The most up to date information regarding the timeline and process for recognition of new (or returning from inactive status) organizations can be found at Student Leadership and Involvement’s Start an Org website. This is the first step for the majority of groups that want to be recognized with full University privileges. 

A recognized student organization wishing to affiliate itself with Fraternity and Sorority Life, the Center of Multicultural Student Services, or University Recreation, must be recognized through Student Leadership and Involvement. Organizations sponsored through these offices, but who have not completed the recognition process outlined above through Student Leadership & Involvement, do not have privileges associated with recognized organizations. 

The student organization must be an official organization recognized through the Office of Student Leadership and Involvement. Organizations interested are to email the Center for Multicultural Student Services Associate Director for Student Leadership Development at multicultural@jmu.edu to express interest in becoming a CMSS Student Organization. 

The Associate Director will set up a meeting with the prospective organization to discuss the following:  

•  the interest and intent in becoming a CMSS organization. 

•  a brief overview of the organization and how it aligns with the mission and vision of the Center for Multicultural Student Services. 

• At the close of this meeting, the Associate Director will provide the organization with instructions on the next steps or refer the student(s) to other offices/departments better suited to support the organization's mission. 

If the organization is granted permission to move forward, they will be required to prepare and present a presentation to the CMSS staff. The organization will receive an email from the Associate Director with presentation guidelines and requirements. 

• Email the Associate Director to schedule your presentation with the CMSS team. The entire executive board and advisor must be present for this presentation, unless accommodations have been made by the Associate Director. 

• Within 2-3 weeks, the Associate Director will email the prospective organization with the post-presentation deliberation decision and feedback from the CMSS staff. If the organization is approved, they will meet with the Associate Director to discuss next steps and review expectations, guidelines, and processes. If an organization is declined, they will be provided with additional resources for other offices to connect with or given an opportunity to reapply in the following semester. 

• Before the organization can apply for a CMSS Sponsorship, the executive board will need to attend one of the following: 

•  Student Leadership Retreat  

• Multicultural Leadership Summit 

• (2-3) Leadership Seminars  

 For additional questions please email multicultural@jmu.edu 

Students can learn more about the recognition process for University Recreation through their website:  https://www.jmu.edu/recreation/sports/sport-clubs/resources/start-club.shtml 

Social Greek Letter Fraternities and Sororities must first gain approval from the Associate Director of Fraternity & Sorority Life or the Assistant Director for the Center for Multicultural Student Services, as appropriate, before they are allowed to participate in the recognition process.  

•  To gain approval, you need the JMU Associate Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life or the JMU Assistant Director for CMSS to endorse bringing your organization to campus.   Please contact Fraternity and Sorority Life at fsl@jmu.edu for additional information.  

Note: Social Greek Letter fraternities and Sororities, also known as general fraternities and sororities, are Title IX protected single-sex student organizations whose main purpose is the personal development of their members. These organizations do not promote a specific profession, discipline, department, or service. 

If you have any questions, please contact Student Life at beinvolved@jmu.edu.