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Start a New Student Organization

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It is our deepest desire to set our student leaders, as well as current and future groups up for success. We remain committed to finding ways to support engagement for all students. You can always find ways to connect with one of our 700+ student organizations here.  

- Snehal, OSE Sr. Director

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New Voluntary Student Organization Application: Winter 2023

The NVSO application will open again in Winter 2023 in CardinalEngage. There will be not be an Autumn New Voluntary Student Organization cycle. Please refer to this document for information about how to prepare to engage in this process.

Access the New Voluntary Student Organization Application

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Timeline

  • New Voluntary Student Organization Winter Applications Open: Week 1 – January 9, 2023
  • New Voluntary Student Organization Winter Applications Close: End of Week 4 – February 3, 2023
  • New Voluntary Student Organization Winter Phase II Decisions Released: Week 7
    • Phase II Completion due by Winter Week 10 – March 17, 2023
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New Voluntary Student Organization Process Timeline 

  • Submit application (before the end of Week 4).
  • Application review periods typically last between 2 and 3 weeks (Week 5 - Week 7/8). 
  • If approved, you will have between 3 and 4 weeks to complete the next steps of the process (around Week 7 - Week 10/end of finals).
  • Please note that organizations inactive for a year or more who seek university recognition must re-apply through the new organization application process described here.
Poppies bloomed in April on Santa Teresa Street after some spring rains in March.  Credit: Linda A. Cicero / Stanford News Service

Before You Begin

With close to 700 recognized student organizations, Stanford has a variety of ways to get involved. Student groups are a vibrant part of student life at Stanford and are always looking for energetic new members and creative new initiatives. Before starting a new organization, ask yourself the following:

Is there already an organization or service on campus that you can join to accomplish our intention? If so, this is often the best approach.

Do I have the time and energy to start and maintain a student organization? Do I have a core of ten active members? Please note that organizations inactive for a year or more who seek university recognition must re-apply through the new organization application process described here.

Sample of New Org App

Members of the men's rowing team posed at the Stanford Boathouse, preparing for the coming summer's cross-country bicycle ride to raise money for the FACE AIDS organization. From left: Dave Evans ('11), Zane Silver ('13), Shane Hedge ('13), Shahriyer Pruisken ('13), Sanford Roberts ('13), and Austin Keeley ('11). Credit Linda A. Cicero / Stanford News Service

Alternatives to Starting a Group

Some ideas don’t easily fit into a student group format and can be best pursued through other avenues.

Parents' Weekend. Members of the all-male a cappella group Fleet Street perform to the delight of visiting parents in front of the book store. Credit: Linda A. Cicero / Stanford News Service

Application Process & Additional Information

Read the steps in submitting an application along with important notes and suggestions. 

 LEVYdance closes out the morning session with a performance of dance with light and fog effects. (Photo: L.A Cicero) TEDxStanford 2016

Criteria for Approval

The following criteria are considered in approving new student groups. When evaluating new group requests, staff consider the degree to which the proposal meets each of the established criteria. Those proposals that best meet all the criteria listed below will most likely be approved.

Student in main quad with Hoover Tower in background. Images for Stanford 125th photo merge project. Credit:  Linda A. Cicero / Stanford News Service

Dormant Status and Renewal

What does it mean for an organization to be considered “dormant?"

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Questions? Connect with OSE