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Start A New Student Organization

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Want to start a group at Duke?

Student group recognition is managed by Student Involvement & Leadership and is required for access to university support and resources, more specifically functions managed by Student Affairs. 

 

New organization applications are open:

  • September 15 - October 15 (fall semester)
  • January 15 - February 15 (spring semester)

Applications are not accepted outside of these time periods.

Step 1: Research Existing Organizations

Step 2: Prepare Your Application Materials

  • Choose a name for your organization.
    • New student organizations are permitted to use " at Duke" at the end of the organization name. (example: ABC Club at Duke)
    • New student organizations may not use "Duke University" in their name.
  • Gather at least 10 currently enrolled students to be members of the organization.
    • One person should be identified as President
      One person should be identified as Treasurer

  • Select a faculty or staff advisor that works at Duke.

  • Choose the group type (see below) that best fits your group

  • Create a constitution. Feel free to use our template.
    Constitutions must include the following clauses:
    • The Organization shall adhere to Duke's Policy on Prohibited Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Misconduct. Discrimination and/or harassment based upon race, color, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, age, disability, or veteran status is prohibited.
    • The Organization Executive Board will maintain the organization in good standing with Duke University via communication with Student Affairs and/or other university entities.
  • Review the application rubric. This is how application reviewers will score your submission.
  • Contact 10 members of your group to let them know to expect an email to verify their membership.
  • Contact your faculty/staff advisor to let them know to expect an email to verify their role.

Group Types

Requirements:

  • 10 active members (≥51% undergraduate students)
  • Duke faculty/staff advisor
  • Written constitution
  • Open to all Duke undergraduate students
  • Confirm compliance with all University policies
  • No barriers to joining (application, audition, dues, etc.)

Additional information

  • Cannot charge dues
  • Can apply to programming fund
  • Can apply to capital and operations fund
  • Leaders must complete all annual student organization trainings

Step 3: Apply

 

  • Go to the groups page on Duke Groups* during an active application period to submit your application
  • Select the group type you have chosen and follow the prompts
  • If your faculty/staff advisor does not populate in the form, contact leadership@duke.edu

 

Step 4: Await Review

  • Applications will be reviewed
    • on a rolling basis, weekly
    • only after all officers, advisors, and members have confirmed their organization affiliation as listed on the application via Duke Groups
    • by Student Involvement and Leadership students and staff to ensure groups meet recognition criteria
  • Applications to reactivate a Department Sponsored organization must include a letter from their sponsoring department confirming they will provide a fund code (if needed) and administrative support. This letter must come from a faculty/staff member in the department. 

  • Applications that are incomplete (with all officers/member confirmed) by the end of the application period will be rejected.

Step 5: Complete Student Organization Training

  • Organizations approved for recognition by Student Involvement and Leadership must complete a series of training sessions outlining the basics of leading an organization at Duke.
  • Training sessions will be made available via Duke Groups.