• Section 1 - Background and Purpose
• Section 2 - Scope
• Section 3 - Policy Statement
• Section 4 - Procedures
• Section 5 - Definitions

Section 1 - Background and Purpose

(1) This Policy provides for the recognition of student organisations by the University and establishes core principles for University recognition of student organisations.

Section 2 - Scope

(2) Applies to:

1. All campuses
2. All students
3. All staff

Section 3 - Policy Statement

(3) The University acknowledges that there are a range of student organisations which make a significant contribution to the overall student experience at La Trobe University through:

1. Promoting the interests and welfare of students;
2. Representing students within and outside the University; and
3. Enhancing the experience of students while at University, including through the provision of services and amenities.

(4) The following organisations are recognised by the University, in accordance with this Policy:

1. The La Trobe University Student Union and associated bodies; and
2. The La Trobe University Student Association and associated bodies

(5) Nothing in this Policy limits the recognition by the University to these groups now or in the future.

(6) The University acknowledges the need to work collaboratively with relevant student organisations to achieve optimal outcomes for the student experience at La Trobe University. 

(7) The University may recognise a student organisation under certain conditions, where the University is satisfied that a duly incorporated organisation or association:

1. Represents the student body of the University at any or all of the campuses of the University;
2. Is capable of carrying out the obligations of any agreement with the University and adheres to the guidelines of their respective funding agreements; and
3. Has clear processes in place for the election of governing members of the organisation that are accessible and democratic.

(8) The University may assist recognised student organisations through a range of mechanisms, including by:

1. Consulting with the student body, including through recognised student organisations as appropriate, to seek regular feedback from students on academic and administrative policies and other matters that affect student learning. This may occur via formal participation of students on University committees as appropriate;
2. Accepting the recognised student organisations’ right to make representation to the University through the Vice-Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor's designated representative/s and appropriate University committees regarding matters affecting the student body;
3. Allowing a recognised student organisation to petition the Academic Board or University Council on any matter affecting students of the University. There will be a timely response to any petition received;
4. Making periodic payments of controlled funds to a recognised student organisation, with the terms and conditions of such payments to be set out in a funding agreement;
5. Enabling the President of a recognised student organisation to apply in writing to the appropriate School for leave of absence from a course for which he or she is enrolled in accordance with the following provisions;
   1. The President of a Recognised Student Organisation who is on leave of absence is designated as a student by University Council under paragraph (b) of the definition of student in section 3 of the La Trobe University Act 2009 for such time as the student holds the office of President;
   2. The responsibilities and workload associated with holding the office of President of a Recognised Student Organisation shall be recognised as a ground for obtaining special consideration under the Assessment Procedure - Adjustments (including Special Consideration).
6. Providing office accommodation and other appropriate resources and facilities for the recognised student organisations to conduct their business; and
7. Providing recognised Student Organisations with access to University resources including IS, Library, fleet vehicles, HR and I&O in line with policies and procedures that apply to other areas of the University who use those services.

Section 4 - Procedures

(9) Nil.

Section 5 - Definitions

(10) For the purpose of this Policy:

1. The University: La Trobe University.
2. Recognised Student Organisations: the La Trobe University Student Union and the La Trobe Student Association.