ESTABLISHING A NEW ORGANIZATION

1. Students interested in forming a new organization must first schedule an appointment with the Associate Director of Student Programs, Beth Gibney-Boulden. The meeting will include discussion about the mission and objectives of the proposed group, the number of students interested in starting the new organization, the resources available to these students, and a determination that the interest and needs of the proposed group are not already being met by an existing campus organization. At this meeting an action plan will be determined. The plan may be to proceed with the formal process of registering an organization, or to do more research or assessment of campus interest.

2. Students must have at least 10 people interested in active participation in the new club before registering the organization. Interest meetings for the club should be held after meeting with the Associate Director of Student Programs. 3. After the preliminary meeting and authorization, new groups must complete the Org Registration Packet for the Office of Student Programs in order to be eligible for the privileges of registered student organizations on campus (refer back to pages 1 and 2 for more info). Registration Packets for new organizations will be received at the meeting with the Associate Director. 4. New organizations interested in applying for SGA funding should read the funding section of this document carefully and ask for assistance from SGA in understanding the funding options.

FACULTY/ STAFF ADVISORS AND MENTORS
Student Programs strongly suggests that all organizations select a faculty or staff advisor. Organizations who have advisors receive more support for their initiatives, and maintain their organization better year to year thanks to the continuity of an advisor. Advisors DO NOT make decisions for groups or in any way affect the autonomy of the group. Advisors DO offer advice based on their experiences with the topic at hand and with group dynamics. Advisors DO offer networking opportunities and on-campus or off-campus resources. Advisors DO offer conflict resolution when necessary. Advisors DO maintain a living history for the group and assist with healthy transitions year to year.

Organizations whose mission or initiatives include activities with significant risk or complexity will be required to have an advisor with the requisite skills and experience to guide the organization. Many campus surveys have reported that among the top ranking positive experiences for students at MHC are the opportunities to enjoy mentoring relationships with staff and faculty. If your organization is one of the few that doesn't already have an advisor, consider recruiting one. Contact Student Programs or Beth Gibney Boulden, egibney@, if you need assistance in identifying advisor candidates. Advisor Contact information should be noted on your Registration Form, or given to Student Programs when confirmed.

CRAFTING A MISSION STATEMENT FOR YOUR ORGANIZATION
Every MHC registered student organization is asked to submit an Org Mission Statement, which should be included in your org Constitution, and will be listed on the Student Programs website and other office publications. This mission statement should be used within the organization to guide decision making when prioritizing activities and goals, and can be used externally to inform the community about your purpose.

• New Organizations will need to submit their Mission Statement as part of their Constitution.
• Existing organizations can update their mission statement in the Student Programs Office at any time if the purpose of the group shifts.

TIP: Prospective students and members OFTEN look at the orgs listed on the Student Programs website, so take time to review your mission statement and keep it fresh to attract new members.