Starting A New Student Organization

Belonging Get Involved Student Organizations Starting A New Student Organization

Looking to start a new group at Duke?

Follow these steps to get started:

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.

1. Review the Duke Student Organization Recognition Sources and Basic Requirements

Requirements to start:

  • 10 active members
  • 1 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
  • 1 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
  • Written constitution
  • Open to all Duke graduate 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
  • 1 Duke Faculty/Staff advisor
  • Written Constitution
  • Leaders must complete all annual student organization trainings
  • Confirm compliance with all University policies

2. Formulate a clear, unique purpose to your group

Check dukegroups.com to make sure a similar organization does not already exist. It is extremely important to reach out to similar groups and see if your ideas truly overlap, as you may be asked these questions during the application process. Lack of understanding of many similar groups often leads to no recognition until a clear distinction can be made.

3. Apply through DukeGroups!

The new group application process will open at the beginning of the semester and continue on rolling basis.

  1. Visit this link.
  2. Follow all instructions to register the new group.

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