Clubs' Legal Framework

• All RUSU Clubs are democratic, not-for-profit (NFP) organisations with a formal Constitution and formal Aims. NFP does not mean cannot make a profit! 
• RUSU Clubs are unincorporated. This means club members are individually liable for club debts, legal suits, etc. This liability will usually fall (at least initially) to the club's elected Executive leaders. 
• Every RUSU Clubs must operate within the framework of its' own Constitution, policies & procedures, RUSU Regulations & all applicable RUSU & RMIT policies & procedures, & the Law (including SSAF Legislation).
• Club Constitutions must be consistent with the RUSU Clubs Model Constitution - it must contain at least the same sections and the content of the sections must be consistent with the Model. A copy of the RUSU Clubs Model Constitution is here
• For RUSU Regulations, see Section 4.4 for Clubs & Societies - 
• RMIT policy/procedure includes student conduct, child safety, technology use, and operational processes such as room booking procedures and club event risk management approvals. 
• Students can face university disciplinary procedures because of inappropriate behavior linked to club activity. Click here.
• The RUSU Clubs Code of Conduct applies to all members - link to RUSU Clubs Code of Conduct. 
• Every RUSU Club must "affiliate" (register) and annually renew its' affiliation to RUSU (this is how RUSU clubs gain recognition from the University, access funding, insurance, training, support, equipment, room bookings, etc.)

Club Membership

• Minimum numbers: Every RUSU Club must have and maintain at least 20 currently enrolled RMIT Student Members. 30 are required to start a new club. 
• Annual membership renewal is required
• Who can join? RUSU Clubs must be open to all RMIT students with all RMIT student members enjoying equal benefits from their membership (Full Membership). Exceptions are (1) Academic Clubs which may limit Full Membership to students studying in their specific cohort, (2) where membership restrictions apply to promote substantive equality, and which meet the requirements for a special measure under Section 12 of the Equal Opportunities Act 2010 (VIC). For further detail, please refer to Section 4.10.2. of the RUSU Regulations. 
• Non RMIT Members: If a club so chooses, non-RMIT Students (including RMIT Alumni) may join a RUSU Club as Associate Members. These must not total more than 25% of the total Club Membership & do not have the right to be Executive Members of their Club's Management Committee nor to vote on club matters. 
• Sign up processes: Memberships must be taken electronically through an online form or online system and there is some key member information that must be gathered. Whichever electronic method is used must be able to provide an auto timestamp to show when the member joined/re-joined. The members themselves must complete the sign up form/process.  
• Member data management: Membership forms must collect certain personal details and club leaders have a legal responsibility to store and use membership details appropriately and in accordance with Privacy Laws. 

Club Management

• Every Club must have a Management Committee of at least of at least four (4) but no more than seven (7) Executive Members elected by and from the Club's Full Members. (Note: different rules apply to new clubs and some lapsed clubs trying to restart).
• The elected Executive has authority & responsibility for the strategic development and day-to-day governance and operations of their club. 
• The Executive may appoint non-Executive Members to the Committee. 
• Only Executive members have voting rights at Committee meetings. However, all Management Committee members are responsible for ensuring their Club operates according to all relevant rules, policies, laws, etc and taking action if it isn't.
• Decisions made by a Club Committee/Executive may be overturned by vote at a Club General Meeting. 
• Every Club Management Committee must meet at least six (6) times per year. 
• Every Club Executive must present an Annual General Report and Financial Report to its' Club's Annual General Meeting (AGM)
• RMIT students may not be Executive Members on the Board of more than two (2) RMIT student Clubs at any one time.

* Academic "umbrella" clubs such as the RMIT Business Student Association (which provides a range of services/supports to all academic clubs in the College of Business) are permitted to negotiate a different club Governance structure in consultation with the RUSU Clubs Department. Umbrella clubs may only be established with the approval of all linked clubs, and the support of RUSU and the College or School involved.

Club Events & Activities

• The primary beneficiaries of every RUSU club's events an activities must be the RMIT student members of the club.  
• Every RUSU Club must deliver at least four (4) activities/events every year (may include online activities).  
• At least half of a clubs activities/events must be delivered solely by that club (not in conjunction with other clubs or organisations) 
• All club events and activities (except Committee and most General Meetings) must gain club event risk management approval to be covered by RMIT insurance and be eligible for clubs funding.