Start an Organization
Have an idea for a student organization that does not already exist at Texas Tech? Student Involvement can help you take the first steps toward forming a new registered student organization.
New organizations begin by submitting an Intent to Form request through TechConnect. After the request is reviewed, Student Involvement will work with the group to complete the requirements for university registration.
Before You Start
Before beginning the registration process, search TechConnect to determine whether an existing student organization already serves the same purpose or interest.
New organizations must have a distinct purpose and may not duplicate the purpose and functions of an existing or previously registered student organization. Student Involvement makes the final determination when questions about duplication arise.
Basic Requirements
A new registered student organization must meet the university's student organization requirements before registration can be completed.
At minimum, a new organization needs:
- At least five currently enrolled Texas Tech students.
- A president and treasurer. These are the two required officer positions.
- A full-time Texas Tech faculty or staff advisor.
- A unique organization purpose. The organization may not duplicate the purpose or function of another student organization.
- A constitution and bylaws. These documents establish the organization's purpose, membership, leadership structure and operating procedures.
The organization's purpose and activities must also comply with university policies and applicable federal, state and local law.
How to Start an Organization
1. Submit an Intent to Form Request
The first step is submitting a New Student Organization Intent to Form Request through TechConnect.
Student Involvement currently accepts Intent to Form requests during the academic year's designated new-organization period. Because those dates can change from year to year, students should use TechConnect for the current application and availability.
2. Meet With Student Involvement
After the Intent to Form request is reviewed, Student Involvement will contact the student organizer to schedule a one-on-one meeting.
The meeting provides an opportunity to discuss:
- The proposed organization's mission and purpose
- Whether a similar organization already exists
- Membership and officer requirements
- Faculty or staff advisor requirements
- Constitution and bylaws
- Registration and training requirements
- Next steps for becoming a registered student organization
You do not need to have every registration requirement completed before this initial meeting.
3. Complete the Intent to Form Period
If the group moves forward after meeting with Student Involvement, the Intent to Form request may be approved for a temporary formation period. This period gives the group time to recruit members, identify an eligible advisor and prepare its governing documents before completing registration.
Temporary formation status is not the same as full registration. The organization must complete all required steps before it is recognized as a registered student organization.
Constitution & Bylaws
Every new student organization must develop governing documents that explain how the organization will operate.
The constitution should address areas such as:
- Organization name and purpose
- Membership requirements
- Officer positions and responsibilities
- Advisor selection and responsibilities
- Meetings and voting procedures
- Procedures for officer elections and removal
- Procedures for amending the constitution
- Compliance with university requirements
Bylaws may provide additional procedures for meetings, committees, dues, elections and other organization operations.
Constitution & Organization Resources
Complete Registration
Once the organization has completed the formation process, it must submit the required registration information through TechConnect.
Before registration is approved, the organization should be prepared to provide:
- A complete organization roster with the required student membership
- A president and treasurer
- An eligible full-time faculty or staff advisor
- The organization's constitution and bylaws
- Required advisor documentation
- Required student organization leadership and risk management training
- Any other information required as part of the current registration process
Student Involvement will review the submission and contact the organization if corrections or additional information are needed.
After Registration
Registration gives organizations access to university resources and opportunities available to registered student organizations. These may include access to campus spaces, organization resources, funding opportunities and TechConnect tools.
Registered status also comes with ongoing responsibilities. Organizations must complete annual registration and training requirements, keep their TechConnect roster current and comply with applicable university policies.
Questions About Starting an Organization?
Student Involvement can help determine whether your proposed organization is eligible for registration and guide you through the formation process.
Student Involvement
Student Union Building, Room 011
1 (806) 742-5433
studentorgs@ttu.edu
Student Life
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Address
104 Administration Building, Box 42019, Lubbock, Texas 79409-2019 -
Phone
806-742-2977 -
Email
studentlife@ttu.edu