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Cornell University

Student & Campus Life

New Organization Application Process

New Organization Application Process

The New Organization Application Process may open in the first week of October. Please note that due to limited resources and the already high capacity of organizations on campus, we may not be able to accommodate new organizations this year. Therefore, new organizations through Campus Activities are not guaranteed.

process is currently closed

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?

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 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: Minimum of 10 members required.

When and if the process for new organizations opens, the application with the entire list of requirements will be shared.