At VSU, there are over 150 student organizations on campus. These groups provide students with similar interests with an opportunity to partake in something they enjoy as well as give back to the VSU community. But what if none of the current organizations interest you? You do not have to miss out on the chance to be a part of an official VSU student organization simply because none of them speak to your needs. Instead, you can create your own. It is simple to start an organization or club at VSU. To register a new student organization, one must obtain an application from the Office of Student Life or online at www.valdosta.edu/activities.
This application must contain:
1. Name
2. Purpose (including an explanation of why the organization is desirable on campus)
3. Qualifications for membership (Membership is for current VSU students ONLY.)
4. Fees, dues, and other considerations for membership
5. Officer and leadership structure
6. Time and manner of election of officers
7. Number of students wishing to join
8. VSU faculty or staff advisor
9. Explanation of any extra-campus affiliation (e.g. national parent organization)
10. Time and location of planned meetings
11. Names of prospective members who will serve as spokespersons for the organization during the registration procedure. (It is suggested that three students be named.)
12. A copy of the proposed organization’s constitution and by-laws
Once the application is submitted, the Dean of Students, the Assistant Dean of Students for Student Conduct, and the Director of Student Life review all proposals and determine whether to accept or reject the proposed organization. A representative from the proposed organization may request a hearing with a registration committee to pass the proposal.
According to the VSU Student Handbook: Volume Three, “Registration shall be granted only to those organizations whose purpose and proposed activities are clearly related to the educational goals and mission of the University.” Any evidence that the organization could be detrimental to the educational process is grounds for rejection. If an organization is rejected, students can appeal to the Vice President of Student Affairs. If an organization is approved, they will be notified in writing.
The groups that are currently established at VSU are contributing to the betterment of the college community by fulfilling their missions as an organization. If you have an idea for a student organization that will aid in the advancement of VSU, submit an application and add to the growth of the student life community.