University Senate revises sponsorship policy to clarify, modify past sections

GCSU’s policy on sponsorships, donations and promotions underwent a transformation with the passing of a new university sponsorship policy.

The new policy clearly lays out the rules and restrictions on sponsorships and donations less than $1,000 for on-campus divisions, departments and student organizations. The policy is written much simpler than the previous one.

“We had a written policy, but it was very convoluted and too difficult; it was very lengthy and hard to interpret,” said Executive Director of Auxiliary Services Kyle Cullars. “Ultimately Auxiliary Services becomes the police of advertising, and with us being police of ads on campus, we need something clear in writing.”

Now, before asking for sponsorships or donations, divisions, departments and student organizations must contact the Department of Campus Life to get approved. All print advertisements—including posters, flyers and banners—which display sponsor’s names or logo must be approved by Auxiliary Services before being posted around campus.

The policy restricts divisions, departments and student organizations from receiving donations or sponsorship from a business or group whose main purpose is making, distributing or selling alcoholic beverages. According to Cullars, the new policy does provide the option for sponsorship or donations from restaurants, unless the restaurant caters.

Preference must also be given to organizations GCSU has contracts with when soliciting sponsorships or donations. For instance, if divisions, departments and student organizations want a drink company to sponsor any event, they should approach Coca-Cola, one of GCSU’s contracted businesses. Under the policy, if Coca-Cola rejects the offer to sponsor, Pepsi Co. cannot be given the chance to sponsor or donate.

“It’s in Georgia College’s interest to do business with those doing business with Georgia College,” Cullars said.

If a non-contract company approaches a division, department or student organization, the donation may be accepted as long as the company understands no advertising or promotion will be given for their donation.

“You are not allowed to go to them, but if they come to you then take it,” Cullars said.

The policy lists more than 20 companies currently under contract with the university. Divisions, departments or student organizations can request a non-contract organization be added to the contract organization list by petitioning the Office of University Advancement.

Due to their special nature, the Department of Athletics and student media such as GCTV, WGUR and The Colonnade are exempt from the policy.

“I think WGUR needs to exempt from the sponsorship policy because it affects our revenues and allows us to operate like our industry,” said General Manager of WGUR Ben Elliott. “Student media must compete because we are to operate in the public’s best interest, therefore we must be fair in all dealings.”

Divisions, departments or student organizations that do not follow the sponsorship policy will be punished in accordance to their division. Since RSOs and campus departments follow different rules and procedures, their punishments would be different.

Posted by Matt Chambers on Nov 5 2010. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.