PennClubs

Nondiscrimination:

In alignment with the University of Pennsylvania’s Equal Opportunity Policy, student-run organizations are expected to uphold a commitment to non-discrimination. For more information, please visit Policies, Handbooks & Procedures | Office of Equal Opportunity Programs (“EO Policy”) It is essential for student organizations to recognize the University’s dedication to providing academic, social, and recreational programs and services that are equally accessible to all, and as such, all student-run organizations are required to conduct themselves and their activities in accordance with this commitment.

Student organizations must uphold principles of nondiscrimination and equal opportunity in all aspects of their operations, including recruitment, membership, leadership selection, and event promotion and programming. The following guidelines shall apply to all student organizations:

1. Recruitment, Membership and Events:

All student organizations must be open to all persons without regard to any legally protected civil rights class status, as described in the EO Policy. All selection processes for student organizations must be demonstrably neutral, inclusive, and consistent with the EO Policy. Organizations are responsible for ensuring that all eligibility criteria, practices, and communications are neutral, inclusive, and do not create barriers—intentionally or unintentionally—based on identity.

This guideline applies to:

• Recruitment and outreach efforts
• Membership decisions
• Selection of officers or leadership slates
• Event invitations, promotion and participation
• Any other organizational practices

2. Student Organizations Missions: Events and Activities Student organizations may focus their missions, programming, or activities around issues related to a protected class (e.g., “Women in Investing”) provided that no individual or group is excluded from membership or participation based on their actual or perceived membership in that class.

All invitations, recruitment and promotional materials, websites, and other organizational communications must clearly state that all students are welcome to participate, regardless of identity. Organizations may require participants to demonstrate a genuine interest in the subject matter (e.g., ensuring attendees are engaged or supportive of the event’s topic/theme). However, interest must not be used as a proxy to exclude individuals based on their identity or membership in a protected class.

3. No Indirect Discrimination: Student organizations must not use indirect or proxy methods to exclude or discourage individuals from membership or event participation based on any protected class. Prohibited practices include, but are not limited to:

• Asking questions or gathering information with the intent or effect of inferring an individual’s identity or membership in a protected class
• Requiring affiliation with external organizations that restrict membership based on a protected class.
• Imposing membership or event attendance, that in practice or effect, result in discrimination based on any protected class under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Antihazing:

Student organizations must fully comply with the University of Pennsylvania’s Antihazing Regulations, as outlined in the Pennbook.

To ensure compliance, students are encouraged to review both the definition of hazing and the examples provided in the Antihazing Regulations. A clear understanding of what constitutes hazing is essential to avoid prohibited conduct.

Violations of the Antihazing Regulations may result in serious consequences, including disciplinary sanctions affecting both individuals and organizations, as well as potential legal ramifications under applicable law.

Compliance:

Student organizations are obligated to adhere to all applicable rules, guidelines, policies and procedures established by the University of Pennsylvania. This includes, but is not limited to, the policies outlined in the Pennbook and the Code of Student Conduct. Furthermore, student organizations are expected to operate in compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal laws.

PennClubs, developed by Penn Labs in partnership with the Undergraduate Assembly (UA), the Student Activities Council (SAC), and the Office of Student Affairs, is the University’s official platform for student organization registration and management. The platform was created to centralize resources and streamline communication for student groups, making it easier for organizations to operate effectively.