Start a Club

New Club FAQ

What do I need to get started?

Before you get started, a few things to be aware of as you start your club.  

• At a minimum, each club must have a President, Financial Officer, 1 Event Coordinator, and Club Advisor at all times.  Clubs are also required to have 6 listed members on their ConnectSU portal, 2 in leadership roles and 4 as members.  All members must be currently registered SU students.
• Club Advisors must be a  full-time SU faculty/staff advisor.  Graduate Students may not serve as official club advisors, however, they may hold unofficial advisor roles.
• An annually updated constitution.  More information on constitutions can be found below.  
• A Club Recognition application submitted on ConnectSU
• To register a new organization in ConnectSU, login and go to the Organizations page.  Click on the blue button that says "Register New Organization" to start the process.

Clubs are highly encouraged to read through and be aware of the Club Handbook (along with any addendum documents).  This important Handbook is also available on ConnectSU.  

Will I need to re-register every year?

Recognition privileges are in effect annually from the approval date of the application until the end of the academic year. Student clubs must re-apply each year during mid-Spring Quarter for recognition. New student clubs may apply for recognition at any time during the academic year through ConnectSU.

How to do I create a club constitution?

Constitutions should include the following components:

• The official name of the club
• Date of creation and revisions of the document
• Purpose statement
• Membership: only members of the Seattle University community are eligible to participate. Officers must be currently enrolled SU students
• A non-discrimination clause
• Officers and their duties
• Decision-making procedures
• Meetings: frequency, who calls meetings, and who must attend
• Parliamentary authority: How discussions and decisions will be handled
• Disbursement of organization assets if the organization dissolves
• Finances: how funds collected, maintained and disbursed
• Amendments: process to amend or change the constitution
• Faculty/staff advisor: could include the process for selecting and replacing the advisor and the club/advisor relationship

If you need an example of a club constitution, feel free to contact CSI!

Why do I need a faculty or staff advisor?

Your club advisor serves as a great resource and the official link between the club and Seattle University.  Club leaders are encouraged to be in regular communication and consultation with their club advisor.  Advisors should be knowledgeable about the club's affairs and offer knowledge/perspective where necessary.  

Official faculty or staff advisors must be employed full-time by Seattle University. Half-time faculty, graduate students, or staff members may serve as secondary advisors but not in the primary advisory role.

What resources are available to me as a club leader?

Officially recognized student clubs at Seattle University enjoy the following benefits:

• Recruit members from the student body
• Collect dues from members for the purpose of funding club events, programs, etc.
• Sponsor activities and invite speakers in accordance with university guidelines, the Code of Student Conduct and Seattle University's Jesuit, Catholic tradition
• Participate as a group in university events
• Use university facilities, equipment, and services to conduct club business and activities (i.e. meeting space on campus to conduct meetings, hosting events)
• Advertise club activities ConnectSU calendar, university bulletin boards, and approved banner locations according to all university policies and procedures
• Have a mailbox in the Center for Student Involvement office in Student Center 350
• Apply for funding from SGSU Appropriations and fundraise per the University's policy
• Have an on-campus club budget account through the Controller's Office