Chartering a Student Organization
The following are required steps to becoming a recognized student organization:
1. Meet with Student Activities
Schedule a meeting with a Student Involvement Specialist to discuss the proposed organization and to secure the appropriate forms HERE.
2. Review Organization Policies
Become familiar with institutional policies, specifically student organization policies for officers, advisors, and activities, to ensure that the proposed organization will adhere to expectations for the entire Baylor community.
3. Identify Organization Advisors
Enlist at least one full-time faculty or staff member as an advisor for the organization. Two advisors are recommended and preferred for each student organization. Additional advisors may be obtained as necessary. (For additional information, go to the Advisor section of the policy.)
4. Complete Documentation
Complete the appropriate forms. Student organizations are chartered only once; however, each must complete a registration form and submit a roster each semester. The following forms must be completed before recognition and registration are considered:
- Application for Recognition
- Roster Form
- Constitution or By-Laws
You can find the charter application here.
The Student Organization Charter Application is closed and will reopen on Monday, August 10th, for the Fall 2026 semester.
Fall 2026 Priority Deadline - Monday, October 5th, 2026*
Fall 2026 Final Deadline - Monday, October 26th, 2026*
*Applications received by the Priority Deadline are guaranteed to be reviewed this semester. Applications received after the Final Deadline may not be reviewed until Spring 2027.
All documents/application materials (including the constitution) must be signed/approved by both the organization president and the advisor. Please note that all recognized and affiliated student organizations are unable to use the Baylor name in the title of the organization (example: Baylor Chess Club); rather, organizations wishing to acknowledge recognition from the university may do so by referencing where the organization is chartered (example: Chess Club at Baylor University).
Charter Application Review Process
All applications are reviewed by the Student Organization Charter Council (SOCC), the Director of Student Activities, the Associate Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students, and the Vice President for Student Life for final approval. Student organization charter applications that exceed the current committee members' expertise will be recommended for expanded evaluation to the Director of Student Activities. The Director will coordinate a review process with the Associate Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students and the Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education to identify faculty and staff experts with diverse perspectives to broaden the SOCC’s evaluation of charter applications, as deemed necessary by the SOCC.
Timeline for Approval
Each semester, two opportunities to charter an organization will be offered. Potential organizations that submit completed documentation by the required deadline may participate in the chartering process. Organizations that do not complete and attend all workshops will not be included in the recognition ceremony; they may not operate as a student organization until all workshops have been completed.