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 Advisor section of policy.)
4. Complete Documentation
Complete the appropriate forms. Student organizations are chartered only once, but each must complete a registration form and roster each semester. The following forms must be completed before recognition and registration are considered:
- Application for Recognition
- Roster Form
- Constitution or By-Laws
The application for Fall 2023 semester will open at the start of the semester.
Priority Deadline: October 23rd, 2023*
*Applications received by the Priority Deadline are guaranteed to be reviewed this semester. Applications received after the deadline may not be reviewed until Spring 2024.
All documents/application materials (including the constitution) must be signed/approved by both the organization president and the advisor. Please note 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).
5. Attend Charter Workshop Series
Recommended organizations’ designated officers will attend a workshop series designed to help prepare them to lead their respective organizations. A minimum of two officers are required to attend all workshops, and the workshop series will culminate with an official recognition ceremony for all approved organizations. Once student leaders complete these steps and receive approval from Baylor University for the requested charter they may begin operating and meeting.
Charter Application Review Process
All applications are reviewed by the Student Organization Charter Council (SOCC), the Senior Director of Student Activities, Associate Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students, and the Vice President for Student Life for final approval. Student organization charter applications that extend beyond the expertise of the current committee members will be recommended for expanded evaluation to the Senior Director of Student Activities. The Senior Director will coordinate a review process with the Associate Vice President for Student Life/Dean of Students and Vice Provost for Undergraduate Education to identify faculty and staff experts with varied and 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.