The application deadline for new student group recognition for the 2024-2025 academic year has passed. New student groups are recognized annually each fall semester. The application period for new student group recognition for the 2025-2026 academic year will be announced in spring 2025.

Process for Applying to Start a New Student Group:
Those groups who wish to seek Student Union/Campus Life recognition should review the steps found on this page, and the supporting "New Student Group Formation Guide". This page will outline the process for which all groups would follow for potential recognition. Review of new student group applications is completed in September each academic year. In order for an application to be considered, all steps outlined on this page and the support document must be completed.

There are ten (10) steps each group will complete for potential recognition. All groups should be familiar with these steps found in the NEW STUDENT GROUP FORMATION GUIDE (listed below).
NOTE: Steps 1-6 Can Take 60 - 90 Days to Complete. Groups Should Plan Accordingly to Be Considered by Application Review Date.

Meet: Schedule a time to meet with Assistant Director of Student Involvement & Student Groups.
Initiate: Initiate discussions with friends, colleagues and WashU the student community around your group idea.
Brainstorm: Brainstorm within your group around the focus, mission and purpose of your group. Create a list of ideas.
Formulate: Consolidate your mission, focus and purpose into a clear and concise set of steps or priorities for your group formation.
Document: Document your mission and purpose through a formal constitution, outlining membership, officers, processes and mechanisms which your group operate by.
Application: Group will be invited to apply after satisfactorily meeting first five steps by Assistant Director of Student Groups - Campus life.
Present: Present your group to members of the Student Union Activities Committee and/or Campus Life.
Provisional Approval: Provisional Approval granted by Student Union Activities Committee - pending meeting training requirements.
Train: Training is required of all new student groups before formal recognition. Training will be conducted by Campus Life and / Student Union.
Formal Recognition: Formal recognition to begin operating as a student group is given after all requirements are met. Recognition becomes effective the next academic semester following the semester in which the application was made.

CAMPUS LIFE CONTACT:
Scott Williams
Assistant Director, Student Involvement & Student Groups
(314) 935-6088
scott.williams@wustl.edu
Schedule A New Student Group Conference

New Student Group Formation