Registration Requirement
The specific procedures for registration of undergraduate organizations are outlined in detail here in order to provide guidance to student officers. These registration requirements also protect the University’s tax-exempt status and are designed to ensure that the purpose and activities of the organizations are consistent with the established purposes of the University. Registration is further required because activities of student organizations frequently appear to involve identification with the University. However, registration does not imply official approval by the University of the activities of any undergraduate organization, nor does it indicate any responsibility for them.
Organizations that are established for the purpose of selling or renting items or paying students cannot be registered student organizations, but they may be able to operate as Associated Student Agencies. Students who wish to form such an agency should consult with the business manager of the Associated Student Agencies, 246 Church Street.
Procedure for Annual Registration
All returning undergraduate organizations are expected to submit an online application for registration on the Student Organizations website by September 15 in each academic year. Groups who do not register by the September 15 deadline must wait to register until the spring semester. At least one officer of each organization is required to attend the fall orientation meeting sponsored by the Yale College Dean’s Office for specific information about the privileges and responsibilities of registered groups.
The online registration form requires, among other things, a description of the purposes of the organization, a constitution and set of bylaws, and the identification of officers or other leaders. A complete list of members is not required to be made public but may be requested by the dean of Student Affairs.
Registration is ordinarily valid for one academic year; it remains valid until September 15 so that student groups may reserve University facilities or apply for funding at the beginning of the subsequent academic year. However, if a student organization wishes to change its activities from those outlined in the registration documents or alter aspects of the organization described in the registration agreements, then the organization must update its information online for review and approval. Further online changes to group records are permitted only after the current set of changes has been reviewed. To edit registration information please contact the Student Organization’s Consultant assigned to the group.
Registration Approval
A group’s registration is confirmed by a formal communication of registration approval from the Yale College Dean’s Office. The status of an organization may be verified on the Official List of Registered Undergraduate Organizations.
Revocation or Suspension of Registration
The dean of Student Affairs may revoke or suspend the registration of any undergraduate organization that has not abided by the Undergraduate Regulations or by the organization’s registration and related agreements. Failure by a student organization or its officers or designated representatives to meet the financial obligations of the organization in a timely manner can also result in the suspension or revocation of registration. Any request for reinstatement should be addressed to the Yale College Dean’s Office.