Don’t see a student organization that captures your interest? Consider starting a new one!
If you would like to start a new student organization, here are the steps:
- Set up an appointment with the Director of Student Affairs (Suite 220 | 315.443.1146) to discuss the organization and review the approval process.
- Assemble at least 15 students to support the creation of your new student organization.
- Select and confirm a faculty advisor.
- Fully complete the Student SBA Addendum.
- Draft a constitution or bylaws.*
- Submit the completed Addendum and organization constitution to the SBA Secretary.
After you have fully completed the above steps, you will be scheduled to appear at the next meeting of the SBA. You will be asked to present the purpose, goals, objectives, and intent of your organization. The SBA may ask follow up questions based on your presentation. Please review the organization recognition guide [PDF].
If you have any questions regarding this process, please contact the Office of Student Affairs at 315-443-1146, or lawstudentaffairs@law.syr.edu
*The constitution must contain (but is not limited to) the following information:
A. Purpose. Describe the purpose of the organization.
B. Membership. A statement of open membership to all Syracuse University College of Law Students who have paid their activity fee; and further that the organization shall not discriminate regardless of race, color, sex, handicap, age, or political and religious affiliation in any of its policies, procedures or practices.
C. List of Officer Positions. Each organization must have at least two officers, including:
i. A President or Chair who will serve as the liaison between the organization and the Office of Student Affairs. This person will be the primary contact for all things relating to the student organization.
ii. A Treasurer or financial officer who will be the primary contact for the organization’s budget. This person will be responsible for signing all reimbursements and tracking the budget progress of the organization.
D. Method for electing officers.
E. The need and function of the Faculty/Staff Advisor.
F. A statement regarding the supervising authority and an agreement to comply with SU and College of Law Policies & Procedures, along with federal, state and local laws.
G. Process for amending the constitution.
H. Use the available sample constitution as a guide.