Thank you for your interest in contributing to our campus by creating a New Student Organization.
Before beginning the application process, consider that it is an expectation that all student organizations serve our community and uniquely contribute to our campus. Students should carefully consider the unique impact of their organization and whether or not any existing student organizations already serve similar purposes before beginning the application process. Newly formed club applications will be accepted until September 26, 2025 for the current school year. After this date, any interest in starting a new club will have to wait until the beginning of May 2026 to submit an application for the the 2026 - 2027 school year.
School-Sponsored Student Organizations/Clubs
School-sponsored student organizations/clubs are those that directly relate to the body of courses offered by the school and meet at least one of the following criteria [FM LOCAL]:
The subject matter of the group is actually taught or will be taught in a regularly offered course.
The subject matter of the group concerns the body of the course as a whole.
Participation in the group is required for a particular course.
Being a member of the group results in academic credit.
The group participates, competes, or performs on behalf of the school in activities sanctioned by the school or District, UIL, or the Texas Education Agency.
Honor Societies
Student Service Organizations
Examples of these organizations could include, but are not limited to:
French Club, NHS, Model UN, Art Club, Science Olympiad, TAFE (Texas Association of Future Educators), NHS, FFA (Future Farmers of America), Student Council, Key Club, Interact, Freshman/Sophomore/Junior/Senior Classes.
Guidelines for School-Sponsored Student Organizations/Clubs [FM LOCAL]
School-sponsored student organizations/clubs must have a faculty sponsor.
The faculty sponsor or a faculty member designated as an alternate must attend all meetings.
An initial application must be submitted.[See FNAB-R Exhibit 1].
Each year, an annual report must be submitted, including a financial report, membership, parental permission, officer requirements, and updated sponsor information. [See FNAB-R Exhibit 2].
The organization/club must be approved by the principal.
Use of District Facilities [FM LOCAL]
School-sponsored student organizations/clubs may use District facilities with prior approval of the appropriate administrator. Each campus should develop a system to allow for written requests for facility use. Campus requests are approved by the principal, subject to availability of suitable meeting space and without regard to the religious, political, philosophical, or other content of the speech likely to be associated with the group’s meetings. Notices of meetings may be determined by the principal.
Non-School Sponsored Student Groups
Non-school sponsored student groups are those that do not directly relate to the body of courses offered by the school and do not meet any of the criteria for sponsorship. For additional information on criteria and guidelines for non-school sponsored student groups, see FNAB (Local and Regulations).
Examples of these groups include, but are not limited to:
Badminton Club, Conservation Club, Vietnamese Student Alliance, Gaming Club, Fishing Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes
Guidelines for Non-School Sponsored Student Groups [FNAB- REG]
Must be voluntary, student-initiated, and student-led.
May not be based on sexual orientation or gender identity. [Texas Education Code Section 33.0815(b)]
Must submit an application to the campus principal for approval. [See FNAB-R, Exhibit 1].
Must have a faculty monitor who attends meetings.
Must annually update and submit membership lists and permission slips at the beginning of each school year. [Texas Education Code Section 33.0815(b)]
Must submit an annual report at the end of each year for principal review and approval for the group to continue. [See FNAB-R Exhibit 2].
All financial accounts will be kept in the principal’s office.
Requirements for Forming a New Non-School Sponsored Group
The students will complete and submit to the principal for approval an Application for Non-School Sponsored Student group, [See FNAB-R Exhibit 1].
The students will submit a constitution, by-laws, or operating procedures to the principal.
Criteria for Approval of a New Non-School Sponsored Group [FNAB- REG]
The following criteria will serve to guide the principal in accepting or rejecting a proposed new non-school-sponsored student group:
The proposed group has a District employee monitor.
No other group already exists on the campus that addresses the same or similar goals and purposes of the proposed group.
The group has a constitution, bylaws, or operating procedures.
Membership does not discriminate on the basis of an individual’s race, national origin, religion, gender, or disability.
The primary purpose of the group will not negatively impact the general welfare of the student body.
The club meets the minimum requirement of 10 participants.
May not be based on sexual orientation or gender identity. [Texas Education Code Section 33.0815(b)]
Non-School Sponsored Group Employee Monitor
The principal shall assign a District employee to attend and monitor each non-school sponsored group meeting. Monitors shall be present at meetings and activities in a non-participatory capacity to maintain order and protect school property. No employee shall be required to monitor a meeting at which the content of the speech would be objectionable to the employee. District personnel serving as group monitors shall not promote, lead, or participate in the meetings of non-school sponsored student groups.
Persons not affiliated with the District may not form, direct, conduct, or control meetings; such persons may attend meetings with express consent from the principal. Special guests must go through the visitor check-in procedures prior to entering the school. If a guest attends a meeting more than once a year on District property, a criminal background check must be performed and cleared by the Office of Community Engagement. Students leading the group will notify the principal in advance when such guests are expected to attend.
Use of District Facilities
For purposes of the Equal Access Act, the District has established a limited open forum for secondary school students enrolled in the District. Each District secondary school campus shall offer an opportunity for non-school sponsored student groups to meet on school premises during non-instructional time. Student groups may use District facilities as set forth by administrative procedures and pursuant to policy FNAB (LOCAL).
Each campus should develop a system to allow for written requests for facility use. Campus requests are approved by the principal subject to availability of suitable meeting space and without regard to the religious, political, philosophical, or other content of the speech likely to be associated with the group’s meetings. Notices of meetings may be determined by the principal. The student group is responsible for working with the campus custodial staff and any financial obligations as determined by the campus. Groups will work with the principal on determining if campus security is needed.
CLUB APPLICATIONS AND RESOURCES
