How to Start an Organization

Questions to consider before starting an organization

Prior to starting an organization there are several things to consider. This can serve as a guide to help you get started. You don’t have to do this alone. Visit the Center for Student Involvement and set up a time to meet with the Assistant Director for Student Organizations or the Pioneer Involvement Team.

• Which category best describes your organization? 

• Academic: Organizations that promote the attainment of co-curricular, academic, and professional excellence through an established liaison between a particular TWU department, school, or college. 
• Cultural: Organizations that are primarily intended to provide support for students from various ethnic, racial, and other identity-based cultural groups. 
• Health & Well-Being: Organizations whose mission or purpose is centered on ideas of health and wellbeing. 
• Honorary: Organizations that are specific to particular areas of study or for students who demonstrate a high level of academic achievement.
• Sorority and Fraternity: Social Sorority & Fraternity Organizations that are affiliated with Panhellenic Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, and Multicultural Greek Council. 
• Religious: Organizations that provide opportunities for students to interact with fellow affiliates of a particular denomination or faith. 
• Special Interest: Organizations that focus on specific topics or interests. 
• Sports Club: Organizations that promote and develop common sports and recreational related interests. 
• University Sponsored: Organizations that are fully funded and supported by the University. It is a prominent fixture on campus and is part of a faculty/staff member’s job description to facilitate this organization.
  

• What is your organization’s purpose? What are the goals?

  Is there an existing student organization that meets this need? Many organizations are open to new ideas and eager to expand their programming. Consider whether your idea could align with the mission or activities of a current group.
  
  Please note: If a similar organization already exists and serves the same student population, you’ll be encouraged to collaborate with that group before starting a new organization.

Steps for becoming a registered organization on campus

Step 1: Attend a New Student Organization 101 Session with Pioneer Involvement Team.

These are offered monthly for those interested in learning the process, rules, and requirements for starting up a new organization. Though it helps to have a basic concept of your organization (e.g., name, purpose, mission), you don't need to have anything else prepared in advance in order to attend one of these sessions. The schedule will be posted on myTWU, on social media, and in the Center for Student Involvement or email the Pioneer Involvement Team. If you are unable to attend a scheduled session, you can request to meet with the Pioneer Involvement Team individually.

Step 2: Round up members to help you start your organization.

Each organization is required to have a minimum of 5 members to start and maintain an organization. These members must be TWU students. Your organization will need to have at least three officers that would take on leadership roles as President, Vice President, and Treasurer. 

Step 3: Create your proposed organization's constitution.

Your constitution should reflect the purpose and goals of the organization and should include guidelines to govern the organization. Follow the Student Organization Sample Constitution provided in the New Student Organization 101 session.

Step 4: Secure an eligible faculty or staff member to serve as the organization’s advisor.

Each registered student organization, no matter the type, is required to have a full time faculty or staff member serve as their on campus advisor. More information about the role of the advisor will be shared in the New Student Organization 101 session. Information can also be found on the Advisor Resources page. 

Step 5: Submit your New Organization Registration Application.

To submit your organization registration application please visit myTWU and complete your registration there. Use this How To Guide, which provides step-by-step instructions for registration and outlines the constitution requirements.

Step 6: Once your application is submitted, your application will be reviewed by the Pioneer Involvement Team.

Pioneer Involvement Team will work with you to make any necessary changes to your constitution or your registration materials.

Step 7: Complete required officer training.

Each year student organizations are required to complete risk management training. This is required for student officers and advisors. You will find more information about this requirement on the Risk Management Training page.

Step 8: Attend student organization activities, meetings, and host events.

These activities, meetings, and events are all ways to connect with members and create exposure for your organization on campus. Be creative, have fun, and most importantly boldly go!

Registered student organizations must adhere to the following

• Shall be open to all TWU students (National sororities are exempt from gender discrimination under Title IX Education Code).
• Shall be led by TWU student officers elected or appointed by the organization.
• Shall have one (1) TWU full time faculty or staff advisor.
• Shall meet a genuine, demonstrated student interest of at least five (5) TWU students. This is the minimum requirement of members through the duration of the student organization’s recognition.
• Shall uphold all University rules and regulations in addition to all state and federal laws.
• Shall be composed of TWU students only.
• Shall register their organizations annually. Please note that an organization must complete the new student organization process if the group has not been registered for a full academic year.
• Shall not use “Texas Woman’s University” or “TWU” in its official title, logo or financial documents, including checking accounts and signature cards.
• Shall submit an updated local constitution and/or national constitution (if applicable) annually during the registration process.
• Shall not use the TWU Tax ID number. Each student organization is encouraged to apply for an organization Tax ID number with the IRS if they are fundraising, accepting dues, etc. Student organizations collecting funds should have a student organization bank account at an off campus bank location. On campus banking is not an option at TWU for registered student organizations. 
• Shall report any fundraising activity and funds collected through fundraising in accordance with the fundraising policy. 
• Shall not participate in any hazing activities or activities that would fall under the guidelines of hazing. 
• Shall not serve, sell or consume alcoholic beverages at any organization meeting or function on or off campus.
• Shall adhere to all publicity and posting policies.
• Shall update student organization officer and adviser information at the end of each semester or as changes/transitions take place.

Visit the Student Organization Policies & Resources page for more thorough information.