ESTABLISHING
A NEW ORGANIZATION
- Students interested in forming a new organization must first schedule an appointment with the Assistant Director of Student Programs, Joshua Nelson. The purpose of this meeting is to set a tone of success and discuss the basic essentials on how to form a group. This will include discussions about the mission and objectives of the proposed group, the number of students interested, the resources available, and a determination that the interest and needs of the proposed group are not already being met by an existing campus organization. An action plan will be determined.
* New org ideas may be brainstormed during a meeting with the Assistant Director, however students are welcome to gather ideas, possible group members, and draft a mission statement prior to arranging an appointment.
- Students should have at least 10 people interested in active participation in the new
organization before registering. This is to ensure success, based on resources and
student involvement.
- After the preliminary meeting and authorization, new groups must complete the
Organization Registration Packet for the Office of Student Programs. This packet gains
access to the privileges of registered student organizations on campus (SGA funding,
event coordination, etc.).
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 continuity. 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, networking and resource
opportunities, conflict resolution, 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 does
not already have an advisor, consider recruiting one. Contact Student Programs, or Joshua
Nelson, 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.
MISSION STATEMENT
Every MHC registered student organization is asked to submit an Organization Mission
Statement. Sometimes inluded in your organziations constitution, your 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 registration form.
- Existing organizations can update their mission statement in the Student Programs Office at any time.
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.
STUDENT ORGANIZATION CONSTITUTION
A constitution serves an important purpose in the life of an Organization. It states what
the organization is, how it functions, how it operates, and how decisions are made. You
should keep a copy of your organization's constitution on file in the Office of Student
Programs, as well as with your organization's files and with your organization advisor.
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