Recognition

Recognized student groups play an important role in engaging students, exploring ideas, and enriching the student culture of our campus. Student groups must be recognized in order to use the McMaster University name.

Here are the responsibilities that recognized student groups must uphold:

• Safeguarding the reputation of the University by adhering to all University policies and procedures, and abiding by the laws of the land.
• Developing and maintaining up to date constitution, by-laws, policies and procedures in regards to conducting business in an ethical and fiduciary manner, and for communicating these to their members.

Recognized Student Groups support the University in its commitment to:

• communicate, discuss and explore all ideas;
• hold meetings;
• organize Recognized Student Groups for any lawful purpose;
• move about the University and to use its facilities in a reasonable manner;
• distribute published material on campus in a responsible manner, provided that such materials are not unlawful or otherwise in breach of a University policy;
• debate and engage in peaceful demonstrations;
• embrace and demonstrate socially responsible behaviour in all student Recognized Student Group activities; and
• practice responsible risk management to ensure the safety of participants at Events.

Recognized Student Group events are covered by insurance. Undergraduate student club events are covered by the MSU’s insurance. Graduate student club events are covered by the GSA’s insurance. Academic Society events are covered by the University’s insurance.

Who’s recognized?

There are two kinds of recognized student groups at McMaster University:

• University Student Groups: Academic Societies, Society of Off-Campus Students
• Affiliated Student Organizations: MAPS, GSA, MSU

We have over 300 student clubs on-campus that fall within these categories.

What’s Next?