University Policies

Student organizations are valuable members of the Penn family and a great way to develop leadership skills and lifelong friendships. Penn students can participate in more than 600 groups representing an array of interests, from academics to the arts, international culture to domestic politics, faith, fashion, finance, or food. Registered student organizations enjoy the free use of University meeting space and many other benefits.

It can be difficult for individuals beyond the campus community to understand the distinction between official University entities and our student organizations.  For that reason,  all registered groups are subject to a University requirement to publicly identify themselves as being student organizations regardless of each group’s name.

Your organization is expected to include the phrase “a student group at the University of Pennsylvania” or “a student organization at the University of Pennsylvania” as an identifier on the following platforms:

• Organizational letterhead or official email signature

• Group Website

• Group Social Media profiles (e.g. Facebook and Twitter)

Student organizations are subject to the following requirements, responsibilities and expectations:

• All organizations are required to specify that they are “a student group at the University of Pennsylvania” in all communications. This distinction must be included on letterhead, promotional materials, websites and in social media profiles.  Please refer to the OSA website for guidance on specific language.

• The University has a vested interest in preserving the Penn brand, thus any use of the Penn logo/name may warrant consideration from administrative partners.  At a minimum, organizations must follow the guidelines provided by the Secretary’s Office regarding use of the Penn name and logo: https://secure.www.upenn.edu/secretary/nameuse.html.

• Student organizations are expected to behave in a manner that is supportive of the University community.  Therefore, no organization may engage in any form of hazing. For a better understanding “hazing” and the penalties associated with these activities, please read Penn’s Anti-Hazing regulations at http://provost.upenn.edu/policies/pennbook/2013/02/15/antihazing-regulations.

• Student organizations, like all Penn students, are required to follow the policies set forth in the Pennbook.  Please familiarize yourself with the policies related to student organizations at http://provost.upenn.edu/policies/pennbook/category/student-groups.