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Student Organisations Policy

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Section 1 - Key Information

Policy Type and Approval Body Governance – University Council
Accountable Executive – Policy Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic)
Responsible Manager – Policy Pro Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience and Employability)
Review Date 29 September 2029
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Section 2 - Purpose

(1) This Policy provides a framework for: 

  1. the recognition of student-led organisations by La Trobe University;
  2. the establishment, affiliation, and operation of student clubs at La Trobe University.
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Section 3 - Scope

(2) This Policy applies to all:

  1. student-led organisations, including those seeking formal University recognition;
  2. student clubs operating on any La Trobe University campus, including online.
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Section 4 - Key Decisions

Key Decisions  Role
See linked Procedures  
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Section 5 - Policy Statement

(3) The University recognises the valuable role that independent, well-governed student-led organisations and student clubs play in contributing to the student experience.

(4) Recognised student-led organisations and affiliated student clubs must operate in accordance with the following principles. They must:

  1. be studentâ€'led and democratic – governed by students through democratic elections and transparent decisionâ€'making;
  2. be inclusive and respectful – provide safe, welcoming environments aligned with University values, policies and relevant legislation;
  3. be purposeâ€'aligned – activities and operations must align with the relevant student-led organisation or club constitution;
  4. be safe and compliant – must comply with University safety, conduct, financial, and risk requirements and Student Service and Amenities Fee (SSAF) requirements where applicable;
  5. have appropriate, transparent governance – must maintain required records, hold required meetings and meet constitutional responsibilities.
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Section 6 - Procedures

(5) The following procedures form part of this Policy suite:

  1. Student Organisations Procedure - Recognition
  2. Student Organisations Procedure - Clubs
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Section 7 - Definitions

(6) For the purposes of this Policy:

  1. affiliated student club: a studentâ€'led group that is formally recognised through the University’s clubs program;
  2. recognised student-led organisation: a student-led organisation that has been formally recognised by the University under this Policy. 
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Section 8 - Authority and Associated Information

(7) This Policy is made under the La Trobe University Act 2009.

(8) Associated information includes:

  1. Higher Education Support Act 2003 (Cth) and the Student Services, Amenities, Representation and Advocacy Guidelines (SSARA Guidelines) made under that Act.