An undergraduate student organization represents a collective of dedicated students who strive to enhance the learning environment through their active participation in extracurricular activities. These organizations are open to Quinnipiac undergraduate and graduate students and both the groups, and their members, must follow the university's rules outlined in this handbook, as well as receive prior approval by the Department of Campus Life. 

There are three types of undergraduate student organizations at Quinnipiac:

  • Probationary— an organization that has completed the process for establishing a new undergraduate student organization within the last calendar year. At the end of the probationary one-year period, the membership, progress and activities of the organization will be reviewed and if deemed appropriate, recognition status will be granted.
  • Recognized— an organization that has successfully completed the probationary period and is officially recognized by the university.
  • Chartered— a recognized undergraduate student organization that has completed the Student Government Association Chartering process.

Being a probationary, recognized or chartered student group is a privilege, and Quinnipiac reserves the right to withdraw recognition from any student organization, for any reason, at any time. 

Student Organization Tier System 

Student organizations are categorized into four tiers based on a variety of performance factors. This structure is designed to better advise, support, and manage organizational activities across campus. Each tier carries distinct expectations and benchmarks that reflect an organization's level of engagement and impact. 

How Tiers Are Determined 

Each tier has distinct performance thresholds evaluated across the following areas: 

  • Event minimums and program quality 
  • Membership size and retention 
  • Meeting frequency and consistency 
  • Compliance with required deadlines, trainings, and processes 

Tier Requirements

The following guidelines outline the minimum requirements for each tier. Organizations must meet all criteria to maintain or advance their tier standing. 

TIER 1  

  • At least 5 members 
  • At least 1 event per semester 
  • At least monthly meetings with meeting minutes 
  • At least 75% of funds spent (if applicable) 
  • At least a President and Treasurer on Executive Board 
  • President must complete Org Training 
  • President and Treasurer must complete Finance Training 

TIER 2

  • At least 15 members 
  • At least 3 events per semester 
  • At least bi-weekly meetings with meeting minutes 
  • At least 80% of funds spent (if applicable) 
  • Maintain a full Executive Board with at least 4 members 
  • President and an E-Board member must complete Org Training 
  • President and Treasurer must complete Finance Training 
  • Must send at least 1 E-Board member to a workshop each semester 

TIER 3

  • At least 20 members 
  • At least 5 events per semester 
  • At least weekly meetings with meeting minutes 
  • At least 90% of funds spent 
  • Maintain a full Executive Board with at least 4 members 
  • Mandatory Org Training for at least 3 E-Board members 
  • President and Treasurer must complete Finance Training 
  • Must send at least 1 E-Board member to 2 workshops each semester 

TIER 4

  • At least 25 members 
  • At least 6 events per semester 
  • At least weekly meetings with meeting minutes 
  • At least 97% of funds spent 
  • Maintain a full Executive Board with elections held for vacancies 
  • All Executive Board members must complete Student Org Training or an adviser-run Org Training 
  • President and Treasurer must complete Org Finance Training 
  • Must send at least 1 E-Board member to 2 workshops each semester 

Organizations are encouraged to strive toward higher tiers. Movement between tiers is reviewed periodically and reflects an organization's sustained performance and campus impact.