START A SOCIETY

Step 1: Create a Constitution

A constitution should outline the mandate and goals of your group and how the group will operate. This may include elections, roles of the executive, and other processes vital to the group's operation. Ensure the constitution aligns with the STUSU Clubs and Societies Policy. Below are guiding documents that can help in creating your constitution:

Step 2: Contact the Vice President Administration

Provide the constitution and any other pertinent information to the Vice President Administration of STUSU to ensure that the club meets all the requirements to become ratified. This is also an opportunity for the group to solicit advice and get any questions answered by the Vice President Administration.

Contact the Vice President Administration here.

Step 3: Become Ratified by the Governance Committee

As per the STUSU Clubs and Societies Policy, any new group must be approved by the Governance Committee to become ratified. The Vice President Administration will present the new group to the Governance Committee to be voted upon. Members of the group’s executive are welcome to attend the meeting and help present to the committee.

 

THE CLUB RATIFICATION PROCESS. 

  • Being ratified as a STUSU Club or Society means your group gains access to all the resources available through the STUSU. This includes funding, support, and the ability to fully participate in campus life. Some groups might be granted recognised status instead. While recognised groups can book spaces and promote on campus, they don’t receive all the services the STUSU offers, particularly in terms of funding.

  • Yes, you can! If your group remains inactive for two years, it will lose its ratification status, though you can reapply for ratification at any time. Additionally, your group may lose ratification if it engages in offensive behavior or violates the Clubs & Societies Policy.

  • To maintain your ratified status with STUSU, your club must submit a Yearly Activation Form to the VP Admin. Consistently meeting the requirements ensures your group remains active and in good standing. Here is the link to access the Yearly Activation Form.

 

STUSU Clubs and Societies Policy

For detailed guidelines, refer to the STUSU Clubs and Societies Policy. The policy outlines the ten minimum criteria that all Clubs & Societies must meet to be ratified and maintain their status.

Essential Documents for Ratification

To ensure your group is ratified and remains in good standing, you must submit the following three key documents to the VP Admin, and they should be readily available for re-submission at any time:

  1. Clubs & Societies Application Form

  2. Clubs & Societies Agreement Form

  3. Clubs/Societies Constitution

Importance of Being Ratified: 

  • Receive funding.

  • Post your events to the STUSU events website calendar

  • Free photocopying of a maximum of 20 pages and faxing in the STUSU Office 

  • Receive mail and store documents in a mailbox in the STUSU Office 

  • Borrow STUSU Event Supplies (If available)