Muhlenberg College endorses the rights of its students to freedom of association and freedom of expression. At the same time, like most private colleges and universities, Muhlenberg has established policies governing student organizations and student behavior on and off campus. The intent of this policy is to clarify and confirm the applicability of the College’s rules and regulations to students participating in organizations not recognized by the College. Muhlenberg recognizes that students, as members of the Allentown and Lehigh Valley communities, have a right to belong to a wide range of community organizations. Student behavior as members of such community organizations is, however, still subject to College standards, rules, and regulations whether or not such behavior takes place on or off campus.
“Unauthorized student organizations” are not, and will not be, considered “community organizations.” The following are examples of groups that will be considered “unauthorized student organizations”:
- Student groups who are operating on campus in an organized fashion (with or without the support of a regional or national affiliation) and are primarily made up of only Muhlenberg students;
- Student groups that are in the process of applying for College recognition and have not yet received it;
- Student groups that have applied for College recognition and have not been approved;
- Student groups that have lost College recognition through judicial sanctions or that withdraw from the College or terminate their existence while disciplinary proceedings are pending against the organization, but continue to function, even under a different name.
(*this is not an exhaustive list, and in the event of an issue, student group activity will be reviewed on a case by case basis)
All current and future “community organizations” and not “unauthorized student organizations” are subject to College review to assure that they are truly community organizations and not unauthorized student organizations. Criteria used in making such judgments will include, but not be limited to, an evaluation of the membership of any such organization, the nature and focus of its activities (including recruiting activities), resources and support provided by national or regional entities, and the facilities utilized by the organization.
Any student who is an actual or prospective member of, or otherwise participates in, an “unauthorized student organization” will be subject to individual disciplinary action through the College’s judicial system and may be subject to sanctions which include probation, suspension, or expulsion.
Recognized College organizations that partner with any “unauthorized student organizations” may also be subject to sanctions which include probation, suspension, or permanent withdrawal of recognition.
Contact: Dean of Students Office, 484-664-3182
