Middlesex Community College

The Beacon

Student Organization Manual

Bedford: Campus Center Room 211

Lowell: Cowan Center Room G04

studentengagement@middlesex.mass.edu

The Office of Student Engagement fosters student success through transformative learning both within and beyond the classroom. With a focus on the whole student, the Office of Student Engagement offers intentional experiences for self-discovery through social, academic, community, and civic participation. Through co-curricular involvement, students develop the knowledge and confidence to become responsible leaders and active citizens. We are here to help you develop the tools you need to make your academic career a successful one, supporting students in all the different paths they may choose.

Whether participating in service projects in the local community or traveling in regional and national conferences, recognized student organizations proudly represent Middlesex Community College and the values that define us. Student organizations provide students expanded exposure to their future career field, allow students to pursue passions and interests at the next level, advocate for ideas and beliefs they are passionate about, and learn to balance their academic lives to become well-rounded citizens.

Being under the Office of Student Engagement umbrella, student organizations have their privileges. Use of programming spaces and facilities, promotion in Middlesex publications, recruitment and advertising opportunities, personalized advising, leadership training, and the opportunity to have an annual operating budget are some of the perks student organizations receive when they become registered and recognized. Registration is the first step to creating a direct link between you and the wealth of resources that the Office of Student Engagement has to offer.

This manual has been provided to guide you in an effort to help you achieve your goals and provide programs and services to members as well as the Middlesex community. It outlines the expectations we have for you as a recognized organization, and directs you towards the resources you need to flourish. All the basics you need to know about registration, travel, programming, promoting, fundraising, and finance can be found in this manual, as well as handy resources for your organization. Take some time to get familiar with this manual, and we think you will find that the Office of Student Engagement has more to offer student organizations than ever before. And as always, our door is always (physically or metaphorically) open.

We look forward to working with you this year!

-The Office of Student Engagement

Important Note:

All students participating in MCC organizations are responsible for knowing and applying the following information and are expected to comply with the rules and regulations set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Middlesex Community College, MCC Office of Student Engagement and the MCC Student Government Association (SGA).  Failure to comply may result in disciplinary action against an offending organization (which may include, but is not limited to, loss of recognition for the organization) and/or individual members of the offending organization.  In addition to those outlined below, all regulations outlined in the MCC Student Handbook apply. The Office of Student Engagement reserves the right to change this document at any time.

This manual is not a contract.

Types of Student Organizations

Proposed organizations with a mission that is similar to that of an existing organization may not be approved.

The Office of Student Engagement requires every student organization to have a minimum of two executive positions: a President and a Treasurer. These positions can be retitled, but these positions must be held by current Middlesex students. Both of these positions are required to attend and complete their respective trainings held annually or by appointment.

One officer or designee will be appointed by the organization as the SGA liaison throughout the year, responsible for communicating monthly updates and seeking assistance on organization related inquiries.

In addition to a President and Treasurer, we strongly encourage organizations to have an executive board of at least four members. This can include electing a Vice President and Secretary, for example. Having a well-rounded executive board can help with delegating and balancing members’ responsibilities.

As a new student organization is formed, a temporary executive board may be appointed by the organization to see the group through the process of creating a new organization. An official executive board should be elected by the general membership, as outlined by that organization’s constitution, after the organization is officially recognized by the Office of Student Engagement.