Starting a Club or Organization

The first steps is to confirm the organization your considering starting doesn't already exist. If a club/org exists that is similar, you may still complete the next steps, yet keep in mind the Student Engagement Office will consult with you to better understand your vision for the club/organization. 

Once you have confirmed you will be starting a new organization, email your intent to form a new organization at activities@sfsu.edu. Your request let's the office know you formally plan to initiate the formal process of starting and organization while also establishing some of the essential information necessary to register a recognized student organization with SF State. 

SET Staff will communicate with you and confirm you may begin the next steps preparing for the the next new organization recognition summit during the Club & Organization Summit (typically late Fall and Spring semesters).

You may request a exemption for early review and recognition contingent on the type and scope of the organization. 

You are welcome to begin drafting content for the next steps, yet we recommend first receiving confirmation you can start the recognition process and register for the new organization summit. 

Have at least five (5) people willing to assist in the workload to jump start a new organization and participate as the officers of the new organization.

• Degree-seeking student at SFSU
• In good standing with the University and not on any form of probation (academic or disciplinary)
• Officers have a minimum SF State GPA of 2.0
• Officers Undergrad must be enrolled in 6 units; Grad must be enrolled in 3 units
• Officers Have not exceeded the allowable completed units  (Undergrad: 150 units, Graduate: 50 units)
• Failure to meet these requirements will result in a delay in the registration and recognition process.

Student organization must identify a Faculty/staff advisor. Advisors can be part-time/full-time faculty/staff working for the University. 

If you need assistance finding an advisor, please contact activities@sfsu.edu

All student clubs/organizations are required to have a constitution. We have provide a guide and template for you via the links below. 

When you have established the previous steps and received confirmation your organization intent to be recognized is approved, request a meeting with SET professional staff by either emailing activities@sfsu.edu or scheduling a meeting at the SET Office in SSB 301. 

Once you have completed steps 1-6, you will receive an invitation to attend the New Organization Workshop. These are offered through the Club & Organization Summit that happen through the academic year. 

You may request a standalone New Organization Workshop, but will be required to attend Student Leader Orientation and other new club/summit organization workshops and/or meetings. 

All clubs and organizations are required to formally register with the necessary information, create a profile on GatorXperience, and complete the required forms to be recognized. 

Registration requires meeting with SET professional staff to confirm your new organization is official recognized! 

Once you are registered and cognized you may begin operating! Don't forget, you'll reregister each year (only step 8)!

Congrats!