Section 2:
Chartering a New Student Organization

Charter Requirements

All Wake Forest University School of Law students have the right to create a student organization that serves legitimate interests. Student Organizations provide students access to valuable leadership experience, service opportunities, and community activism. 

The Student Bar Association and the Office of Student Affairs must approve all charter applications before an organization can be created. It is recommended that you contact the Office of Student Affairs before you begin your charter application. When you are ready to apply, submit your application using the Student Organization Charter Form on the Link. Please note that submission of the Student Organization Charter Form does not guarantee approval of your organization. During the academic year, at least 2 weeks should be allowed for the Student Bar Association and the Office of Student Affairs to reach a decision on your application. 

The following requirements must be met before your Charter Application can be approved. 

1. Establish Organization Leadership: An Executive Board or Leadership Committee, consisting of at least 4 officers, such as a President, Vice President, Secretary, or Treasurer must be named. Each position must be filled by a different law student. Each organization must have a Finance Officer. The name of this position can vary between organizations (e.g., Treasurer, Treasury Secretary, etc.) but this person will be responsible for maintaining the organization’s budget, financial transactions, and assisting in reconciliation processes. 

2. Establish Organization Membership: Starting membership for your organization should be at least 5 law students, including executive positions. Please collect the names and signatures of each member. All members must be currently enrolled students at the Law School. 

3. Find an Advisor: Each organization must have a Wake Forest University School of Law faculty or staff member serving as their advisor. The advisor must sign the Charter Application before submission. 

4. Create Governing Documents: Student Organization Governing Documents must be well-structured and should have a clearly written mission, purpose, and operating procedures. Governing documents usually consist of a Constitution and a set of Bylaws.  All student organizations must include the following non-discrimination statement in their governing documents:

“This organization abides by the Wake Forest University Non-Discrimination Policy for Student Organizations, which states the following:

Wake Forest University Student Organizations are committed to diversity, inclusion, and the spirit of Pro Humanitate. In adherence  with applicable laws and as provided by University policies, the University prohibits discrimination in its organizations on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, genetic information, disability, and veteran status.”

Conditional Charter Period

In order to help new student organizations meet the requirements for a Charter Application, prospective student organizations may enter a conditional charter period. This period begins once the organization has communicated their intent to complete the Charter Application to the Office of Student Affairs.

Normally, only chartered student organizations may host events. However, organizations in a conditional charter period may host 1 Interest Meeting. Once a student organization has entered the conditional charter period, they may access an initial $100 budget from the Office of Student Affairs to use for the Interest Meeting and limited organizational supplies. The Office of Student Affairs will work with the organization to reserve a space for the Interest Meeting and will add the Interest Meeting to the Student Affairs Link page. The organization may then advertise the Interest Meeting following the same rules that apply to typically student organizations (see the Marketing and Communications section for more details). 

Charter Review Period

Once a Charter Application has been submitted, the Office of Student Affairs will review the application and the organization’s Governing Documents. The Office of Student Affairs will send comments on required or suggested changes to the prospective officers. The Student Bar Association will then vote on the approval of the Charter Application at their next meeting. If approved by the Student Bar Association, the organization can continue to the formal chartering period. 

Formal Chartering Period

During the formal chartering period, your organization will be given the resources you need to get started. After your charter is approved, the Office of Student Affairs will email the organization’s officers notifying them of the charter status and will schedule a meeting with the officers to review training materials and policies that will be important for you to know. All officers do not need to attend this meeting but attendees should review the materials with the rest of their board.

Topics that will be discussed during the meeting will include setting up your organization’s Link page, adding officers to your Link page, submitting events, and requesting funding from the Student Bar Association. 

After the meeting, the organization will be considered an active student organization and will be given access to the resources student organizations are entitled to. This includes, but is not limited to,

• Have a page in the Link to manage events, rosters, and post updates

• Request a locker to use for storage

• Have mail shipped to the Law School

• Reserve and use School of Law space for events and meetings

• Participate in the Student Organization Involvement Fair

• Apply for Student Activities Fee funding through the Student Bar Association