With Christ as Lord, Harding University transforms learners for global impact by engaging minds and nurturing faith within a deeply connected community.
Led by our Christ-centered mission, Harding University aspires to be known around the world for educating and inspiring students to relentlessly pursue God’s truth, excellence and love.
Social Clubs at Harding University offer students a chance to grow in every part of life — spiritually, socially, intellectually, physically, and civically — while building deep connections within a close group of peers.
From traditions like inductions and Spring Sing to service projects, devotionals, athletics and social events, clubs create spaces for students to lead, serve and create lasting memories as part of their Harding experience.
Participation in Social Clubs impacts student achievement in the following areas:
All social clubs, constitutions, sponsors and officers must be approved by the Director of Campus Life. At least one sponsor must be a full-time employee of the University. The Interclub Council serves as the communication bridge between the Director of Campus Life and the 28 social clubs. Each club is represented in the ICC by its president and vice president(s).
The term "Office of Student Life" refers collectively to the Vice President of Student Life/Dean of Students, the Associate Dean of Students, Assistant Dean of Residence Life, and/or the Assistant Dean of Student Development.
The Office of Campus Life reports to the Office of Student Life. All social clubs fall under the primary oversight and authority of the Director of Campus Life. The Director of Campus Life serves as the chief administrator for all aspects of social club operations, including but not limited to:
Should there be any uncertainty about processes or points of contact, clubs should first consult with the Director of Campus Life.
Membership in a social club is open to any student who is in good standing with the University. Membership may be gained through the formal application, selection and induction processes outlined in this handbook. Select clubs, sometimes referred to as "small clubs" or "clubs operating with flexible membership", may be permitted to invite new members throughout the school year, with prior approval from the Director of Campus Life. These clubs typically operate with a flexible membership model to promote inclusivity or maintain sustainability.
Members may be classified in the following ways:
Inactive and ineligible members may not participate in any club activities. Clubs have the responsibility to enforce this policy, and any violation will result in club sanctions. Participation in club athletics by an inactive or ineligible member may result in club sanctions.
Students may have the ability to appeal their ineligibility status, which will be explained in the email they receive notifying them of their status. From the point they are notified, it is the student’s responsibility to remove themselves from club activities unless they are granted an appeal.
Students may, for various reasons, seek to transfer from one club to another. The procedure for doing so is outlined in the jumping clubs or reentering the process section and should be reviewed prior to initiating any request
Club members must be in good standing (not on academic or disciplinary probation) with the University. Members must maintain at least a 2.0 GPA to be considered for active status. Officer requirements can be found in the officers section.
All eligibility requirements also apply to beaux and queens.
Students interested in joining a social club must complete the online application, available through the social club link in Pipeline under “Apply to Social Club Process.” Once submitted, students will be notified of their acceptance into the process via their Harding email.
The deadline to apply is the Friday following second-round mixers. No late applications will be accepted once clubs begin voting.
A student who changes his or her mind about joining a club may withdraw from the process at any time by using the social club link under Personal Information in Pipeline. Students who withdraw are not eligible to reapply until the following academic year, unless granted an exception by the Director of Campus Life or the Office of Student Life.
Club Interest Session: Open to all students interested in learning more about the social club program. Specific information about the social club program will be presented followed by a discussion period including a period for questions and answers.
Officer Open House: Applicants may meet the executive officers from each of the social clubs in a casual setting. There is no theme or dress code; come as you are. Clubs are expected to display an estimated cost that a new member would incur during the first semester, as well as expected Spring Sing participation if applicable.
Ganus Activities Center All-Club Open House: Applicants may meet the members, along with officers and sponsors, from each of the social clubs in a casual setting. The same information should be displayed at All-Club Open House as was at Officer Open House.
First- and Second-Round Club Mixers: Each club is required to host two mixers — open, informal gatherings where club members and applicants can get to know each other. These mixers must be held on campus, may be themed for members and applicants to dress accordingly, and should be an hour and a half in duration. A mixer approval form must be submitted and approved by the Director of Campus Life for each mixer prior to scheduling or promoting the event.
Club Voting for Third-Round Mixers Invitations: After second-round mixers, each club will vote on which applicants they wish to invite to third-round mixers. A designated club officer will submit the invitation list through Pipeline and will receive confirmation via Harding email. Invitations will be sent to applicants by Harding email on a designated date and time.
Club voting is expected to remain fully confidential. All discussions, results and conversations related to voting must stay strictly within the club. There are no exceptions. Any club found openly discussing prospective new members, voting outcomes or related conversations outside of the club will be considered in violation of University expectations and may face disciplinary action.
Third-Round Club Mixers: Third-round mixers provide a more personal, focused environment for club members and applicants to engage in meaningful conversations and build deeper connections before the final voting process.
Applicants may attend all third-round mixers for which they receive an invitation. Just like the first two rounds, these mixers are also required to be held on campus, last an hour and a half, and often feature a creative or themed element that encourages fun interaction while allowing club members to get to know prospective new members in a relaxed yet intentional setting.
Like the earlier mixers, clubs must submit a mixer approval form for each third-round mixer and receive approval from the Director of Campus Life.
Club Voting to Receive an Visitation Invite:
Following third-round mixers, each club will conduct a vote to determine which applicants will receive invitations to Visitation. One designated club officer is responsible for entering the invitation list into Pipeline, after which they will receive confirmation via Harding email. All invitations must be sent directly to applicants through their Harding email accounts.
All voting discussions and outcomes are to remain strictly confidential and limited to the club's members only. Clubs found to be openly discussing voting results, applicant status or related conversations outside of the club may be subject to disciplinary action.
Applicant Ranking of Clubs: At the end of third-round mixers, Potential New Members should follow the procedure below for ranking a minimum of 5 clubs:
Rankings will be open for one day, the day following the last third-round mixers. If a student has any questions or concerns about his or her ranking not being submitted correctly, he or she should contact socialclubs@harding.edu immediately for verification or alternate methods of ranking. Once the club selection process begins, no new members can be added who missed the ranking deadline or submitted it incorrectly.
Fourth Round Mixers: For clubs offering flexible membership, a Fourth Round Mixer will be held in the Mabee Building the week before Club Week. This mixer is for prospective new members to meet the clubs without a membership cap. The goal is to give these students the chance to explore clubs they may not have previously considered.
Invitations to attend will be extended to students who applied to the social club process but did not receive an invitation to the clubs they had visited, and attendance is optional. Should a potential new member not receive a Visitation invite, and also choose to not attend the Fourth Round Mixer, they are effectively withdrawing themselves from the social club process.
The Fourth Round Mixer will follow similar guidelines to previous mixers and will be monitored by the Director of Campus Life.
Club Week Visitation: The Club Week Visitation is a meeting held prior to Club Week. Visitation offers applicants the opportunity to engage with clubs, ask questions and gain a clearer understanding of the club culture and community expectations. Participation in Visitation is an important step in preparing for Club Week and is expected of all applicants continuing in the process. Should a potential new member not attend Visitation from the club(s) they received an invitation to, they are effectively withdrawing themselves from the social club process.
Just like the three rounds of mixers prior, this Visitation will take place on campus and will not exceed an hour and a half. The time and location are at each club’s discretion; however, clubs must submit their plans to the Director of Campus Life for approval before sending out invitations.
Club Voting for Bid Recipients: Following Club Week Visitation, the final list of applicants selected to receive bids will be confirmed. Receiving a Visitation invite and attending the event is not a guarantee that the prospective new member will receive a bid to join that social club.
Bids for social club membership will be distributed to prospective members on Sunday afternoon, prior to the start of Club Week. Each bid is to be addressed to the student and include his or her residence hall and room number for delivery directly to his or her door by club members who are active participants in ICC. Bids for new male members living off-campus will be delivered to the Armstrong Hall front desk, and bids for new female members living off-campus will be delivered to the Sears Hall front desk.
No club gatherings involving new members may take place before 6:30 pm.
Following a required new member meeting at 6 p.m. in the Anthony and Wright Administration Building Auditorium, each club will host its induction ceremony between 6:30-10 p.m. on the evening of bid delivery. Induction is designed to welcome new members in a way that reflects the mission and values of Harding University. This ceremony serves as an important introduction to the club’s purpose, traditions and community.
Activities may include a devotional, presentations on the club’s history, motto, song, verse, colors and cheers as well as messages about the significance of club membership. Clubs will remain in their designated spaces for the entire ceremony. By the end of the evening, new members have been formally inducted into the social club and are prepared to begin Club Week activities.
Club books that include important information such as club history, member bios and constitution may be provided to members and/or inductees at the ceremony. Any assignments or activities contained in the book are to be completed by the end of the ceremony or during designated club activity times approved by the Director of Campus Life.
Each club must submit a completed example of their club book, showing exactly what new members will receive, to the Director of Campus Life before club week. The exact submission date will be shared in ICC meetings.
In the week following induction, clubs may organize approved events and activities that celebrate new members and encourage community-building among all members. All activities must align with the mission, vision and values of Harding University and the purpose of social clubs.
All Club Week activities must be thoughtfully planned and submitted for approval. Each club will meet individually with the Director of Campus Life to review and discuss their proposed schedule.
The following events are required for all clubs during the week:
All Club Week activities must happen only during the approved times listed below:
Monday 5-10 p.m. | All-Club Devotional, 10 p.m.
Tuesday 5-10 p.m. | All-Club Devotional, 10 p.m.
Wednesday per Director of Campus Life approval
Thursday 5-10 p.m. | All-Club Devotional, 10 p.m.
Friday 7 p.m.- curfew (no overnight) | Clubs may choose to meet from 5-6 p.m., prior to the required dinner, with the approval of the Director of Campus Life.
There are to be no Club Week assignments or communication between 12 a.m.- 7 a.m. There are no exceptions to this. Any clubs that are found in violation will be subject to immediate sanctions. These violations may include a new member choosing to do things for their club on their own time.
All activities must take place on campus, unless otherwise approved by the Director of Campus Life.
A sponsor must be present at all Club Week events, except the All-Club Devotional. An activity cannot take place without a sponsor present. If two or more clubs are participating in the same activity, it is acceptable for the sponsors from one club to fulfill the sponsor presence requirement for all clubs involved, as long as all sponsors involved agree to this arrangement beforehand.
Club Week activities are not allowed in the residence halls, cafeteria or student center. During the day, the campus should maintain the same atmosphere as any regular day, with focus on chapel, classes and normal operations in these areas. Clubs found violating this policy may be subject to sanctions, including but not limited to the removal of activities or the cancellation of the evening’s events.
Newly inducted members cannot face club-imposed sanctions, including revocation of active status, during the semester in which they joined a social club. If a new member is not attending or participating in Club Week activities, the club president or vice president must inform the club sponsors. Unless otherwise obligated to athletic practice, labs, work shifts or similar activities, all new members should plan to attend all Club Week events. Planning ahead for academic obligations, such as studying for tests, is an important preparation for Club Week. If the attendance concern is not resolved through meetings with the sponsors, it should be escalated to the Director of Campus Life for further resolution.
In the event that a new member is being removed from the club due to Club Week behavior or attendance concerns, significant steps must be taken to address the situation before this resolution is made. Once a club and/or its sponsors have made this decision, they must receive approval from the Director of Campus Life before any action is taken.
No club activities will be planned the Saturday or Sunday following club week without direct approval of the club sponsors and the Director of Campus Life.
Students are expected to maintain the highest standards of morality, integrity, orderliness and personal honor. Harding University upholds state laws regarding hazing and considers hazing to be in conflict with her mission and, therefore, strictly prohibited.
Hazing refers to any intentional, knowing or reckless act committed by a person on or off campus, whether individually or in concert with others, against another person or persons regardless of the willingness of such other person or persons to participate, that:
Office of Student Life
501-279-4331
studentlife@harding.edu
Office of Public Safety
501-279-5000
In keeping with the Stop Campus Hazing Act, Harding University will publish information involving a student club, group or organization for which a finding or responsibility is issued relating to a hazing violation.
(MEMBERS, SPONSORS and APPLICANTS) This document, which includes University anti-hazing policy and Arkansas Hazing Law, must be read and signed each year by members, sponsors and applicants. The signed Anti-Hazing Agreements will be emailed to each individual. Failure to do so makes a student ineligible to participate in the social club process.
Only individuals who have completed and signed the required agreement may participate in Club Week activities. Anyone found present at an activity without signing this document will face immediate disciplinary action, including possible removal from the event and additional sanctions. The club involved may face consequences, which may include suspension of activities or loss of privileges.
All club members, sponsors and applicants must familiarize themselves with current state and federal hazing laws. Any violation may result in disciplinary action against the individual and/or the club.
Disciplinary procedures for both individual students and organizations are outlined in the Harding University Student Handbook. When it appears that an individual or organization has violated a rule of conduct, the Director of Campus Life may refer the matter to the Office of Student Life for investigation.
If, as a result of their investigation, they determine that disciplinary procedures are warranted, the student or organization will be asked to meet with the Office of Student Life. After the meeting, the student or organization will be informed in writing of the specific charge(s) being made, the penalty imposed and the right to an appeal before the Student Life Committee. Information regarding the appeal process is listed in the Student Handbook.
Any or all of the following can be imposed on a club for a given infraction:
Club members are subject to additional individual disciplinary sanctions as outlined in the Harding University Student Handbook.
Each club is required to maintain a constitution that outlines its purpose, goals and functions. A current version must be on file with the Office of Student Life and reviewed annually by club officers and sponsors to ensure alignment with university policies. Updated constitutions are due each fall or anytime changes are made.
When proposing updates or amendments, clubs must first submit the proposed changes to the Director of Campus Life for review and approval. Once approved, the changes must be voted on during an in-person club meeting, requiring a two-thirds majority of active members to pass.
Each club will elect officers as outlined in its constitution. All officers must be in good standing with the University and must have at the time of election, as well as maintain throughout their term, a minimum 2.5 GPA. If an officer's GPA falls below the minimum requirement, the student is required to schedule a meeting with the Director of Campus Life. Students who do not schedule this meeting may forfeit their officer role.
The President and Vice President(s) will also represent the club on the Interclub Council.
Club sponsors are volunteer mentors who guide club members in fulfilling the club’s purpose and goals and University’s overall mission and values. Sponsors must be knowledgeable about University policies and actively ensure clubs comply with them. Sponsors attend official club gatherings and functions, including meetings, mixers, Club Week activities and other events as determined by the Director of Campus Life or the Office of Student Life. Sponsor presence ensures accountability, safety and alignment with University expectations.
Clubs must maintain clear and timely communication with their sponsors. Sponsors should be informed well in advance of meetings, functions, service projects and other events, including dates, times and locations. While sponsors are not required to attend athletic events or Spring Sing practices, they should be notified. Additionally, the club treasurer must keep sponsors updated on the club’s financial status, and all check requests must be signed by a sponsor. Clubs are responsible for covering any expenses, including travel, for sponsors and their spouses at official functions.
Each club is required to have at least two University-approved sponsors, with clubs having 50 or more active members needing at least three. At least one sponsor must be a full-time University or Harding Academy employee. To add a new sponsor, club officers must submit the individual’s name and biographical information to the Director of Campus Life for approval. Upon approval, officers and current sponsors may extend an invitation, and the club must notify the Director of Campus Life once the sponsor accepts.
Sponsors do have the ability to approve or deny functions or events that they are uncomfortable with, are unable to be present for, or are overall unsure of the functionality. Sponsors also play a critical role in addressing disciplinary issues within their club. If a member violates club policies or engages in inappropriate behavior, sponsors are expected to be involved in the resolution process. Sponsors will work with the club’s leadership, the Director of Campus Life, the Office of Student Life, and other relevant parties to address the issue and ensure that the club maintains a respectful and safe environment for all members.
Sponsors are asked to notify the Director of Campus Life if they wish to step down from their position. To remove a sponsor, clubs should first meet with the Director of Campus Life to express interest and take the first steps.
The Interclub Council serves as the communication bridge between the Director of Campus Life and the 28 social clubs. During meetings led by the Director of Campus Life, each club is represented by its president and vice president(s). Club attendance at ICC meetings is mandatory. If the designated officers are unable to attend, the next-ranking officers must be present. Repeated failure to attend meetings may result in disciplinary sanctions for the club.
The ICC may present formal recommendations to the Director of Campus Life regarding social club policies and procedures. Voting on recommendations or other matters will occur after discussion and will be decided by a simple majority, with each club casting one vote. A two-thirds quorum is required for voting.
Social clubs are required to submit full disclosure of any and all information related to the club, including but not limited to active membership roster, traditional activities, service projects, financial information, brother or sister club, or decision to self-disband. Failure to submit accurate information will be considered a major violation of University social club policy.
Clubs must deposit all funds into an agency account in the business office. For clubs maintaining a bank account with a local institution, only sponsors are permitted to have their names on the account and are responsible for its contents. Clubs often collect significant funds, including but not limited to dues, fundraiser proceeds, event or activity costs, merchandise sales and more.
Club treasurers are required to keep meticulous records of all transactions and ensure transparency in account activity at all times. Open communication with sponsors is essential to maintaining financial accountability. The club treasurer is also responsible for keeping members informed of the account balance, budget and purchases. Check requests must be signed by a sponsor and submitted to the business office at least five days in advance.
Functions, spiritual retreats, merchandise, mixers, and all Club Week plans must be approved by the Director of Campus Life prior to reserving, booking, purchasing, or otherwise making plans. Additionally, all deadlines (as communicated via email and in ICC meetings) must be met on time. If events, merchandise, etc. are not approved prior to the event / materials being distributed, or a deadline is missed, and the Director of Campus Life is aware, fines will be administered as below.
Missing Deadline: $5/day until turned in
Unapproved function/activity: one-time $150 fine
The Director of Campus Life will collect fines through the Business Office from club accounts on campus. If a club misses deadlines or does not submit forms or merchandise designs for approval more than three times, the club may face disciplinary sanctions.
Clubs must submit a list of active members by the third week of each semester. Active lists must be in a spreadsheet and must include the following information:
In addition to being fined, clubs will be ineligible to participate in activities, including club sports, if the active list is not submitted by the deadline set by the Director of Campus Life.
To be included on the active list, each member must pay dues by the club’s agreed-upon deadline. If payment is not made by this date, the treasurer must notify the Director of Campus Life to remove the member from the active list. Although it’s not always possible, clubs are encouraged to collect dues before adding members to the active list.
Clubs should address financial concerns on an individual basis. In line with the University’s values and the mission of social clubs, students should be encouraged to arrange payment plans or partnerships with the club to maintain active status, even if they are unable to pay dues upfront.
All T-shirt designs and club apparel must be approved by the Director of Campus Life prior to ordering. This includes, but is not limited to, buttons for tailgates (whether sold or distributed for free), merch drops, function-specific apparel, alumni designs, appreciation items for beaux or queens, Club Week designs, and more. If there’s any uncertainty about whether an item requires approval, submit the design for review to socialclubs@harding.edu.
Clubs that produce or distribute merchandise without prior approval of the design may be subject to a fine, at the discretion of the Director of Campus Life.
Generally, club meetings are on Monday evenings and alternate weekly between men and women. All clubs may meet on certain designated dates. Clubs have the ability to call special meetings, not falling on their respective dates, after seeking approval of club sponsors and notifying the Director of Campus Life. No club meetings, activities or functions are to be scheduled after dead week begins.
All clubs must secure a permanent room assignment for regular Monday night meetings between 9-11 p.m. Clubs are responsible for meeting with their respective building manager to understand the room reservation requirements. Failure to comply with the building manager's expectations may result in fines, loss of room access and/or other disciplinary actions. Permission must be obtained from the building manager for reserving and using any campus room or facility beyond the designated meeting location.
Please note that many spaces do not allow for A/V equipment or may be too small for larger club meetings. Rooms should be reserved as soon as the meeting dates for the next semester are announced. A list of available spaces for club meetings can be requested from the Director of Campus Life.
Banners, signs and flyers may be posted in the Hammon Student Center once approval is gained from the Director of Campus Life. Aramark Facilities Services must be contacted to hang banners and signs from the student center ceiling. These must not exceed four feet in length and eight feet in width. Clubs must gain permission from the building manager to post in any other facility on campus.
Please ensure that all banners, signs and flyers are removed promptly after events. Banners displayed in the student center during Club Week will be managed by the Office of Student Life and can be picked up from their office on the second floor of the student center following Club Week.
A club function is an event organized by the club that meets at least one of the following criteria:
Even if a function does not include all of these elements, it still qualifies as a club function if it meets at least one of the above criteria.
The total cost of any club function should not exceed $55 per person, which includes all expenses such as food, activities, merch, favors, entertainment and venue rental.
Informal club activities that do not meet the criteria of an official function are not required to go through the formal approval process. However, all club-related activities are expected to align with the University's community standards and guidelines, and clubs are expected to keep both their sponsors and the Director of Campus Life informed of these activities. Sponsors are not required to attend informal club activities, but they may choose to do so. Sponsors do have the ability to deny any functions, activities, etc. as they see fit, whether due to event plans, venue location, cost, etc.
Sponsors play an important role in supporting clubs in planning appropriate functions and gatherings and may intervene if activities raise concerns. For any questions or uncertainties, clubs are encouraged to reach out to the Director of Campus Life for clarification.
All club functions require sponsor presence, and sponsors must be informed of all event plans before any club announcements or sign-ups. Additionally, the Director of Campus Life must approve all functions prior to announcements or sign-ups. Activity Directors should complete the function approval form to seek approval from the Director of Campus Life before booking a venue, placing a deposit or notifying the club.
Clubs that plan and execute functions without prior approval may be subject to a fine at the discretion of the Director of Campus Life.
Students are expected to uphold standards of modesty and appropriateness in their attire at all club functions and gatherings. See the Student Handbook for University dress code guidelines.
Social clubs participate in a variety of intramural sports, providing members an opportunity to build relationships both within their club and with others. Only active members are eligible to participate in club sports. It is the club’s responsibility to uphold this policy, and violations, such as allowing inactive or ineligible members to participate, may result in disciplinary action.
Clubs are required to complete at least one service project each semester. In the fall, the primary focus is supporting Relay for Life through collaboration with the student directors, though clubs are encouraged to take on additional service opportunities as well. These may include mentoring, supporting local charities or assisting individuals in need. All service project plans should be communicated to the Director of Campus Life in advance.
To ensure proper accountability of funds, all fundraising activities must be approved by the Director of Campus Life before any money is collected. After the fundraiser, clubs are required to submit a summary report detailing the event.
To jump clubs, a member must have been active in their current club for at least one semester and meet eligibility requirements. The window for jumping is the first three weeks of the semester; the Director of Campus Life can grant discretionary approval for jumping clubs outside of this timeframe. Please consult with the Director prior to filling out forms or voting on new members if outside of the set window.
To jump clubs, the member must submit a jump form, available in the Office of Campus Life or in the Office of Student Life. The form must be signed by the president of the current club, confirming the member is in good standing and has no outstanding financial obligations. After that, the form is submitted to the president of the desired club for voting. If approved, the new president signs the form and sends it to the Director of Campus Life. No induction activities for new members are allowed beyond the formal induction activities outlined in this handbook.
Each club has its own policy regarding membership transfers, and it is essential to review the club's constitution or consult with the club leadership to ensure eligibility.
Students wishing to drop their current club and seek membership in a new one are considered to be re-entering the club process and must complete this re-entry form to notify the Director of Campus Life. This form must be submitted by the last day to apply for the social club process, which is the Friday following second-round mixers each fall semester.
By submitting this form, the student officially terminates his or her membership in the current club. If a bid for the new club is not extended, and the student wishes to rejoin his or her original club, that club may choose to re-extend membership.
To create a new social club, the following requirements must be met:
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