In spite of the plethora of student organizations on campus, it is quite possible that there is not one that meets your interests or needs.  So, why not start your own?   Complete the Student Organization Online Registration and Renewal form.  New organizations may apply for recognition anytime throughout the academic year.  The following steps will need to be completed within the packet in addition to the Minimum Standards for Recognition.

• Complete the Student Organization Online Registration Form (same as annual registration form) and check New Organization Application.  The form is available at http://studentorganizations.missouristate.edu/guide.

• Create and submit both a Constitution and Bylaws document.  To aid your writing, samples of documents can be found in the back of this handbook or at http://studentorganizations.missouristate.edu/guide under Forms.  These documents will need to be revised and approved by the Office of Student Activities who will then send it to the Student Government Association (SGA) for final approval.  Once approval is granted by both SGA and the Office of Student Activities, the organization can function fully on campus under Transitional Status for the first semester as a probation period (see page 12 for more information on Transitional Status)

• Attend a Student Organization Orientation either in the immediate fall or spring semester, depending on date the organization was established.
  

Any uncompleted criterion will delay or suspend your approval process.  Once the online registration is completed and the organization is waiting on the Office of Student Activities (OSA) or the Student Government Association (SGA) to approve their Constitution and Bylaws, special requests may be made at the Office of Student Activities to reserve space in the Union.  After approval is achieved from SGA, a confirmation email will bet sent to your organization's president and advisor.  This email serves as official documentation acknowledging the group’s recognition by the University.  Only after this process is completed is the organization eligible to receive SOFAC funding, to reserve space through Conference Services without Student Activities assistance, and to establish a website and email address for your organization.

For a list of privileges for new student organizations, refer to Organization Status.

If you desire further assistance in starting a new student organization,
please contact the Office of Student Activities at 417.836.4386.