Student Organizations

Greek Life Organizations

We have become aware of some understandable confusion about the liability protection provided by The University of Maine through recognition by Student Government as it relates to fraternities and sororities. Fraternities and sororities can be recognized as such through the IFC and Panhellenic Council, however this does not mean they are recognized clubs or student organizations in the same way as other recognized student organizations of Student Government.As part of longstanding policy, and as required by our constitution and our relationship agreement with the University of Maine, because these groups discriminate on the basis of sex and are separately incorporated as their own legal entities, the University of Maine does not generally protect fraternities and sororities from liability for their actions and events. This is why all fraternities and sororities are required to maintain their own insurance.Student Government is able to fund the Inter Fraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council in their support of fraternities and sororities broadly, and we are able to partner with fraternities and sororities in hosting charitable events on campus, but we do not directly fund the day-to-day activities of individual fraternities and sororities, and in any event we co-sponsor, we need to make sure either their insurance, or purchased event insurance is in place as otherwise no liability protection is extended by UMSG or the University of Maine. This is generally set up by meeting with our attorney after any funding is allocated by the Senate. Questions should be directed to the VPSO, the University of Maine advisor to Student Government, and/or the UMSG, Inc. attorney.

Student Organizations are a vital part of the University of Maine campus. The University of Maine Student Government (UMSG) provides assistance and resources to all recognized organizations, and encourages the active participation and involvement of undergraduate students.

If you have any questions, please contact the Vice President of Student Organizations (VPSO), or stop by Room 155 in the back of the Wade Center.

Resources for Student Organizations

How do I update?

Here.

How often do I update?

Once annually, and/or after officer changes.

What if I don’t update?

The club will be deactivated and lose affiliation/recognition and resources.

How do I start a new club / reactivate an inactive club?

Here.

How do I apply for final recognition?

Has your club held the status of UMSG preliminary recognition for at least 7 academic weeks? Congratulations! You can apply for final rec.

What are Affiliation and Recognition?

Affiliated Student Organization: A student organization with at least 5 undergraduate members can be affiliated with Student Life. This type of organization has access to privileges such as utilizing campus facilities, and Center for Student Involvement services, such as: assistance with advertising, event planning and equipment needs and participation in student organization fairs and programming.

Recognized Student Organization: A student organization with at least 10 undergraduate student members can apply for recognition. A recognized student organization is also affiliated with the University of Maine Student Government, and has the ability to apply for funding and utilize all UMSG resources.

Do I have to submit updates for both?

Your club will need to continually update club members and officers on Campus Groups for affiliation with Student Life. As well as filling out UMSG’s update form yearly.

How does the Recognition process work?

The President of the organization will be contacted by the VPSO to schedule a meeting with the Student Organizations Committee (SOC; Wednesdays at 1pm). If the presentation passes SOC, your club will present to the General Student Senate the following Tuesday at 6pm in the Bangor room to achieve either preliminary or final recognition.

Preliminary vs. Final Recognition:

A club will be in a state of preliminary recognition (not eligible for funding) for 7 weeks, after which they may apply for final recognition and be eligible for funding.

Who can be an advisor?

A member of UMaine’s faculty/staff.

Who can be in a club?

Anyone! Community members, staff members, and graduate students can participate. A club must still have the required number of undergraduate students to stay active; the president and treasurer must always be undergraduates.