Student Organizations
With over 60 registered student organizations, there are numerous opportunities for involvement outside of the classroom. These organizations represent a variety of interests; from student government to social activism, from literary publications to Greek Life. Each organization’s contact person, advisor, and purpose is listed on the Student Organizations webpage.
Organization Registration Process
All student organizations are required to register each year with the Office of Student Activities. An letter will be sent via email to all student organizations during the spring semester outlining the re-registration process. This letter will contain links to the Signature Card, Application for Funding, and the Office and Cabinet Application. While organizations are not required to apply for funding or for an office/cabinet, the following requirements must be fulfilled for a student organization to be considered in good standing:
The organization must complete a signature card for the current academic year (2020-2021), listing all authorized officers as well as an on-campus advisor
At least one authorized officer must attend the Officer Workshop, which will occur on Wednesday, September 11th, from 5:00pm - 7:00pm in the McCombs Ballrooms. If an officer is unable to attend, they may meet with Evan Alexander, Coordinator of Student Activities, to discuss the relevant policies and procedures.
Benefits of Registered Organizations
The ability to reserve space on campus
Funding, both regular and contingency
The ability to apply for Community Chest funding
Office or cabinet space
Use of the copy machine
Use of university vehicles for trips
Use of university equipment such as stages, audiovisual equipment, and catering
Campus-wide communication and marketing (fliers, banners, chalking, etc.)
Creating a New Organization
If you are interested in starting a new student organization, you must first set up a meeting with a staff member of the Office of Student Activities. They will explain the process in detail and answer any questions you may have. New student organizations are approved through the Student Government Association (SGA).
Advisors
The Purpose of Having an Advisor
The knowledge, leadership,and guidance that an advisor can provide for your organization is priceless. An advisor can assist in designing and evaluating organization goals and activities. An advisor can help provide continuity and serve as a signatory on official forms. Also, your advisor will have more familiarity with the university and its policies and services.
What Benefits Does My Organization Get From Having an Advisor?
While it is a requirement that all student organizations must have an advisor to remain in good standing, a good advisor can be very beneficial. An advisor can assist in designing and evaluating organization goals and activities.
Advisors also maintain continuity within the organization from year to year, providing a sense of history for your organization. All the organization’s files should be stored with the advisor to make sure that next year’s leaders can pick up right where you left off. Spending time reinventing the wheel can bring down an organization and lead to problems in the future.
Advisors act as advocates for students, so they can be a great resource for students. It is not the advisor’s role to take over the organization, but to help make the group the best it can possibly be. Student organizations have the opportunity to choose their own advisor, so they should choose someone that they will enjoy working with. Having a good advisor will help to increase membership, maintain a quality reputation, and establish loyalty among the organization’s members.