Starting a new Organization
Interested in starting a new student organization? You can either stop by the SIEO to pick up a paper packet or you can print out the forms on-line.
Documents
The following two documents outline the recognition process.
The following are forms you will need to complete prior to gaining recognition status.
- Temporary Recognition Form (.pdf, 17kb)
- Advisor Form (.pdf, 21kb)
- Skeleton Constitution & By-laws (.pdf, 22kb)
- Risk Assessment Survey
- Permanent Recognition Form (.pdf, 10kb)
Any group of five or more students that wants to organize to pursue a common interest may start a student organization. To become a recognized student organization a group must:
- Apply for recognition by completing the temporary recognition form above. A new organization is given a thirty-day temporary recognition status to allow time to organize and complete the recognition process.
- Develop a constitution. A basic outline for the constitution is included in the recognition materials (see "skeleton constitution"). One paper copy and one electronic copy of the organization's constitution must accompany the application.
- Elect and/or select officers. A list with names, addresses and phone numbers of the officers must accompany the application.
- Select an advisor. An Advisor Contract Form from a full-time faculty or staff member which indicates that person's willingness to serve as advisor to the organization must accompany this application.
- Submit details of initiation procedures. This applies only to those organizations that require a pledge period or an initiation procedure as a prerequisite to membership. Check with the Student Involvement and Employment Office for details.
Final recognition of all student organizations is granted by the Student Involvement and Employment Office with formal approval from the Student Government Association. If you have questions regarding the recognition procedure, contact the Student Involvement and Employment Office at 346-4700 or 346-2174.
A student organization's status will be considered inactive if an organization does not submit the required materials within thirty days after filing for temporary recognition. Recognition does not imply university endorsement of the organization's beliefs but does provide the opportunity for groups to enjoy the privileges of recognition as stated in this manual. Student organizations violating university policies and procedures will be reviewed by the Policy and Advisory Committee on Student Organizations (PACSO) with possible revocation of its active recognition status pending on the outcome of the review hearing.
