Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a New Student Organization

Everything you need to know about student organizations at Stanford. Pick up one at the Office of Student Activities or read it online.

Pick up an application at the Office of Student Activities or download it here. After you complete the application, you will receive an email from an OSA Advisor to schedule a meeting. The OSA Advisor will instruct you how to prepare for the meeting.

Work with your advisor to make any necessary changes to the group’s constitution, purpose, or goals or to create a budget. Depending on the nature of the proposed group, you may need to take additional steps or seek approval from other University departments.

If your group requires additional review and approval, you may be asked to present to a New Student Group Review Committee or Risk Management.

If the University approves the group application, your advisor will enter the new group into myGroups and instruct you to complete the application. Once the application is complete, your advisor will officially approve the group as a University recognized student organization.

All student groups must manage their finances through ASSU.