New Student Organization Recognition

Can't find a group that fits your interests? Want to start a new organization at SJSU? It's easy!

To become a student organization, all groups must go through the recognition process to be officially recognized at San José State University.

New Student Organization presidents must complete and submit the Recognition Application via SpartaNet and complete all recognition requirements. 

Procedure for New Student Organizations

New student organizations are defined as groups that have never been recognized at San José State or had their recognition lapse prior to the 2013-2014 academic year.

Step 1 - Review All Necessary Materials

Please make sure you thoroughly review the documents and information on this website. The Fall 2013 recognition deadline is Friday, September 13, 2013 at 5pm. All recognition requirements must be completed by the recognition deadline. Ensure that your SJSUOne Account is activated before you attend a New Student Org Info Session in order to access the online recognition system SpartaNet. 

Step 2 –Attend a New Student Organization Info Session

The President of each new group is required to attend one New Student Organization Info Session to initiate the recognition process. Although only the President is required to attend, other potential officers and members are welcome to attend. At this time you will be provided the information of a direct Student Involvement staff member who will guide you through the recognition process. Following this meeting, the Student Involvement staff will activate your organization's account on SpartaNet.

Fall 2013 Info Sessions

August 26 @ 10am

September 3 @ 3pm

September 11 @ 12pm 

All sessions are in Clark 140 and last approximately one hour.

Step 3 - Gather Minimum Membership

Student organizations must have a minimum of 8 currently enrolled and matriculated SJSU students, two of which must be a President and Treasurer. First-semester freshmen may not serve as presidents or treasurers. The President and Treasurer must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA, be currently enrolled in at least 6 credits (3 credits for graduate students), not have completed over 150 units or 125 % of the units needed for their major, and be in good standing with SJSU (per CSU Executive Order 1068). Please note that the roles of President and Treasurer cannot be held by the same person. Officers and at least eight members must be registered in SpartaNet by the deadline in order to be recognized.

Step 4 - Develop & Approve Constitution

Review the Student Organization Constitution Outline (PDF) carefully. Adhering to the guidelines is a required part of the recognition process. A carefully-developed constitution contributes to the long-term success of the organization. The constitution must be voted on, approved by the membership of the organization, and dated. If at any time you have questions about developing the organization's constitution, please contact us at studentorgs@sjsu.edu.

If your organization is affiliated with a national, state, or local organization, you must provide that organization's constitution and/or bylaws with your organization.

Step 5 - Read and Agree to the University Policies and Procedures for Student Organizations and Student Organization Code of Conduct

Student organizations are expected to comply with all University Policies and Procedures for Student Organizations (PDF) and the Student Organization Code of Conduct (PDF). Officers are held responsible for the actions of the organization as well as its members. By submitting your application for student organization recognition you are indicating that you have read and understood these policies and procedures.

Step 6 - Attend Alcohol Awareness Training

The organization's President and Treasurer must each attend one Alcohol Awareness Training session. Two options are available:

Friday, September 6 from 2:30 to 4:30pm

Friday, September 20 from 2:30 to 4:30pm

Both sessions will be held in Morris Dailey Auditorium. Advance registration is required. Click here for more information.

Step 7 - Select an Advisor

Student organizations must have an SJSU faculty/staff member serve as an advisor. This person must hold at least a bachelor's degree (graduate interns/assistants are subject to Student Involvement approval) and cannot be an employee of an SJSU auxiliary department (e.g.: Associated Students, Spartan Shops, Student Union). Advisors must be listed on SpartaNet and will be verified by Student Involvement. Advisors are an important campus resource and help provide continuity from year to year. The presence of an advisor is often necessary in order to reserve certain university facilities, as well as utilize other University resources (per CSU Executive Order 1068).

Step 8 - Submit Information to SpartaNet (Online Recognition System)

Login to SpartaNet using your SJSUOne Account and complete the following items:

1. Input Membership Roster (at least eight, which includes the President and Treasurer)
2. Input Officers (at least President and Treasurer)
3. Input Advisor Information
4. Complete the Recognition Application

Note: Only the Student Organization President may complete the Recognition Process for Student Organizations.

Step 9 (Optional) – Schedule and Complete a Consultation Meeting

After completing the above steps, we strongly recommend you schedule a meeting with your Student Involvement staff contact. We will review your organization's progress and discuss your plans and goals for your first semester as a new student organization at SJSU. We can also provide you with useful resources and advice on event planning, membership recruiting, and developing your officers and members.

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After the Recognition Deadline:

Step 10 - Communicate with Student Involvement during the Recognition Period

The recognition process takes approximately six weeks from when you complete and submit the required materials until you receive an official recognition letter. During this period, your timely response to any requests for information or changes to your constitution will speed up the process. 

Groups that miss any of the steps will not have their recognition granted.

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Additional Steps for Club Sports and Fraternities & Sororities:

An organization that is a competitive club sports team and competes with non-SJSU sports clubs in a league environment must be affiliated with the SJSU Club Sports Program. For more information, visit the Club Sports Developmental Program site.

Organizations seeking affiliation with any fraternity and sorority council (IFC, PHC, NPHC, USFC) must complete the Fraternity and Sorority Expansion Process. For more information about becoming a recognized fraternity or sorority, please contact the relevant Student Involvement staff member.