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EXPECTATIONS OF REGISTERED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
The following behavioral expectations are required of every registered student organization and its
membership.
1. Agree to and comply with the Notice and Acceptance of the Assumption of Risk (see page 35).
2. Agree to and comply with the Publications Code for Student Organizations (see page 36).
3. Adhere to University policies and procedures and local, state and federal laws.
4. Conduct all activities in a manner consistent with the educational mission of the University.
5. Conduct all activities in a manner that contributes to the intellectual, ethical, psychological and
personal growth of its members.
6. Are not permitted to advocate, incite or participate in any material interference or physical disruption
of the University.
7. Are not permitted to use deceptive recruitment practices.
8. No illegal discriminatory criteria may be used as criteria for membership including those listed in the
University of Pittsburgh’s non-discrimination policy. These factors include race, color, religion, national
origin, ancestry, sex, age, marital status, familial status, sexual orientation, gender identity and
expression, genetic information, disability, or status as a veteran. All groups, except those exempt by
law, must permit male and female membership. Sport clubs involving physical contact or in which
participation is based on competitive skill may limit participation in competition to one sex; provided
that, for any for any such sport club engaged in a non-contact sport, unless there is a sport club
available for members of the opposite sex, the club must permit try-outs for each sex. Membership can
be limited by factors unrelated to status or beliefs and which are also not illegal. Membership can be
limited by school, college, department, major and grades, etc. No hazing or illegal discrimination will be
used as a condition of membership in the organization.
9. Are not permitted to participate in hazing activities.
10. Are not permitted to use the organization for the financial enrichment of any officer, member or
affiliate.
11. Are not permitted to directly or indirectly use University resources for the express benefit of external
affiliates.
12. Agree to use dues and other membership fees for the express benefit of the organization and in
fulfillment of its purposes.
13. Must maintain University accounts as required. (Visit the SORC Business Office in 833 William Pitt
14. Are not permitted to maintain outside back accounts and must not use the name of the University on
any private bank account.
15. Are not permitted to enter or attempt to enter into contractual obligations for the University without
prior authorization by designated University staff.
16. Except as otherwise expressly permitted herein, organizations shall not use the name of the University
nor any University trademark, tradename, service mark and/or logo. (See Naming and Logo Guidelines
on page 28.)
17. Are not permitted to directly or indirectly use University resources in support of any candidate for
public office. Please see the Notice on Political Campaign Activity.
18. Are not permitted to solicit funds outside the University without the express approval from the
Department of Involvement and Student Unions.
19. Student organizations shall not do anything that would jeopardize the University’s licensure,
accreditation or tax exemption.