New Organization Application Process

Beginning in Fall 2026, Cornell is setting a maximum of 1,186 registered student organizations. This is the same number of organizations registered at the end of Spring 2026.

Each fall, all student organizations must re-register with Campus Activities. When an organization does not re-register, its spot becomes available for a new organization to apply. A student committee (with representatives from Student Assembly, Student Activities Funding Commission, Graduate & Professional Student Assembly Finance Commission, Club Sports Council, and Interfaith Council at Cornell) reviews new organization applications and makes decisions based on the available spots. Organizations that are not approved receive an explanation and can apply again the following academic year.

Why is there a cap on organization registration?

• Nearly 1,200 organizations currently serve about 27,000 students, giving Cornell one of the highest numbers of student organizations relative to its student population among peer institutions.
• At the same time, 147 groups applied to start new organizations during AY25/26, while Campus Activities and other university offices manage growing needs related to advising, risk management, finances, training, and compliance. 
• More organizations  leads to greater competition for meeting and event spaces, storage, and staff support. 
• In some cases, organizations with similar missions create duplication, which can make it harder for students to find and choose organizations that interest them. 
• By setting a capacity, Cornell can better support the organizations it recognizes while continuing to make room for new organizations as spots become available. 
• Cornell is setting this limit so that Campus Activities can provide organizations with the necessary support and resources they need to succeed. 
   

Starting a new student organization

Starting a new student organization or reactivating a previous one is an exciting opportunity! Campus Activities is here to support you, but please note that our priority at the beginning of the academic year is registering 1,186 existing organizations.

Review the following eligibility questions:

• Single Event or Officer Election: Is your group formed only to host a single event or hold an election? This is not permitted. 
• Similar Organizations: Does another organization already have a similar mission, purpose, or name? We encourage organizations with similar missions to merge. 
• The Organization or Its Activities: Do the activities pose a risk of creating a hostile, unsafe, unhealthy, or intentionally disruptive environment for members of the Cornell community? Some activities will not be covered by student club insurance and will therefore be denied. 
• Returning Organization: Has the organization been active in the recent past and is applying to return to campus? Past organizational history will be reviewed. 
• Open To All Students and Community Impact: Is the organization truly open to all students? This year, we will prioritize completely open organizations over closed membership. We will also review community impact. 
   

Basic Requirements for New Organizations

• Leadership: Names and NetIDs of President, Vice President, and Treasurer.
• Advisor: Name, NetID, phone number, and department affiliation
• Organization Name:
  • Must follow Cornell name and branding guidelines: “[Group Name] at Cornell” (e.g., Chromatic at Cornell).
  • Must include “Club” (e.g., Cornell Chess Club).
  • If nationally affiliated, include “Cornell Chapter” (e.g., Habitat for Humanity Cornell Chapter).
  • Proposed acronym (check existing list for duplicates).
• Mission & Goals: Clearly outline your group's purpose.
• Constitution: Use the required template and follow instructions.
• Logo: Must follow Cornell branding guidelines. You may not use or alter Cornell trademarks.
• Email: Create a dedicated email address (not @cornell.edu or a personal email).
• Affiliation Documentation (if applicable): Provide signed and dated verification of national/regional affiliation.
• Membership: A minimum of 10 members is required.
• Application/Registration: Once the application is open, all forms must be completed correctly and submitted by the specified deadline (by all 10 members - three student officers, one advisor, and six general body members).
• Approval: If the organization is approved, it can function in the Spring semester (funds will be unlocked) and participate in the Spring Clubfest.

Approved new organizations will be able to operate in the spring, including ClubFest and accessing funds. 

Responsibilities of New Student Organization Leaders

Each year, many new student organizations are created, but not all last. In fact, nearly half of new organizations from last year are no longer active. The most common reason? Leadership turnover and a lack of continuity planning. Building a strong foundation early helps your group grow, thrive, and continue after you graduate.

Starting a new organization at Cornell is exciting; you get to build community, create change, and leave a legacy. To help your group succeed long-term, keep these key responsibilities in mind:

• Re-register your organization each year to stay recognized and keep access to space, funding, and event approvals.
• Take part in ClubFest and other outreach opportunities to promote your group and connect with new members.
• Attend required Leadership Workshops to remain eligible for funding and stay informed on university policies and resources.
• Recruit and train new members early so that knowledge and momentum carry over from year to year.
• Plan smooth officer transitions; share documents, passwords, and institutional knowledge before leadership changes.
• Stay connected with your advisor and Campus Activities, who are here to guide and support you through the process.

The organizations that succeed are the ones that plan ahead and share leadership. Build for the future now, so your impact lasts well beyond your time at Cornell.