| How to Start a Student Organization |
Becoming a Recognized Student Organization
There are two types of student organizations: clubs and special interest groups. The distinction is as follows:
Club: A club is an organization that consists of at least five students and an advisor. A club registers each semester with the Office of Student Life and the Student Government Association. This includes completing a Registration Form and having a current constitution on file. A club will follow all Penn State policies and those specific to Penn State Abington, including leadership requirements, cumulative GPA requirements, and representation at all Abington Student Forum meeting, and it qualifies for funding under SGA guidelines.
Special Interest Group: A special interest group is an organization that fulfills the needs of the students and/or the University. Requirements consist of an Office or Department sponsoring the group with one person serving as the advisor. Funding for a special interest group cannot come from SGA and there are no voting privileges. A special interest group can have a non-voting representative on the Abington Student Forum. Special interest groups should register with the Office of Student Life using the Registration Form.
How to Start and/or Renew an OrganizationIn order to become a registered organization, the following steps must be accomplished:
- Meet with the Associate Director of Student Affairs to review mandatory steps for recognition and to discuss the elements of the constitution. Obtain approval from the Associate Director for the purpose and description of your organization.
- Draft a constitution similar to the sample enclosed in this manual. Include the organization's name and purpose, membership, officers, advisor, election of officers, meeting, quorum, amendments and bylaws.
- Meet with the Vice President of the Student Government Association to review the recognition requirements and to be placed on the agenda of an upcoming Executive Board meeting.
- Present your organization and constitution to the Student Government Association for approval. A majority vote of the Executive Board is required for recognition.
The president of the organization seeking recognition must submit the following information to the Associate Director of Student Affairs and the President of SGA:
- A Completed Registration Form
A roster of at least five students who will be members of the organization must be listed on the Form. One must serve as president and one must serve as treasurer. The name, email address, and campus phone number of the faculty/staff member who will serve as an advisor must be on the Registration Form. This individual must be a full time employee of the University. This form can be obtained at the Lares Info Desk as well as in Room 209 Lares. - A Constitution
Clubs are encouraged to use the sample in the Student Organization Manual.
- Is membership to the organization open to all interested students?
- Is the purpose and description of the organization similar to an existing organization?
- Space on campus to hold meetings and events.
- Listing in major publications such as the Student Handbook and Get Involved Brochure.
- Posting privileges of publicity and promotional materials.
- Funding from SGA.
- Website space on the Penn State Club Server (see Coordinator of Student Life Programs (215) 881-7507 for access).
- Support from the Office of Student Life, including professional resources and consultations.
If SGA votes to deny the organization official recognition because the materials submitted do not meet the required guidelines, SGA may ask the organization to re-submit the required materials, with the necessary modifications.
This information was taken from the Student Organization Manual. For complete information, check the Manual.