New Organization Recognition

Student organizations at UMBC contribute to broadening perspectives, opening opportunities, and connecting students’ passions with interests and issues important to members of the campus community and beyond. By starting a student organization, you take on the responsibility of creating a vibrant campus life and fostering change on campus. The steps outlined below will ensure that you are prepared for this role and connected to campus partners and potential collaborators. The recognition process generally takes between two and four months and in some instances longer. 

• • We encourage you to think about whether your needs and interests can be met by an existing student organization.  Organizations that are too similar to existing student organizations will not be approved by the Student Organization Committee.

• • The application will open on the first day of classes each fall, and close on the last day of the academic year.
  • You will need to have the following prepared to complete your application:
    • • A name and mission statement for your organization
      • 5 undergraduate members
      • A President, Vice President, and Treasurer
      • A UMBC faculty or staff advisor

New Student Org Application 

Note: The new student organization process can take 3 months on average.

• • After your application is submitted, a confirmation email from studentorgs@umbc.edu will be received that includes a scheduling link to reserve a 30 minute time slot with the Coordinator of Student Organizations.
    • Meetings will happen virtually on Webex with a staff member from Student Engagement. The president and advisor of each group is required to attend. Additional officers are welcome to attend, but not required
  • Once the meeting is scheduled, a Google Drive folder will be shared with all listed officers and advisors of the organization. This folder will include all the documents you will need to complete the process and a Panapto video that should be reviewed prior to your meeting.
  • In the meetings, we will discuss:
    • Your student organization idea! We want to hear all about your organization and the plans you have for the future
    • How to complete your First Year Packet (step 4)
    • The timeline for next steps

• • After your meeting, you will be sent a the First Year Plan. All officers should participate in completing your First Year Plan.
  • Groups may be asked to meet with Campus Partners that align with their goals. These meetings should be completed prior to submitting your First Year Plan (FYP).
  • Completed First Year Plans should be submitted to the Student Organization Committee.

• • After the First Year Plan is submitted, the SOC will review your application, First Year Packet, and the summary from your meeting with Student Engagement staff.
  • If the SOC has clarifying questions or would like to see additional information, your group will be given an opportunity to edit your materials.
  • The SOC will use the New Student Organization Rubric to guide their vote.
  • The SOC meets bi-weekly and does not meet over winter or summer break. The last SOC meeting each academic year occurs the week before finals.

 

• • Once the SOC has voted on an organization, the materials and vote is presented to the Director of Student Engagement for final approval or denial.
  • If the Director of Student Engagement confirms recommendation for recognition, all officers and advisor will receive an official recognition letter.
  • Once the letter is received, the group must attend an onboarding training to complete the recognition process and become an official student organization.

• • After receiving a recognition letter, your executive board will be able to register for an onboarding training session. Onboarding sessions will be offered on a rolling basis.