ORG considers new student organizations

By Gwen Daniels

Published Aug. 24, 2007

Although MU boasts more than 500 student organizations, students with other interests are invited to create their own groups.

The Organization Resource Group guides student organizations from idea to inception and works with students to form campus clubs.

"ORG is a group of students dedicated to helping student organizations achieve recognition through the university and also funding through student fees," ORG Executive Board Chairman Trevor Flannigan said.

Launching an organization begins at ORG's Web site. A student proposes the new organization, and answers questions about the group's purpose, officers, national affiliations and relationship with other campus clubs.

Vice Chairwoman of Administration Jessica Ekhoff reviews each proposal and meets with a representative from the projected organization. Finally, the new group makes a presentation to the Committee on Student Organizations, Governments and Activities. SOGA approves or denies the group with input from Ekhoff.

Ekhoff ensures that the new group deserves recognition from MU.

"One of the main reasons we wouldn't recommend an organization is if there is another group with a similar purpose," she said.

A group would not be approved if it goes against campus values, she said.

New organizations are required to have 10 members, including a president and treasurer, as well as a faculty adviser and a written constitution.

"Recruiting 10 members can be a challenge for some groups just starting out," Flannigan said. "Finding a faculty adviser can also be difficult. Although we rarely have problems presented to us during this process, we try to lend as much support as we can to an organization starting up."

ORG continuously accepts proposals for campus groups. According to ORG's Web site, "SOGA meets once a month to consider new organization recognition."

SOGA will first convene late next month to consider the most recent applications. More information is available online or in ORG's office at A022 Brady Commons.