Chapter 2: Students
- Adoption: 11/7/2012
- Revised: 08/07/2025
- Last Reviewed: 2/04/2026 (SGC)
- Next Review Date: 2/10/2031
- Custodian of Policy: Vice President of Academic & Student Affairs
Policy Statement
Student Clubs and Organizations exist as a means of providing meaningful programs that supplement the educational process by offering educational, social, and cultural, activities and events for the general student body. These clubs/organizations are formed to fulfill a common interest of a group of students and will follow the appropriate Hennepin Tech Policy and Procedures 2.1 Student Clubs and Organizations.
The existence and structure of all student clubs and organizations or special interest clubs must be approved by the College President. The official assessment of Student Activity Fees through the Business Office and the distribution of these funds will be governed by the Student Life Board and requires approval by the Director of Student Life and Career Development.
Guidelines for Active Clubs and Organizations
- Must have a minimum of five (5) currently registered Hennepin Tech students on its charter application and be active in club activities on an annual basis.
- Must have a student club advisor. The student club advisor must be an Hennepin Tech faculty or staff member that is approved by the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs annually.
- Will develop and submit a constitution and/or bylaws with their chartering application. If a club is affiliated with a parent organization, College policies shall precede any outside affiliations.
- Will establish a minimum of three (3) executive officers with clearly outlined responsibilities in their constitution and/or bylaws.
- Must not discriminate on any basis. This includes race, religion, or national origin, on the basis of sex or any other protected class under the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
- Must participate in at least one (1) college/campus planned event annually.
- Will ensure no individual member profits from any activities affiliated with the club or use approved budgeted funds for any expenses unrelated to club activities.
- Follow MinnState and Hennepin Tech established purchasing procedures.
Failure to abide by these guidelines and/or Policy 2.1 will result in review and potential loss of Hennepin Tech club charter.
Achieving and Maintaining Active Status
In order for clubs or organizations to be considered ACTIVE, a club or organization must complete annual recognition as defined by the Department of Student Life and Career Development.
Starting a New Club
Any student can start a new club anytime during the year. The process to start a new club is:
- Contact the Director of Student Life and Career Development.
- Create club constitution and/or bylaws for review by the Director of Student Life and Career Development.
- Complete the annual recognition form as defined by the Department of Student Life and Career Development.
Relationship to the College
Student clubs and organizations are affiliated with the College and are responsible for managing their programs in accordance with all college policies and procedures. They are not agents of the College and should not represent themselves as such.
Student Life Board
The Student Life Board shall govern the allocation of the student life fee. The student life fees shall fund the campus student association as defined in MinnState Policy 2.1 Campus Student Associations. The Student Life Board is made up of students and employees of the College to aid in the support of student clubs and organizations, activities, and events on campus. Upon receiving requests, the Student Life Board is responsible for disbursing student life fees to campus organizations for their activities. Student members of the committee are selected by the campus Student Senates. No more than 1/3 of the voting members can be non-students per Minnesota State policy 2.8 Part 2, Subpart A.
Student Organizations at Hennepin Technical College
1. Student Senate
The Student Senate is responsible for coordinating student senate activities on the campus. Recommendations for improving the educational and social aspects of campus life may be submitted through the Student Senate. Each program is encouraged to have representation in the Student Senate or send a monthly club report to the Student Senate Secretary. All meetings are open to everyone. Student Senate appoints the student members to the Student Life Board.
2. SkillsUSA
SkillsUSA is an applied method for preparing America’s high performance workers in public career and technical programs. It provides quality education experiences for students in leadership, teamwork, citizenship, and character development. It builds and reinforces self-confidence, work attitudes, and communications skills. SkillsUSA programs include local, state, and national competitions in which students demonstrate occupational and leadership skills. At the annual national-level SkillsUSA Championships, thousands of students compete in many occupational and leadership skill areas. These include goal setting, career planning, and community service. This program encourages local business involvement in the training of tomorrow’s entry-level workers.
3. Program Clubs
Some programs have student clubs or organizations that provide activities and development opportunities specific to their field of training. They range from formal clubs with membership and dues to informal organizations. Additional information on these clubs is available from the program areas, on the Hennepin Tech website, and/or the current student members.
4. Phi Theta Kappa (PTK)
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) is an honor society in two-year colleges. Hennepin Tech’s local chapter, Beta Kappa Xi, is comprised of students in either AAS or AS degree programs who have earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher and have completed 12 credits toward their major at Hennepin Tech. PTK is centered around four hallmarks: Scholarship, Leadership, Service, and Fellowship. Members are recognized for their academic achievements and may take part in activities on local, regional and international levels. In addition, members are eligible for national scholarships offered through the Phi Theta Kappa organization.
5. General Interest Club
Hennepin Tech also recognizes that there are numerous other general interest clubs. The operation of these clubs is encouraged, provided they enhance the existing clubs identified above and the mission of the College. They also must follow the club guidelines as outlined above.
Student Organization and Club Student Club Advisors
It is the policy of the College to require approved student club advisors for every student organization and club. Furthermore, the college shall require that the Student Club Advisor responsibilities, found in the procedures of this policy, be followed.
Authorized Structure
Student clubs and organizations are generally responsible for selecting their own advisor unless it is specified in an employee’s position description. Advisors must be a Hennepin Tech employee during the academic year in which one serves. Employees are required to complete the HTC Club Advisor Agreement annually to be eligible for a stipend. Stipends are approved by the Vice President of Academic and Student Affairs.
Conduct
1. Standards for Student Club and Organization Conduct
The College is committed to maintaining a safe and healthy learning environment for students, faculty and staff. Student club and organization behavior that is not consistent with Hennepin Tech policies and procedures is addressed through an educational process that is designed to promote safety and good citizenship, and when necessary, impose appropriate consequences. Upon recognition or application for recognition by the College, each student club and organization becomes responsible for acting in accordance with the provisions of Hennepin Tech policies and procedures and all other applicable college, state and federal policies and standards. Official College action will be taken when the behavior of the members of a student club and organization violates policies or procedures and/or interferes with the College’s educational purpose.
2. Non-Discrimination
As a condition of recognition with the College, all clubs and organizations must comply with Affirmative Action policies, including Title IX.
3. Hazing
Hazing, which includes any form of mental, physical, or emotional harassment, degradation, intimidation or harm, is strictly prohibited. Clubs and organizations found to be incorporating any form of hazing activities into their recruitment, new member, or ongoing organizational activities will face appropriate sanctions for violation of campus, local, and state policy and/or law. Hennepin Tech prohibits the use of alcohol and other substances as part of club, group, and organizational activities.