The deadline to apply for Fall New Group recognition has passed.  We are not currently accepting new group applications. We will begin accepting Spring New Group applications on Wednesday, January 13th through Monday, February 1st at 5pm.

Before you start be sure that you have the following information:

• The names and emails of your 4 officers. We require that all organizations name a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer.
• A membership roster with at least 10 members
• The name and email address of one faculty or staff advisor
• A description of your group
• A constitution with rules and policies to govern your organization

If you need help with the constitution, you are welcome to download our sample constitution and use it as a guide.  Here's a copy of a sample constitution You will also have the option to request an email address or a website for your Student Organization, so be thinking of a possible BU username.

Please make sure that you download and complete the Signature Sheet, and then submit it to the Activities Consultants in the Student Activities Office at 1 University Road.  In the event that your group is approved, we will need to have the signatures of your four officers and advisor on file for financial control purposes. Your group's registration will not be considered complete until we have received it.

Once all of the steps are completed and you have submitted the completed application via the You Do @ BU system, the other student organizations in your Consortium will have the opportunity to view your profile and vote on your acceptance.  Be prepared to answer questions via email or the You Do system.  We hope to have voting wrapped up by October 1st and your group will be notified of the decision shortly thereafter.

This can be a long process so if you need to take a break, you can save your work and continue the application later. Keep in mind that this is a new system, so if you have any problems or questions don’t hesitate to call or email our office for help!

Phone Number: 617-353-3635
Email: sao@bu.edu

Note to Religious Groups and Honor Societies

Some groups must gain approval from other sources before they can be approved by our office.  Here are the guidelines for those groups:

Requesting Status as a New Religious Organization

1. Students must schedule a presentation with the Religious Life Council (RLC). The Council will make a recommendation to the Student Activities Office.  Email Office of Religious Life to schedule your presentation. 
2. Once approved by the RLC, the organization may proceed to request recognition as a new organization through the Student Activities Office by following the procedures outlined above.

Requesting Status as a New Honor Society

1. The faculty advisor must send a letter in support of the honor society to the Dean of the School or College to which the honor society is affiliated.
2. The Dean of the School or College must then send a letter of request to recommend the society for approval to the Office of the Provost.
3. Once the Provost has approved the group, the honor society may proceed to register as a new organization through the Student Activities Office by following the procedures outlined above.

• How to Start a New Student Organization
• Benefits of Registering an Organization
• Starting an Honor Society
• Starting a Religious Group
• Loss of Recognition