Rule 3341-2-14 | Fund raising, solicitation, and sales rules for student organizations.
(A) Policy statement and purpose
The purpose is to articulate under what circumstances it is permissible for recognized student organizations to fund raise as well as under what circumstances anyone may solicit and sell items on campus.
(B) Policy
(1) Jurisdiction (recognized campus organizations)
(a) Campus regulations will permit fundraising by recognized student organizations. Recognized student organizations may use some university facilities without charge to host non-commercial events which raise funds for educational or public service purposes.
(b) Funds raised from the general university population shall be for the non-profit use of the sponsoring organization.
(c) Student organizations shall work with student engagement to keep accurate records of funds raised and spent, available upon request for inspection or audit. If an audit is required, it may be ordered at the organization's expense.
(d) Subject to special regulations concerning time, place and manner of public expression, a recognized student organization may in outdoor discussion areas and at meetings: sell materials related to the purpose of the organization, collect dues, initiation fees, donations and admissions charges for events. In addition, recognized student organizations may solicit funds in announcements and/or advertisements. Any postings by recognized student organizations must comply with BGSU's postings by rule 3341-2-02 of the Administrative Code
(e) Recognized student organizations may conduct raffles in accordance with the laws of the state of Ohio. All fifty/fifty raffles or those with direct cash payout are prohibited for student organizations.
(f) Recognized student organizations may not offer a direct cash or cash-equivalent prizes or payout, including instances of "split-the-pot" or cash equivalent loaded card ("Master Card, Visa etc.")
(g) Recognized student organizations are not permitted to coordinate or support the sale or processing of applications for credit cards on campus.
(h) The facility manager may require student organizations to utilize a contract or vendor agreement for outside vendors and receive a percentage of sales, a commission or a combination of both.
(2) Fundraising by non-university organizations
Any external organization seeking to raise funds for the benefit of an external organization must possess a current tax-exempt certificate from the internal revenue service. Prior approval for fundraising on campus must be obtained in advance by the facility manager. Organizations must keep current accurate records of funds raised and spent. These records must be available upon request for inspection or audit. If an audit is required, it may be ordered at the organization's expense.
(3) Solicitations and sales
(a) Solicitation is defined as any activity designed to advertise, promote or sell any product or commercial service.
(b) Solicitation in university residences is not permitted. Advertising signs, posters and fliers may not be distributed or posted in university residences.
(c) Recognized student organizations may not solicit on campus without obtaining permission from the facility manager. Individuals who collect applications for commercial purposes are restricted from soliciting said applications on campus. An activity that violates university policies or local, state and/or federal laws is forbidden.
(d) If authorized, solicitations are permitted in university buildings, except for "Falcon Outfitters", located within the Bowen-Thompson student union, where merchandise is sold under the regulations established by management.
Last updated September 9, 2022 at 6:03 AM
Supplemental Information
Amplifies: 3341
Prior Effective Dates: 3/12/2015, 9/15/2016