Recognition Process

Group of students at a club table in quad

Recognition by San José State University lasts for one academic year, from July 1 to June 30 through the following year.

Every existing student organization that wishes to continue to operate from year to year must renew their recognition application with Student Involvement each year during the Fall recognition cycle.

Re-Recognition Process for Fall 2023 will begin in May 8, 2023! 


Procedure for Re-Recognizing Student Organizations

Step 1. Maintain Required Membership

Student organizations must have a minimum of 5 currently enrolled and matriculated SJSU students, two of which must be a President and Treasurer.

The President and Treasurer must:

  • Have a minimum Institutional/SJSU GPA and Previous Term (Fall or Spring) GPA of 2.0 (2.5 for Fraternity and Sorority Life Organizations)
  • Be a matriculated student 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
  • Be in good standing with SJSU
  • Check and be listed as a member in SJSU | SAMMY
  • Check SJSU email

Step 2. Select an Advisor

Student organizations must have an SJSU faculty/staff member serve as an Advisor.

The Advisor must:

  • Work for SJSU
  • Advisors must be verified by Student Involvement
  • Provide continuity from year to year
  • Check SJSU email

Step 3. Complete Application for Recognition on the SJSU SAMMY App

When the re-recognition process begins, please follow these important steps:

  • Step 3A: Student Organization completes online application
    • A unique application URL will be sent to leaders of your organization. DO NOT use the URL link of another organization.
    • Your application will require the following information:
      • Purpose of club
      • Name, Student ID number, and SJSU Email of the President and Treasurer
      • SJSU Email of at least 3 other members of your organization
      • The name, Employee ID number, and SJSU Email of your Advisor
      • The Constitution for your organization
    • Step 3B: Student Involvement reviews application (Please allow up to 2 weeks for processing)
      • If all correct, move to Step 3C
      • If something is wrong, Step 3A may need to be completed again with updated information.
    • Step 3C: President & Treasurer complete training
      • After Student Involvement has confirmed your application is accurate, the President & Treasurer will be loaded into a Canvas course. Both officers will need to complete the course in its entirety to be a recognized organization.
      • Club officers must get 100% on all quizzes in the Canvas course in order to pass.
    • Step 3D: Becoming Re-Recognized (Please allow 2 weeks for processing)
      • An invite to SJSU|SAMMY for administrative access will be received.
      • Re-recognition may take up to 2 weeks while it is confirmed you have completed the required Canvas training.

To get an idea of the process, watch the Club Recognition Demo video:  

View Club Recognition Demo on YouTube


After the Recognition Deadline:

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.


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 website.

Social fraternities and sororities and/or those seeking affiliation with any current SJSU fraternity and sorority council (IFC, PHC, NPHC, USFC) must complete the Fraternity and Sorority Expansion Process. At this time, SJSU is not open for expansion. For more information about becoming a recognized fraternity or sorority, please contact the relevant Student Involvement staff member.


Fall 2023 Re-Recognition FAQ