Create a New Student Organization

All student organizations under SLE are entirely student run. So, if you can't find a student organization that speaks to your specific interests we encourage you to consider creating your own!

On this page you’ll find information on the expectations of student leaders, materials needed to start a new organization on campus, and the timelines for application cycles for new organizations to apply for recognition.

Expectations of Student Leaders

Student leaders are expected to lead with integrity, compassion, and respect—creating inclusive spaces where everyone feels welcome. As a student leader, you help set the tone—for your organization and the wider community. That means living out our Jesuit values: cura personalis (care for the whole person), being people for and with others, and embracing diversity in all its forms.

You’re also expected to follow University policies, stay familiar with the Student Organization Regulations in the Fogcutter, meet timelines and submission dates, and keep in regular contact with our office. We know this can feel like a lot—but we’re here to help you every step of the way!

Being a student leader at USF can be extremely rewarding so if you are ready to become a student leader at USF and start a new organization, look at the required materials below.

Materials Needed to Start the New Student Organization Application Process

1. Constitution: This is your organization's governing document and will include the organization's purpose and structure.

   • Undergraduate Student Organization Constitution Template

   • Graduate Student Organization Constitution Template

2. A list of members: Organizations need to have at least five committed members in order to start an organization. Use this template for your membership list. 

3. An executive roster:  A list of four (4) executives for your organization using this template. 

4. A full-time faculty/staff advisor: Advisors must be full-time faculty or staff at USF.

New Student Organization Timeline for the 2025-26 Academic Year

Student Leadership and Engagement has three new organization application cycles per academic year. Listed below are the timelines for each cycle.

Organizations that adhere to the expectations, requirements, and timeline mentioned above, and are approved by SLE to operate, will receive a letter of recognition stating they have been officially recognized for the rest of the academic year. 

Once recognition is granted, USOs and GSOs will gain access to:

• Tabling at the Involvement Fairs (USO) or Graduate Student Meet & Greets (GSO); 
• The EMS room reservation system; 
• A financial account (if desired); 
• The ability to hold events on campus; 
• The opportunity to apply for ASUSF or AGSUSF Funding. 

Organization recognition is only granted per the academic year so should an organization want to continue the following year, they will need to reapply during our renewal timelines.

Starting a Club Sport

In order for a club sport to become officially recognized through Koret, they must undergo a two-part process.

1. They must apply to be a new student organization and complete the recognition process through Student Leadership and Engagement. The new student organization should maintain good standing for a year.
2. The new student organization should reach out to SLE at the end of the year to express interest in becoming a Koret club sport. SLE will then work with Koret to determine if it will be possible to grant them recognition as a club sport. All potential club sports are subject to Koret eligibility, capacity, budget, and fit.

To begin the two-part process, complete the New Student Organization Application. When completing the application, select "Club Sport Interest" as the organization's category.

If you have any questions about the processes listed on this webpage, please contact us at sle@usfca.edu.