WHEREAS, pursuant to S.C. Code Ann. §59–125–1, et. seq., the Board of Trustees of Winthrop University was created and established as a body corporate for the purpose of effectuating the educational mission of Winthrop University; and
WHEREAS, on October 24, 2024, the Winthrop University Board of Trustees officially approved the transition of student government at Winthrop from the Council of Student Leaders (CSL) to the Student Government Association (SGA), effective July 1, 2025; and
WHEREAS, on March 24, 2025, after discussion regarding the denial of a charter request in February 2025 and questions over the appropriate role of CSL/SGA in the approval aspect of the chartering process, student leaders requested an evaluation of the review and approval process with guidance by the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs and input from the Office of Student Engagement; and
WHEREAS, on April 1, 2025, at the recommendation of the Vice President for Student Affairs and legal counsel, the President of Winthrop University rescinded the denial of the charter request made in February 2025 for Students for Life; and
WHEREAS, the President further requests that action be taken immediately by the Board of Trustees to place authority for review and approval of new student organizations, including the annual registration of existing student clubs and organizations and related governance issues, and for oversight and determinations about applications regarding the distribution of student activity funds to eligible campus clubs and organizations based on guidelines established for that purpose, with the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Winthrop University Board of Trustees approves the decision of the President and further officially directs the above-referenced responsibilities from CSL and SGA to the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that Winthrop University's President is vested with authority to oversee the process and actions of student governance at the University, including but not limited to oversight of the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs pursuant to the authority provided above to that Office, and to make recommendations to the Board for any necessary changes to the constitution and/or bylaws of the CSL, SGA, or other similar student group from this date forward.
FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Winthrop University Board of Trustees reaffirms its commitment to the rights of freedom of speech and expression as appropriate under the First Amendment to the Constitution and Winthrop University policy as well as the mutual respect, accountability, civility, and appropriate conduct required to protect persons exercising free speech and expression.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Acting Secretary to the Board of Trustees shall certify that the Winthrop University Board of Trustees approved this resolution on the 4th Day of April, 2025, in a specially called meeting. Such resolution shall be maintained and publicly posted by the Acting Secretary of the Board in a time and manner as required by law.
