Starting a Student Organization

Student organizations have been at Duke since around 1924 and have long been a vibrant and enriching part of student life on campus.  Duke recognizes the distinct and permanent influence that student organizations have on the campus community and learning.

Before you begin the creation of a student organization ask yourself the following:

1. Do I have the time and energy to maintain an organization (communication, accounting, group dynamics, and recruitment)?
2. What do I want the organization to do? What would the mission/purpose of the group be?
3. Is there already a group on campus that I can join that accomplishes my intention? (check our list)

Creating a student organization is a linear process, but it is important to understand the steps involved:

1. Initial planning
2. Application for recognition
3. Recognition
4. Recruitment
6. Funding

Initial Planning

The initial planning step is the part of the process that you, as the founder(s), will have the greatest amount of input and control over.  During initial planning you should be concerned with creating a clear and motivational purpose for the organization to exist.  Initial planning is also the time that you may want to discuss and structure how the group will be administered, will it consist of equally powered chairs or a strong president, etc...

Preparing a constitution is a great way to clarify your goals and structure.  A constitution is also required for recognition.

Application for Recognition

All groups who wish to receive the support of the university through resources, advice, and name must be officially recognized by an entity at Duke.  The most common recognition source for undergraduates is the Student Organization Finance Committee (SOFC) of the Duke Student Government.  The most common recognition source for graduate and professional students is through the Graduate and Professional Student Council (GPSC) student organization liaison.

Groups can also be recognized by campus departments (academic, student affairs, administrative) however, there are considerable drawbacks for undergraduate groups who are departmentally recognized.  Undergraduate organizations that are departmentally recognized do not have access to a significant amount of funding through the SOFC nor are offered a financial account through our office.  If you would like more information about the different recognition options please contact us and schedule an appointment.

To apply for recognition your organization will need the following information collected and available:

1. The contact information for your President and Treasurer
2. The contact information for your full-time Faculty/Staff Advisor (not applicable for GPSC recognition)
3. Ten (10) signatures of students who wish for the organization to exist
4. A constitutiton that states your organization's purpose/mission
5. A completed application for new groups

Undergraduate groups wishing to seek recognition from SOFC should visit their site for the application materials.

Undergraduate groups wishing to seek recognition from a campus department should have the department contact OSAF once arrangements have been made to notify us of the recognition status.

Graduate and professional groups wishing to seek GPSC recognition should contact the GPSC student organization liaison.

Recognition

Once you have completed the necessary steps for recognition via whichever source is appropriate above your group is considered Recognized by the University.  Undergraduate groups should schedule an appointment with OSAF to go over university policies and to setup your organization's on-campus back account. Organizations must also list their information in the DukeGroups Directory. The DukeGroups Directory serves as the official list of student organizations at Duke, informing University departments that your group should be able to access resources.

Recruitment

Once your organization is created you should hold one or more meetings/events to recruit members.  Once listed on the DukeGroups Directory your group is eligible to reserve space on campus.  Please stop into OSAF to speak with our Events Coordinator to help you plan recruitment events.

Funding

Once groups has become established structurally most will want to create events or activities that align with their mission.  There are many funding sources at Duke.  For most SOFC recognized groups the SOFC Programming Fund will be the first place to seek funding for general events.  SOFC meets weekly to hear requests for funds and allocations range (on average) from $20 - $2,000+ per event.  The SOFC Programming Fund is designed specifically for undergraduate student organization events at Duke. 

Consultations

If you would like to meet with someone in OSAF to discuss your new group idea please contact: Ryan O'Connell

If you would like to meet with someone in OSAF to help you plan events, including recruitment events, contact: Kristin Lobiondo