Recognition of Student Organizations

Students interested in forming a new student organization should visit the Student Activities & Involvement website to obtain information about organization recognition.

Interested groups must apply by the assigned deadline date and meet initial requirements of membership and an active faculty/staff adviser. 

Once accepted into the Student Organization Recognition program, groups must attend all workshops and successfully complete all assignments to be eligible to present their group before the Committee on Organization Recognition. After committee approval, the proposed organizations are presented to the Student Affairs Administration for final approval.

After the university has formally recognized an organization, a student organization is required to:

• Complete and submit all required paperwork on time, including the Annual Registration Form in the spring semester (dates are assigned) and the Hazing Form in the fall. All forms are found on the Student Activities & Involvement Web site. Failure to complete paperwork could result in an organization losing its formal recognition and thus losing all rights and privileges extended to recognized student organizations.



• Submit constitutional changes within 10 days to  the Coordinator of Student Organizationsfor consideration and review. Submit updated bylaws and national constitutions when applicable to the Office of Student Activities & Involvement.



• Maintain a full/part time JMU faculty or staff member to serve as the organizations’ adviser and inform the Coordinator of Student Organizations of any changes in advisers. Maintain open and regular communication with the adviser.



• At least one member of each organization must maintain Nuts and Bolts certification. Certification is achieved by attending a Nuts and Bolts workshop held by Madison Union scheduling. Certification lasts for one year.



• Uphold university policy on hazing. Organizations that are found to be in violation of this policy are subject to discipline by the university and may immediately lose their status as recognized student organizations of the university. Individual members who are found to be in violation of this policy are in violation of the Code of Student Conduct and may be disciplined in accordance with established university procedures.



• Fulfill expectations as outlined by the Office of Student Activities & Involvement and/or the Committee on  Organization Recognition.



• Check and clean out organization mailbox at least once a week.



• Act in accordance to JMU policy and the group’s bylaws and constitution.



• Maintain communication with Student Activities & Involvement. Submit any changes that occur within the leadership to the Coordinator of Student Organizations within 10 days.