How to Start a Club or Organization

You’ve got a great idea for a club or
organization. What do you need to do?

Student organizations can be formed and recognized when the Dean of Students determines that the group’s purposes are in accord with the stated purposes and policies of the college. Here are the steps you need to take to get started:

	Meet with a Student Center and Activities office staff member to discuss your idea for a new organization. They can let you know if a similar club exists, if other people have inquired about starting this club or organization, and can get you in touch with other students who may have interest in this idea.
	Hold an interest/information meeting. The staff in SCA can help you organize it. Advertise the meeting in the Daily Update and through posters. This can help you determine the interest level in your idea. (Remember to indicate in your announcement that you are not a chartered club/organization yet).
	After the interest meeting, determine if starting a new club or organization is feasible.
	The SCA office requires that each club or organization have at least 5-7 members. This number is necessary to insure that each group has officers, is active, and will continue each year.
	Seek out a faculty or staff member who would be willing to serve as an advisor to your group. She/he will need to complete a Club and Organization Advisor Agreement and should be at your first organized meeting.
	Complete a New Chartered Club/Organization Registration Form, develop a constitution according to the guidelines in the Model Constitution, complete a Contract Agreement Form, complete an Addendum to the Contract Agreement Form, and submit a Chartered Club/Organization Roster and Advisor Agreement to the SCA office.

CHARTERING CHECKLIST:*
	Submit a New Chartered Club/Organization Registration Form (2 pages)
	Submit an Club and Organization Advisor Agreement
	Submit a constitution (see Model Constitution for help)
	Submit a Chartered Club/Organization Contract Agreement
	Submit a Chartered Club/Organization Roster of at least 5-7 members including mail numbers and Email addresses.
	Submit an Addendum to the Contract Agreement Form
*	All chartering forms must be submitted to the Assistant Director of Student Center and Activities, 270 CdC, Mail number 4261.