Start a New Organization

Are you interested in starting a new student organization at CSUSM? Follow these steps to get started! Recognition for new organizations takes place in the fall semester of each year.

Before you start: Check out our existing student organizations! An organization that fits your interests might already exist.

Student Organization Directory

Sport Clubs: If you are interested in starting a Sport Club, please contact Student Organizations at studentorg@csusm.edu. 

Initial Steps

• Step 1: Form a roster of at least five members.

  Official recognition of a student organization requires a minimum of five (5) students who are currently enrolled in at least one class at CSUSM. 

  Officer Requirements

  Your organization roster must include a President and Treasurer who meet the Officer Requirements outlined in CSU Executive Order 1068. SLIC will verify that each officer:  

  1. Is matriculated and enrolled at CSUSM.
  2. Maintains a minimum on-campus grade point average of 2.0 each term.
  3. Is in good standing with the University and not on probation of any kind.
  4. If an undergraduate student: is earning at least six semester units while holding office. If a Graduate or Credential student: is earning at least 3 semester units while holding office.
  5. If an undergraduate student: Has not exceeded 150 total units or 125 percent of the units required for a specific baccalaureate degree objective, whichever is greater. If a Graduate or Credential student: has not exceeded 50 total units or 167 percent of the units required for the graduate or credential objective, whichever is greater. 
  6. Submits mandatory agreements and attends mandatory officer trainings conducted by SLIC.

  Failure to meet these requirements will result in removal from office and could risk the recognition status of an organization.

• Step 2: Find an Advisor.

  All student organizations must have a university advisor who is either a faculty member or professional staff member of CSUSM or one of its auxiliaries. Part-time faculty and professional staff (with the exception of graduate assistants and student employees) are permitted serve as advisors.

  A student organization Advisor must be willing to provide guidance and support to the organization above and beyond their duties as a CSUSM professional. Advisors are not required to be experts or have any knowledge related to the mission and purpose of the organization. 

• Step 3: Submit the Intent to Organize form.

  When the New Org Recognition period opens, you must submit an Intent to Organize form to officially declare your intent to become a recognized student organization.

  Intent to Organize Form

• Step 4: Meet with the Coordinator of Student Involvement.

  When the New Org Recognition Period opens, you must schedule an Intent to Organize Meeting with the Coordinator of Student Involvement to discuss your vision for the organization, review next steps, and get help with any questions you may have. 

  Schedule a Meeting

  If you would like to request a meeting outside of the New Org Recognition Period, please contact studentorg@csusm.edu.

• Step 5: Draft a Constitution.

  You can use the template below to begin drafting your organization's constitution.

  Open the document, edit the highlighted sections as-needed for your organization, and then save a copy.

  Model Constitution

• Step 6: Complete the Organization Registration.

  After completing steps 1-4, you will receive a link to complete the Organization Registration Form to provide additional details about your organization. 

• Step 7: Complete the Student Organization Officer & Agreement Form.
  The President, Treasurer, and Advisor of your organization must all complete the Student Organization Officer & Advisor Agreement Form for your organization to be officially recognized. These forms will be made available to you after your Organization Registration Form has been approved.
• Step 8: Attend and complete mandatory trainings.

  Officers of new student organizations must complete the following mandatory trainings:

  Spring Student Organization Leadership Conference (SOLC):

  • Spring SOLC will provide training on the basics of running a student organization, covering topics such as event planning, managing your organization funds, leadership strategies, and more.
  • The organization President and Treasurer must both attend the Spring Student Organization Leadership Conference. If either the President or Treasurer cannot attend, another member of the organization must attend in their place and the missing officer will be expected to complete a make-up opportunity.

  Student Organization Leadership Academy (SOLA):

  • SOLA is an ongoing training program during the spring semester that offers a deeper dive into leadership, organization development, event planning, and more to help you take your organization to the next level! 
  • One of your organization's officers must participate in SOLA during the Spring semester. Details regarding specific dates and times for the program will be shared closer to the beginning of the spring semester. 

   

Benefits of Recognition

Recognized student organizations are afforded a variety of privileges, including but not limited to the following:

• Organization name listed in the student organization directory.
• An organization homepage on Tukwut Trax, the official CSUSM student organization database.
• Use of university facilities for meetings and events.  
• Use of ASI Banking and Accounting services.
• Fundraising opportunities on campus within established guidelines.
• Use of the CSUSM name in organization correspondence and publicity.
• Ability to recruit members on campus.
• Use of mail services in the Student Leadership & Involvement Center (USU 3600)

Organizations must successfully complete the recognition process to access these benefits.