The general University Student Organizations Committee (SOC) is responsible for the supervision and guidance of student organizations. It is the duty of the Committee to formulate policies and recommend programs designed to develop to the fullest the educational potential of student groups. The Committee shall observe the operation of the organizations and create or modify such regulations necessary to maintain student organizations that are related to the educational philosophy and mission of Texas Christian University (TCU). SOC committee meetings and judicial reviews are confidential. Information will be released by the chair or designee (refer to Administration and Enforcement listed below).

Membership of the Committee

The SOC is chaired by a faculty member and the committee includes five faculty, four staff and four students. Student representative appointments will be based on recommendations from the Student Government Association. The staff of Student Development Services (SDS) that work with the Office of Student Organizations (OSO)  

will provide support services to this committee.

 

Administration and Enforcement

1. SOC will conduct regular committee meetings at the beginning of each semester to revise and establish policies that govern student organizations at TCU. Called meetings will be conducted to hear appeals of policy interpretations by the university administration or for the purpose of judicial review. A quorum for the purpose of committee business will require the attendance of no less than three faculty (including the SOC Chair), two staff and two student members. If a quorum is not in attendance at the meeting, it may be obtained through email correspondence.

2. The administration and enforcement of these regulations for organizations will be the responsibility of the Office of Student Organizations and the SOC. If necessary, organization judicial hearings may be conducted by an appropriate member of the University administration such as the Director of Student Organizations, by the SOC, or by the Student Conduct and Grievance Committee of the University. The decision as to who will hear the case will be maintained by the accused student organization. The Student Organizations Office will inform organizations of the implications of their choice for judicial hearings and obtain a signed statement that documents their choices.

3. The Chair of the SOC in consultation with the Office of Student Organizations may delegate responsibility for administration and enforcement of these regulations to a SOC Judicial Board; however, judicial action by such group shall be subject to review by the SOC, except when referral is made to an administrative office. The SOC Judicial Board will be elected by the SOC at the first regular meeting of the academic year. The Judicial Board will be chaired by the SOC Chair and membership will consist of one faculty member, one staff member and one student. The SOC Judicial Board will be trained by the Office of Student Organizations and the members will serve for the duration of their term on SOC.

Procedure

The University Organization Judicial Program is designed to foster the academic mission of Texas Christian University. Refer to the TCU Organization Judicial Program document for specific procedures.

4. Requests for exceptions to any portion of these regulations must be made in writing to the Chair of the SOC.

Violation of any portion of SOC regulations may subject the student organization to disciplinary action. Any disciplinary action taken will be designed to fit the offense and may range from verbal or written reprimands to recommendations to the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs to revoke University recognition.

5. Appeals of committee action will be made directly to the University Court; however, the court hears only disputes involving alleged violation of the Student Bill of Rights and under conditions where the court of original jurisdiction made procedural errors.