What do curling, sign language, investing, and outdoor enthusiasts have in common? They all have their own official St. Olaf student organization, representing only a handful of groups that enrich the nonacademic side of student life.

The Student Organizations Committee (SOC), headed by Coordinator Jenny Klein, works to oversee the formation of new student organizations and to support the over eighty already established. Organizations such as the Political Awareness Committee and the Lion's Pause, SOC is a branch of the Student Government Association. As such, the SOC Coordinator fills a seat on the student senate, speaking for the interests and concerns of student organizations.

It is important that students comprise this committee because, Klein remarks, "students are the ones out there running the organizations and doing the leg work." She believes "new students come in and give fresh perspectives."

Leaders of would-be new organizations begin the process of becoming officially recognized by completing a three-year recognition petition. The request form can be obtained in the Student Government Office (located across the hallway from the Post Office counter and Print Center) or off the SOC website, http://www.stolaf.edu/orgs/sga/soc/.

The petition asks for general information like the names of the organization, student officers and faculty or staff adviser, and the number of current members (at least four are required). In addition, leaders must submit a copy of the group's constitution or bylaws, a brief list of planned events, a letter of acceptance from the adviser, and a financial report (if requested).

Those interested in petitioning should also note that recognized organizations agree to certain obligations. For example, groups must abide by College policies, be of benefit to the student body, and be open to the entire St. Olaf community.

After SOC has reviewed the petition, they ask the leader(s) to come in for a short interview. "It's usually only ten minutes long. It's not that complicated," Klein remarks.

If any problems do exist, which Klein is quick to assure rarely occurs, SOC works with petitioners to resolve the issues at hand. Students may appeal any decision made by the SOC to the student senate.

The benefits of being an officially recognized student organization are plentiful. Each semester every organization receives $50 of CAP fee monies to spend on operational expenses. Additional funding is available in the form of either SOC grants or SGA co-sponsorships.

The Student Organizations Committee awards grants to help pay for a current activity/campaign or durable goods and other capital for the organization. Co- sponsorships assist groups with organizing one-time events, such as conferences, speakers or trips. In reviewing each application, the SOC considers the organization's prior efforts to fundraise.

Officially recognized student organizations enjoy use of the SORC (Student Organization Resource Center), located near the Print Center. Organization members may use roll paper, markers and colored paper stocked in the SORC to create publicity posters. A computer and printer are available as well.

In the spring of the year, organizations may apply to occupy one of many cubicles or offices during the next year. In allocating SORC space, the committee considers any special needs of particular organizations. For instance, the Sexual Assault Resource Network (SARN) has a need for confidentiality.

Other opportunities include participation in programs sponsored by Student Activities, such as the Co-Curricular Extravaganza, and holding College checking and bookstore accounts.

This year, Klein aims to encourage communication between different organizations. "Often groups are doing they same types of things and aren't aware of it."

In large part to facilitate this communication, Klein will hold organization leaders' meetings the third Sunday of every month from 9:00P.M.-10:00P.M., starting in October. "We're trying to get organizations to pool resources and ideas," she explains. "The campus won't get so tired of seeing the same events."

In addition to an elected Coordinator, the SOC consists of appointed executive members. The committee has a representative for each organization category (e.g. Multicultural Organizations, Athletic Organizations, Service Organizations), a financial officer and a publicity/public relations chair. Interested students submit an application and are interviewed by the Coordinator in the spring of the preceding year.

Currently, the Student Organizations Committee is seeking a first-year student for a new position. The position complies with a Senate bill passed last year, requiring nearly every branch of the SGA to have a first-year representative. Klein says the new member will "observe what goes on overall, to help them get a flavor of what the entire SOC does." She hopes that this student will later assume another position in the SOC. Applications are available in the Student Government Office.

For further information regarding the SOC, email SOC0001@stolaf.edu or call their office at x3928.