Stanford
Office of Student Engagement

How-To: Start a New Student Organization

Step 1

First Things First

  • Is there already an organization or service on campus that you can join to accomplish your intention?
  • Do I have the time and energy to start and maintain a lasting student organization? Do I have a core of ten active members?

While starting a new student organization can be exciting, it's worth considering the efficiency of joining an existing group with similar goals. By contributing your enthusiasm to an established organization, you can make an immediate impact. Existing groups have already addressed administrative tasks, freeing you from the time-consuming process of research and training new officers. Additionally, new organizations often struggle to maintain a sustainable membership base, especially after the founders graduate. Joining an existing group can help ensure a more enduring contribution.

With close to 600 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, we hope you consider what it means to embark on this journey with your time at Stanford. Check out the in-depth resources available on our website when you are ready to move forward. If you are ready to apply, you can view the in-depth guide on this page.

Step 2

Application Timetable

New Voluntary Student Organization (NVSO) applications open in the Winter quarter (CardinalEngage login required).  New ideas for student organizations can be researched and advised by staff and advisors during the Autumn semester before deciding on whether to submit. Check the official page for the latest application timelines.

Applications are reviewed by professional staff and advisors under specific criteria such as:

  1. Complementary to the university's mission.
  2. Have a clear purpose that is best served through a voluntary student organization.
  3. Demonstrate a broadly recognized need that is not currently being met.
  4. Demonstrate sustainability for at least a two to three-year period.
  5. Comply with all local, state and federal laws and university policies.
  6. Involve activities that do not create undue risk or liability.
  7. Possess committed currently registered student members.
  8. Create a name that clearly represents the function of the group.

With the preparation that has occurred during this Forming Phase, any prospective NVSO should have the ability present their vision clearly via the application. They should also be prepared to be contacted by professional staff for more information if necessary. A sample of the NVSO application. 

What you can do during the Forming Phase:

  • Explore groups with a similar mission, including attending the Festifall: Student Organization Fair
  • Meet as a group using student rooms that are open that are reservable by individual students, such as Old Union or your residence
  • During this time, students cannot access funding or other resources, use the Stanford name, plan events, or be perceived to be an active recognized student organization
  • The purpose during this forming phase is to meet and determine if there is prolonged interest
  • Determine if a faculty or staff is willing to be your advisor
Step 3

Post-Acceptance Process

If your concept for a NVSO has been approved, we will reach out to the NVSO officers for the next steps. NVSO officers will have mandatory training and other administrative tasks to perform to get their new organizations to launch.

There are still options available to bring your ideas to life if your application has not been approved. Here are some alternative suggestions:

  1. Join an Existing Org
  2. Work with Faculty
  3. Apply for a Haas Summer Fellowship

Contact studentengagement@stanford.edu if you have any questions on the application process.

Resources

List of student groups via Cardinal Engage

Student Organization categories and the number of Registered Student Organizations within them:

  • Academic: 52
  • Student Athlete Community Groups: 9
  • Residential: 82
  • SMS (School of Medicine): 13
  • SLS (Law School): 42
  • Recreational: 12
  • Media/Publications: 9
  • International: 36
  • GSB (Business School): 65
  • Athletic: 45
  • Arts: 76
  • Health and Wellness: 6
  • Identity: 12
  • Pre-professional: 74
  • Political: 11
  • Fraternities & Sororities: 27
  • Associated Students of Stanford University: 10
  • Social Awareness: 22
  • Ethnic/Cultural: 43
  • Community Services: 37
  • Religious: 31

 List last updated as of September 25, 2024. For the latest list and to learn more about specific Registered Student Organizations, visit the official Cardinal Engage list.