Forming New Recognized Student Organizations

A group wishing to be recognized by the University must submit a typed copy of a constitution stating the purposes for which the organization is to be formed. A sheet with the signatures of at least eight (8) qualified members and the faculty-staff advisor must also be submitted. The following information is required in the constitution:

1. Name of the organization (no organization will use a name identical to or closely similar to the name of a previously recognized organization).
2. A declaration of the purposes, goals, activities (purpose statement) of the organization.
3. A listing of officers by title and any specific functions of the officers. Officers must have at least a 2.000 cumulative grade point average and not be on disciplinary probation.
4. A statement of terms of the office and the time and method of election.
5. Membership eligibility requirements. Membership in recognized student organizations will be limited to enrolled students. Accurate membership records will be maintained and made available to the Advisor and the Assistant Dean's office.
6. Frequency of meetings. Specifications for a special or called meeting must be stated. What constitutes a quorum must also be stated.
7. Provisions for a primary advisor. Full-time and part-time faculty/staff and Hall Directors are eligible to serve as primary advisors. Who will choose the advisor and what will be the role of the advisor must be stated. (In case of severe hardship in finding an advisor, the Dean's office may permit a group to complete the recognition process; however, the organization will be inactive until an advisor is obtained.)
8. Section on finance. A statement of membership dues, agreement of where all funds will be received and disbursed and provision for disposition of any funds in case of dissolution of the organization must be included. What constitutes a fiscal year, a binding contract and who needs to sign a check before it can be processed must also be stated. The University requests that all University organizations have the signature of the appropriate officers and advisor.
9. Arrangements for standing or other special committees must be specified.
10. Provisions for amendments to the constitution and what is a majority vote to amend must also be included.

Recognition Process

The "Request for Recognition Form" and all required informational items should be returned to the Office of Greek Services and Leadership Development, 207 Student Center. The Director will verify that all University requirements for recognition have been met. If everything is in order, the Director will notify the Student Government Association and the Student Life Committee of the group's request to be recognized. Two weeks from the date of this notification, the group will be recommended to the administration for recognition if the Student Government Association and the Student Life Committee do not challenge the application for recognition.

Before it is officially recognized, the new group may reserve space for one organizational meeting and conduct publicity for that meeting only.

Recognition requires those local organizations affiliated with a national organization must have a local constitution and/or bylaws that are by and do not conflict with the University of Central Arkansas' policies and procedures. National constitutions/bylaws imposed upon the local organization may not conflict with the University of Central Arkansas' policies and procedures. If there are any questions involving the above stated conditions, recognition of the group will not be completed until it is referred to the Student Life Committee for review.

Recognition signifies that the organization agrees:

• To provide equal opportunity to all students.
• To prohibit discrimination against any potential member because of race, sex, color, religion, age, national origin, disability, or veteran's status.

Steps to Forming A Recognized Student Organization

1. Obtain a sheet with the signatures of at least eight (8) qualified members.
2. Obtain a university faculty\staff advisor.
3. Submit three (3) typed copies of a constitution stating the purpose(s) of the organization.
4. Submit the "Application for Recognition Form" with the previously stated information (#1, 3) to the Activity Center, Student Center room 207.
   Download the Application for Recognition (doc)