Starting a New Student Organization Before you begin the process of forming a new student organization, we urge you to stop by the Office of Student Activities (Thompson Student Center, Room 201, 254-968-9490) to research the existing ones. Tarleton State University has over 100 recognized student organizations. These groups have been formed to meet a variety of personal, social, political, recreational and religious interests.

You may find that there is a group on campus doing just the sort of thing you want to do. There are many benefits from joining an existing organization. It is often more effective to combine forces than duplicate efforts and/or services thereby creating competition for resources - financial or people. Most organizations are eager for new members: they want talent, ideas, enthusiasm and commitment. If there is a group of people currently meeting with basically the same interests as yours, it makes more sense to join them and become allies rather than forming your own group.

If, however, you are unable to identify an existing organization that is of interest to you, then by all means, start your own. There are probably other students out there with interests similar to yours, looking for a group to join!

There are specific guidelines to be followed in order to become Tarleton State University Recognized Student Organization. But, before you begin the registration process, there are several other issues to consider in order to effectively organize your new student group.

Purpose:

• How are you going to define your organization?
• What are your proposed goals?
• What are you hoping to accomplish?
• How do you fit in on campus?
• What role do you want to play?
• How will you select an advisor?
• Is there a department you can or will be affiliated with?

Membership:

• How are you going to identify others?
• How are you going to convince them to join?
• What will this group have to offer?
• Can they find this elsewhere?
• What kind of commitment will they have to make?
• What makes this group unique?

Structure:

• Will this be a formal, on-going group or are you forming to work on a particular, one-time only issue and or activity?
• How will you obtain financial support?
• Will there be officers?
• How will they be selected and for how long?
• How often will you meet? When and where?

It is important that you be able to answer these questions because potential members will be wondering about these issues. Be prepared! Consulting with a Student Activities staff member can be very helpful.

Other things that must be completed before an organization can be officially recognized:

File A Constitution
All recognized student organizations must have a copy of their constitution on file with the Office of Student Activities. If the organization is affiliated with a national organization, the national constitution must also be submitted. If you need assistance in writing a constitution, we will be happy to help. The Director of Student Activities will review the constitution and will consult with the organization's representative regarding any necessary changes prior to final approval.

Officer Information
An Update Form must be completed and returned to the Office of Student Activities at the beginning of the fall and spring semesters. This form contains information on officers, addresses, meeting times, etc. There is also discrimination and hazing statement that must be signed by the organizational president and advisor. Any changes in this information throughout the year must be submitted to the Office of Student Activities as soon as possible.

Faculty/Staff Advisor
All recognized student organizations must have a faculty or staff advisor who is a full time employee at Tarleton State University. Organizations may have more than one advisor but the university, at a minimum, must employ one of the advisors. If an advisor resigns or is removed, privileges of the student organization will be suspended until a new advisor is named.

Tax ID Number
All recognized student organizations must have a tax number on file. The Office of Student Activities can assist in filing the proper paperwork.

For more information concerning starting a new organization, please click here.