»Start a Club

Have you searched through our current list of student organizations on Panther Connect and have an idea for a club that doesn't yet exist? We invite you to propose one!

Benefits of Recognition

Ability to request use of campus facilities for organization related activities*
Online portal & free website through Panther Connect
Ability to have representation at the bi-annual Student Involvement Fairs
Ability to apply for funding through the Student Government Association
Student organization mail held in AF 303
Ability to apply for a university account through Financial Services
Access to poster making supplies in the AF Student Union

1. Submit a Proposal

Fall 2024 New Organization Proposals will be accepted starting on Monday, September 9th through Friday, October 4th

Policies and additional information on the New SCO Recognition Process can be found here, please review this document before submitting the interest form.

Students must submit a New SCO Interest Form on Panther Connect. You will need the following information to complete this form:

Your club’s mission/goals, proposed activities, and unique contributions to Chapman University
Your club's constitution (a template is available here for your reference)
An idea of which category your club fits with best
- If you are proposing a recreation, fitness, wellness student organization related to a competitive sport, please read these guidelines.
- If you are proposing a religious/spiritual student organization, you will be asked to meet with a staff member in Fish Interfaith Center.
Any SCO may have a full-time faculty/staff advisor. SCOs within the Academic category are required to have a full-time Chapman faculty/staff advisor associated with that discipline. All advisors must complete the Advisor Acknowledgement Form each semester via Panther Connect.

Please note that each organization proposal is different and the process and timeline of starting a student organization will be dependent on your club's purpose, proposed activities, and responsiveness to our questions.

2. Meet with Staff Member

After receiving your proposal, a staff member will be in touch (usually within a week) to set up a meeting to discuss your proposal. At this meeting, the staff member will share the next steps which will be constructed based on your club's activities and unique contributions to campus.This meeting must be completed by October 18th, 2024.

3. Committee Approval

The Student Organization Staff Advisors (SOSA) committee, made up of professional and student staff members, meets every other week and fairly considers each club proposal. The staff advisor you met with will submit your proposal and the committee will make a decision on whether approval can be given or if more information is required.

4. New Organization Training

After receiving approval, a Student Organization Assistant will set up a time to meet with you for your New Club Orientation to go over policies and procedures, and to get you set up to be a fully active club at Chapman! This meeting must be completed by November 8th, 2024.