Frequently Asked Questions
Joining a Student Organization
How can I learn about student organizations?
- Visit the list of student organizations and search for what interests you. The President’s name and email can be found online, so if you have a question please contact them directly.
- Go to a student organization meeting and talk to current members. You can find their contact information on our website.
- Attend the Student Involvement Expo (Student Organization Fair) held on campus in the fall and spring and talk to the groups directly.
I want to get involved on campus, but I do not see a student organization that I am interested in. How can I start my own group?
Take a look at the recognition process for information on starting a new student organization.
The Recognition Process
What is recognition and how do I get it?
The CSU Chancellor’s office requires student organizations to be “officially recognized” by the university. A recognized student organization has an approved application on file with Student Life and Leadership, and is recognized for the duration of our annual cycle which begins each year on October 1 and ends September 30.
Take at look at the recognition process for information on starting a new student organization.
Who can be an Officer?
Any regularly matriculated SDSU student can be an officer of a student organization. The president and the treasurer must maintain cumulative SDSU and total grade point averages of at least 2.0. The president and the treasurer must be in good standing and must not be on probation of any kind, including academic or disciplinary probation. If the president or the treasurer are placed on probation, they can not continue to be an officer of the on-campus student organization. Student Life and Leadership staff will verify eligibility requirements at least once every semester.
Who can be an advisor?
Advisors must be part time or full time employees of SDSU; employee eligibility and confirmation of advisor status is verified when organizations apply for recognition status. Auxiliary staff, teaching assistants, graduate assistants, and student assistants are not eligible to serve as advisors.
Where do I turn in my Organization Recognition Application?
Bring your Organization Recognition Application, including by-laws, to the Student Life and Leadership in Student Services West 1661. When you turn in a form to our office, be sure you have enough time to meet with one of our advisors who will sit down and review the application with you.
What happens after I submit my Organization Recognition Application?
Applications are reviewed on a weekly basis. After review, the President and Advisor will be sent an email with the recognition status.
Event Approval Process
What is an Event Approval Form (EAF)?
An Event Approval Form (EAF) is a form that needs to be completed when your student organization is planning to do something on campus that would not be considered part of your normal weekly meeting. Examples include a scavenger hunt, an outdoor BBQ, tabling in Aztec Center or on Campanile Walkway.
You can pick one up in our office, or by downloading the Event Approval Form.
The Event Approval Form (EAF) must be turned in no later than 2 weeks prior to your event for approval. When you turn in the form to our office, be sure you have enough time to meet with one of our advisors who will sit down and review the form with you.
When is the best time for me to come in for event advising?
As early as possible! Let us help you plan your events in advance. Come into our office at least two weeks in advance. For larger scale events, we often work with student organizations a few months in advance of the event.
The Event Approval Form (EAF) must be turned in no later than 2 weeks prior to your event for approval. When you turn in the form to our office, be sure you have enough time to meet with one of our advisors who will sit down and review the form with you.
Student Organization Development
I am the president of my club/organization, and I do not have any information from previous years. What can I do to make sure the presidents that follow me have information on the student organization?
It is great that you want to do something about this. Please review the “Passing the Baton” handout as a starting point. In addition, our office offers a workshop on this topic.
Where can I make a banner to advertise an upcoming event?
Student Life and Leadership in Student Services West 1661 has a resource room with butcher paper, paint, alphabet and Greek letter cut outs and markers for your use.
Facilities
How can I reserve a classroom on campus?
Student Life and Leadership will assist recognized student organizations in applying for classroom space on campus. These requests can be turned in after the add/drop date each semester. Please contact our office for further information.
Greek Life
Where can I learn more about joining a social fraternity or sorority?
For information on Greek Life, visit the Fraternity and Sorority Life website.
Misc. FAQ
I would like to make a change to the student organization officer list. How do I go about doing that?
Come to the Student Life and Leadership office in Student Services West 1661 and fill out the Officer Update Form. When you turn in a form to our office, be sure you have enough time to meet with one of our advisors who will sit down and review the form with you. The advisor will do an eligibility check on the President and Treasurer and verify that one officer on the list attended the student organization orientation session.
Where is Student Life and Leadership located?
We are located in Student Services West 1661. We are open Monday through Friday 8am-4:30pm.
Do you have an FAQ for us? E-mail Bill Mackey at bmackey@mail.sdsu.edu