Before you begin the process of forming a new student organization, we urge you to research the already existing ones. UCI has nearly 400 registered student organizations. These groups have been formed to meet a variety of social, cultural, political, recreational, and religious interests. You may find that there is a group on campus doing just the sort of thing you wanted to do. There are many benefits from joining an existing organization. It is often more effective to combine forces than duplicate efforts and/or services thereby creating competition for resources -- finances and members. Most organizations are eager for new members; they want new talent, ideas, enthusiasm, and commitment. If there is a group currently meeting with basically the same interests as yours, it makes the most sense to join them and become allies rather than to be seen as forming a separate interest group.
If, however, you are unable to identify an existing organization that will satisfy you, by all means, start your own. There may be others out there with similar interests as you're looking for a group to join!
Starting a new club can be like starting a new business -- 70 percent fail during the first year. It's risky, so we urge you to consider the following: (Don't do it all alone; generate interest & support, and involve others in the planning!)
Purpose
Membership
Structure
It is important that you be able to answer these questions because potential members will be asking these themselves. Be prepared!
Registering the Organization
1. Obtain the necessary forms from Office of the Dean of Students, 100 Humanities Trailer Complex. (You can also complete forms on-line at http://www.dos.uci.edu/clubs.) This office has responsibility for registering all campus organizations.
2. Make an appointment for a minimum of two of your officers to meet with a Office of the Dean of Students staff member.
3. New Club set-up and registration fee is $40.
4. The annual re-registration fee is $35.00 if paid by October 8 and $40.00 after October 9.
Privileges of Club Registration
1. Use of campus facilities for meetings and events.
2. Shared office space in the club lounge of the Office of the Dean of Students (by application).
3. Mailbox in the Office of the Dean of Students to receive mail and leave messages.
4. Free "Spirit Accounts" for club email addresses and websites.
5. Advising consultation on program planning, fundraising, membership recruitment, and publicity techniques from various staff in the Office of the Dean of Students.
6 . Free copies of practical handouts on programming, publicity, and funding sources (produced by the Office of the Dean of Students).
7. Availability of banner paper, paints, and masking tape (Office of the Dean of Students).
8. Participation in special programs intended to recognize and promote UCI clubs and organizations: Welcome Week Festival, All-;University Leadership Conference, Wayzgoose, Student Organizations Recognition Night, and more!
9. Free bookkeeping services (including check writing and account balancing) provided by the ASUCI Business Office.
Contact the Office of the Dean of Students at (949) 824-5181 for more information.