Student Center

Starting a New Organization on Campus

Starting a Club:

At the beginning of the school year a day is set aside in the Campus Center. All clubs, new or old, must register for the academic year. Students who do not register during Club Day and wish to start a club must see the Program Coordinator to get information on how to begin a club. All clubs/organizations must have current information on file.

Complete a Club Registration form and submit to the Student Center Office. The Office will review each club constitution and notify the contact person about the club status. In order to become a recognized club, all club registration process must be completed.

Advisor

Role of the Organization Advisor:
Normally, only Claflin University faculty and staff on recommendation by the organization and approved by the administration may serve as advisors to student groups. However, in some instances, community members may be recommended as advisors. The organization advisor has the following responsibilities:

• The advisor or his/her designee must be present in order for an organization meeting to be a bona fide meeting.
• The advisor should insure that the organization’s activities, programs and other forms of entertainment are in good taste and reflect favorably upon the University.
• The advisor should assist in scheduling all activities on the University Student Activity Calendar.
• The advisor must secure approval (by securing the proper signatures on the Travel Form) prior to taking a group off campus.
• The advisor reviews the group’s operations for consistency with the University’s regulations and policies.
• The advisor assists the organization with the proper management of the group’s funds and the filing of the End of the Year Report.
• The advisor actively participates in leadership training when offered by the University.

Characteristics of a Good Advisor:

• plans with the group;
• helps group find solutions to problems;
• knows University and national policy where it applies;
• encourages group members to regularly consult with him/her;
• is prompt and reliable;
• is familiar with parliamentary procedure for conducting a business meeting;
• is firm but fair;
• is loyal to the group;
• is able to develop leadership responsibility in the officers and makes sure they are informed of what is expected of them.