Sam Dunaway | News Editor
While Western provides over 60 chartered clubs and organizations for students to get involved in, students have the ability to create a new club at any time during the school year. Whether it’s an academic science club or a recreational video game club, there are only seven simple steps to establishing an official club on campus.
Step 1: Get a staff advisor
A staff advisor is someone that advises and oversees the club. They can be directly involved in meetings and club events or they can just be there for guidance. The club advisor must be a Western faculty or staff member.
Step 2: Find at least five members
Every new club on campus needs at least five members to begin the registration process. These members must be current, active Western students that are participating in the organization.
Step 3: Elect officers
Every club must have a president and a financial officer, such as a treasurer. Other club positions can be discussed within the organization.
Step 4: Write a constitution
A constitution is a document that lays out principles that the club abides by. This includes the purpose of the organization, the titles and duties of officers within the club and how students can gain membership in the club. A full list of requirements for the constitution can be found in the Statute for Chartered Organizations on ASWOU’s OrgSync portal.
Step 5: Register on OrgSync
Registration, or chartering, on OrgSync begins the process of making a club official. The registration must include:
- The organization’s full name
- The purpose or mission statement of the organization
- The selection process for new members
- The meeting time, day and location
- Contact information for at least five officers or general members
- The name of and contact information for the advisor
Step 6: Wait for approval
ASWOU administrators will review the charter and the constitution for any missing components before approval.
Step 7: Plan meetings and events
Once approved, the club is considered an officially chartered organization and is able to reserve rooms, hold events, advertise on bulletin boards around campus and recruit new members.
Contact the author at journalnews@wou.edu
