Tune back in soon for a finalized timeline of the Fall 2023 New Club Process
If you’re interested in proposing a new club/organization please consider the following:
Is my organization unique (i.e. are there existing clubs/services on campus that serve
a similar function?)
Before beginning the process you must first consider whether or not the idea for a
new club/organization is significantly different from other groups already recognized
at Stony Brook.
Be sure to browse SB Engaged and review organizations statements of purpose and goals to aid you in your research
If you feel your club/organization is not significantly different from other already
recognized groups, you should contact the existing organization and find out how you
can join/support the mission of the group.
Am I prepared to dedicate the time it will take to establish this new organization
and set it up for success?
The New Club/Organization Process takes a few months to successfully complete. If
approved, building a club/organization from the ground up takes time and dedication.
Sometimes it may not be the “right” time, therefore make sure your schedule for the
upcoming semester allows for the time it will take to start a new group.
If the answers to the above questions are yes then see below for more information
on our new club/organization process:
Step 1 form can be accessed on the main page of SB Engaged under 'Campus Links'or accessed here.
Stony Brook University (hereinafter referred to as “SBU”) encourages individuals to
develop in many ways, including that of self-governance by creating and managing a
recognized student organization (RSO). RSO’s help create a foundation for community,
leadership and most importantly, provide a space where discourse for students can
be shared and new skills and experiences are discovered. Student organizations, ultimately,
help encourage and set forth vibrancy to student life on campus.
All RSO’s are expected to create and maintain a governance system that is adherent
to University policy, which fosters both the individual and the group’s growth and
responsibility. Student groups that are seeking recognition by the University must
complete the New Club/Organization process. Recognition is the formal process by which
Stony Brook University agrees that an organization may function on campus, enroll
members and identify itself with the University.
Groups interested in obtaining recognition must fill out the New Club/Organization Initial Proposal Form that can be found on SBEngaged. When filling out this form, your potential organization
will be submitting the following information and documentation:
Proposed Organization Name
Statement of Purpose
A Statement of Purpose that is unique to the proposed organization, and does not duplicate
or closely resemble that of an already existing organization. This also includes but
is not limited to organizations with similar goals but differing national and international
affiliations, and organizations who may closely resemble or duplicate services offered
by Stony Brook University offices or departments.
Statement indicating how this group would be unique and/or different from other, similar,
existing organizations or opportunities on campus (this statement should clearly demonstrate
what needs this new organization would meet that are not currently being met by existing
organizations, programs or university services)
External Affiliation
If your organization has an external affiliation, you must request an authorized letter
of approval from the organization on company letterhead and submit it with your application.
Growth and Sustainability Plan
A comprehensive growth and sustainability plan for the new organization that details
the following points:
How the organization plans to contribute to the Stony Brook community, or if applicable
the local or national community
A plan by which the organization will encourage new and continued membership
Create Your First Meeting Agenda
A core component to any organization is hosting meetings to gain and retain members
of your organization, how would you plan to host your first club meeting?
Provide a mock agenda for what you would intend to have your meetings be structured
Staff members within the Department of Student Engagement and Activities will review
the initial proposal and make a decision on whether the proposed group will move on
to the second step in the process based upon the information provided in the proposals.
Proposals must be clear and concise providing all applicable information for staff
members to determine if the organizations:
Purpose and goals are unique and do not duplicate or closely resemble another organization
Adheres to University requirements, guidelines, and policies
*Please note any proposed organization that has taken part in the New Club Process
Step 1 or Step 2 in a previous semester but did not gain recognition may apply again
but must begin the process from the beginning and submit an initial proposal. Please
reach out to us at studentengagement@stonybrook.edu if you have any additional questions.
Resubmission Process: Tune Back in for a Date
Resubmission Review (on a rolling basis): Tune Back in for a Date
Any proposed organization who was initially denied their proposal application will
be given the opportunity to resubmit their application with changes that could potentially
advance them to the second part of the New Club Process. The resubmission process
provides the proposed group the ability to modify any changes needed and will be reviewed
a second time by staff members within the Department of Student Engagement and Activities.
During the resubmission period:
Groups that are given the opportunity for resubmission are only able to resubmit once,
it is therefore imperative that the submission adheres to all requirements and respond
as best they can to all questions that need clarification.
Review for application submission will be based on rolling resubmission.
If a proposed organization receives approval for their initial submission they will
be able to move to Step 2 in the process.
Proposed organizations that are denied will be encouraged to re-apply in future semesters.
There is no appeal process for decisions provided after the second review.
All final decisions will be made and communicated to the primary contact for organizations
that have proposals that need revision updates to move forward to Step 2
New Club/ Organization Process Form ~ Creating your SBEngaged Page (Instructions on Accessing the Form are sent during the approval of Step 1)
Proposed groups who have been granted initial approval to move on to Step 2 will need
to complete the New Club/Organization Process form, and submit the following criteria:
An executive board consisting minimally of a President, Vice President, Secretary,
and Treasurer. All executive board members must meet the following requirements:
Hold only one position on the executive board
Meet the GPA requirement put forth by the Department of Student Engagement and Activities
of 2.25 for undergraduate students and 3.0 for graduate students
This will be based on a person’s cumulative grade point average
Transfer students are permitted to hold executive board positions provided they are
current SBU students and proper verification is provided in the application. This
verification must reflect the student’s name, institution name, and the appropriate
cumulative GPA.
No more than two executive board members for a newly proposed undergraduate organization
may hold a U4 standing in order to ensure the longevity of the proposed organization.
Executive board members must be in appropriate conduct standing with the University.
Sanctions of University Probation or higher, or a sanction restricting participation
in clubs/organizations or from holding leadership positions disqualify students from
serving in an executive board or leadership position.
Be matriculated and working toward a degree
Confirmation of a faculty or staff member that is willing to serve as the advisor
You will be responsible for finding a faculty/staff advisor and communicating with
them regarding completing the Advisor Agreement Form . We may be able to assist in finding an advisor. If needed contact studentengagement@stonybrook.edu .
A constitution that follows the model constitution provided by the Department of Student Engagement and Activities, and is in line with
state regulations. The model constitution can be found on SB Engaged in the documents
section for the Department of Student Engagement and Activities page
We recommend that groups attend the Constitution Workshop prior to creating their
club constitution. During this workshop we will discuss common mistakes found in constitutions,
what is required in a constitution vs. what can be changed to best fit the group,
as well as an opportunity to ask questions regarding the club constitution
A general club email address (can be Yahoo, Gmail, etc)
At least 10 general body members on the SB Engaged roster
At least two e-board members of the club must attend the New Club Workshops after
approval (dates to be determined).
Once all steps in this process are completed, the group may be granted recognition.
Please note, this step of the process typically consists of multiple resubmissions
based on comments and suggestions from the New Club/Organization Process committee
member who reviews your submission. It is important that resubmissions with changes
are made in a timely manner. Failure to supply resubmissions in a timely manner may
delay the proposed organization's approval to a future semester.
The Department of Student Engagement & Activities reserves the right to deny recognition
to a proposed organization if:
The statement of purpose is not unique to the proposed organization, and duplicates
or closely resembles that of an already existing organization. This also includes
but is not limited to organizations with similar goals but differing national and
international affiliations, and organizations who may closely resemble or duplicate
services offered by Stony Brook University offices or departments.
The proposed organization does not adhere to University requirements, guidelines,
and policies.
*If a proposed organization is unable to meet all requirements due to extenuating
circumstances, please notify Gillian Farnan at gillian.farnan@stonybrook.edu. Exceptions will be made on a case by case basis.
Resources & Club Cohort Leadership Trainings
We encourage all proposed organizations to review and utilize the " Club & Org. Resources" section of our website.
As part of the New Club Process, organizations that successfully move onto Step 2
of the process, will be required to participate in and be part of a New Club Cohort
where proposed new organizations will go through a series of workshops and work together
to understand how to navigate the foundations of club management.
To support in the process of gaining University recognition for a proposed organization,
we will host a variety of workshops and drop-in hours throughout the semester including
but not limited to:
Constitution Workshop:TBD
New Club Training Workshops:
Internal Operations (Knowing Your Resources, Recruiting/Retaining Members, Creating
Meetings, Working as a Team): TBD
Systems Onboarding (25Live Overview & Utilizing your SBEngaged page to your Organization's
potential): TBD
Planning Events and Budget Management:TBD
New Club Cohort Get Together: TBD
Please see our SB Engaged page for more details on the events listed above.
Organizations that duplicate or closely resemble other already recognized student
organizations may be asked to consider becoming a subcommittee of the recognized student
organization, please review the Subcommittee Guidelines for information on the structure and benefits of becoming a subcommittee.
FUNDING INFORMATION
Undergraduate organizations who are not currently funded by the Undergraduate Student Government can apply for funding through the Unfunded Organizations Event Grant, or apply for
a Probationary Budget. More information on how to apply/qualify can be found here.
The expansion process for Fraternities and Sororities is different from the new club
process. All fraternities and sororities wishing to seek recognition from Stony Brook
University may submit a formal letter expressing interest in expanding to sbufsl@stonybrook.edu.
