Student Activities
Bush Campus Center, Rm. 107 · (570) 327-4763
Forming a Student Organization
Step One—Initial Meeting
You are required to meet with the Assistant Director for Student Development to discuss some basic information about your proposed student organization, give you an overview of the ‘how to form a new student organization’ process, answer any questions you may have, and provide you with the Student Organization Form of Intent.
Step Two—Form of Intent
Next, fill out the required Student Organization Form of Intent and return it to the Student Activities Office. Be sure to fill out the form thoroughly and correctly to avoid delays in the process.
Step Three—Application and Constitution
Once your completed Student Organization Form of Intent is returned, you will be given the Student Organization Application for Recognition by the Assistant Director for Student Development. This packet will take more time to complete than the Student Organization Form of Intent because you will need to draft a proposed constitution for the organization (you will received a detailed guide to help with these documents). The submitted application and constitution will be forwarded to the Student Government Association (SGA) for review and approval. It is best to have at least one member from the proposed group present at the SGA meeting to address any questions the officers or senators may have. If approved by SGA, the application and constitution are then sent to the student life director, student affairs vice president, and the Penn College president for final approval and recognition.
Step Four—Remaining in Good Standing
In order to remain a recognized Penn College student organization in good standing from year to year, you must complete and document the following activities each year:
- Two fundraisers
- Two college service projects
- Two community service projects
- Completion of the Student Organization Update Form
- Attend the SGA Budget Workshop
- Earn 30% of the total SGA cup points offered throughout the year
If these requirements are not met, the organization risks losing future funding from the SGA. As every activity is completed, a Student Activities Event Approval Form should be completed, in a timely manner, which allows the Student Activities Office to properly track your organization's progress and credit your organization for fulfilling its responsibilities. Forms can be picked up and returned to the Student Activities Office.
Every student organization is required to provide up-to-date information to Student Activities each Fall semester on current officers, members, and advisers, and is expected to keep that information updated throughout the year. A Student Organization Update Form is disseminated in every organization mailbox each Fall semester and should be completed and returned by the specified deadline.