Miscellaneous Tips and Policies

Student Organization Manual
A Resource and Policy Guide for the New and Existing Student Organizations of
EMU

Audiovisual Equipment:
The EMU Help Desk (432-HELP) has a variety of equipment and services available for student organizations. Student organizations should call in advance to reserve equipment or utilize services. Account numbers will be necessary for any charges incurred and a member of the student organization will be responsible for picking up and returning the equipment.

Clubs and organizations may reserve sound equipment that requires a tech person by contacting the Campus Activities Council at ext. 4644 or emailing: cac@emu.edu A two week advance notice for reservations is required. Services are available as CAC schedule and personnel permit and at the discretion of CAC advisors.

Club Leadership:
Students are encouraged to participate actively in a variety of clubs and organizations on campus, but limit their executive committee leadership to either clubs or SGA in order to allow a variety of students the opportunity to develop leadership skills and avoid undue influence.

Contracts:
Officers of student organizations need to exercise great care in negotiating contracts with outside agencies and businesses since the organization becomes liable once the agreement is signed. Faculty and staff advisors must be consulted before any contract is signed. Contracts and purchase orders in excess of $500.00 must be co-signed by the EMU controller. EMU accepts no responsibility for unauthorized contracts between students and outside agencies.

Copyrights/Trademarks:
Student organizations are not allowed to use trademarks or logos owned by commercial entities in conjunction with any activity promoted or conducted on campus.

Film/Video Public Performances (What the Law Says):

Whether admission is charged
Whether the institution is commercial or nonprofit
Whether a federal, state or local agency is involved
What year the movie was produced

This means universities must properly license movies to show them publicly. Copyrighted movies meet the "Face-to-Face Teaching Exemption" clause and may be shown in a college or university setting without copyright permission only if all of the following criteria are met:

A teacher or instructor is present, engaged in face-to-face teaching activities
The institution must be an accredited, nonprofit educational institution
The showing takes place in a classroom setting with only the enrolled students attending
The movie is used as an essential part of the core, required curriculum being taught. (The instructor should be able to show how the use of the motion picture contributes to the overall required course study and syllabus.)
The movie being used is a legitimate copy, not taped from a legitimate copy or taped from TV

This means the "Face-to-Face Teaching Exemption" does not apply outside the nonprofit, in-person, classroom teaching environment. It doesn't apply to movies shown online – even if they’re part of course-related activities and websites. It also doesn't apply to interactions that are not in-person - even simultaneous distance learning interactions. It doesn't apply at for-profit educational institutions either. For specific requirements, please reference The Copyright Act of 1976, Public Law No. 94-553, 90 stat 2541: Title 17; Section 110(i). Contact the Student Programs office about obtaining a public performance license.

Graduate Students:
Graduate students are eligible to participate in any EMU Club or Organization.

Guidelines for Appropriate Conduct at Events:
All entertainment and activity that promote moral actions and attitudes such as integrity, self-control, responsibility, and fun are encouraged on campus at EMU. All activities are expected to follow these guidelines:

EMU supports nonuse of alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs as the most appropriate and responsible lifestyle choice. The possession or use of alcohol, tobacco and illegal drugs is strictly prohibited from the EMU campus as well as all university-related functions
Forms of dance, music or entertainment which call for sexually suggestive movements, irresponsible behavior, abuse of other persons, or encourage any form of drug/alcohol abuse are not allowed
All activities should be planned with the knowledge and approval of the club’s advisor

Public Displays or Actions
Permission to set-up tables, arrange displays, hang banners or engage in any public action or installation on campus must be secured in advance by using the following form, which is directed to the Student Life Office: EMU Club and Organization Public Display or Action Form

Sale of Materials and Promotional Objects:
Permission for clubs and organization to sell items must be approved in advance by the Director of Student Programs.

Sponsoring Speakers and Demonstrations:
EMU reserves the right to regulate on-campus extra-curricular lecturers and guest speakers. Students are expected to obtain pre-approve of the proposed invitation with the organization’s faculty or staff advisor. All students have a right to lawful and peaceful demonstration provided they do not create substantial disorder or invasion of the rights of others.