliers posted without the Powered By Student Life stamp will be removed. This form is checked once a day, Monday – Friday, so please allot the time it takes for the flier to be reviewed in your timeline.

Posting Flyers on Campus

To promote better communication and enhance the appearance of our campus, the Dean of Students Office has established this policy to maintain organized and up-to-date bulletin boards.

Note: This policy applies to all bulletin boards on the university campus. The only bulletin boards that are exempted are those controlled by academic units, university offices, and bulletin boards and/or posting surfaces in the residence halls (which are under the jurisdiction of the Office of Residence Life).

• Student Life must approve all organization fliers or mailings and have the POWERED BY STUDENT LIFE stamp affixed before distribution. Postings sponsored by academic units or university offices are not required to have the POWERED BY STUDENT LIFE stamp. Please complete the Flyer Approval Form on Engage to get your flyer approved.
• The hanging of posters is the responsibility of the group or person sponsoring the poster. The office requires that posters be stamped before they are copied. Posters without stamps will be removed. New versions of the poster may be approved.
• Only one (1) flyer per event/activity on a bulletin board will be permitted. Mass canvassing on a bulletin board will result in the removal of all advertisements. Flyers are only permitted on bulletin boards.
• Good spots to hang posters are on the SUB bulletin boards, Evans Student Center, PDH, or Crawford.
• Information on flyers must be correctly spelled, dated, and contain sufficient information in English to ensure accurate and timely communication. Posters must state which organization/academic unit is sponsoring the advertising/event. Any flyer containing information that violates the university's policies will not be approved. Anyone found posting flyers that have not been approved may lose their posting privileges.
• Flyers that advertise any event where alcohol is served (whether or not the advertisement indicates such) will not be approved for distribution or posting.
• The words beer, wine, liquor, or slang implying alcohol consumption or abuse will not be permitted. Note: Closed parties may not be advertised on or off campus.
• Outside organizations, businesses, vendors, and the like may post only one poster on campus. The only exception to this rule is when a department or organization sponsors an outside agency. In this case, the name of the academic unit or organization must be clearly displayed on the advertisement.
• Posters will not be permitted on the For Sale, For Rent, or other reserved boards in the Denius Student Center.
• If an organization, academic unit, or individual continually violates the posting policy, they may be fined, brought up on organizational or disciplinary charges, or lose their posting privileges. The academic unit, organization, or individual responsible for the alleged violation will be notified in writing prior to any formal sanctions being imposed.
• Table tents are only permitted in the campus dining facilities, provided the following conditions are met:
  • Table tents are approved and stamped by the Office of Student
  • Permission is granted by the manager of the specific dining location
    • The student organization is responsible for acquiring and relaying this approval.
    • The table tents meet the guidelines established by the Florida Tech Copy
• No individual, organization, or department is permitted to hang posters inside a residence hall or the immediate area outside the hall. Organizations wishing to advertise in the residence halls must submit their advertisements to the Director of Residence Life for posting by staff from the Office of Residence Life.

Consistent with Florida and Federal law, the minimum legal drinking age on or off the Florida Tech campus is 21. Underage possession or consumption of alcoholic beverages, public intoxication, driving or operating a motor vehicle or other mode of transportation while under the influence of alcohol or other substance, distribution or sale of alcohol, possession of a common source container, or excessive or rapid consumption of alcohol are violations of the alcohol policy.

Possession, consumption or distribution of alcohol by any person who is under the age of 21 is prohibited. Possession, consumption or distribution of alcohol in any common space including but not limited to a hallway, stairwell, lounge or bathroom is prohibited.

A student who is 21 years of age or older may possess and/or consume the permissible amount of alcohol in his/her residence hall room or apartment provided that no other individual under the age of 21 is present, unless that individual is the roommate. The door to the room or apartment must be closed when in possession or consuming alcohol. No guest under the age of 21 is allowed in the residence hall room of a 21-year-old student while alcohol is being consumed.

An individual who is 21 years of age or older may possess and/or consume alcohol in the room of another 21-year-old student provided that no one under the age of 21 is present. Abiding by the alcohol policy is the responsibility of all students.

Public intoxication is the appearance on campus or at a university activity in a state of intoxication. Facilitating, arranging or participating in any alcohol consumption activity that facilitates or encourages competitive, rapid or excessive consumption of alcohol regardless of age is prohibited.

Examples include without limitation, keg standing, alcohol luges and drinking games. Containers of alcoholic beverages over 40 ounces including but not limited to wine, beer, liquor, mini-kegs, beer balls, trash cans, tubs or punch bowls are prohibited. Individual possession of alcohol is limited to either one six-pack of beer or 40 ounces of liquor or wine per student who is at least 21 years old and is a resident of the room or apartment. Displays of alcohol beverages, funnels, empty alcohol boxes or containers, or shot glasses are prohibited.

The sale of alcoholic beverages or consumption of alcoholic beverages outdoors and in public areas is prohibited, except at scheduled events approved by the Dean of Students.

Additionally, Florida Institute of Technology is committed to protecting the safety, health and wellbeing of all students and employees. Alcohol and drug abuse pose a threat to the health and safety of students and employees and to the security of our equipment and facilities. For these reasons, the university is committed to the elimination of illegal drug and/or alcohol use and abuse in the workplace. The university's Drug and Alcohol policy outlines the practice and procedure designed to correct instances of identified alcohol and/or illegal drug use in the workplace.

Events with Alcohol

Student Life recommends that all events where alcohol is present take place at an insured and certified third-party vendor. However, clubs and organizations who wish to host closed events where alcohol may be present at a private residence or other location where invited guests may be in attendance, the following rules must be followed. Additionally, all events are subject to compliance with state and federal law, local ordinances, and University regulations.

It is the event host’s responsibility to implement a sound risk management plan and ensure all social events taking place where alcohol is present conform to the following standards as well as the Florida Tech Alcohol Policy stated in the Student Code of Conduct/Handbook.

• Clubs and/or organizations at Florida Tech may not host, financially support, or participate in any event open to the general public where alcohol is permitted. Any exception must be reviewed in consultation with the Dean of Students at least 72 hours prior to the beginning of the event.
• All social events where alcohol is present will be private invite-only events and must be registered 72 hours before the event. A private invite is limited to the members of the host organization and their invited guests. The event must also be BYOB (bring your own beverage) or closed functions using a third-party vendor to handle the alcohol. The host organization cannot purchase alcohol with organizational funds or participate in the purchase of alcohol in any other manner (no bar tabs, use of personal checking accounts, pooling of funds or “passing the hat,” etc.).
• Alcohol products above 15% ABV are PROHIBITED in any facility or at any organization/club event, except when served by a licensed third-party
• The total number of persons present may not exceed three times the membership of one host organization. Any exception must be reviewed in consultation with the Dean of Students at least 72 hours prior to the beginning of the event.
• The event, on or off campus, must be registered with Student Life at least 72 hours prior to the beginning of the event. Please register your event using THIS FORM on Engage.

• Guest lists must be submitted 24 hours prior to the start of the Guest lists will only be accepted for approved events.
• A sign shall be clearly displayed at all entrances indicating the event is restricted to members and invited guests and stating the event’s ending time.

• If alcohol and invited guests are present at an event, the host organization must provide adequate identifiable security personnel or other security measures to ensure the safety of others in attendance, including the 30-minute allowance for crowd dispersion at the end of the event.
• Advertising on campus or social media of a social event where alcohol may be present is prohibited.
• Each person attending the event is responsible for bringing his/her own alcohol for personal consumption (no more than one six-pack of beer per person). Underage persons may not bring alcohol to any social The organization/club must ensure that individuals bring in and consume only their own alcohol.
• Clubs/Organizations are responsible for taking steps necessary to prevent uninvited guests and noticeably intoxicated people from entering the event; to prevent underage persons from bringing alcohol into the event; to prevent persons from leaving the event to drink, then being readmitted to the event; and to make certain individuals do not leave the event with open containers of alcohol.
• All common source containers of alcohol, including but not limited to, kegs, community coolers (cooler shared with others), punch bowls, bathtubs, bulk quantities, and any other container that may be shared with others, are prohibited.
• All entrances and exits to the event must always be monitored. ALL registered organizations hosting a private party are responsible for checking IDs of all those attending to assure compliance with the State of Florida’s legal drinking age
• Glass bottles are strictly prohibited at any social event, unless provided by a third-party
• The host organization is responsible for ensuring that a safe means of transportation is available for its member and guests, such as cabs or designated drivers.
• All social event forms are to be turned into Student Life. Compliance with these policies is the responsibility of the host social Failure to comply with this policy may result in referral of the student organization to the Dean of Students Office. Any questions should be directed to the Director of Student Involvement or his/her designee.
• No individual, group, or organization may charge in any way at an event where alcohol is
• No organization may co-sponsor/host events with an alcohol distributor, charitable organization or tavern (tavern is defined as an establishment generating more than half of annual gross sales from alcohol) where alcohol is given away, sold or otherwise provided to those present.
• Host Responsibility – The host of a registered event at which alcohol is present is responsible for the safety and behavior of all The host is the individual, group or organization that holds the party or sponsors the event.
  • It is expected that hosts of social functions will have per 50 guests a minimum of one non-drinking member at the door, two non-drinking members as sober monitors and one non-drinking 21-years old or older member (or hire a person in place thereof) to distribute alcohol at a BYOB event.
  • If a group’s (inter)national organization requires additional sober monitors, they must follow those requirements as well.
• In addition, enough food and nonalcoholic beverages other than water must be provided. These must be visible and readily available to all guests and displayed with the same prominence as the alcoholic beverages.

Florida state law defines hazing as any action or situation that recklessly or intentionally endangers the mental or physical health or safety of a student for purposes including, but not limited to, initiation or admission into or affiliation with any organization operating under the sanction of a postsecondary institution. Hazing includes, but is not limited to, pressuring or coercing the student into violating state or federal law, any brutality of a physical nature, such as paddling, whipping, beating, branding, forced calisthenics, exposure to the elements, or forced consumption of any food, liquor, drug or other substance.

Hazing is any other forced physical activity that could adversely affect the physical health or safety of the student and also includes any activity that would subject the student to extreme mental stress, such as sleep deprivation, forced exclusion from social contact, forced conduct that could result in extreme embarrassment or any other forced activity that could adversely affect the mental health or dignity of the individual. Among prohibited activities are forced or coerced activities that create excessive fatigue, cause physical and psychological shocks, involve kidnapping, morally questionable quests, treasure hunts or scavenger hunts or any other such activities, involve publicly wearing apparel that is conspicuous and not normally in good taste, cause students to engage in public stunts, and buffoonery, morally degrading or humiliating games and activities or late-night activities that interfere with scholastic endeavors.

Also prohibited are any activities that are in violation of federal, state or local laws, the University Code of Conduct or accepted standards of good taste or propriety. For purposes of university policy, any activity described in this paragraph upon which the admission into or affiliation with an organization is directly or indirectly conditioned shall be presumed to be forced or coerced activity. It is not a defense to a charge of hazing that the consent of the victim had been obtained or that the conduct or activity was not part of an official organizational event, was not sanctioned/approved by the organization or was not done as a condition of membership to the organization. 

New member orientation and development programs must be constructive and strive to make individuals a part of the larger group by mutually understanding objectives and participating in programs.

According to Florida State Law:

A person commits hazing, a third-degree felony, punishable as provided in s.775.082 or s.775.083, when he or she intentionally or recklessly commits any act of hazing as defined by state law upon another person who is a member of or an applicant to any type of student organization and the hazing results in serious bodily injury or death of such other person.

A person commits hazing, a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable as provided in s.775.082 or s.775.083, when he or she intentionally or recklessly commits any act of hazing as defined by state law upon another person who is a member of or an applicant to any type of student organization and the hazing creates a substantial risk of physical injury or death to such other person.

As a condition of any sentence imposed pursuant to a violation of the Florida State Hazing Law, the court shall order the defendant to attend and complete a four-hour hazing education course and may also impose a condition of drug or alcohol probation.

All registered student clubs and organizations at Florida Institute of Technology are required to provide a fair, equitable, and transparent process for any concern, allegation, or issue related to a member’s status, including but not limited to membership standing, disciplinary action, suspension, or removal. This requirement applies to all organizations regardless of national affiliation, local constitution, or internal governance model. 

Member Conduct

A member found to be in violation of this constitution may be subject to sanctions. Any member may submit a complaint against another member.

The process will be as follows:

1. The executive board shall determine the validity of the alleged violation in a closed meeting. Assistance from the advisor may be requested by the executive board.
2. The offending member(s) shall be contacted to meet with the executive board at a predetermined time and place. The offending member will be informed of the accusations, followed by their chance to explain what happened and provide their input.
3. After hearing the offending member(s) side, the executive board will decide if sanctions will be enacted and what they shall be.
4. The appeal process shall be completed via a form, and the accused is required to appeal the decision within five (5) business days of the notification of sanctions. Appeals may be requested on the grounds that: a. Information not available at the time of the meeting is now available and could reasonably have altered the outcome of the violation(s).
   1. The procedures were violated in a way that could have substantially affected the outcome of the violation(s).
   2. The sanctions were disproportionately harsh and not justifiable when compared to the nature of the violation(s).
5. Appeals will be heard by the Dean of Students.

The Dean of Students Office may review due process procedures to ensure compliance with university standards. The university reserves the right to intervene when due process has not been followed, when a member’s rights or safety may be compromised, or when organizational actions create risk to individuals or the institution.

Additionally, the Office of Student Life is committed to supporting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of all students and to ensuring that student-run clubs and organizations operate safely, ethically, and in alignment with the mission of Florida Institute of Technology. Student Life fosters an inclusive and engaged campus community by mentoring student leaders and supporting programs that enhance the collegiate experience.

To uphold these standards, the Office of Student Life retains the authority to take corrective action when necessary to protect student welfare or institutional integrity. This authority includes, but is not limited to:

• Removing a member from an organization;
• Impeaching or removing an officer;
• Removing an advisor;
• Suspending or inactivating a club or organization.

Student Life will meet with the involved individual(s) or organizational representatives prior to any action. Corrective measures require probable cause, determined on a case-by-case basis. Probable cause may include, but is not limited to:

• Requests for removal submitted by an advisor, a majority of the Executive Board, two-thirds of the organization, or University administration;
• Violations of the Student Organization Manual, University policy, or the organization’s constitution;
• Neglect of duties or responsibilities;
• Actions that present risk to the health, safety, or well-being of individuals or the community.

The same due process listed above for members will be provided to clubs and organizations.

• Donors can give to the club via Venmo, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal and credit card.
• Students and organizations MAY NOT use personal Venmo pages for fundraising efforts.
• You cannot collect dues through fundraising pages because they are not philanthropic gifts. However, you can ask for an annual gift from members to be a part of an organization.
• Advancement can create an event fundraising page for transactions such as ticket purchasing, chance drawings, swag items, etc. To do this, the organization MUST work with the offices of University Events and Protocol (UEP) and Advancement. Planning must begin at least three months prior to the event.
  
• When clubs are raising funds for external nonprofits (e.g., American Cancer Society, United Way, etc.), the organization must clearly state what the funds are being used for on their fundraising page. 
• The Office of Advancement cannot send emails on behalf of the organization to alumni and friends asking for gifts as the funds will not roll over across fiscal years. To ensure funds raised roll over from year to year, organizations must advocate on their own behalf. Additionally, Advancement cannot provide a list of alumni to contact as it violates donor privacy. This is why exporting donation data from the organization fundraising page is important because it includes donor contact information and consent.
• If a student organization does not plan ahead with the Advancement team, and they have a one-off situation where a donor wants to support a student club, the donor can give via the university website. It is essential the donor lists the student organization name in the comment box, so the funds are allocated accordingly. This giving method should only be used as a last resort because it will significantly delay the process for organizations receiving their funds.