Starting a New Student Organization

Make it Official!

If you have an interest or hobby that there is not already a club or organization for, why not start one? Find more information here on the steps, requirements, and benefits of being a recognized student organization.

Student organizations provide an outlet for students to enhance their Shocker Experience! The staff of Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership are here to help you through the process of creating, establishing and chartering an RSO at Wichita State. SEAL assists students in starting new student organizations that address areas of interest which are not offered through other RSOs. The process is a collaboration between Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership and the Student Government Association.

Chartering Your Student Organization

"What does chartering mean?" - Chartering refers to the formal recognition of a student organization. A chartered organization at Wichita State is permitted certain benefits not given to recognized groups.

Check for Duplicity

Take a look at our registered student organizations, and see if there is a place where your interests are already represented on campus. With over 300 registered student organizations, there is a good chance that we have something you would love. You can see that list by visiting by clicking here.

Achieving and Renewing Recognition

All recognized organizations are required to file appropriate paperwork with the Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership located on ShockerSync in order to be considered active at Wichita State University. Organizations are classified according to who may serve as the officers and who their primary members are.

All organizations are required to have:

Members: At least five members
Leadership: An officer team which must include a President and Treasurer; additional positions are at the discreation of the student organization
Advisor: Organization Advisor must be a full-time employee of Wichita State University
Constitution: The group will create a Constitution to be ratified (approval by vote) by its members and approved by Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership

Benefits of Recognition

Recognition is a process where organizations become officially sanctioned and acknowledged by Wichita State University. Recognition is administered on an annual basis to over 300 organizations on campus. Recognition allows organizations access to meeting space, equipment, and services. Many privileges come from being a recognized campus or student organization at Wichita State University. These benefits are not available to unrecognized organizations or groups of individual students. Once an organization becomes recognized, the following privileges and benefits are available:

Recognition as a university organization
Use of university trademarks in accordance with WSU Trademark Licensing Policy and Guidelines
Establishment of an account with the Financial Operations and appropriate purchasing privileges in accordance with university guidelines and expectations
Inclusion in appropriate university publications
Publication of activities through the university calendar
Utilization of the Student Organizations website
Eligibility to utilize university staff and programming resources
Eligibility to apply for awards and honors presented to university recognized organizations and members
Eligibility for use of campus meeting facilities
Eligibility to be considered for the Student Government funding allocations
Printing Fund through Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership free to organizations
Use of Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership equipment and technology for events hosted by the organization

Some university equipment and services may involve charges. Benefits are not available to all recognized organizations because of additional criteria and restrictions that may be imposed by the respective entity.

Schedule a meeting with Student Organization staff

Call (316) 978-3022 or visit the Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership office, RSC 216, to set a meeting. You can also email us at student.orgs@wichita.edu

Next Steps

After the organization has been approved by Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership, you will present your organization for approval to the Student Government Association Senate.

Finally, you will have one more meeting with RSO Staff before you are recognized as a Student Organization.

Resources for Organizations

We are here to help you manage your student organization, no matter what your needs are! We can assist you in promoting your club, reserving space, training officers, and more!

DOWNLOAD ROSTER TEMPLATE EVENT PLANNING SGA FUNDING ADVISOR RESOURCES SHOCKERSYNC FINANCIAL PROCESSES FOR SAFEKEEPING

Marketing Resources

Whether you are advertising for an event or your organization in general, there are several marketing resources available to recognized student organizations through the Rhatigan Student Center and across campus. Below are the current resources available. If you know of some that are missing from this list, please contact the student.orgs@wichita.edu to be added.

Basecamp

Basecamp connects you with RSC Graphics to manage marketing projects. RSOs have the ability to have posters, brochures and other printed pieces designed by the Rhatigan Student Center (RSC) Graphics Department. Each group is able to request assistance for up to two (2) projects per semester. How to get started? Email student.orgs@wichita.edu to set up an account, complete the training and then get started!

Banners on Campus

Banner display space is available on campus throughout the year. Facilities Services is available to assist student organizations to place banners on campus. Please note there may be a charge for this service. Fill out a work order form to reserve space for your banners.

Buttons in Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership

Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership offers buttons and button makers to student groups. Each group is able to use up to 100 FREE buttons per semester! To request the button maker, stop by Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership for assistance in RSC 216.

Involvement Fair and Springfest

Recruit members and highlight your organization at a high traffic event. Talk to potential members, collect contact information, and hand out fliers and giveaways. The Involvement Fair and Springfest page contains information about guidelines and registration information.

Display Cases in the RSC

The RSC has two hallway display cases that may be reserved for one to two weeks at a time through the Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership office. Recognized organizations and university departments can reserve these at no cost. To reserve a display case, please stop by Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership for assistance in RSC 216.

Die Cut Machine

Student Engagement, Advocacy & Leadership has two die cut machine available for student organization use. Make professional-looking bulletin boards and displays. The set contains 4" capital and small letters, 10 basic shapes, and basic punctuation. There is also a set of 8" capital letters. The equipment is located in the RSO Workroom, and can be used during open hours.

Tabling in the RSC

There are spaces in the RSC for student organizations to market and promote their group or event. To reserve a booth/table, please contact Event Services at letsmeet@wichita.edu.

ShockerBlast

Shocker Blast is an internal communication channel intended primarily for students of Wichita State University. Shocker Blast is produced by WSU Strategic Communications. To submit an item for Shocker Blast, please email to shockerblast@wichita.edu.

The Sunflower

The Sunflower is Wichita State University’s oldest student organization, founded in 1896. The Sunflower serves the population of Wichita State students, faculty and staff, in addition to Wichita and its surrounding communities. The Sunflower offers a variety of advertising spaces. Should you have any questions, or you would like to advertise with the Sunflower, please email admanager@thesunflower.com.