CREATE A NEW ORGANIZATION

At Texas A&M, we have over 1100 active organizations. However, we always have room for more if you aren’t able to find an existing organization that fits your needs and interests. All new organizations must complete an application process before being officially recognized to operate on campus, so before you get started, please remember the following:

  • We receive many New Student Organization applications each semester. Because we want to thoroughly equip each organization’s leadership with the knowledge and skills they’ll need to be successful, the University-recognition process takes around 6-8 weeks.
  • All organizations must meet the following basic criteria to advance in the recognition process:
    – All recognized student organizations must have at least two student leaders and a university advisor. See pp. 9-14 of the Student Organization Manual for details on each role.
    – New student organizations must have a unique mission and vision that is distinct from those of other recognized student organizations. Use the MaroonLink Student Organization Search page to browse through existing recognized student organizations. If you see a similar organization, don’t hesitate to reach out to them to see if you can join their efforts!

If you have additional questions or want to learn more about recognized student organizations at Texas A&M, contact the Student Organization Leadership And Development area at (979) 458-4371 or solad@stuact.tamu.edu.

PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS

The process for creating a new student organization includes four different steps:

Complete the self-paced, online NSO Informational Mini-Course via the Thinkific platform. The course will walk you through an overview of the process, as well as requirements for obtaining University-recognized status.

NOTE: All New Student Organization Course spots have been filled for the 2022-2023 academic year. The New Student Organization Informational Mini-Course will reopen on May 1, 2023 when additional NSO Course sections become available for the 2023-2024 academic year.

At the end of the NSO Informational Mini-Course, you’ll be prompted to complete an NSO application. This application will be reviewed to ensure that your organization meets all of the prerequisites for the NSO Course, including identification of at least two student leaders and an eligible University advisor, as well as a unique organizational mission and vision that is distinct from those of other recognized student organizations.

If your organization meets the prerequisites identified above, you will be enrolled in a six-week, semi-synchronous online NSO Course. This course is intended to equip your organization to be successful on campus, as well as to provide a network of peer organizations that are also just getting started! There will be two NSO courses available in the fall semester, two in the spring semester, and one over the summer semester. More information on these courses is provided in the NSO Informational Mini-Course.

At the end of the six-week NSO Course, as long as you’ve completed each of the required elements and expectations along the way, you’ll receive an account number and complete an organizational “recognition checklist” on StuAct Online. We’ll work through this together in your course section; however, you’ll also have some additional time to complete this final step, if you need it. After you’ve completed your checklist, your group will be a recognized student organization!

CATEGORIZATIONS

There are three different types of student organizations, determined by an organization’s relationship to the university:

Sponsored Organizations

Those considered to be critical to the mission and culture of the university. These organizations are inherently linked to the university and are considered to be an integral part of the institution. They typically have a close relationship with a university department or office, and their activities and events are considered to be more complex because of their scope and perceived association with the university. Sponsored organizations are required to have a full-time professional staff member whose job description designates them as the primary advisor to the sponsored organization.

Affiliated Organizations

Contribute to the mission and culture of the university, and the activities and events of these organizations are considered to carry a moderate level of complexity. Affiliated organizations often have a direct link to a larger, sponsored organization. Affiliated advisors must be a full-time university employee who possesses the skills and/or training necessary to advise the organization.

Registered Organizations

Are capable of functioning with minimal support from the university, but remain consistent with the mission and culture of Texas A&M. The activities and events of these organizations are considered to carry a lower level of complexity due to their limited scope. Advisors to a registered organization may be a faculty member, professional or associate staff member, or graduate assistant.

CLASSIFICATIONS

Every recognized A&M organization is given a classification which not only helps us organize you into areas of common mission or purpose, but it also makes finding you a lot easier for students who are looking to get involved. Our current classifications include:

  • Academic
  • Arts and Culture
  • Campus Service
  • Community/Volunteer Service
  • Cultural/International
  • Enthusiasts
  • Global Service
  • Greek Life
  • Healthy Living
  • Honor
  • Military
  • Professional/Career
  • Recreation
  • Religious
  • Residence Halls
  • Social and Political Issues
  • Special Interests
  • Spirit and Tradition
  • Sport Clubs
  • Student Government