Start a New Student Organization

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 Application

New Voluntary Student Organization Application: 

Timeline

• New Voluntary Student Organization Winter Applications Open: January 19, 2026
• New Voluntary Student Organization Winter Applications Close: February 2, 2026
• New Voluntary Student Organization Winter Phase II Decisions Released: March 2, 2026
  • Phase II Completion due by April 3, 2026

New Voluntary Student Organization Process Timeline 

• Submit application (before the end of Week 4). Make sure you are signed in to CardinalEngage to access the application.
• 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.