Participation in Student Organizations
All students may participate in the co-curricular life on campus as long as they meet the requirements to remain in good academic and good conduct standing. For a complete description of "good academic standing" please refer to the appropriate section in the College Catalog.

Students who are not in good academic standing will receive notification from the Office of Academic Affairs. Students (full- and part-time) who are not in good academic standing will be required to curtail their participation in the co-curricular life of the campus in the following ways:

• Students who are serving in an executive board position in a registered student organization (i.e. whose name appears on the "Officer Roster" as submitted to the Office of Student Activities) will be considered to be in probationary status for that semester.
• No student organization officer may remain on probationary status for two consecutive semesters.
• Students who are not in good academic standing will not be permitted to stand as candidates for an executive board position in a student organization.

In addition, any student leaders (executive board members) whose residential privileges are revoked for conduct reasons, will likely be suspended from all club/organization activities until their housing privileges are reinstated. When a student leader is found responsible for violations of Lasell College Policy, the Director of Student Activities reserves the right to impose additional, organization-specific sanctions at any time depending on the severity of the incident.

Massachusetts state law (applicable to all students attending Lasell, regardless of home state or country) makes it illegal to organize or participate in any form of hazing activity. The term hazing refers to any conduct or method of initiation that recklessly endangers the physical or mental health of any student or other person. Any member of the Lasell community that knows that another person is the victim of hazing or any such crime should report it to the Vice President of Student Affairs. Any such actions may result in disciplinary action.

The Student Organization Registration form requires groups to read and agree to the following statement:

“This certifies that I,                                                                              (name), as PRESIDENT/CHAIR of the Lasell College                                                                                                                      (name of student organization) organization, have read and understand the Hazing Policy as outlined in the Student Handbook, and that I will educate the members of my organization with regards to this policy in the coming academic year.”

Members of all student organizations on Lasell College's campus must fill out a Liability Form. These forms should be collected by the advisor or president of each organization and returned to the Office of Student Activities at the beginning of each academic year.

These forms are important to the college to ensure that students are taking responsibility for their participation in student organizations on campus and events hosted by student organizations. As club officers, the college does not want you to assume liability should an accident occur with another student involved in your club. The liability form can be found here.

An Event Registration Form must be turned into the Office of Student Activities 10 business days before an event takes place.

If Event Registration Form is turned in 5 to 9 business days before an event, the organization must include a written justification as part of the Event Registration form the reason(s) why it is late. The Office of Student Activities will determine if the explanation is reasonable. If not, the event will be cancelled.

If Event Registration Form is submitted within 4 business days of an event, it will not be approved.

Major events have a wide range of information that needs attention. If you are looking to hold a major event, please contact the Coordinator for Student Organizations. The following sections contain information about Major Events:

• Events with Alcohol
• Event Staffing
• Travel
• Dance Parties
• Events Involving Outside (Non-Lasell) Guests

1. An Event Registration Form should be completed no less than 6 weeks prior to the desired event date for those events which will have alcohol. This is necessary to allow time for the Office of Student Activities to request an alcohol permit from the City of Newton. There is a cost for this permit that the sponsoring organization would need to pay for with costs varying depending on situation.
2. An organization advisor must be present for any Major Event. Student organizations should work with their advisor to determine a date for the event when the advisor can be present.
3. Major Events which take place that involve alcohol will require a police detail at an additional cost to the student organization. The Office of Student Activities will work with the student organization to minimize any additional costs and assure a safe and successful event.
4. Off-campus advertising must be approved by the Office of Student Activities and may only be posted at area colleges. STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS MAY NOT ADVERTISE EVENTS TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL FROM THE DIRECTOR OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES AND ORIENTATION.
5. The entrance to any Major Event will be controlled by the student organization, the police detail, and the advisor. A college ID will be required for admittance to any major events. A driver's license, liquor ID card, or other form of ID will not be accepted.
6. Student organizations are free to charge a fee for admittance to any Major Event.  Individuals must present a college ID prior to paying an admittance fee. This fee would need to be collected in the form of cash or check only and would be subject to the Fundraising Policy.
7. The entrance to any Major Event will close at 11:00 pm during the week or 12:00 midnight on Friday or Saturday without exception. No persons will be admitted to the event after this time; anyone leaving the event after this time will not be allowed to return.
8. A T.I.P.S. certified bartender must work the bar at any event serving alcohol. To obtain an alcoholic beverage, individuals must present a valid driver's license with a picture. The bartender will place a wristband on the wrist of those who are of legal drinking age. Each person is limited to four (4) drinks per night. The bartender always maintains the right to refuse to serve anyone,there are a number of staff on campus that are TIPS certified.
9. All Major Events must end at 1:00 am.
10. The student organization is responsible for restoring the event location to its original condition at the conclusion of the event; this includes cleaning up trash, returning furniture to its former location, and removing any decorations or posters.

Advisor and Two Campus Police Officers Required

• ONLY LASELL COMMUNITY MEMBERS AND THEIR GUESTS (NO MORE THAN TWO PER STUDENT)
• NO ADVERTISEMENT OFF-CAMPUS
• NOT OPEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC
• ALCOHOL IS NOT SERVED OR AVAILABLE
• Ends before 12:00 A.M.
• Expected attendance is less than 150 students

Advisor/OSA Staff Member and Four Campus Police Officers RequiredAdvertised off-campus

• Open to the general public
• Alcohol is served or available
• Ends after 12:00 AM
• Expected attendance is more than 150 students

Transportation and Travel Policies

Many student organizations plan events off campus for their members. This might include going to conferences, attending an event in Boston or doing community service. When leaving campus, a few policies will apply.   

Lasell College Vans

Lasell College vans can be reserved and used by students as transportation to events that are within a reasonable driving distance. In order to use a Lasell Van, at least one member of the club who will drive the van must be an Approved Lasell College Driver with Campus Police. The Van must be signed out through the Event Management System. The process to become Van Certified is outlined below.  

In order to become qualified as an Approved Lasell College driver, faculty, staff, and students must submit to the following procedures and rules:

1. The individual must be at least 19 years of age.
2. Drivers must provide a valid state driver's license, and have at least two years of driving experience.
3. Drivers must obtain a driving record from the Department of Motor Vehicles in the state where they are licensed and submit it to Campus Police. 
4. Drivers must satisfactorily pass a Lasell College Safe Driving Test to become authorized to drive a Lasell College vehicle.
5. Drivers must review the "Lasell College Safe Driver" presentation.
6. Drivers must not have been issued three (3) or more traffic violations in the past 36 month period.
7. Drivers who are involved in any accident in a personal or Lasell College vehicle, or receive a traffic violation during a semester must report such to Campus Police, x2269, for evaluation of driving privileges. 

All drivers must renew their Authorization to Operate a College Vehicle annually. This is accomplished by submitting a copy of their driver's license and driver's history to Campus Police every September.

Use of Personal Vehicles

The Office of Student Activities strongly discourages the use of personal vehicles for transportation as part of a student club or organization event. Students or advisors who use their personal vehicles assume liability for those traveling in the vehicle should an accident occur. For the protection of both students and advisors, we ask that your organization utilize public transportation, Lasell College vans, rent a bus etc.

Club 1851/Dance Party Policy

Club 1851, also known as a Dance Party, is very popular among students and student organizations. Due to the large number of students that tend to be drawn to these dances, a policy unique to these events has been established. The policy is stated below.

Club 1851 in the Arnow Campus Center or de Witt Hall is an alcohol free event only open to current Lasell students with their student ID.  Bags, large purses and beverage of any kind are not permitted.  Students presenting signs of intoxication will not be admitted and no one will be admitted the last hour of the event.  Events on Thursday nights will CLOSE at 11:00 P.M.  Events on Friday or Saturday nights will CLOSE at 12:00 A.M.

Most movies shown by a club or organization require a license. It is recommended that you converse with a professional member of the Office of Student Activities Staff before looking to show a movie to the club or advertise the showing of a movie to the campus.

For more information regarding movie copyright, see swank motion pictures here.

Frequently asked questions:

A small group is having an informal gathering in our facility. Do we still need a  license?  
Yes! A license needs to be obtained regardless of the number of people attending   the showing, if the movie is being shown outside the home.

What constitutes a public performance?  
Any exhibition of a movie outside the privacy of a home setting (considered a residence hall) is considered a public performance.

Do we need a license even if we don't charge admission?  
Yes! A license is required for all public performances regardless of whether   admission is charged.

What if a video store or equipment provider says it is okay to exhibit rented or  purchased movies?  
These stores rent and sell movies for "Home Use Only" and cannot provide legal   permission for use outside the home. You can only obtain licensing directly from   a licensor (such as Swank Motion Pictures, Inc.), not from a third party. Work with your Student Activities Staff members to connect with these licensors.

I own the movie. Do I still need a license to show it outside my home?  
Yes! Neither the rental, purchase or lending of a videocassette or DVD carries with   it the right to exhibit movies publicly outside the home.

I want to show an old movie, from the 1930's or '40's. Do I still need a license?  
Absolutely. Copyright pertains to all movies regardless of the year it was produced.

If I purchased a license to show a movie, can I show that movie whenever I  want?  
No. Licenses are for a specific, designated time frame. There are no  annual licenses available to colleges and universities.

SPENDING SGA, FUNDRAISING OR OFFICE OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES BUDGETS

When you are ready to make purchases here are the funding options for payment in the order they should be considered. All requests must be submitted by completing a Purchase Request through your club's portal on Laser Involvement.

Order online or credit card purchases
The Office of Student Activities will use a credit card to purchase items online for your club. This is the preferred means by which to make purchases. Ordering online ensures that no club members or advisers use their own money. Items will be shipped directly to Lasell College. This method requires at least 10 business days to notice to the Office of Student Activities, and additional time for shipping depending on the purchase.

Payment via contract or invoice
Clubs need to request a contract for any performer or vendor coming to campus. At least 30 days is required for submitting a contract for signatures and to request a check for payment. Another related method of payment is to request an invoice from the performer or vendor for the full amount of the service or performance. This requires at least for four weeks to be approved and to have a check request.

Request petty cash
Clubs may request a maximum of $50 in petty cash from the Office of Student Activities at any one time. Requests for petty cash must be submitted at least three business days in advance of the date needed. After items are purchased, all the receipts and unspent money must be returned to the Office of Student Activities by the next business day.

Clubs sometimes choose to fundraise towards a certain goal for the club or for an outside charity. When fundraising, there are some additional guidelines that need to be followed. The Office of Student Activities works in collaboration with the Office of Development and Alumni Relations to approve all fundraising initiatives on campus. When your club is thinking about fundraising, meet with the Office of Student Activities to ensure you are following all the necessary steps. In conjunction with the completion of an Event Request Form, fundraising activities also require the submission of a fundraising form.

Fundraise with a Purpose

When first brainstorming ideas for fundraising activities, ask yourself and your fellow club members the following: why does your organization want to fundraise? You should have a specific purpose or goal in mind. Some clubs will begin fundraising with no reason in mind and the funds end up never being used. Whether it is for your organization to save up for t-shirts, go on a trip, or donate to a non-profit, there should always be an end goal in mind. 

Event Registration Form and Fundraising Approval Form

The first step your organization should take is to complete an Event Registration Form with the Office of Student Activities through Laser Involvement. The form should be submitted to the Office of Student Activities as early as possible, but no later than 10 days before the fundraiser will take place. This must be completed before you can be approved on the Fundraising Approval Form.Once your fundraiser has been submitted by the Office of Student Activities, you may fill out the Fundraising Approval Form online (here).  This form is reviewed and approved by the Office of Development and Alumni Relations. After the fundraiser is approved by both the Office of Student Activities and the Office of Development and Alumni Relations, you can move ahead in finalizing details.
 

Cash Box Requests

Since fundraisers involve collecting money, your organization will need to request a cash box. To do so, a Cash Box Request Form must be filled out through Laser Involvement at least 3 business days before the event. A good rule is to complete this form at the same time as your Event Registration Form. Cash boxes can be picked up between 9:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. the same day as your event, or the business day before your event if it is on a weekend or holiday.
The cash box must be returned the next business day between 9:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. Money collected will be deposited into your organization's club account and will be recorded through Laser Involvement. If your organization is donating to a charity, the Coordinator for Student Organizations or your club's advisor must go to Village Bank, located on 307 Auburn Street, Auburndale, MA 02466, to receive a money order in the amount the club fundraised. Once the money order is received, it can be sent to the charity

Follow Up

Always make sure to follow up with the Office of Development and Alumni Relations to report how much money was raised. It is important for Lasell to keep accurate records of any money being raised or donated.

The Campus Posting Policy is intended to promote the fair and free exchange of ideas, to protect the rights of campus organizations and individuals, to preserve College property, to maintain an attractive campus appearance, and to promote the safety and security of the campus community. Signs posted in contradiction to this policy may be removed and individuals and/or organizations may be held responsible for charges associated with removal.

APPROVAL

All campus postings must be approved by the Office of Student Affairs (located in the Edwards Student Center) or the Office of Student Activities (located in the Campus Center). The approval will consist of an approved stamp PRIOR to duplication of the postings. Persons or organizations duplicating prior to approval risk non-approval and wasting copies already made. All postings without approval will be removed by campus personnel.

Students and organizations seeking approval for postings should plan ahead as approval for postings may not be immediate and may require changes or additions in order to be approved.

Individuals or organizations not affiliated with Lasell College may only post on the designated Community Bulletin Boards located in the Brennan Library, Edwards Student Center and Campus Center.  These postings must still adhere to the Campus Posting Policy.  Postings outside of the designated areas will be removed.

Electronic posters can be submitted for approval through Laser Involvement. Posters will then be electronically stamped and copies made. Once you receive a notification that the copies have been made, they will be available for pick up from the OSA Front Office.

CONTENT OF POSTINGS

All notices and signs must clearly state the individual's name or the official name of the sponsoring organization(s), the name, date, time, and location of the event.  If applicable, any cost or tickets required must also be stated.

In accordance with the College's alcohol policy: the marketing, advertising or promotion of alcoholic beverages or any reference to alcohol or other illicit drug use, abuse, sale or distribution is strictly prohibited.

Registered Student Organizations may use the official College colors (blue and white) or any other College images. Student organizations may also use the College seal, but must request and receive permission for use from the Office of Student Activities prior to publication.

Signs must represent a student organization or individual student in a positive way, as they are a reflection of the individual or group as a whole. The postings must reflect the values of the College as embodied in the Student Handbook. No signs may be derogatory towards any person (regardless of affiliation), group, college department or entity on the basis of age, gender, race, color, religious creed, ethnic background, ancestry, national origin or sexual orientation. The signs must not contain any profane, vulgar, or inappropriate content.  Postings deemed inappropriate will not be approved.

LOCATION OF POSTINGS

To reduce damage, postings MAY ONLY BE placed on painted walls, cinder block walls and bulletin boards. 

Postings MAY NOT be placed on glass doors or windows, furniture, campus road/parking signage, campus trees, roads, or walkways.

One copy of every posting should be submitted to the Information Center, so staff can adequately answer questions about the posting. 

Postings can be distributed to residence halls and houses through the Office of Residential Life.  Please submit 45 copies of the approved posting to the Office of Residential Life (located in the Edwards Student Center).

No person or persons shall deface, tamper with, destroy or remove any sign or inscription on any property owned by the College without proper authorization.

Students and student organizations are responsible for the removal of all approved signs and postings within 48 hours of the conclusion of their event or after the approval for the posting has expired (whichever comes first).  Individuals or organizations that do not remove their postings in a timely fashion may lose their privilege to post on the Lasell College campus.

SECURING OF POSTINGS

Regular masking tape is the only type of tape and/or adhesive that may be used.  Stickers, scotch tape, duct tape, packing tape, or “fun tack” type materials are prohibited.  If the approved posting area is a surface where tacks, staples, etc may be used (such as bulletin boards), those are appropriate ways to post flyers. 

CHALKING

Chalking is permitted on sidewalks ONLY, and is NEVER permitted on the outside surface of any building or on sidewalks underneath an overhang. You must seek approval from Office of Student Affairs (located in the Edwards Student Center) or the Office of Student Activities (located in the Campus Center) a minimum of three days prior to chalking.

ELECTRONIC POSTING

My.Lasell.Edu, the Lasell community portal, is a popular way to communicate information.  Faculty and staff may post directly to the portal.  Student organizations should work with their advisor to have their posting included on the portal.

Plasma Boards are currently located in Winslow Hall, the Campus Center, and the Edwards Student Center.  To have your posting included on these boards please complete an Event Information Form with the Office of Student Activities.  New events will be posted once a week.