student ORGANIZATIONS AND CLUBS

How to Start a New Organization

There are three different kinds of student organizations on campus: 

SGA affiliated – you must have at least 8 active members, an advisor, and submit a constitution to be reviewed by the SGA. You are expected to fulfill the mandatory community service requirement.
Benefits – you will have an SGA senator, room and table reservations, advertising space, an SGA mailbox, storage/office space, tax-exempt status, and are eligible to make bulk mailings and use copy services (for a fee).

SGA budgeted – you must have at least 15 active members, an advisor, and submit a constitution to be reviewed by the SGA. You must abide by all SGA fundraising requirements and fulfill the mandatory community service requirement.
Benefits – you will receive a semesterly budget from the SGA, have an SGA senator, room and table reservations, advertising space, an SGA mailbox, storage/office space, tax-exempt status, and are eligible to make bulk mailings and use copy services (for a fee).

Office of Student Activities (OSA) Recognized – active organizations which abide by the TU Code of Conduct, but are not governed by the SGA. You should have an advisor and a mission statement. The Coordinator of Student Organizations can help you with both. You are encouraged to fulfill the community service requirement. These groups do not receive the privileges of an affiliated organization, but are able to post flyers on campus post in the Daily Digest, and receive information and invitations only available to Towson University student organizations.

To become SGA affiliated or budgeted: 

1)  Pick up a Prospective Organization Packet from the SGA office, University Union Room 226.

2)  This packet requires you to write a constitution for your group, stating its purpose on campus. You are also asked to fill out a roster with at least 8 prospective group members listed. When writing your constitution, please make sure that your prospective group has a different mission from all other groups currently on campus.

3)  Turn all completed forms into Mary Leeper in the SGA office.

4)  The SGA will introduce your constitution at the next Tues. SGA meeting.

5)  The SGA Government Operations Committee will review your group's constitution and generate any questions they may have for you.

6)  The SGA Senate will then vote on your constitution at the following week's meeting. It is very helpful if you have a representative at that SGA meeting to answer any questions.

7)  If your constitution is passed, you are an official SGA affiliated organization. You will now need to fill out a Contact Form listing necessary contact information for your group. If your constitution is not passed, you should meet with the SGA Attorney General to rework the document and have it resubmitted.

To become recognized by the OSA:

1)  Create a mission statement for your organization.

2)  Schedule a meeting with the Coordinator of Student Organizations to discuss your prospective group in more detail. Bring your mission statement with you to this meeting.

3)  Fill out a Contact Form for your organization.