Policy regulating membership and leadership positions within student organizations.

"Student Organization" is defined by the university as any organization whose membership and leadership are comprised solely of students, with advisement from a member of the university's faculty, administration, or staff. All groups recognized by the Center for Student Engagement and Club Sport Teams recognized by Athletics and Recreation are defined as Established Student Organizations (ESO). 

In order to be a member of an ESO at BSU, a student must meet each of the following requirements which will be monitored by the university: 

• currently registered student at BSU
• enrolled on a full-time or part-time basis
• recorded on the organization’s roster on the EngageBSU platform as a member
• There may be no membership restrictions on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, marital status, age, disability or veteran status, except as may be permitted exempted by law. 

Grade point average (GPA) and enrollment status of individual members will be reviewed periodically by the Center for Student Engagement to compile averages for student organizations and to assure that individuals meet university requirements for membership and organization requirements for membership as stated in their Governing Documents. 

Student Organization Leadership Position Requirements 

A leadership position in an Established Student Organization at BSU includes all positions defined in the organization’s governing documents for executive board or officer positions. To be eligible to hold a leadership position, a student must meet each of the following requirements which will be monitored by the university: 

• meet the requirements for membership in a student organization.
• at the time of election or appointment and during term of office, must be enrolled as a full-time student (12 credits and above per semester). Part-time students who are making satisfactory academic progress may make a request for a waiver.
• at the time of election or appointment and during term of office must have/maintain a GPA above the organization’s stated minimum requirement for leadership. In the event there is no higher minimum stated, a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher is required. (Students in their first semester of enrollment at BSU are exempt from this requirement). 

For Established Student Organizations, exceptions to these requirements must be formally approved by the Director of the Center for Student Engagement or designee in conjunction with other campus personnel. 

Leadership eligibility for Club Sports will be managed by Athletics and Recreation with exceptions reviewed and decided by the Athletics Director or their designee.  

Staff will periodically review the academic records of student leaders to confirm their eligibility for both membership and leadership roles within student organizations. Additionally, staff responsible for student organizations may request a review of a student's conduct status from the Office of Community Standards to ensure alignment with student organization and university policies regarding good standing, where applicable. 

Reviewed 10/2025 by Matt Miller, Director, Center for Student Engagement