How do I become a registered/ recognized organization?

The first thing that you should do if you would like to start a new club or organization on campus is attend a New Organization Recognition Workshop. The workshops take place at the beginning of each semester and you can access the registration site under the Leadership Resources tab. 

The workshop will cover everything you need to do in order to become a recognized organization. Some of those things include completing the online application through the Student Organization Network (SON), creating a constitution that includes a non-discrimination statement (a template constitution is available as you’re filling out the online application), finding a faculty/staff advisor and having them sign an Advisor Agreement (also available on the online application), and attending Student Activities 101 and Financial 101.

A full list of all of the criteria is available here.

More details about all of this and where to find the online application are given in the New Organization Recognition Workshop.

Organization Registration

Why should I register my group?

As a registered student organization, you have the privilege of reserving tables and meeting space in the Mary Graydon Center and on campus, posting flyers to advertise your club and events, and obtain a budget for your club.  Check out this page to see all of the benefits that are enjoyed by recognized student organizations!

See the benefits!

How do I reserve space for my group?

Space reservation requests are reviewed and processed by submitting the online space request form.  To gain access to the online form, you must attend Student Activities 101 (for new leaders) or Student Activities 102 (for returning leaders).  All requests for space are reviewed on a first come, first serve basis. After submitting the online request, it is approved by the organization’s Student Activities advisor and then forwarded to University Events Scheduling (UES).UES requires at least three business days to schedule an event requiring little or no support service. Reservations for more complex events should be requested at least seven business days in advance.  

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Does my organization have an advisor?

Yes. In fact every club has at least two advisors – your faculty/staff/alumni advisor and your Student Activities advisor. These advisors are there to provide support, guidance and assistance, but in two different ways. Your faculty/staff/alumni advisor is there to provide content advice or support. Faculty/Staff/Alumni advisors are excellent resources for brainstorming, programming ideas, organizational development, and general advice. Your advisor in Student Activities can provide more information regarding programming, budgeting, event planning, organizational development, AU policies and procedures and other things specific to student organizations. Every organization is automatically assigned a Student Activities advisor, but your organization can select your faculty/staff/alumni advisor(s).

Selecting a faculty/staff/alumni advisor is an important decision. Talk with your group about your expectations for an advisor. Make a list of potential candidates and speak with them. Let them know your expectations and talk with them about whether they are interested. Don't put them on the spot and insist they let you know immediately; instead, suggest they take some time to think about it.

 

Responsibilites of an Advisor

How does my organization work with our Advisor?

At the beginning of each academic year, sit down with your faculty/staff/alumni advisor to:

• Discuss your club's expectations and plans for the upcoming year
• Highlight things with which you would like their advice or assistance
  
• Give them updated contact information and any concrete dates you have planned for the upcoming year 

Make sure they know how to get in touch with you.

• Talk about how frequently you will remain in touch and make plans for your next meeting.
  
• Keep them in the loop on your organization's plans and ideas. Some organizations like to send update emails, others set up weekly or monthly meetings and others call on a regular basis. Use whatever method works best for you and your organization – but keep your advisor current!
  

Oftentimes, students overlook the fact that faculty/staff advisors can serve as potential programming resources. They may have hidden talents, abilities or knowledge that they can share with your club or organization. Since they've agreed to be your advisor, it is most likely they share a similar interest or value your club's purpose  

Role of your Advisor

How does my organization involve our Advisor more?

Whenever you plan particular programs, it is always a good idea to keep in mind how you can involve your faculty/staff advisor. Simply inviting them to come to your events is a great way of keeping open communication and also demonstrates that they are valued  

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Are there things my organization does where we must involve our advisor

Yes. First, make sure you understand Student Activities policies and procedures. Take the time to ask questions and share ideas or concerns with your Student Activities advisor. The more your advisors know about your organization and your organization's activities, the better they are able to help you. Another important thing to remember is that the earlier you share your plans with your advisor, the more helpful they can be. They can often make events come together if they have advance knowledge of the activities. With less time, it becomes more difficult.  

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