Students interested in meeting new people and engaging in student life can join a campus club—or start their own.
There are three basic steps to create a recognized club, said Student Government Vice President Mark Lombardi-Nelson.
Step one requires five friends who share the same interest for the organization, and a staff or faculty advisor to guide the club. After the five beginning members have delegated executive positions, they must enter their student ID numbers and role information into Blackboard.
“This is so certain executive offices can make sure the club sustains,” Lombardi-Nelson said.
Students that need help finding an advisor for can go to the Leadership Department for help, said Ralph Reid, graduate assistant in the Department of Student Life & Engagement.
The club members then meet with Reid, go over club regulations and provide students with the tools they need to help the club progress. The meeting also requires officers to map out a constitution for their upcoming club.
Reid and Lombardi-Nelson both said that writing the constitution is usually the hardest part of the process, but students should not be intimidated by the requirements.
“Request to view other clubs’ constitutions to get a better idea of what is required in the document,” said Lombardi-Nelson.
While not every constitution passes on the first review, the Leadership Department is trying to ensure that the organization is successful, said Arienne Milkles, president and founder of the No-Bull Dance Troupe.
“Be open to hearing that you may need to change some things before the constitution can be approved,” she said.
Copies of other club’s constitutions are available through Student Life & Engagement on the USFSP website. Officers have 60 days to complete the constitution.
“Even though there is plenty of time, don’t wait until the last minute to complete the constitution, since there are a lot of rules that must be included,” Reid said. He encourages students to have club meetings and plan events during those 60 days.
Once the constitution is approved, the club will be official and open to students across campus.
Lombardi-Nelson said completing budget requests through Student Government as soon as possible after becoming an official club helps guarantee a club’s success.
In addition to maintaining the organization, officers must re-register the club by Friday, Sept. 30 to remain active.
“Communication is key” for a club to continue to be successful on campus, Lombardi-Nelson said.
