The process of creating a new student organization (or “org”) is straightforward. First, the prospective officers must submit several forms into Connect, which include the org’s purpose/mission, a one-year plan, and a constitution. They also must have at least four officers and a faculty advisor. Once all the necessary documents are submitted, the application goes to the Organizational Affairs Committee, which review the documents and make sure that the new org has everything it needs to be certified as an official student org. Once the OAC votes to approve the org, it then goes to the full University Student Senate for final approval. If the USS votes to approve the org, it will be officially recognized and can start operating as an official student organization!
The University Student Senate has approved four new student organizations so far this year to join the 187 other orgs we have on campus. The first two were approved at a meeting on Oct. 1. Blue Devil Pickleball was approved unanimously with great fanfare and is still operating successfully. Abolitionists UW-Stout convinced the USS that it was different enough from Stout Students for Life by having stricter views on abortion, and was narrowly approved as a separate org.
On Oct. 8, two more new orgs were approved. The first club approved was one of the more unique clubs on campus: The Hat Association: Transforming Students, abbreviated to HATS. Their mission is to “create and distribute hats, as well as to boost creativity and fashion freedom throughout the student base.” Despite the niche nature of this org, it has seen a rise in popularity and has been associated with a notable rise in the number of top hats being worn around campus. Grassroots Organizing in Western Wisconsin, or GROWW at Stout, was also approved the same day. GROWW at Stout is a chapter of a local, non-partisan organization based in Baldwin, WI, that has fought for housing justice, non-partisan voting districts, and expanding broadband access in rural areas.
Now that these new orgs are open for business, we encourage you to check them out. There are always new clubs and orgs popping up on campus, so there’s always something new to try out. If you’re interested in starting your own student organization, go to the Involvement Center or their website for more information.
