The purpose of the Student Organization Manual is to be a resource for recognized student organizations and recognized student organization leaders. Involvement in a recognized student organization is a developmental experience for all individuals and creates the opportunity for every student to thrive. For example, research shows co-curricular activities, like student organizations help students learn to be leaders (Smith and Chenoweth, 2015). This manual serves as a reference guide to important policies, procedures, and opportunities to support your organization. As a result of this manual, students will be able to identify the resources, people, and/or offices they need to advocate for themselves and their peers.
Potential benefits for Members:
- Achieving self-development and personal growth
- Finding groups with similar interests
- Developing leadership skills
- Exploring critical problem solving
- Defining one’s values
- Experiencing diverse communication styles
- Understanding group and societal responsibility
- Expanding your community and connections
- Finding a balance for academic life
- Creating valuable campus and community contacts
- Experiencing employment advantages after graduation
- Receiving recognition for hard work
- Enjoying the activity itself
Potential Benefits for the University:
- Creating involved and informed students
- Accessing resources to address issues and concerns
- Forming joint partnerships between students, faculty and staff
- Developing programs that engage the campus community
- Building positive relationships between the University and surrounding communities
Potential Benefits for the Community:
- Taking part in valuable services
- Hiring college graduates with leadership qualities and abilities
- Developing future leaders with knowledge, skills and integrity
- Contributing personal time and money to charities both locally, nationally, and globally
If you have any questions, please contact Student Life at beinvolved@jmu.edu.