Student Organization Starter Kit

So, you are about to take the big step of forming a new organization. Although creating a new student group is very simple, you may find that if you don’t have the appropriate information, it can become complicated. Please read this packet carefully to save you time and trouble.

Included in the Starter Kit:

  • Guidance from the Office of Student Life
  • Registration of Student Organizations
  • Policy for Recognition
  • Advisors
  • Policies
  • Benefits of Recognition
  • Preparing/Revising a Constitution and By-Laws
  • Checklist for Starting an Organization
GUIDANCE FROM OFFICE OF STUDENT LIFE
One of the first steps in forming a new organization is to stop by the Office of Student Life. The staff is devoted to assisting new organizations, helping recognized organizations function effectively, and encouraging the involvement in out-of-class experiences.

The Assistant Director of Student Life will meet with you as often as needed until all of your questions are answered and you have a good idea of how the process of forming an organization works. He/she will help you set up Informational Meetings to attract interested students to your group, review your organization’s purpose and constitution, and be the link between you and the Student Government Association (SGA), which is the recognizing and governing body of all student organizations at Penn State Altoona.

The Office of Student Life offers many services to student organizations, new and old. Here are a few of those services:
  • A Resource Library that includes information on team building, leadership, service learning, dealing with difficult members, creating new ideas, running effective meetings, parliamentary procedure, and much more.
  • Room Reservations for meetings and programs
  • Maintaining student organization SGA Accounts
  • Coordination of Fundraisers/Fundraising Resource Binder
  • Community Service Opportunities for student organizations
  • A President’s Manual for all student organization presidents, which includes sections on leadership, planning a program, requesting money from SGA &/or Student Activity Fee, Publicity, Fundraising, Samples of Important Forms, and additional information that pertains to running an effective organization.
The Office of Student Life is located in 205 Slep Student Center and can be reached at 814-949-5064. Office hours are 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Evening hours are by appointment only.

 
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