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New Student Organization Recognition Process

Do you have an idea, passion, or cause you want to bring to life at the University of Michigan-Flint? Starting your own student organization is a great way to connect with like-minded peers, build leadership skills, and make an impact on campus. Read below for step-by-step instructions on how to start your journey in creating a new student organization.

Step-by-Step Process 

Step 1: Attend/Watch New Organization Info Session 

Prospective student leaders must attend a brief orientation session with the Program Manager in the Office of the Dean of Students. Topics covered include: 

  • Benefits of being a recognized organization 
  • Requirements and expectations 
  • Available campus resources 

Sessions are offered in person or online via Canvas. Email Jaleesa Herrington jaleeshe@umich.edu to schedule in-person sessions.. 

Step 2: Meet Membership Requirements 

Recruit at least four currently enrolled students to serve as general members with at least two serving as officers. Required officer positions are: 

  • President 
  • Treasurer 

Step 3: Identify a Faculty/Staff Advisor 

Your organization must identify a UM-Flint faculty or staff advisor willing to provide guidance and support. The advisor (s) must complete the Advisor Agreement Form.

Step 4: Draft a Constitution 

Use the template provided by the Office of the Dean of Students to create a constitution tailored to your organization. Please note that the template has basic language which will need to be updated to suit the needs of your organization. The Constitution must, at minimum include: 

Student Org Constitution Template
  • Purpose and mission 
  • Membership criteria 
  • Officer duties and elections 
  • Process to remove members/officers 
  • Meeting frequency 
  • Amendments and decision-making processes 
  • Anti-Hazing Policy (Template Wording Required) 
  • Nondiscrimination Statement (Templated Wording Required) 

Step 5: Submit a Full Application Packet 

  • Complete the New Student Organization Registration Form, which includes:
    • Proposed organization name and mission 
    • Description of purpose and goals 
    • Explanation of how the group differs from existing organizations and why you want the organization to be established (100-200 words) 
  • Constitution 
  • Officer and member roster 
  • Advisor Agreement Form 

Submit via CampusConnections. 

Step 6: Review and Consultation 

The Student Engagement Team will review your application. If necessary, you may be invited to a short meeting to clarify your organization’s mission or plans. 

Step 7: Decision and Notification

You will receive a formal decision within 10 business days of submitting your application. Outcomes may include: 

  • Full recognition 
  • Conditional recognition (pending minor revisions) 
  • Denial (with explanation and next steps) 

Step 8: Training and Onboarding 

If approved, officers must complete: 

  • Student Organization Training (Canvas module) 
  • Campus policies overview (budgeting, event planning, DEI expectations) 

Step 9: Start Programming! 

You’re now eligible to: 

  • Reserve spaces on campus through CAE 
  • Apply for student org funding through Student Government 
  • Promote events through university channels 
  • Participate in campus fairs and leadership development opportunities 

Support and Contact 

Need help getting started? Contact the Office of the Dean of Students at flint.deanofstudents@umich.edu or visit 359 UCEN.