Start a New Student Group

Our mission in managing the creation of new groups is to make sure that we can accommodate the different niches of interest amongst the student body whilst keeping in mind constraints of space, funding, and staffing.

We are limiting the total number of student groups to 450 due to constraints of space, funding, and staffing. As a result, category of proposed student group will be taken into consideration.

All Brown undergrads are eligible to apply to create new student groups. The process is relatively simple and involves filling out an online application followed up by a brief conversation with a Student Activities representative.

All UCS recognized organizations must be open to all Brown students regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or caste.

Applications are due November 22nd at 11:59PM.

We will only accept applications this semester, no applications will be accepted in the Spring.

The decision for this change was ultimately based on the constraints on resources named above but also, gives the UCS Student Activities Committee more time to run an appeal process following the release of decisions. Previously, those whose new clubs or recategorization requests were rejected in the spring semester could not appeal until the following September as there is a change in leadership after May and UCS is not mandatorily active over the summer. With the change to one application cycle per year, we hope to effectively review applications and ensure information is not lost between school years.

All decisions will be sent out 1-2 weeks after the submission deadline.

Just follow the steps below and reach out to our Student Activities team (ucs_sa@brown.edu) for any questions!

Steps to Create a New Group

  1. Check the list of all student groups to make sure that the group you’re trying to start occupies an unoccupied niche on campus. Feel free to reach out to the SA Chair if you’re not sure.

  2. Put together your group constitution: See the sample constitution. All groups’ constitutions must include the following:

    • Name of the organization (REQUIRED)

    • Statement of purpose (REQUIRED): include nature of departmental, administrative, legal, religious, political, or financial affiliations without which the organization would not exist

    • Description of membership (REQUIRED): copy verbatim from the sample constitution (above) and add where applicable

    • Description of structure of leadership (where applicable): officers must be currently enrolled full-time undergraduate Brown students.

    • Election of Officers (where applicable)

    • Organizational financial responsibilities (REQUIRED): copy verbatim from the sample constitution (above)

    • Description of duties of official advisor (where applicable)

    • Amendment procedure (REQUIRED): refer to template constitution (above) for sample language and change based on student group needs

    • Member Dismissal (REQUIRED): refer to template constitution (above) for sample language and change based on student group needs

    • Anti-Discrimination Clause (REQUIRED): refer to template constitution (above) for required language

  3. Collect member signatures by including prospective members’ full name, class year, and email in a spreadsheet

    • You must obtain at least 10 signatures

    • The collection form can be digital or physical, but it must include all three fields listed above

    • The SA Committee reserves the right to contact these prospective members to confirm their membership

  4. Meet with 2-3 other student groups with the most similar mission or services provided.

    • The purpose of this step is to ensure that you have done your research and can advocate for why your group does not occupy an existing niche

    • This will be part of the official application form as well as your conversation with the SA Rep.

    • Make sure to note the name and position of each person you meet with as well as the names of the clubs you talk to.

    • This format of these meetings is up to you, but we expect that it is a meeting

  5. Submit the new group application

    • Once you have completed all of the above steps, including meeting with your SA rep, you are welcome to submit the new group application

  6. Meet with your SA Rep

    • SA Reps are automatically assigned based on your group’s type. Check the list of reps below to find out who yours is.

    • Your rep will reach out once the application is submitted, including updated constitution, roster, and answers to the questions on the application

    • SA Reps are a resource to help make sure your application doesn’t have holes in it and is as compelling as possible once it’s brought to committee

  7. After your application is submitted

    • The student activities committee will review your application and get back to you regarding the group’s status

    • The student activities office will review your application for liability and safety and has the ability to reject a group based on student safety and liability concerns

2023-24 Student Activities Representatives

IMPORTANT: Applicants must meet with their SA Rep, they will reach out to you once your application has been submitted. Submitted applications will not be considered if the group does not meet with an SA Rep. Contact the SA chair for non group-type specific questions or if you have not heard from a Rep!

Ashley Kim
Student Activities Chair
ashley_j_kim@brown.edu

SA Reps TBD