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Cornell University

Student & Campus Life

New Organization Application Process

New Organization Application Process
This process is open from OCt. 10-22nd

CLOSES ON 10/22/25 at noon, est.

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 over 1,200 existing organizations.

Review the following eligibility questions:

  • Recognized Social Fraternities or Sororities: Is your group affiliated with Sorority & Fraternity Life?
  • Single Event or Officer Election: Is your group formed only to host a single event or hold an election?
  • Non-Cornell Membership: Does more than 50% of your membership include non-Cornell students (public, faculty, or staff)?
  • Similar Organizations: Does another organization already have a similar mission, purpose, or name?
  • 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?

If you answered yes to any of these, your group may not be eligible. Please reach out to activities@cornell.edu with questions.

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 the purpose of your group.
  • 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 will be able to function in the Spring semester (unlock funds) and can participate in the Spring Clubfest.

The application and associated forms are all housed in CampusGroups and can be saved at any time and then submitted when finalized (as long as it is within the specified deadline). Applications will be reviewed after October 22nd, and new organizations approved 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 planning for continuity. 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 knowledge and momentum carry forward from year to year.
  • Plan smooth officer transitions—share documents, passwords, and institutional knowledge before leadership changes.
  • Stay connected with your advisor and the Campus Activities team, 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. 

Ready to Apply?

If you have reviewed all of the information above and consulted the Big Red Guidebook to understand the responsibilities and expectations of student organizations at Cornell, you may now proceed to submit your application.

Apply to Start a New OrganizationHave questions before applying? Contact activities@cornell.edu.