Starting a New Student Group

Thank you for your interest in starting a new student group. Campus Life looks forward to exploring this opportunity with you! If you have questions that are not answered on this page, check with Campus Life.

Steps to start a new registered student group

Step 1: Meet with Assistant Director, Scott Williams or designee in Campus Life to do an initial intake.

Step 2:  Review Student Group Handbook to be aware of policies and support structures

Step 3: Apply for Campus Life registration on WUGO. We will collect and review new group registrations in the first few weeks of the fall and spring semester. All new Campus Life registered groups will also be considered for Student Union category 3 recognition if indicated on the registration application.

New group applications for Spring 2024 are due on January 26, 2024 (approved spring applications become effective in Fall 2024).

New Group Application Form

Registration Requirements

You will need the following in order to complete your registration application:

  1. Names and WUSTL email addresses of the President and Treasurer of the group
    1. Both should be Washington University undergraduate students
  2. Names and WUSTL email addresses of 10 total active members
    1. Total membership can be inclusive of officer positions
    2. 85% should be WUSTL undergraduate students
  3. Name and signed advisor agreement for the group’s faculty staff advisor
  4. Description of your group
  5. Mission statement for your group
  6. Distinction of group on campus
  7. A digital copy of your group’s constitution. It is recommended that you review the Sample Group Constitution when drafting a new constitution.
    • Constitution criteria:
      • Student group name
      • Purpose
      • Membership requirements
      • Financial obligations
      • Officers and position descriptions
      • Voting process
      • Operations
      • Process to change constitution
      • Code of conduct
      • Nondiscrimination statement
  8. Image or logo to upload as the group’s WUGO profile picture.

Considerations for the approval of new groups will be based on the following criteria:

  • Complement the University mission
  • Comply with university policy and all local, state, and federal laws
  • Comply with the University Student Code of Conduct
  • Demonstrated need that is currently not being met
  • Demonstrated future sustainability for at least 2-3 years
  • 10 students interested, including identifying a President and Treasurer
  • Activities that do not create undue risk or liability
  • Student group constitution
  • Written consent from the national organization, if applicable

Additional Information

  1. If social fraternity or sorority, please call Campus Life at 314-935-3443.