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Important Policies for Student Organizations

Below are a list of policies that are important for all Registered and Sponsored Student Organizations to be aware of and know.

Administrative Regulation for Student Organizations and Housing and Dining Services

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University of Kentucky Student Organization Registration Policy

As outlined in the Administrative Regulation for Student Organization and Housing and Dining Services, the Vice President for Student Success is responsible for registered student organizations (RSOs). As such, the Vice President for Student Success has delegated oversight of student organization registration and all applicable requirements to the Office of Student Organizations and Activities. 

In conformity with requirements of the Office of Student Organizations and Activities, any student group may seek recognition as an RSO by applying to the Office of Student Organizations and Activities and any other appropriate University offices. This policy will also define the types of student organizations and student groups through designation and branch assignment. Furthermore, this policy establishes the privileges, rules, and procedures for registration. 

RSOs receive designated privileges, which are not provided to student groups that are not recognized as RSOs. Privileges of recognized RSOs may include: reservation of University facilities in accordance with this policy; eligibility to apply for funding from student fees in accordance with applicable policies; participation in designated University functions and events; and access to additional resources and trainings provided by the Office of Student Organizations and Activities and other applicable University offices and/or departments.

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University of Kentucky Student Organization Funding Policy

The purpose of this policy is to establish the rules and procedures governing the distribution of financial funding to Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) and Sponsored Student Organizations (SSOs).

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Unrecognized Student Groups

Unrecognized Student Groups are defined in this policy as student groups who are not registered in accordance with AR 4:1 and/or student organizations that have a revoked status through the Office of Student Conduct.

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Dean of Students, Student Organization Event Policy

This policy outlines the requirements for all student organizations to follow when hosting events of any kind on or off-campus. The Student Organization Event Policy has been updated and effective as of September 22, 2023. Read the full policy here

Find the trainings and submission forms for the Dean of Students, Student Organization Event Policy here.

Student Organization International Travel Procedures

Student Organization International Travel Procedures are meant to provide additional structure for student organizations traveling internationally so that the University can better support their health, safety and security while outside the US. These procedures apply to student organizations, both RSOs and SSOs, traveling outside the 50 U.S. states, including travel to U.S. territories.

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Temporary RSO/SSO Registration Policy

Registered and Sponsored Student Organizations (hereinafter referred to student organizations) at the University of Kentucky are required to register annually. The registration requirements can be found here.


In the event an organization is unable to register due to their membership falling below three students, the organization may request to continue to operate as a recognized student organization. Any request submitted must be approved by Student Organizations and Activities or their designee for a student organization to register for the subsequent academic year.

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Code of Student Conduct

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Anti-Hazing Policy

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Administrative Regulation 6:1, Policy on Discrimination and Harassment (AR 6:1)

The University is committed to maintaining an environment free of prohibited discrimination, which includes sexual and other forms of harassment. Discrimination and harassment are prohibited between members of the University community and are not tolerated.

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Administrative Regulation 6:2, Policy and Procedures for Addressing and Resolving Allegations of Sexual Harassment Under Title IX and Other Forms of Sexual Misconduct (AR 6:2)

This Administrative Regulation establishes the University’s policies and procedures for addressing and resolving allegations of Sexual Harassment under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. This regulation also applies to acts of retaliation as defined in the Title IX implementing regulations and types of Sexual Misconduct not contemplated by the Title IX implementing regulations. This regulation does not include Sexual Harassment or other forms of sex or gender-based discrimination covered by Title VII or that fall within Administrative Regulation 6:1, Policy on Discrimination and Harassment.

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Administrative Regulation 6:4, University Alcohol Policy (AR 6:4)

This regulation establishes the University's policies and procedures for using, serving, and selling alcoholic beverages on property owned, leased, or controlled by the University, and at University events.

The University is committed to providing a healthy and safe workplace for all members of the University community. The possession and consumption of alcoholic beverages is controlled by Kentucky law, local ordinances, and University regulations. All members of the University community shall abide by these laws and regulations.

The policies and procedures for issues related to employee (student employees, faculty and staff) substance abuse are found in Human Resources Policy and Procedure Number 14.0. The policies and procedures related to student organizations and the students' substance abuse, including alcohol abuse, are found in the Code of Student Conduct and applicable contracts such as housing contracts.

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Administrative Regulation 6:5, Tobacco Policy (AR 6:5)

The University of Kentucky has a vital interest in maintaining a safe and healthy environment for our students, employees, patients and visitors. Research findings show that use of tobacco products in general constitutes a significant health hazard. The health care and health education programs of the University perform an important function by demonstrating and promoting healthy lifestyles through activities such as curtailment of the use of tobacco products. In addition, tobacco use is a serious safety concern and has been specifically listed as a contributing factor in a number of university facility fires across the nation, many of which have resulted in fatalities or major damage.

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Administrative Regulation 9:1, Regulations Governing Time, Place, and Manner of Meetings, Demonstrations, and other Assemblies (AR 9:1)

Consistent with the United States and Commonwealth Constitutions, all members of the University community have a right to free expression, assembly, and advocacy in a peaceful manner.  The University does not impose restrictions on speech except where such restrictions are reasonable, justified without reference to the content of the speech, narrowly tailored to serve a significant university interest, and leave open ample alternative channels of communication.  This Administrative Regulation is established in order to facilitate the effective use and enjoyment of University facilities for the exercise of such rights and to minimize conflict between the form of their exercise and the rights of others in the effective use of University facilities. 

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Administrative Regulation 9:2, Use of University Facilities by Registered Student Organizations (AR 9:2)

In conformity with the Code of Student Conduct, this regulation establishes the rules regarding the use of University facilities by registered student organizations.

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Administrative Regulation 9:9, Speakers From Off-Campus (AR 9:9)

This regulation summarizes the need for and expectations regarding outside speakers on campus.

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