Janice Lozano
Boston University has over 450 student organizations, including intramural sports teams, Greek life, cultural groups, and community service organizations. If you can't find a club that suits your interests, you can start your own student organization with just four other students. Before applying for recognition, it's important to do your research and check if there is already a similar club on campus. If not, you can submit an application and meet with an Assistant Director at the Student Activities Office, which reviews all applications and either grants or denies recognition. Your application should include the names and BU emails of your four officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer), a detailed description of your group, and a constitution outlining its rules and policies.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum number of students required to start an organization | 4 |
| Officers and their roles | President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer |
| Officers' eligibility criteria | Must be full-time students and on campus |
| Description of the organization | Mission and vision |
| Constitution | Rules and policies |
| Discrimination and harassment | Prohibited on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or gender, age, national origin, ethnicity, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, etc. |
| Application process | Submit application, meet with Assistant Directors at the Student Activities Office, attend mandatory club trainings |
| Unique value proposition | What unique value is the organization bringing to BU? |
| Existing community | How has the group been functioning so far? |
| Funding | Depends on recognition by the Student Activities Office |
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What You'll Learn
Check for existing groups
Before you start the process of applying for recognition for your student organization at Boston University, it is important to do your research and check for existing groups. Boston University has a wide range of student organizations, from political activism to community service, honour societies, and special interest groups.
To find out if there is already a club on campus that aligns with your interests or goals, you can start by visiting the Student Activities Office website. The website provides a complete list of professional organizations and contact information. You can browse through the current organizations and filter your search to see if there is already a group similar to the one you have in mind. This step is crucial as it helps you understand the existing landscape of student groups and ensures that your idea for a new organization is truly unique and adds value to the BU community.
If you come across a similar group, it is recommended to initiate a conversation with their leadership. This presents an opportunity to explore potential collaboration, shared responsibilities, and the possibility of merging efforts to enhance an existing group. It also allows you to reflect on how your proposed group differs and what unique contributions it can bring to the table. By engaging in dialogue with existing groups, you can gain insights, avoid redundancy, and strengthen your understanding of the needs and interests of the student community.
In addition to the Student Activities Office website, you can explore other resources provided by BU to learn about existing groups. For instance, you can refer to the website of the School or College of your choice within BU, as each school may have its own list of affiliated student organizations. Furthermore, you can stay updated by following platforms like "BU Today," which often features stories and updates about various student organizations on campus, giving you a glimpse into the diverse range of existing groups and their activities.
By thoroughly checking for existing groups and engaging in open communication, you can make an informed decision about starting a new student organization. This process ensures that your efforts are aligned with the interests and needs of the BU community and helps you identify opportunities for collaboration or unique contributions that your group can offer. Remember, the key is to bring something new and valuable to the table, enriching the student experience at Boston University.
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Leadership and roles
Leadership Requirements
Boston University has specific requirements for the leadership structure of student organizations. Each organization must have four officers: a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. These roles are essential for the management and decision-making processes within the group. It is important to note that all officers must be full-time students on campus and cannot be students studying abroad. Additionally, graduate students in leadership positions will change the status of the organization to a graduate group.
Leadership Development Opportunities
Boston University offers various leadership development opportunities for students interested in enhancing their leadership skills. One example is the First-Year Student Outreach Project (FYSOP), which allows freshmen to arrive on campus a week early and participate in a service project. This program provides an opportunity for incoming students to develop leadership skills, connect with peers, and make a positive impact even before the start of their first year.
Collaboration and Shared Responsibility
Before establishing a new student organization, it is essential to check if there are existing clubs with similar interests or goals. Collaborating with existing groups and sharing responsibilities can be beneficial and promote a sense of community. Leaders of prospective student organizations should initiate conversations with existing groups to explore opportunities for collaboration and avoid unnecessary duplication of efforts.
Unique Contributions and Value to the Community
The leadership of a student organization should be able to articulate the unique value they bring to the Boston University community. When applying for recognition, the Assistant Directors at the Student Activities Office will evaluate the potential contributions of the new group. Leaders should be prepared to discuss how their organization will add value in terms of programming, representing underserved communities, or addressing specific needs on campus.
Mandatory Trainings
Boston University requires all recognized student organizations to complete mandatory trainings, including TerrierCentral, Event Planning, Treasurer Training, Anti-Hazing, and SUSIBU. These trainings equip student leaders with the knowledge and skills necessary to manage their organizations effectively and ensure compliance with university policies. Failure to complete these mandatory trainings will result in the denial of recognition and funding for the student organization.
Student Government and Political Activism
Boston University offers opportunities for students interested in political activism and student government. Students can participate in the Boston University Student Government, representing the interests of all undergraduates, or join specific political groups on campus, such as the College Democrats or College Republicans. These organizations provide avenues for students to develop their leadership skills and actively engage in political or social advocacy.
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Application and review
Boston University has a comprehensive process for students interested in starting a new organisation. The Student Activities Office is the central hub for student groups and activities, with over 450 student organisations currently active. The first step is to research whether a similar club already exists on campus. The SAO TerrierCentral website lists all current organisations, and it is worth checking if there is an opportunity to collaborate with an existing group or if your idea is truly unique.
If you decide to proceed with your application, there are several requirements to meet. You will need a minimum of four members, including full-time students in the roles of President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. Graduate students on the executive board will change the status of the organisation to a graduate group. You will also need to provide a detailed description of your group, including its mission and vision, and ensure it is a student-led initiative.
A constitution is also required, outlining the rules and policies that will govern your organisation. Boston University provides a guide to assist with this process. This constitution should adhere to the University's policies, including its strict non-discrimination policy, which prohibits harassment and discrimination based on a wide range of protected characteristics.
Once your application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the Student Activities Office. They will consider the unique value your group brings to the BU community and any activities you have undertaken as an organised group. If your application is successful, you will be granted recognition, but mandatory club training must be completed before your group becomes officially recognised. These include TerrierCentral, Event Planning, Treasurer Training, Anti-Hazing, and SUSIBU.
The Student Activities Office is there to support students throughout the process, and they encourage students to reach out with any questions or concerns.
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Training
The first step is to research and reach out to existing clubs with similar interests. You can do this by checking the SAO TerrierCentral website, which lists all current organizations at BU. If there is a similar group, consider reaching out to their leadership to discuss potential collaboration or shared responsibility.
Once you have confirmed that your club is unique, you should apply for recognition. After submitting your application, set up a meeting with an Assistant Director at the Student Activities Office. They will review your application and either grant or deny recognition. Be prepared to address two main points: the unique value your club will bring to BU, and what your group has already been doing as an organized body.
The Assistant Director will use these points to evaluate whether your potential new group should be recommended to the Dean. If your club is approved, you will then need to complete the mandatory club trainings mentioned earlier.
In addition to these mandatory trainings, Boston University offers other training opportunities through its various offices and programs. For example, the Student Activities Office offers community service organizations and projects, such as the BU Community Service Center (CSC), which provides volunteer opportunities in the greater Boston area and across the US. The First-Year Student Outreach Project (FYSOP) allows freshmen to move in a week early and participate in a service project, which is a great way to get involved right away and meet new people.
Another training opportunity is the Alternative Service Break (ASB) program, which sends students to different parts of the US and Canada for volunteer work during breaks. This is a chance for students to spend their vacations giving back to communities in need.
Boston University also offers professional development opportunities through its various Schools and Colleges. For example, engineers can join Engineers Without Borders, while students in the College of Communication can join the Public Relations Student Society of America. These organizations provide valuable experiences such as attending professional conferences, networking with industry professionals, and broadening understanding in specific fields.
Lastly, there are numerous cultural and identity-based organizations at BU that provide training and educational opportunities. For example, the Greek Culture Club (GCC) enriches students by celebrating Greek culture and community, while the Women's Empowerment Group aims to develop skills and resources for individuals to succeed in male-dominated societies.
Overall, the process of starting a student organization at Boston University involves mandatory trainings, as well as a range of optional training opportunities that can enhance your club's impact and your personal development.
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Discrimination and harassment
Boston University is committed to ensuring that all members of its community are respected and that sexual misconduct, harassment, and discrimination are not tolerated. The university prohibits discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, colour, natural or protective hairstyle, religion, sex or gender, age, national origin, ethnicity, shared ancestry and ethnic characteristics, physical or mental disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, genetic information, pregnancy or pregnancy-related condition, military service, marital, parental, or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.
The university provides a range of resources and support services for students, faculty, and staff who experience or witness harassment and discrimination. Students who are facing such situations are encouraged to seek help from the Sexual Assault Response and Prevention Center (SARP) by calling 617-353-7277. Faculty and staff may contact the Faculty and Staff Assistance Office (FSAO) at 617-353-5381 for assistance. These services are free and confidential for members of the BU community.
Additionally, Boston University offers training and education on preventing harassment and discrimination. All employees, including newly onboarded employees, are required to complete an online Learning Module on the prevention of sexual misconduct, harassment, and discrimination. Supervisors and non-supervisors are also assigned specific courses on "Preventing Harassment and Discrimination" with a Title IX/Clery Module. These trainings aim to heighten awareness of acceptable and unacceptable behaviour and educate the community on the university's rules, processes, and available resources.
When starting a student organization at Boston University, it is important to be aware of the university's policies on discrimination and harassment. The Student Activities Office provides guidance and support for student groups, ensuring that all organizations promote a respectful and inclusive environment. As part of the recognition process for new student groups, mandatory club trainings are required, including Anti-Hazing training, to foster a safe and positive experience for all members of the BU community.
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Frequently asked questions
To start a student organization at Boston University, you must submit an application to the Student Activities Office. Before you apply, check if there is already a similar club on campus. If there is, reach out to the group's leadership to see if you can collaborate. If not, you can apply for recognition for your new group. Your application should include the names and BU emails of your four officers (President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer), a detailed description of your group, and a constitution with rules and policies to govern your organization.
The group description should explain the mission and vision of your organization. It should also highlight what unique value your group will add to the BU community.
After submitting your application, you should set up a time to meet with one of the Assistant Directors at the Student Activities Office. They will review your application and either grant or deny recognition for your group. If your application is approved, you will need to complete mandatory club trainings on TerrierCentral, Event Planning, Treasurer Training, Anti-Hazing, and SUSIBU. Your student group will not become officially recognized until this training has been attended.
You can start a student organization at Boston University with as few as four other students.
