Distinctiveness Requirement for Club Ratification

Distinctiveness Requirement

• Clubs seeking ratification must have a mandate, purpose, or activities that are substantively different from those of existing ratified clubs at the same campus.
• Superficial differences are not sufficient to establish distinctiveness.

Equity and Cultural Distinctions

• Applications that may appear to overlap with an existing club may still qualify for ratification if their focus is meaningfully distinct on the basis of culture, identity, or equity considerations.
• This includes but is not limited to clubs centered on specific cultural, linguistic, religious, or equity-deserving communities not otherwise adequately represented.

Overlap and Collaboration

• Where substantial overlap exists, applicants will normally be encouraged to amend their mandate or collaborate with an existing club.

Overrides and Funding

• Applicants who do not meet the distinctiveness requirement and do not fall under the equity or cultural exception may request an override from the Clubs Administrator.
• If denied by the Clubs Administrator, the applicant may appeal to the Board of Directors, whose decision shall be final.
• Overrides may be granted on a case-by-case basis. However, such clubs will not be granted automatic or baseline funding where a substantially similar club already exists. They may, however, request case-by-case funding through a funding request form.