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Privileges and Responsibilities of Recognition

Privileges of Recognition

COSO organizations have:

  • The right to use the name of Dartmouth College in the activities and publications of the organization and to be the recognized representative of the College at all functions in which the organization participates.
  • The right to utilize the facilities, property, and services of Dartmouth College. 
  • The right to use the facilities of COSO, including the provision of office space, when available; the preparation (and distribution) of communications of the organization at minimal cost; the provision of accounting services including monthly reports of income and expenditures; and administrative support from the Collis Center for Student Involvement.
  • The right to request financial assistance from COSO to further the activities of the organization. Recognition does not guarantee financial support. Each request will be judged on its merit and will be evaluated in terms of criteria such as the organization's ability to supplement classroom education and extra-curricular activities, the nature of the proposed activity, the financial support (if any) received from the membership, attendance at previously held activities, the extent to which the College community may participate in some of its programs, and the amount of COSO funds available for distribution at any given time.

Responsibilities of Recognition

COSO organizations have the responsibility to:

  • Respond promptly to COSO requests for budgets or other information concerning the status of the organization, and the responsibility to inform COSO of changes in the officers or advisors, or any other development that might affect the status of the group as a recognized student organization.
  • Comply with the requirements of the organization's constitution and by-laws, all applicable rules and policies of Dartmouth College, and all applicable local, state, and federal laws.
  • Use College funds and facilities responsibly and in the manner for which their use is authorized. Student organizations are not allowed to have outside bank accounts. 
  • Comply with College policies on fundraising, accounting, and solicitations for funds.
  • Conduct group activities in a manner consistent with Dartmouth's mission and Principle of Community.
  • Use funding responsibly and for the purpose for which it was intended. Organizations must be in good standing with COSO to receive funding. 
  • Notify COSO by updating in Dartmouth Groups any changes in leadership/officers. 
  • Adhere to the publications code for student organizations

Prerequisites for Recognition

Applications for recognition must include the following: 

  • A statement of aims and objectives for which the organization is to be organized, which shall be consistent with the liberal arts obejctives of Dartmouth College. 
  • An acknowledgement that no purpose or objective of the organization shall be in conflict with applicable state or federal laws. 
  • The organization will not advocate, incite, or participate in any physical disruption of the educational process. 
  • A statement that membership in the organization shall be open to all members of the Dartmouth community. (see sample constitution for exact language) 
  • Membership is limited to members of the Dartmouth community. 
  • The organization must have at least 10 students. Seventy-five (75) percent of the organization must be Dartmouth undergraduate students. All officers must be Dartmouth undergraduates. 
  • All organizations must have a faculty or staff advisor.
  • Organizations must have a constitution, see sample constitution. All changes or amendments to the constitution must be updated and submitted via Dartmouth Groups. 

Organization Expectations for Recognition

  • The Organization shall notify COSO (via Dartmouth Groups) of officers immediately following election. 
  • The organization shall adhere to the publications code for student organizations. 
  • The organization shall not participate in hazing activities. 
  • The officers of the organization shall review the statement of aims of objectives and the responsibilities and privileges granted by recognition, and shall submit a yearly report of the activities, officers, membership programs, and hte name of the advisor to COSO during the annual renewal process each Fall. 
  • The officers of the organization shall accept responsibility for College accounts and shall maintain no outside bank accounts. 
  • The officers of the organization may enter into no contractual obligations in the name of the organization or the College. COSO may deny or withdraw recognition on the basis of affiliations with outside groups where such affiliations are found to be inappropriate. 
  • The organization may neither directly nor indirectly utilize College resources in support of any candidate for public office except as permitted by College policy. 
  • The organization may neither directly nor indirectly utilize College resources in support of any candidate for publica office except as permitted by College policy. 
  • The organization may not utilize the resources of the College for the intended benefit of any external affiliate(s) of the organization through the exercise of the right to request the use of College space for programs sponsored by student organizations. 
  • The organization may not: (1) utilize the organization for the financial enrichment of any officer, member or affiliate. (2) solicit funds outside the College without the express approval of the Development Office at Dartmouth College. (3) lend or give College funds to any individual, group, or other organization. Organizations may sponsor fundraising activities for charity or organizational support upon approval by the Collis Center for Student Involvement. 
  • The Collis Center for Student Involvement must approve any program to be co-sponsored by an external affiliate. COSO may deny or withdraw recognition on the basis of affiliations with outside groups where such affiliations are found to be inappropriate.