Helping you from start to finish

Start an Organization

Let's Start a New Org!

We’re excited you’re interested in starting a new group! Please be aware that this process is comprehensive. Please have a detailed plan for your organization that includes items such as risk management, financials and event planning. The better prepared your plan is the easier it will make the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Benefits of Recognition

Recognized Student Organizations can take advantage of a variety of benefits:

  • MU Engage web page for the organization.
  • Reserve University facilities at little to no cost.
  • Opportunity to receive student fee funding. Student organization funding is generated through student fees.
  • Access to exclusive resources like screen printing, professional design services, ORG office and storage space and more.

Recognition Process

In the 2016-2017 Academic Year, the Organization Resource Group began using a new recognition process for prospective student organizations. Instead of rolling recognition, as has existed in the past, we are utilizing recognition periods.

Step 1: Attend a New Student Organization Information Session

There will be four New Student Organization Information Sessions during each recognition cycle. There will be two cycles during the fall semester and one during the spring. Individuals interested in starting a new student organization will be required to attend one of these sessions in order to progress through the recognition process.

Upcoming Sessions

Step 2: Submit a New Student Organization Application

On the Organization Resource Group’s (ORG) MU Engage is a form titled New Student Organization Application. This application will be open for two weeks during each recognition period. When the application opens, you will submit the form, attaching all necessary documentation and materials. This form must then be approved by the prospective organization’s advisor by the application deadline.

Visit ORG on MU Engage

Step 3: Student Affairs Comittee Makes Recommendation to Dean of Students

Your materials will be presented to the Student Affairs Committee, a standing committee on campus, by the ORG Vice-Chair of Administration. The Student Affairs Committee will look to ensure that a prospective organization does not too heavily overlap with other organizations, that there isn’t a large amount of risk associated with the organization, and that the group’s proposed constitution meets University standards. The Student Affairs Committee will then make a recommendation to the Dean of Students.

Steps 4 & 5: Complete Engage Portal and Annual Requirements

If you are approved by the Student Affairs Committee and the Dean of Students, you will work with the ORG Office to set up an Engage portal and begin work on your annual training requirements. These include annual administrative training (finance training as well, if your organization will seek ORG funds), and annual registration requests completed on Engage. If you are denied by the Student Affairs Committee, you will be contacted by the ORG Vice-Chair of Administration.

Applications open at 8 a.m. on the first date and close at 5 p.m. on the last date.

2024-2025 Recognition Periods

Period 1

Sept. 2-13, 2024

Period 2

Oct. 21-Nov. 1, 2024

Period 3

Feb. 3-14, 2025