How to Start a Club at SUNY New Paltz

Starting a new club is an exciting opportunity to bring a unique organization to our campus! This guide outlines the process and provides helpful tips to make starting your club as smooth as possible.

Key Information Before You Begin

• New Club Recognition Timeline: Clubs are recognized only during the spring semester. While you can begin preparations in the fall, some critical steps in the registration process occur exclusively in the spring.
• Check for Existing Clubs: Before moving forward, confirm that your idea is unique by searching ENGAGE. ENGAGE lists all existing campus organizations and is a useful tool for exploring club-hosted events and activities.

Steps to Start Your Club

1. Promotion and Member Recruitment (Fall Semester)

• Promote Your Idea: Start generating interest by:
  • Using social media platforms to connect with potential members.
  • Designing and distributing posters across campus with details about general interest meetings or links to group chats (e.g., QR codes).
• Recruit Members: You will need at least 10 interested members. Among them, designate a President and Treasurer to fulfill executive board requirements.

2. Plan Your Club’s Purpose and Activities

Before the spring registration period, meet with your group to answer these questions:

• When and where will your club meet?
• What will your meetings and activities look like?
• What kind of events will your club host?
• How will your club contribute to the greater campus community?

Ensuring alignment on these questions will prepare you for the club registration process and help set your organization up for success.

3. Understanding Executive Board Roles

Here is an overview of key executive board positions required for all clubs:

• President: Leads the club, oversees operations, and mediates conflicts.
• Treasurer: Manages the club’s budget, submits purchase and funding requests, and ensures financial accountability.
• Council of Orgs Representative: Attends Council of Orgs meetings to receive important updates and represent your club.

Optional Positions: While not required, roles such as Secretary, Event Coordinator, and Social Media Manager can help streamline club operations.

4. Draft Your Club Constitution

Your club constitution is a foundational document outlining how your organization will operate. A template is available on ENGAGE. Follow the template exactly, as any deviations may cause approval delays.

5. Spring Semester: New Club Registration

• Submit the Registration Form: Once the form opens on ENGAGE, fill it out with the required information, including:
  • Club meeting times/dates.
  • Your completed constitution.
  • Executive board details and club goals.
• Review Process:
  • Approved Submissions: You will pitch your club to the Council Chair and Council Board during a formal meeting. Be prepared to answer questions about your club’s purpose, activities, and goals.
  • Denied Submissions: You will receive feedback on areas to revise and may reapply after addressing concerns.

6. Post-Approval and Funding

• If your club is approved, you will receive funding in the following semester.
• After approval, you can start hosting events and building your presence on campus.