CSHA is incorporated in the State of Ohio and has 501(c)(3) not-for- profit status as an educational philanthropy under U.S. law. Like most other student housing co-operatives, it is organized economically as a “group equity” co-op. CSHA adheres in all things to the Principles of Co-operation laid down by The Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers in England in 1844, as they have been updated over the years by the International Co-operative Alliance (ICA), Geneva, Switzerland. CSHA is a proud member of NASCO, the trade association supporting dozens of student housing co-ops in the U.S. and Canada.
Governance
Under the CSHA By-Laws, organizational decisions are allocated between two mutually dependent yet semi-autonomous bodies: The Board of Trustees and the collective membership of each residential building. At this time, there is only one residence (Steiner House). However, the division of responsibilities under the By-Laws will still apply should there be more. All decisions affecting the relationships among the members of any specific residence, including the division of labor and dining arrangements, are made by the resident members according to one person, one vote.
The Board of Trustees is responsible for the long-term financial stability of the entire organization, for ensuring that co-operative principles are adhered to, and that activities promoting the CSHA mission take place.
