STUDENT LIFE GENERAL FAQs
The Department of Student Life helps get students get involved in one or more of the many student-led organizations and activities on campus. The staff in the department works with student leaders in all student organizations (Registered Student Organizations and Certified Student Organizations) to help educate them in managing activities and projects. KSU Student Media, the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life, the Kennesaw Activities Board and Student Government Association are also supported by Student Life. Student Life staff also manages the Game Room and the Student Organization area that’s located on the third floor of the Student Center. Student Life wants students to get involved so they will feel at home and be happy at KSU!
How many student organizations are there?
Although the number varies from year to year, we can safely say that there are about 200 groups at KSU. There’s something for everyone!
Where can I see a list of the Student Organizations?
Click on the "Student Groups" link on our main page. This page is constantly being updated. We'll provide more information shortly! If you are interested in any KSU organization, use the Student Organization Interest Form.
How do I get involved in a Student Organization?
Check out the Master Calendar and find out when and where the groups you are interested in meets. If they have an office, drop by. You can use the Student Organization Interest Form on the Student Groups page. You may also come the our office in the Student Center, Rm 274, or email studentlife@kennesaw.edu. How's that for easy?
Does it cost anything to join a Student Organization?
There is no cost for most groups, although some may have minimal dues, such as honorary societies. Fraternities and sororities require members to pay membership dues (usually monthly), and there’s also an initiation fee for these groups. For information on fees for fraternities and sororities, visit their site.
Are activities on campus free?
Most activities held by Student Organizations on campus are free, though there are exceptions. Some activities may be fundraisers, and the fee paid may go to a charity; a few activities do require an admission charge. But MOST events are FREE!
How do I find out about all the events on campus?
Check out the Master Calendar and find out when and where the groups you are interested in meets. Not only will you be able to see a calendar of events, you can also use various filters to find what interests you; for example, you may only be interested in College of the Arts events. You can filter your selections so that only College of the Arts events are shown.
Do organizations provide alcohol at their events?
No. Alcohol is prohibited for on-campus events. Alcohol is not permitted on campus, nor can any student activity funds be used to pay for alcohol.
How do I start my own Student Organization?
It may seem complicated, but that’s why we’re here. First, read the New Organization Startup form in our forms section, under the organization heading. But we like old-school too – you can always drop by the Student Center Room 274 or call us at 770-423-6280.
How do I get into an Honor Society?
Most Honor Societies are by invitation only, so if you are eligible, you will be contacted. Many of them are based in KSU’s academic colleges. Some Honor Societies are ones for which you may apply. Be sure to check your KSU email and look at the announcements on Owl Express for opportunities.
Do Student Organizations have offices?
There are several organizations that have office spaces on the third floor of the Carmichael Student Center: the Global Society, the International Student Association (ISA), the African-American Student Alliance (AASA), the Kennesaw Activities Board (KAB), and the Student Government Association (SGA). KSU Student Media's newspaper, magazines and marketing are on the second floor (Rm 277), and OWL Radio is on the first floor (north side), across from the Gameroom. A number of other RSOs have cubicle spaces in the third floor area that we simply call, “Student Organizations.” Most students refer to this area as “The Cubes.” Feel free to visit!
Back on our main page, click on "Campus Jobs." Most offices and departments post open positions at this page and check often, as jobs are posted and removed regularly. If you find a student assistant position you would like to apply for, be sure to contact the specific sponsoring office.
I want to be a DJ for OWL Radio. Can I?
OWL Radio is looking for student talent in a variety of capacities. Visit www.ksusm.com for more information on these and other opportunities. Click on the "Get Involved" link. Before anyone may have an on air position, they first must complete training and serve on one of the station's teams. For more information, stop by the studio in Room 171 in the Carmichael Student Center, or the Department of Student Life, Room 274, above the station.
All KSU Student Media organizations are dependent on student talent and are student-run. Visit ksusm.com and search the site for information on how to get involved. In addition to writers, we also need photographers, editors, columnists, cartoonists, beat reporters, poets, artists, page designers, web authors, advertsing reps and others. KSU Student Media's main office is in Room 277 in the Student Center, next to the Student Life office.
I like pool and ping-pong. Where can I play?
The Game Room is located on the first floor of the Carmichael Student Center (north side) next to the main stairway, across from OWL Radio. Students are free to come in and hang out, and play pool or ping-pong whenever it’s open.
I’ve lost something/I’ve found something…where do I go?
Visit the Department of Student Life, room 274 in the Carmichael Student Center, and we will assist you.
Why do I pay a student activity fee, and how much is it?
Every KSU student pays a student activity fee each semester. The fee is $39/semester (fall and spring), and $26 (summer). It is the student activity fee that pays for most of the student entertainment events on campus and allows you to enjoy them. The student activity fee can also be accessed by student organizations who are certified by our department, providing events and “stuff” on campus for students. Lots of events have food and giveaways available. The student activity is what helps the University provide lots of services for students.
We like that in a person. You can call us at 770-423-6280, or email us at studentlife@kennesaw.edu. Come visit our office in the Carmichael Student Center, Rm 274. If we don't know the answer, we'll find out and not send you somewhere else until we're sure. We're nice like that.
Fraternity & Sorority Life FAQs
Can fraternity/sorority life help me succeed academically?
Fraternities and sororities were founded on the principle of successful scholarship. Academic success is in your favor when you factor in help from sisters or brothers, study halls, workshops, and time management strategies.
Do fraternities and sororities participate in community service?
Throughout the academic year our fraternities and sororities host a multitude of service projects and philanthropies that promote and enhance the fraternal ideals. Their service projects and philanthropies support various local and national organizations. In the Kennesaw and surrounding areas, charities and service organizations have turned to fraternities and sororities throughout our history because of their sustainable sources for volunteers and commitment.
Through the support of local and national philanthropies, fraternities and sororities promote ideals that will enhance your college experience. Charities and service organizations have long depended on the dedication and generous time contributed to the community by the Kennesaw State University fraternity and sorority chapters.
What do Kennesaw State fraternities and sororities do for the campus?
Our chapters provide and support various types of programming for the campus community. Regularly at Kennesaw State, you can find a fraternity or sorority hosting an event for charity, an educational workshop that enhance their self-development, event that are entertaining in nature, as well as many other activities. Our members are also involved on campus with a host of student programs and organizations, including Kennesaw Activities Board (KAB), Student Government Association (SGA), Orientation and many more. Outside of holding leadership roles, you can also find they engage with athletic events as well as other campus based programs, including Week of Welcome, Homecoming, Annual Office of Fraternity and Sorority Life (OFSL) Block Party, and much more. It is easy to say that the students strive to enhance and elevate the campus culture as they would their own chapter membership.
Is it expensive to join a fraternity or sorority?
Joining a fraternity or sorority does carry a financial obligation. Each chapter is self-supporting through dues paid by their members. Although chapters may make accommodations for special needs, students should take into consideration the financial commitment that follows membership in a chapter.
Is fraternity/sorority life really like the images portrayed in the media?
Many people have the misconception that the image portrayed through television programs and movies is really what is happening on college campuses across America. In reality, those images of fraternity/sorority life could not be further from the truth. Although an individual’s actions are entirely up to him or her, national organizations hold their members accountable for their actions using their founding principles as guides in their activities.
What if I am interested in a fraternity or sorority that is not at KSU?
The Kennesaw State fraternity and sorority community is growing rapidly and we are open to exploring the idea of adding additional chapters. Each council has a different process for expanding so the first step would be speaking with Jennifer R. Morales, Assistant Director in the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life at (678) 797-2838 or greeklife@kennesaw.edu.
Will I be hazed if I join a fraternity or sorority?
Kennesaw State University, the Department of Student Life, and the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life has zero tolerance for hazing. Hazing should not be part of any new member education program or membership intake process in any degree. If you are being asked to do something against your will or that is outside of the requirements for joining, or if you are unsure if the activity or request is allowed don’t hesitate to contact the Assistant Director for Fraternity & Sorority Life (770-499-3081), the Director of the Department of Student Life (770-423-6290), the Vice President for Student Success (770-423-6310) and/or University Police (770-423-6206).
How many fraternities and sororities does Kennesaw State University have?
19.
What fraternities and sororities are at Kennesaw State?
There are four governing councils that serve as the umbrella organization for the chapters within the council.
• Kennesaw State University Interfraternity Council (IFC) which includes:
Delta Tau Delta, Pi Kappa Alpha, Pi Kappa Phi, and Theta Chi
• Kennesaw State University National Pan-Hellenic Council (NPHC):
Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
• Kennesaw State University College Panhellenic Council (CPC):
Alpha Omicron Pi, Delta Phi Epsilon, Gamma Phi Beta, Kappa Delta, and Phi Mu.
• Kennesaw State University Multicultural Greek Council (MGC):
Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc. and Lambda Theta Phi Latin Fraternity, Inc.
If I am interested in joining a fraternity or sorority, how do I contact them?
There are several ways you can learn about fraternities and sororities here at Kennesaw State University: On our website (www.ksugreeks.com) you will find information and links to each of the chapter's individual or national websites. You can also stop by the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life (OFSL) in the Student Center, Room 253 and/or schedule an appointment to meet with a Fraternity & Sorority Life staff member.
How do I join a fraternity or sorority at KSU?
That depends on what organization you are interested in joining. Each council has a different process for accepting new members into their organization.
• CPC holds Formal Sorority Recruitment once a year in August. To register for Formal Recruitment you must register online, pay an application fee, have a minimum GPA of a 2.5 from high school or college, mail in a high school transcript for incoming freshmen or previous college transcript for transfer students.
• IFC hosts recruitment twice a year, once in the fall and spring semester. To register for recruitment you must submit an application, pay an application fee, have a minimum GPA of a 2.5 from high school or college, mail in a high school transcript for incoming freshmen or previous college transcript for transfer students.
• NPHC and MGC organizations conduct their own process for selection and initiation of new members, this process is known as membership intake. There are no set dates for membership intake. Once an organization decides to host intake they will post signs/banners in the Student Center displaying the dates for their Informational Sessions, Formal Interest Meetings, etc. These are the events you will formally attend to express interest. NPHC Convocation is also held twice a year. For more information regarding Convocation, please contact the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life.
STUDENT ORGANIZATION FAQs
FAQ’S ABOUT Funding events
What is the appropriate use for funding?
Appropriate use of funds includes programs/materials/activities that are likely to entertain, educate and/or strengthen theKSU student body. The historical performance of the event/activity is also considered. For more information refer to the Student Organization Manual (PDF file) found online under the forms section.
Student Organization Operational budgets for non graduate groups are used for paper, pencils, folders, dues, registrations, food, promotional items, and other small miscellaneous purchases to assist in running your organization.
Can SABAC allocated funds be used for purposes other than the event requested?
No, designated funds must be used for the event purposes.
Download the Petty Cash Reimbursement Form under the Student Organization section of the Forms page and follow the instructions for payment. For more details visit Section 5 of the Student Organization Manual.
Do events have to be open to the whole campus?
A general rule of thumb is that events that are open to the majority of campus tend to meet the criteria for Student Activity Fee fund usage. If your organization collects dues, or fundraises it can host a variety of events.
FAQ’S ABOUT Room Reservations
Why do I have to use the online form?
It will save everyone time if the online form is used. It asks questions that are necessary for us to fill the request. If we don’t have enough information to fill a request, emails or phone calls back and forth add time to the process. The more information you can give on the request, the quicker it will be processed.
Will I always get the space I request?
Not always. We have to consider many factors before we book a space. Sometimes space is requested that may not be the best space available for your event. If everything checks out and the space is available, we will try our best to give you what you want.
Can I book meeting space for a whole year or for more than one semester?
You may request meeting space for your weekly, biweekly or monthly general meetings for the current semester only. If you know your dates for the next semester, you can request them one month before the semester begins. That means dates for your meetings in January of 2013, could be requested in December of 2012. This applies to request for classroom space also.
Events that need special consideration for speakers, contracts or other considerations can be done one year out as long as it is not classroom building space being asked for. The larger the event the more time is needed to coordinate and book it. These events may need to go through the Campus Events Planning Committee approval process and take two to four weeks for approval. Allow 6 to 8 weeks or more for planning. Fill out the online Student Life ERF ( Event Referral Form) to register your large event upon confirmation of space on campus.
Will last minute requests be filled?
Any last minute request will be handled on a case by case basis. Not all last minute requests can be filled.
Is it a problem if I book space and do not use it?
Several problems are created when you book space and do not use it. For rooms that require a set up; manpower, supplies and money are wasted if the set up is not used. When a space is booked for you, it is taken off line and no one else can book it. If it is booked way in advance many group events are denied because the space is booked. If you do not use it, then it usually sits empty because there isn’t time to plan to put something else in the space.
Are there consequences if I do not cancel a room?
If you do not cancel a reservation, you will receive a notice for non cancellation. A copy is put in your file, sent to your advisor and the Director of Student Life. You will only be allowed 2 notices before action is taken. On the second notice, all events scheduled for your group will be canceled and you will not be allowed to use funds for your group. If your second notice is received the end of the semester, you will not be allowed to book space or use any funds available for the next semester. We will have a student assistant or staff member monitoring usage.
How do I make changes or additions to an existing reservation?
Do not submit another Activity Request Form if you already have a confirmation number for a reservation. Email kanders2@kennesaw.edu with the confirmation number and changes. These changes may include time change, date change or additional set up information. If the change is major and will change the event entirely, please cancel the current event by email and start over with a new request.
If I have been given outside space, will I be given a rain location automatically?
No, not automatically. You will need to speak with Student Life staff the week of the event if bad weather is expected for your date and we can check to see if anything is available at that time. If space is not available you will need to make the decision if you want to cancel or not.
If you leave any field blank on the Activity Request Form, you will get an error message. If you do not have an answer for a question, please put NA in the field.
The best way to access the form is from www.kennesaw.edu/student_life. If you have tried this and it still does not work, please call Student Life at 770-423-6280 and we can walk you through the form to see if the problem can be corrected.
How long does it take to get an answer and how will I know I have space?
Do not assume because you did not hear from us that you did not get a space. If an Activity Request Form is received by our office, you will always receive either a confirmation or denial. After the request is received, if there are no problems or complications, it usually takes 1 to 3 days to get your confirmation or denial. If you have not received correspondence within 3 days, you may want to contact the Student Life Office at 770-423-6280 to make sure your request was received.
The campus calendar does not reflect pending requests or those under review by Student Life or the Events Department so it will not reflect true availability.
