CREATING A NEW CLUB
OR STUDENT ORGANIZATION

There is a two-phase process for starting a student organization on the UWA campus.

NOTE: Students interested in starting a social fraternity or sorority must contact the Vice President of Student Affairs for approval before proceeding with Phase One below.

Phase One (Developing Stage)

1. Find a member of the faculty or staff willing to serve as an advisor, subject to the approval of the Vice President for Student Affairs.

2. Develop a constitution

3. Select officers

4. File a copy of the constitution with the Student Affairs Office in Webb Hall 323.

At this stage, your organization is ready to petition the SGA for recognition. Until a group has been recognized by the SGA, it cannot reserve campus facilities for meetings nor may it host activities on campus. Developing groups may meet informally in public areas on campus to prepare for recognition by the SGA. Public areas include locations such as the seating area near the fireplace at the Student Union Building.

Phase Two (Recognition Stage)

1. Present a constitution for review to the Attorney General of the SGA.

2. Have an officer attend the SGA meeting when the organization is being considered for recognition.

3. If the organization is recognized by the SGA, your group may reserve campus facilities for meetings and activities. Your group may also use "UWA" and/or "The University of West Alabama" in its name.

4. Recognized groups may request funding from the SGA (see SGA constitution for guidelines).

5. After one semester, recognized groups may petition for a vote in the SGA, if desired.

6. Recognized groups must maintain at least eight members to continue active status on the UWA campus.