Contents:
Student Organization Essentials
Copyrights, Trademarks, and Logos
Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy
Comprehensive Event Support Policy
As a member of a student organization at the University of Michigan, you will be expected to uphold University policies and procedures, always acting in good faith when conducting your organizational business. Further, you are expected not to misrepresent the mission, purpose or goals of your organization. By upholding the Standards of Conduct for Recognized Student Organizations, you will garner a positive reputation for your student organization, and student organizations in general, and continue to be recognized as a student organization in good standing with and of great value to the University of Michigan.
Open - Standards of Conduct (PDF)
The University will follow the procedures outlined here to respond to student organizations that violate the Standards of Conduct for Recognized Student Organizations. These procedures reflect the University’s commitment to behavior modification through education, student self-governance, alternative dispute resolution, and accountability.
Open- Procedure Manual (PDF)
Filing a Complaint
Any student, faculty, or staff member of the University of Michigan can submit a complaint against an organization. If you would like to file a complaint, please submit a SOAR Conduct Report form to begin the process of filing a complaint. Once you have submitted the report, a CCI staff member will connect with you to walk through the SOAR Accountability process and submitting a formal complaint.
Student Organization Essentials Training
All organizations are required to complete organization essentials training. The training covers important details on how to manage organizations at the University of Michigan and includes topics such as organizational leadership, finance, and programs & events.
Open - Organization Essentials
Copyrights, Trademarks, and Logos
Attaching “University of Michigan” to a student organization event or publication is appropriate only when the event or publication is sponsored by a University unit via an Event Sponsorship Agreement or if the organization is an SSO.
Open - Name, Marks, and Seal in Political Campaigns
Open - Logo Guidelines (PDF)
Open - Event Sponsorship Agreement (Google Document)
Go to - Brand Guidelines
*All online media is included in these guidelines but is not limited to: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, blogs, websites, email address, Tumblr, Flicker, Snapchat, etc.
Copyright and Trademark FAQ
Who May Use University Marks?
Sponsored Student Organizations may be granted permission to use University trademarks through their sponsoring unit for official SSO business.
Voluntary Student Organizations may not use University trademarks, the exception being for an event covered by a University Event Sponsorship Agreement. With this sponsorship, a VSO may be granted permission to use University trademarks through their sponsoring unit only for official business relating to the event.
Who may use the University Seal?
Students are prohibited from using the seal on their printed materials, including doctoral dissertations, or to promote student events. For questions, concerns or more information on the use of the U-M Seal and use of the "Block M", please email [email protected].
Checklist of Usage Considerations
Before using the University name and images, it is important to consider whether the use would be supportive of the University’s missions and reputation, and reflect the University’s values.
As you consider specific situations, ask yourself whether the use of the University name and images would:
- Be consistent with and supportive of the University’s missions of research, education, and public service.
- Show respect for persons, particularly students, faculty, and staff as members of a community of higher learning.
- Reflect the University’s commitment to vigorous and open inquiry and discourse, and to the values of honesty, openness, academic freedom, and integrity.
- Recognize that an institution of higher education is a vital and essential component of a diverse, democratic society.
- Preserve the University’s reputation as a recognized international leader in academic pursuits, research, and service to society.
- Be in compliance with University policies and codes of conduct.
- Include truthful and open disclosure of sources of financial support for externally sponsored or funded University activities.
- Attain a fair financial return to the University for any commercial use of its name or marks.
The use of the University’s name and images must not:
- Be associated with activities or entities that bring its integrity or credibility into question. Careful consideration must be taken to protect and respect the University’s reputation and standing.
- Be used for personal gain.
- Be used in print or electronic form if it implies commercial or political endorsement of a product, service, project, or individual without the prior written authorization of the University Name and Images Review Committee.
- Be used in political campaigns or in political advertising.
What if it’s not “THE” block M?
If it is similar to “the” block M it is probably intended to make it appear that it is the “real” block M and therefore officially sanctioned by the University. This fits the definition of trademark infringement, which occurs when one company or organization uses the trademark of another to promote its goods and services. The ultimate issue in infringement cases is whether the public is likely to be confused about the source of the goods or services offered.
What if we are a University Department/Sponsored Student Organization?
Departments may use the University marks for University business and must follow the University of Michigan Brand Guidelines. SSOs may use the University marks with the permission of their sponsoring unit and must also comply with all University Identity Guidelines.
I thought you can’t trademark a letter of the alphabet?
The block M is, in fact, a federally registered trademark.
Why can’t I use it, even if it’s for a good cause?
The type of work your student organization pursues does not necessarily grant your organization the ability to use the University's marks; rather, use of the University’s marks is primarily dependent upon the relationship of the University to your group.
I saw X group/department do it, so why can’t I?
Every case is unique. Also, some groups or departments do not check their use of University marks for consistency with the University Identity Guidelines. Even if you know of instances where the guidelines were not followed, we encourage you to remain consistent with the guidelines and policies that are put in place. We appreciate your bringing us examples of other uses that seem inconsistent with University Identity Guidelines so that the University Logos Committee can review those uses for compliance.
No one outside the University will ever see it, so who cares?
The University needs to protect its name and images from infringements from all sources. This is one of the requirements for preserving trademark protections.
No organization may adopt a name which may be construed by the University community as misleading as to the nature of affiliation of the organization. This includes acronyms.
VSOs may not use “University of Michigan,” UM, U-M, U of M, UMICH, or any other trademarked phrase at the beginning of their name, but are permitted to say Blank Club at the University of Michigan. Other trademarks, like Go Blue, cannot be used. This policy includes all online platforms (social media, email, websites, etc.)
- The Michigan Difference
- Big House
- Maize Rage
- Expect Respect
- Wolverines
- Michigan Wolverines
- Go Blue
- Let’s Go Blue M
- The Victors
- Hail to the Victors
- Victors Valiant
- Champions of the West
- Conquering Heroes
- Michigan Stadium
- Crisler Arena
- Yost Arena
Organizations cannot use other trademarked names. Organization names must be unique and distinguishable from existing student organizations. The naming policy also applies to all social media, emails, blogs, twitter & facebook accounts, handles, URLs, etc.
Registered Student Organization Naming Guidelines
What if we don’t change our name?
Student organizations that remain in violation of this policy will not be able to complete the recognition process.
How do we change our name?
Complete a Name Change Form.
Go to - Forms and Quick Links
The University of Michigan, as an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding nondiscrimination and affirmative action. All student organizations must adhere to the University of Michigan nondiscrimination policy.
Go to - Nondiscrimination Policy
Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy
All recognized student organizations must follow the guidelines set out in the Vice President of Student Affairs’ Alcohol policy.
Alcohol and SSOs
SSOs, by virtue of having all funds in University accounts, cannot purchase alcohol for any event. However, an SSO may conduct an event where alcohol is served if the event complies with the venue’s alcohol policy. Alcohol may be either donated or purchased by individuals, either in bulk or through a cash bar, but may never be served in violation of local, state, or federal law.
Service
- Alcohol must be served by a licensed and insured caterer.
- Liquor liability coverage is provided for eight licensed University locations: The University Club, Michigan League, Michigan Union, Business School Executive Residence, Inglis House, Oxford Conference Center, Pierpont Commons and Flint Campus University Center.
- The University also provides coverage at University-sponsored receptions where liquor is served (not sold).
- A 24 Hour Liquor License must be arranged through the Office of the General Counsel for “cash bar” or similar receptions serving beer or wine. The Department of Public Safety must be notified of any reception where liquor will be served. Additional notification procedures apply to functions involving University Hospitals.
Alcohol and VSOs
VSOs may not use University funds, including any funds in SOAS or other University accounts, to purchase alcohol.
VSOs that maintain bank accounts outside of the University against the advice of SOAS and CCI are strongly encouraged to adopt internal restrictions regarding the use of those funds being used for alcohol. There are no University imposed restrictions on the use of those funds.
NOTE: All student organizations are strongly encouraged not to maintain bank accounts outside of the University. There is no University check or maintenance on these accounts and therefore there is little recourse for malfeasance, misuse, or theft. Student organizations that wish to maintain such accounts do so at their own considerable risk.
Service
- Alcohol should be served by a licensed and insured caterer.
- Liquor liability coverage is provided for eight licensed University locations: The University Club, Michigan League, Michigan Union, Business School Executive Residence, Inglis House, Oxford Conference Center, Pierpont Commons, and Flint Campus University Center.
- The University also provides coverage at University-sponsored receptions where liquor is served (not sold).
- A 24 Hour Liquor License must be arranged through the Office of the General Counsel for “cash bar” or similar receptions serving beer or wine. The Department of Public Safety must be notified of any reception where liquor will be served. Additional notification procedures apply to functions involving University Hospitals.
Go to - Alcohol and Other Drugs Policy
Go to - Risk Management Services
The University of Michigan condemns hazing practices associated with membership, advancement, leadership or continued good standing in student organizations.
Go to - No Hazing Policy
The Policy and Procedures on Student Sexual and Gender-Based Misconduct And Other Forms of Interpersonal Violence will be replacing the older Student Sexual Misconduct Policy effective July 1, 2016.
For more information on addressing sexual assault, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking, please visit the Community Matters Resource Guide.
All funds that are raised by student organizations at the University of Michigan should be used for fulfilling the purpose and mission of the organization stated in the organization constitution. Groups that identify investment, business, or financial management as their mission and/or purpose are restricted to educational and simulation-based methods. Student organizations at the University of Michigan are restricted from raising funds, investing, or making profits that are then obtained by or distributed to members for personal financial gains.
VSOs are not given non-profit status by the University and are responsible for seeking independent tax advice when applicable. SSOs and their sponsoring unit are responsible for ensuring that all University policies related to funds are fulfilled.
Student Organizations hosting events in the University Unions space are required to follow a distinct guideline for mutual benefit for safe events for the organization and the Union itself.
Go to - Comprehensive Event Support Policy
University Travel Abroad
Group leaders (faculty, staff or graduate students) leading students abroad to any destination for study, research, or other reasons must have their plans reviewed and approved in advance by the Dean or designated administrator of each academic or business unit in which the program is based. Group leaders are responsible for ensuring that: (a) all trip itinerary, lodging, and overseas contact information is entered into the University Travel Registry; (b) all students have obtained travel abroad health insurance through the University’s authorized vendor; (c) verification of the Travel Registry registration and travel abroad health insurance has been provided to the Dean or designated administrator of each of the schools or colleges in which the students are enrolled; (d) follow University guidance, including University Travel Warnings and University Travel Restrictions; and (e) comply with best practices for health, safety and security planning for pre-departure orientation, during the trip, and post-trip review.
The sponsoring University unit is responsible for completing these tasks for Sponsored Student Organizations (SSOs) traveling abroad.
NOTE: A Sponsored Student Organization is a recognized student organization that has a substantial and formal relationship with a sponsoring University unit and exists pursuant to the guidelines established by the appropriate campus student life. An SSO must be sponsored by an executive officer, dean, or director of a major academic or operational unit and must have a mission that is consistent with the missions of the University and sponsoring unit. A sponsorship agreement between the student organization and the sponsoring University unit must be on file with the appropriate campus student activities office.
Student-Initiated Group Travel
In order for the University to provide comprehensive response in the case of an emergency, Voluntary Student Organizations (VSOs) initiating group travel abroad to any destination for study, research, or service are required to (a) enter all trip itinerary, lodging, and overseas contact information into the University Travel Registry; (b) obtain travel abroad health insurance through the University’s authorized vendor; (c) follow University guidance, including University Travel Warnings and University Travel Restrictions; and (d) comply with best practices for health, safety and security planning for pre-departure orientation, during the trip, and post-trip review.
NOTE: A Voluntary Student Organization is a recognized student organization that exists pursuant to the guidelines established by the appropriate campus student life. A VSO has access to certain University-controlled benefits and resources and is accountable to the University for legal compliance, fiscal responsibility, and adherence to established community standards.
Go to http://global.umich.edu/travel-resources/register-your-travel/
This University policy clearly defines the expectations of student organizations managing the health, wellness, safety, and security of children and teens while on campus or in the university's care.
Go To: Minors on Campus Policy
Go To: Children on Campus Website
All filming on campus must be primarily set in teaching and research, following guidelines to not disrupt day-to-day activities on our campuses.
Go To: UM Filming Guidelines & Policy
Student organizations are not allowed to operate food service operations.
Go To: Food Service Guidelines
All student organizations must have a current Maize Pages roster that includes 10 active members.
If your organization is unable to meet the requirements please review the 10 member policy exception process and contact [email protected] if you would like to pursue an exception.