Starting a New Organization

Interested in starting a new organization? Prospective groups seeking recognition may apply upon the start of classes each fall semester through the end of March. Groups in the process of being recognized at the end of March will be given two weeks to complete the process before their application will be deferred to the next academic year. 

Prospective student organizations must meet the following criteria to be eligible to be recognized: 

New Student Org Recognition Process

  1. Complete the New Student Organization Interest Form on Catalyst 
  2. Attend a New Student Org Meeting (dates and times below) 
  3. Sign the Proposed Student Organization Agreement 
  4. Create a Constitution for the proposed student organization utilizing the Constitution Template Guide provided; Constitution must be reviewed and approved by the Coordinator of Student Organizations & Leadership (or designee) 
  5. Maintain a roster of at least seven undergraduate and/or graduate students, four of which must have designated officer roles 
  6. Appoint a faculty/staff advisor 
  7. Meet with the Coordinator of Student Organizations & Leadership (or designee) to discuss final recommendations, expectations of new student organizations, and any additional requirements determined necessary and communicated by the Coordinator of Student Organizations and Leadership (or designee) 
  8. Sign the New Student Organization Agreement 

Re-Recognition Process

  1. Complete the New Student Organization Interest Form on Catalyst 
  2. Update current/create a constitution for the student organization utilizing the Constitution Template Guide provided; Constitution must be reviewed and approved by the Coordinator of Student Organizations & Leadership (or designee)
  3. Maintain a roster of at least seven undergraduate and/or graduate students, four of which have designated office roles.
  4. Appoint a faculty/staff advisor 
  5. Meet with the Coordinator of Student Organizations & Leadership )or designee) to discuss final recommendations, expectations of new student organizations, and additional requirements determined necessary and communicated by the Coordinator of Student Organizations & Leadership (or designee)
  6. Sign the New Student Organization Agreement 

Additional meetings with the Coordinator of Student Organizations & Leadership (or designee) may be required throughout the process for clarification of information

For more information, contact the Coordinator of Student Organizations and Leadership.

FAQ

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New Student Org Information Sessions offer an opportunity to learn more about being a student organization, review the expectations and requirements of being a student organization, and provide a chance to sign the Proposed Student Organization Agreement. Upcoming trainings here

Prospective student organizations must meet the following requirements: 

  • A group of at least seven undergraduate and/or graduate students
  • Have an approved Constitution 
  • At least four officers, including a President and Treasurer 
  • Appoint a faculty/staff advisor 

The Memorial Union & Student Activities provides Constitution templates, review, and approval. 

The constitution template can be found on the Student Org Resource page on Catalyst

Social fraternities and sororities go through a separate process. For more information please consult the University of New Hampshire's Minimum Standards for Expansion Policy under Off-Campus Engagement and Fraternity & Sorority Life.

  • UNH Alumni
  • UNH Faculty/Staff
  • Off-campus groups/businesses

While Memorial Union & Student Activities values the input of the community, student organizations must be motivated and managed by enrolled students. New Student Organizations must be started by full-time students, undergraduate or graduate.

Absolutely! The recognition process does not differentiate between student organizations formed by graduate students and undergraduate students.

Groups that are reestablishing also follow the same recognition process as new student organizations.  So long as they have been inactive/unrecognized for over a year. Organizations that have been unrecognized for less than a year follow the re-recognition process

What elements we consider for Organization Recognition 

  • Longevity and sustainability of the organization 
  • Category of organization 
  • Elements of risk and liability  
  • Organizations similarities to other organizations