Starting an Organization

Before you start a new organization, consider the following questions:

1. Is there a group already working toward the same goals? Splitting into two groups is often an unnecessary drain on membership and resources. Consider whether working within a pre-existing organization is a possibility.
2. Do I want to do one event or programming throughout the year? A student organization should do more than one program a year. If you are only looking to do just one event, consider partnering with an established student organization.
3. Am I committed to this process? Starting a new organization is a time commitment. It requires ample motivation and dedication.
4. Do I know other people who are interested or am I prepared to do the work to recruit new members? Organizations are required to have at least ten members to register with the Office of Campus Activities. Additionally, cultivating new leadership will be important to ensure that the group lasts past your graduation.

If you are committed to building and fostering a new group, you will need:

• Ten members, inclusive of a president and treasurer. The president and treasurer may not be the same person.
• An advisor, who must be a full time faculty or staff member at BGSU. The primary advisor may not be a graduate student or a part-time employee.
• An organization constitution defining the mission purpose, and governing protocols. 
  • Recommended structure
  • Constitution checklist

Organization Resources

Websites

• Create a website using your OrgSync portal. Instructions are available here. This involves some basic understanding of html.

Organization list-servs
Organizations can also use the OrgSync messaging capabilities to e-mail their members. 

Office and Storage Space
The Student Organization Suite, located in 410 BowenThompson Student Union, and the locked storage cupboards, located in 424 Bowen-Thompson Student Union, are allocated on a two-year cycle. They will next be up for reallocation in Spring 2013.

Graphic Standards
Before you utilize the BGSU logo, be sure you are in compliance with the BGSU Graphics Standards. Use of the "peek-a-boo falcon" must be approved by Athletics PRIOR to use.

Training
The Office of Campus Activities offers training for presidents, treasurers, advisors, and marketing every. To set up a training, contact OCA at 419-372-2343. We also offer various trainings in the beginning of the Fall Semester. Either a Financial Consultant or Student Org Services Graduate Assistant will be available to help you!

The Peer Leadership Consultants are a group of students trained to provide various leadership and training opportunities to student organizations. They offer individualized workshops that can be customized to your organization's needs.