The University of Oregon has more than 400 clubs and organizations ranging from Dance Oregon and Fiction Writing Club to the Green Business Initiative and the Muslim Student Association.
If, after exploring the list of current organizations, you want to start a new one, follow the directions below.
1. Decide if the organization you wish to propose will be registered with the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) or ASUO recognized.
CSI-Registered Student Organizations
- Require the names of at least six UO students on their initial roster.
- May not be an ASUO-recognized student organization or an ASUO-affiliated contract service provider, unless organization is willing to relinquish this affiliation.
- May be affiliated with a local non-profit.
- May not be affiliated with a limited duration activity, such as a political campaign or candidate for office.
- Require a completed application to seek registration, as well as annual renewal. Approval and renewal is coordinated by the UO Center for Student Involvement.
- Are encouraged to identify a UO staff or faculty member advisor, and to create governance documents, such as a constitution, a charter, or a set of bylaws. Assistance available.
- Registered organizations may seek reservations through UO Scheduling and Event Services and may access the support resources associated with the UO Center for Student Involvement.
- Registered organizations are not eligible to seek funding or financial support through ASUO, and must bear responsibility for their own finances.
ASUO-Recognized Student Organizations
- Require the names of at least six UO students on their initial roster.
- May be a registered student organization, provided organization is willing to relinquish this affiliation if application is approved.
- Are rarely affiliated with a local non-profit.
- May not be affiliated with a limited duration activity, such as a political campaign or candidate for office.
- Require a completed application to seek recognition, as well as annual renewal. Approval and renewal is coordinated by the Associated Students of the University of Oregon under the authorization of the Division of Student Life.
- Are encouraged to identify a UO staff or faculty member advisor.
- In some instances, governing documents may need to be required for recognition. Examples of governing documents could include: a constitution, a charter, or a set of bylaws. Governing documents may be required to move up or change recognition tiers. It is generally a good practice to have basic bylaws for your organization.
- Recognized organization may seek reservations through UO Scheduling and Event Services and may access the support resources associated with the UO Center for Student Involvement.
- Recognized organizations may seek funding and financial support through ASUO.
2. Meet with a staff member at the Center for Student Involvement to discuss your idea for the organization, its purpose, and how to begin.
3. Find a UO faculty or staff member to serve as the organization's advisor. While not required, an advisor is key to the success of an organization, in that they provide member support, club continuity, and access to resources.
4. Recruit some club members who share your interest in the proposed mission of the organization. You'll need the names of at least six UO students to apply.
5. Put together a constitution for the organization that highlights purpose, the roles and responsibilities of your organization's members and officers, logistical information, and the procedures for the selection of new organization leaders annually.
6. If seeking ASUO recognition, hold meetings at least twice per month for a period of six months. Maintain organized records including meeting agendas (with date, time, and location), meeting minutes, attendance records, and the names of meeting facilitators or leaders.
7. Complete the appropriate application. If you wish to seek ASUO recognition, you may apply for registration while the organization compiles the required meeting documents.
8. A member of the recognition or registration teams will respond to your application within about two weeks.