Guarini School Student Leadership Eligibility Policy

Summary of Policy

Only individuals whose primary affiliation with Dartmouth is that of graduate student may serve in a leadership role within graduate student-organizations.

Reason for Policy

The policy ensures that graduate‑student organizations remain truly student‑led by limiting decision‑making authority to individuals whose primary affiliation is as a graduate student, thereby preventing potential conflicts of interest, preserving equitable representation, and aligning leadership with Dartmouth's broader governance standards for student‑run groups.

Affected Parties

All Groups

Policy Statement

1. Purpose

To ensure that all leadership roles within Guarini School graduate-student organizations are occupied exclusively by individuals whose primary affiliation with Dartmouth is as a graduate student.

2. Policy Statement

2.1 Eligibility

Only individuals whose primary affiliation is graduate student and who meet the student (non-staff) criteria may hold a leadership position in any Guarini School student organization. Individuals must not be employed by Dartmouth as faculty, staff, or research associate/postdoctoral fellow while holding the leadership role.

2.2 Ineligibility

Faculty, staff, research associate/postdoctoral fellow, administrators, undergraduate students, alumni, or any person whose primary affiliation is anything other than graduate student. Even if enrolled in a Guarini School graduate program, a person whose primary affiliation is not that of a graduate student may not serve in a leadership position.

3. Scope of Leadership Positions Covered

Leadership positions (including but not limited to the following) are subject to this policy:

Graduate Student Council (GSC): Representatives, Executive Board members
Graduate-Student Organization Officers: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, or other officer role and title
Graduate Club/Society Leaders: President, Vice President, Chair, Co-chair
Other Decision-Making Roles: Any role that confers formal authority over a Guarini-School-affiliated graduate student organization is subject to this policy

4. Definitions

4.1 Primary Affiliation

The status recorded in the official Dartmouth student information system (e.g., Graduate Student, Undergraduate, Staff)

4.2 Leadership Position

Any role that provides formal decision‑making authority over a Guarini‑School‑affiliated organization

5. Ramifications

5.1. Violations

Any member of the Guarini School or Dartmouth community may report a suspected violation of this policy. Reports should be submitted in writing to the Guarini School at Guarini.Graduate.School@dartmouth.edu.

5.2 Office Response

The Guarini School will review the individual's primary affiliation and enrollment status and communicate the outcome of the verification to the reporter, organization, and individual.

5.3 Confidentiality & Non‑retaliation

All reports will be handled confidentially to the extent possible. No member of the Guarini School community shall be subject to retaliation for making a good‑faith report.

6. Review Cycle

This policy will be reviewed every five (5) years by the Guarini School Dean's office or sooner if a significant compliance issue arises.

7. Related Policies

For a more complete understanding of how this eligibility rule aligns with the broader Dartmouth governance framework, consult the following portals:

7.1 Dartmouth's Policy Portal

7.2 Guarini School's Policies

7.3 Privileges and Exceptions for Recognized Student Organizations policy

Reviewed By: Dean, Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies; Office of Graduate Affairs