Starting A New Student Organization

Belonging Get Involved Student Organizations Starting A New Student Organization

Looking to start a new group at Duke?

The Student Organization Finance Committee (SOFC) is the primary group on campus responsible for the recognition and funding of undergraduate student groups. They are affiliated with Duke Student Government.

The Graduate and Professional Student Government is the primary group on campus responsible for the recognition of graduate and professional student groups.

Follow these steps to get started:

1. choose a group type

Requirements to start:

  • 10 active members
  • Duke faculty/staff advisor
  • Written constitution
  • Open to all Duke undergraduate students
  • Confirm compliance with all University policies
  • Apply via SOFC

Additional information

  • Cannot charge dues
  • Can apply to SOFC Programming Fund
  • Can apply to SOFC Annual Budget (general organizational expenses)
  • Leaders must complete all annual student organization trainings

Requirements to start:

  • 10 active members
  • Duke faculty/staff advisor
  • Written constitution
  • Confirm compliance with all University policies

Additional Information:

  • Can charge dues
  • Can apply to SOFC Programming Fund
  • Leaders must complete all annual student organization trainings

Requirements to start:

  • 10 active members
  • Duke faculty/staff advisor
  • Written constitution
  • Open to all Duke graduate/professional students
  • Confirm compliance with all University policies
  • Apply via GPSG

Additional information

  • Leaders must complete all annual student organization trainings

Requirements to start:

  • Duke University department approval
  • Duke Faculty/Staff advisor
  • Written constitution
  • Confirm compliance with all University policies

2. Define a clear, unique purpose for your group

  1. Check dukegroups.com to make sure a similar organization does not already exist.
    • If your application is similar to an existing group, it will not move forward.
    • Try contacting any similar group(s) to determine if/how your group would be different.
  2. Create a constitution. Click here for a sample document.
    • Constitutions must include a non-discrimination clause.
      "[Organization name] adheres 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."

    • One officer job description in the constitution must include
      "maintains organization in good standing with Duke University via communication with Student Affairs and/or other university entities.”

3. Apply through DukeGroups!

Apply using this link.

Once you have completed the application, the respective organization will follow up with your group about the approval process.