PURPOSE
Article 1. This directive governs the establishment, operation, and oversight of Student Clubs and Societies formed by Bilkent University students for the purpose of engaging in scientific, social, cultural, sporting, and artistic activities.
DEFINITIONS
Article 2. The definitions of the various units and individuals referenced in this directive are provided below:
2.1. Club/Society: Student groups established in accordance with the purpose outlined in Article 1 are referred to as Clubs or Societies. In this directive, they will collectively be referred to as “Club/Society.”
2.2. Club/Society Higher Council: The council responsible for making decisions on the establishment, operation, evaluation, and, when necessary, the suspension of activities or closure of Clubs/Societies is referred to as the “Higher Council” in this directive. The Higher
Council consists of 9 members, including a President and a Secretary, as defined in Article 10.
2.3. Student Activities Center: The unit responsible for overseeing the operations and activities related to Clubs/Societies and ensuring coordination with the Dean of Students is referred to as the ‘Center’ in this directive. The Center is managed by the Student Activities
Center Coordinator, hereafter referred to as the “Coordinator.”
2.4. Club/Society Advisor: The academic or administrative staff member who provides expertise and guidance to Clubs/Societies and is consulted on activities when necessary is referred to as the “Advisor” in this directive. The Advisor must be a full-time university
employee.
2.5. Suspended Club/Society: A Club/Society whose activities have been temporarily suspended by the Higher Council is referred to as a “Suspended Club/Society.”
ESTABLISHMENT OF A CLUB/SOCIETY
Article 3. The matters related to the establishment of Clubs/Societies are outlined below:
3.1. Establishment Application: To establish a Club/Society, at least 10 students must apply to the Higher Council as founding members. The application is submitted by completing the Club/Society Establishment Application Form, available on the Dean of Students’ website.
Each Club/Society must select one academic or administrative staff member from the university to serve as the Advisor. The Advisor’s name is included in the application form, along with a letter from the Advisor confirming acceptance of the role, which is uploaded to the form online. The application also includes proposed names for the Club/Society in both Turkish and English, as well as information about the founding members, a document confirming their status with their signatures, and the proposed event program for the first
year.
The Secretary of the Higher Council reviews the application and, if all required documents are complete, submits it to the Higher Council for a decision.
3.2. Establishment Application Timeline: Club/Society establishment applications must be submitted by the last day of classes each academic year. The application timeline is announced by the Secretary of the Higher Council to all students.
3.3. Establishment Decision: Club/Society establishment applications are reviewed at the Higher Council meeting. During the meeting, the Secretary of the Higher Council presents the applications and provides feedback. Decisions on establishment are finalized through a
vote by the attending members.
The final decision on the proposed names of the Club/Society, in both Turkish and English, is also made by the Higher Council.
If the Higher Council identifies missing items or recommends changes during the discussion, the Secretary informs the founding members and allows seven days to make the necessary revisions. After this period, the Secretary updates the Higher Council on the
developments and may request another meeting if needed.
3.4. Special Purpose Clubs/Societies: For applications to establish Special Purpose Clubs/Societies (e.g., sports, etc.), the Secretary of the Higher Council consults with relevant experts and units and provides the Higher Council with the necessary information.”
3.5. Clubs/Societies with Similar Interests and Purposes: If the field of activity and objectives of a proposed Club/Society are the same as or similar to an existing Club/Society, the Secretary of the Higher Council will not proceed with evaluating the application and will inform the founding members. If the founding members insist on continuing with their application, the Higher Council will make a decision.
If other proposed Clubs/Societies fall within the same or similar fields, the Secretary will consult with the founding members to explore the possibility of submitting a joint application. If the founding members choose to submit separate applications, the Higher Council will decide on them.
3.6. Club/Society Founding General Assembly: Once the newly established Club/Society has been approved by the Higher Council and the founding members have been notified in writing, the Founding General Assembly is held. Details regarding the Founding General
Assembly are outlined in Article 7.1.
CLUB/SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP
Article 4. Bilkent University students have the right to join any Club/Society without restrictions.
4.1. Membership Application: The application is submitted by the student directly through the STARS-SRS system.
4.2. Minimum Number of Members: The number of members in a Club/Society must not be fewer than 10. If the membership falls below this threshold, the Secretary of the Higher Council will issue a written warning. If the number remains below 10 by the end of the
academic year, the Club/Society will be suspended.
4.3. Students with Disciplinary Penalties: Students who receive an ‘Expulsion’ penalty under the student disciplinary rules of Higher Education Institutions will have their membership in Clubs/Societies suspended for the duration of the penalty. During this
period, they will also be prohibited from participating in any Club/Society activities.
4.4. Withdrawal from Club/Society Membership: Students may withdraw from membership in any Club/Society via the STARS-SRS system at any time, without needing to provide a reason.
4.5. Termination of Club/Society Membership: If a Club/Society wishes to terminate a member’s membership for reasons specified in its Internal Regulations, it must submit a reasoned decision from the Board of Directors to the Student Activities Center. The final
decision on this matter will be made by the Higher Council.
4.6. Member List: The member list of Clubs/Societies includes all students who have joined through the STARS-SRS system, and can be accessed through the Student Clubs and Societies Management System. This list is the official and only valid membership list for the
Club/Society.
CLUB/SOCIETY ACTIVITIES
Article 5. All activities organized by Clubs/Societies must be approved by the Student Activities Center and receive approval from the Vice Rector for Student Affairs through the Dean of Students. Other general matters and rules regarding activities are outlined below:
5.1. Clubs/Societies may not engage in activities, behaviors, or attitudes that contradict the integrity of the state and nation as outlined in the Constitution, the principle of the rule of law, fundamental rights and freedoms, secularism, valid laws, or Higher Education
Institution student disciplinary regulations, or that may misrepresent the university in the public eye.
5.2. Clubs/Societies must not engage in any form of discrimination based on race, gender, language, religion, or nationality in their work or events, and must respect human rights and fundamental freedoms, especially the freedoms of thought, conscience, religion,
expression, and belief.
5.3. Club/Society members may not participate in activities aimed at making financial profit.
5.4. Clubs/Societies may engage in activities that require special skills, in line with their founding purposes and goals, and must provide educational and developmental opportunities to ensure their members possess the necessary skills for such activities.
5.5. Clubs/Societies are expected to carry out their activities in English. For events planned in languages other than English, prior approval must be obtained from the Student Activities Center, and information about the event must be provided in advance.
5.6. Clubs/Societies may organize a limited number of activities outside their founding purposes and goals.
5.7. Clubs/Societies are expected to adhere to the activity schedule submitted at the beginning of the academic year.
5.8. For activity applications, the Student Activities Center may seek input from the relevant Advisor if deemed necessary. If the Advisor provides negative feedback, the Club/Society will be informed of the decision, and the Dean of Students will be notified.
5.9. Clubs/Societies must comply with the rules set by the Dean of Students regarding the announcement of their activities, as specified and published by the Student Dean’s office.
5.10. Clubs/Societies that wish to include their activities within the scope of the GE250 and GE251 courses must inform the Student Activities Center and comply with the published rules regarding these courses. The conditions for Club/Society activities under GE250 and GE251 will be determined by the Dean of Students and must be approved by the Vice Rector for Student Affairs.
EVALUATION OF CLUBS/SOCIETIES
Article 6. At the end of the academic year, the Higher Council convenes to conduct a general evaluation of all Clubs/Societies and makes the following decisions:
Clubs/Societies found to be in violation of the matters outlined in Articles 5.1 and 5.2, or operating outside their founding purposes and goals, as well as those that repeatedly fail to adhere to the general principles and rules of the University, will be immediately closed.
Clubs/Societies that fail to meet at least one of the following conditions during the academic year will be suspended for one year in the following academic year:
• Organizing at least two events per semester aligned with their founding purposes and goals (Note: Club/Society board meetings and General Assembly meetings do not count as events).
• Carrying out their activities in English (Events in other languages are permitted if prior approval was obtained).
• Holding at least four Board of Directors meetings.
• Maintaining a minimum of 10 members.
If, at the Higher Council meeting held at the end of the following academic year, at least ten students submit an application for the reactivation of a suspended Club/Society, the Higher Council will evaluate the application and make a decision.
A Club/Society that remains suspended for three consecutive years will be closed by the Higher Council.
GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Article 7. Clubs/Societies are required to hold at least one General Assembly each academic year to elect the members of the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee. All members of the Club/Society must be invited to the General Assembly. The rules governing
the General Assembly are outlined below:
7.1. Founding General Assembly: A newly established Club/Society, whose founding has been approved by the Higher Council and whose founders have been notified in writing, must hold its Founding General Assembly within two weeks of the start of the academic
year (the first day of classes). The Board of Directors, elected during this assembly, must prepare the Club/Society’s Internal Regulations and submit them to the Secretary of the Higher Council within two weeks. If these steps are not completed within four weeks of the
academic year’s start, the founding decision of the Club/Society will be revoked.
For other matters related to the Founding General Assembly that are not addressed in this article, the relevant provisions will apply.
7.2. Ordinary General Assembly: Clubs/Societies must hold their General Assemblies by the end of the fourth week following the start of the academic year (the first day of classes).
7.3. Extraordinary General Assembly: The Board of Directors may call an Extraordinary General Assembly if necessary. Additionally, if at least 10% of the total number of Club/Society members submit a written request, the Board must call an Extraordinary General Assembly. If the Board fails to do so within two weeks of receiving the request, the members may submit their request in writing to the Higher Council. The Higher Council will evaluate the request and may, if deemed appropriate, require the Club/Society to hold an Extraordinary General Assembly.
7.4. Duties of the General Assembly: The General Assembly has the following duties:
a. Elect the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee
b. Evaluate and approve the Board of Directors’ work, based on the report prepared by the Audit Committee
c. Prepare and amend the Internal Regulations
d. Review and approve the activity program prepared by the Board of Directors
e. Review and approve the budget prepared by the Board of Directors
f. Decide to close the Club/Society. A three-quarters majority of the total membership is required for this decision.
Clubs/Societies may include additional duties in their Internal Regulations, provided they do not conflict with the provisions of this Directive.
7.5. General Assembly Call: The date and location of the General Assembly are determined by the Board of Directors. An Activity Approval Form must be completed and submitted for approval no later than 10 days in advance. The Student Activities Center will
send the General Assembly invitation to all members registered in the Clubs and Societies Management System.
7.6. General Assembly Membership: All members registered in the Clubs and Societies Management System have the right to attend and vote at the General Assembly. Members must cast their votes in person; proxy voting is not permitted.
7.7. Quorum for the General Assembly: To hold a General Assembly, more than half of the total number of registered members must be present at the designated date, time, and location. If a quorum is not met, the General Assembly will be rescheduled for one week later. The Student Activities Center must be notified, and a new invitation will be sent to members. For the second meeting, the attendance of members equal to twice the number of the Board of Directors and the Audit Committee members is sufficient to constitute a quorum. If the second meeting also fails to occur, the Club/Society’s activities will be suspended until the end of the academic year, and a final decision will be made at the Higher Council meeting at the end of the academic year.
7.8. List of Attendees for the General Assembly: The member list, obtained from the Student Activities Center, will be available at the meeting room and must be signed by the attending members. This list will be attached to the General Assembly Results Notification Form, which will be submitted to the Student Activities Center.
7.8. List of Attendees for the General Assembly: The member list, obtained from the Student Activities Center, will be available at the meeting room and must be signed by the attending members. This list will be attached to the General Assembly Results Notification
Form, which will be submitted to the Student Activities Center.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Article 8. The Board of Directors is the executive body of the Club/Society. Matters related to the Board of Directors are outlined below:
8.1. Duties of the Board of Directors: The duties of the Board of Directors are as follows:
a. Organize activities in line with the Club/Society’s defined goals and objectives, and carry out the necessary work.
b. Promote relationships and establish friendships among members, organizing activities to that end.
c. Ensure full compliance with the Directive.
d. Handle all membership-related matters and maintain the necessary records.
e. Prepare and amend the Internal Regulations.
f. Develop the activity program.
g. Prepare the budget.
h. Maintain financial records.
Clubs/Societies may include additional duties in their Internal Regulations if needed; however, these cannot contradict the provisions of the Directive.
8.2. Responsibilities of the Board of Directors: The Board of Directors is accountable to the members of the Club/Society for its operations and to the Student Dean’s Office for financial matters.
8.3. Number of Board Members: The Board of Directors of a Club/Society consists of at least 4 and no more than 10 members, and this number must be clearly stated in the Internal Regulations. The roles, other than the President, Secretary General, and Treasurer,
are defined in the Internal Regulations.
8.4. President of the Board of Directors: The President presides over the Board of Directors and represents the Club/Society. The President has joint signature authority with the Treasurer for all financial transactions.
8.5. Secretary General: The Secretary General is responsible for keeping all records of the Club/Society, preparing the minutes of the Board of Directors’ decisions, preparing the agenda for the General Assembly, filling out the relevant Activity Approval Form,
communicating the Board meeting invitations to the members, and performing any other duties specified in the Internal Regulations, if applicable.
8.6. Treasurer: The Treasurer manages the financial records of the Club/Society, prepares the budget, and prepares the financial report at the end of the academic year for presentation to the Board of Directors. The Treasurer has joint signature authority with the
President for all financial transactions and performs any other duties specified in the Internal Regulations, if applicable.
8.7. Other Board Members: In addition to the President, Secretary General, and Treasurer, the Board of Directors may consist of at least 1 and no more than 7 additional members. The roles, duties, and powers of these members are defined in the Internal Regulations.
8.8. Duration of Board Membership: The term of membership on the Board of Directors is one academic year.
8.9. Re-election to the Board of Directors: A member can serve on the Board of Directors for a maximum of two terms.
8.10. Eligibility for Board Membership: To run for a position on the Board of Directors of a Club/Society, the following conditions must be met:
a. The candidate must not have received any disciplinary penalties under the Higher Education Institution’s student disciplinary rules.
b. The candidate must have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.00 at the time of application.
c. If applicable, the candidate must meet any other criteria specified in the Club/Society’s Internal Regulations.
8.11. Application for Board Membership: Applications for membership to the Board of Directors must be submitted to the Club/Society’s Board by no later than one week before the announced date of the General Assembly. The Board of Directors will announce the names of the candidates to all members via email before the General Assembly.
8.12. Election of Board Members: Elections are conducted by secret ballot. The Board prepares ballots listing the names of candidates in alphabetical order by surname. Each member attending the General Assembly is given a ballot upon signing. Voting members must select at least one, and no more than the total number of Board members, candidates from the list. Votes that do not select any candidate, select more candidates than the number of Board members, or contain names not listed on the ballot will be deemed invalid. The vote count is done openly at the General Assembly. To be elected, a candidate must receive more than half of the valid votes cast. If no candidate meets this requirement in the first round of voting, a second round will take place for the remaining positions, with subsequent rounds held if necessary.
8.13. Reserve Board Members: Candidates who are not elected to the Board will be ranked based on the number of votes they received and placed on the Reserve Member List. If a vacancy arises on the Board, members from the Reserve Member List will be invited to
fill the position.
8.14. Distribution of Positions within the Board: Board members will assign roles among themselves.
8.15. Vacancy of Board Position: In the event of resignation or other causes leading to the vacancy of a Board position, the member at the top of the Reserve Member List will be invited to join the Board. If the reserve member does not accept the position or cannot be reached, a new election will be held. The Board will reassign roles among its members.
8.16. Termination of Board Membership: A member’s position on the Board is automatically revoked if they receive a disciplinary penalty during their term. The member at the top of the Reserve Member List will be invited to fill the vacant position. If the reserve member does not accept the position or cannot be reached, a new election will be held, and the Board will reassign roles among its members.
AUDIT COMMITTEE
Article 9. The Audit Committee is responsible for auditing the activities of the Club/Society. Matters related to the Audit Committee are outlined below:
9.1. Duties of the Audit Committee: The Audit Committee is responsible for evaluating the activities and work carried out by the Board of Directors during the academic year and submitting a report. The report must be prepared in two copies, one for the Board of Directors and one for the Higher Council.
9.2. Members and Election of the Audit Committee: The Audit Committee consists of a President and two members. Elections are held during the General Assembly. Members may nominate themselves or be nominated by others. The election may be conducted by open vote, and the elected members will select the President from among themselves.
9.3. Vacancy in the Audit Committee: In the event of a vacancy in the Audit Committee due to resignation or any other reason, the member at the top of the Reserve Member List will be invited to join the Audit Committee. If the reserve member declines the position or cannot be contacted, a new election will be held. The Audit Committee will then reassign roles among its members.
9.4. Termination of Audit Committee Membership: If a member of the Audit Committee receives a disciplinary penalty during their term, their membership is automatically revoked. The member at the top of the Reserve Member List will be invited to join the Audit Committee. If the reserve member declines the position or cannot be contacted, a new election will be held. The Audit Committee will then reassign roles among its members.
HIGHER COUNCIL
Article 10. The Council consists of the following 9 members:
1. The Dean of Students (Chair of the Council),
2. The Coordinator of the Student Activities Center (Council Secretary),
3. One staff member assigned by the Student Activities Center,
4. The representative of the Student Council,
5. One Academic Advisor appointed by the Dean of Students,
6. The representative of the Alumni and Career Office,
7. The representative of the Physical Education and Sports Center,
8. One Club/Society representative designated by the Student Activities Center,
9. One Club/Society representative selected by the Clubs/Societies themselves.
The duties and powers of the Higher Council are as follows:
a. Review and make the final decision on applications for the establishment of
Clubs/Societies.
b. Monitor the activities of the Clubs/Societies throughout the academic year.
c. Reward successful Clubs/Societies.
d. In specific situations outlined in this regulation, temporarily suspend or permanently close the activities of Clubs/Societies, or suspend their activities until the end of the academic year.
The Higher Council meets at least twice a year as regular meetings and may convene extraordinarily at the request of the Dean of Students or the Vice Rector for Student Affairs when necessary.
The quorum for meetings of the Higher Council is five members, and decisions are made by a simple majority of the members present. In case of a tie, the vote of the Chair of the Council is decisive. The Chair cannot abstain from voting. If the Chair is unable to attend,
the Council Secretary will preside over the meeting.
REGISTER BOOKS AND DOCUMENTS
Article 11. Clubs/Societies are required to maintain two register books under the management of their Board of Directors. These books are as follows:
a. Board of Directors Decision Book: This book records all decisions made by the Board of Directors.
b. Income-Expense Book: This book tracks all income and expenses of the Club/Society.
If the Club/Society owns any fixed assets, the records related to these assets are also noted in the Board of Directors Decision Book.
Article 12. The documents related to the operation of the Club/Society and the activities they organize are as follows:
12.1. General Assembly Meeting Minutes: These are the minutes taken during the required General Assembly meetings. The minutes are prepared in two copies: one is submitted to the Higher Council Secretary, and the other is retained by the Club/Society in its files.
12.2. Internal Regulation: Clubs/Societies prepare an Internal Regulation that covers topics not addressed in this Directive and defines specific procedures for their own operation. The Internal Regulation is initially prepared by the founding members, and after approval by the Founding General Assembly, it is reviewed by the Higher Council. It becomes valid after receiving approval from the Higher Council. Any amendments to the Internal Regulation must be prepared by the Club/Society Board of Directors, approved by the General Assembly, and then submitted for approval to the Higher Council before they become valid.
12.3. Activity Application Form: Clubs/Societies must submit their event applications to the Student Activities Center using this online form.
FINANCIAL MATTERS
Article 13. The matters related to the income and expenses of Clubs/Societies are outlined below:
13.1. Budget: Each Club/Society must submit its annual budget proposal, prepared by the Board of Directors, for approval by the General Assembly of the Club/Society.
13.2. Income of Clubs/Societies: The income of Clubs/Societies consists of the following:
• The annual budget allocated to them by the University through the Dean of Students.
• Sponsorships obtained through their own initiatives.
• Financial assistance from external institutions and organizations, referred to as “External Project Support.”
• Contributions from participants in events they organize.
Clubs/Societies are prohibited from collecting membership fees or any similar payments under any other names from their members.
13.3. Annual Budget Allocations for Clubs/Societies: Clubs/Societies receive an annual Operating Budget from the University, allocated through the Dean of Students. This budget is determined based on factors such as the number of members and events held
in previous years. In addition to the Operating Budget, Clubs/Societies may submit project proposals and request financial support for specific events. This additional financial support is referred to as Project Support. The total amount of Project Support available to
Clubs/Societies is announced by the Dean of Students at the beginning of each academic year.
13.4. Sponsorships: Clubs/Societies may enter into sponsorship agreements with external institutions and organizations, in accordance with university policies and standards.
The process begins with the Club/Society submitting a Sponsorship Pre-Approval Form, which includes information about the sponsor, event details, and the obligations of both parties. If the form is approved by the Dean of Students, the contract preparation process
begins.
The contracts are reviewed by the Student Activities Center, and in some cases, legal advice may be sought from the University’s Legal Counsel. The contract is prepared in three copies and becomes valid once it is signed by the Club/Society President, an authorized
representative from the sponsor institution, and the Dean of Students.
The amount specified in the sponsorship agreement, inclusive of VAT, is deposited into the University’s account by the sponsoring institution. After the VAT is deducted, 10% of the remaining amount is transferred to the Clubs and Societies Reserve Budget, to be used
by all Clubs and Societies. The remaining balance is added to the respective Club/Society’s budget. Sponsorship income may only be used for the specific event or purpose outlined in the sponsorship agreement.
13.5. External Project Support: This refers to financial assistance provided by certain external institutions and organizations, irrespective of a specific event. These funds are directly transferred to the Club/Society’s budget.
13.6. Contribution Fees: Clubs and societies may collect contribution fees from participants to cover the expenses of an activity. Contribution Fees below an amount set and announced by the Student Activities Center may be collected in cash by the Club/Society Treasurer, against a receipt. The collected fees must then be deposited into the University’s bank account and subsequently transferred to the respective Club/Society’s budget. Larger Contribution Fees must be deposited directly by participants into the University’s bank account before being transferred to the Club/Society’s budget.
13.7. Project Support: Clubs/Societies may request financial support for specific events, known as Project Support, from the Clubs and Societies Reserve Budget. The total amount of Project Support a Club/Society can receive during an academic year may not exceed the
highest Operating Budget allocated to them for that year. Project Support may be used in installments for various events throughout the year. If the event for which Project Support is requested has other sources of income, the total amount of Project Support may not
exceed 40% of the total event expenses.
13.8. Expenses of Clubs/Societies: Expenses include operational costs (e.g., stationery, General Assembly and Board of Directors meeting expenses) and event-related costs (e.g., transportation, accommodation, guest hospitality, posters, flyers, overtime pay for
university staff, service costs from other departments, etc.).
13.9. Activity Income and Expenses: Clubs/Societies must prepare an estimated budget for each event they plan and include it in their Activity Application. This budget must account for all income and expenses related to the event.
13.10. Procurement Procedures: All purchases related to Club/Society events must comply with the Higher Education Institutions Procurement Regulation issued by YÖK and the Bilkent University Procurement Regulation, which outlines the required
procurement procedures.
13.11. Covering Expenses: Clubs/Societies must report their event expenses by completing an Expenditure Notification Form and submitting it to the Student Activities Center for official processing.
13.12. Audits: Clubs/Societies may be audited for their financial transactions and records by the Dean of Students when deemed necessary. Additionally, the Vice Rector for Administrative and Financial Affairs may conduct periodic audits through the Financial Affairs Department.
PENALTIES AND SANCTIONS
Article 14. The following penalties and sanctions will be applied in the case of violations in the operations of Clubs/Societies:
14.1. Warning: Clubs/Societies found in violation of the provisions outlined in this Directive will receive a written warning from the Dean of Students. The specific violation will be clearly stated in the warning letter.
14.2. Temporary Suspension: If a Club/Society, after receiving a warning, repeats the identified misconduct, the Dean of Students will suspend the Club/Society’s activities for a period ranging from one week to one month. The temporary suspension will be
communicated to the Club/Society in writing.
14.3. Suspension Until the End of the Academic Year: If a temporarily suspended Club/Society repeats the misconduct, or demonstrates irregularity, negligence, or abuse in financial matters, its activities will be suspended by the Higher Council until the end of the
academic year. Whether the Club/Society will be allowed to resume activities in the following academic year will be determined in a meeting by the Higher Council at the end of the academic year. The suspension will be communicated in writing to the Club/Society.
14.4. Closure: Clubs/Societies that violate Article 5.1, Article 5.2, or Article 5.3 of this Regulation, or engage in financial abuse as documented, will be closed by the Higher Council. The students involved will be reported to the Rectorate for disciplinary investigation.
14.5. Compensation for Financial Loss: In the event of financial loss caused by the operations or activities of a Club/Society, the responsible party will be required to compensate the loss. If the responsible individuals cannot be identified, the Club/Society itself will be held liable for the compensation.
14.6. Investigation and Right to Defense: For violations warranting penalties under Articles 14.3 and 14.4, the Dean of Students will appoint an investigator or an investigation committee from the members of the Higher Council. The investigator or committee will conduct necessary reviews, collect written and, if necessary, oral defenses from the Club/Society’s Board of Directors, and submit their findings to the Higher Council. Penalties such as suspension until the end of the academic year (Article 14.3) or closure (Article 14.4) will be imposed by the Higher Council.13.3) and closure (Article 13.4) will be imposed by the Higher Council.
14.7. Appeal Against Penalties and Sanctions: The penalty of Temporary Suspension (Article 14.2) may be appealed in writing to the Higher Council. The penalties of Suspension Until the End of the Academic Year (Article 14.3) and Closure (Article 14.4) may be appealed in writing to the Vice Rectorate for Student Affairs. The outcomes of any appeals will be communicated to the Club/Society in writing.
EFFECTIVENESS AND EXECUTION
Article 15. The Student Clubs and Societies Regulation, enacted by the Senate decision number 240 on 01.09.2014, has been repealed.
Article 16. This Regulation shall enter into force upon approval of the Bilkent University Senate and shall be enforced by the Dean of Students.