Skip to main content

Student & Campus Life

New Organization Application Process

The application period is open from October 9 at 4:00 p.m. (EST) through October 16 at 4:00 p.m. (EST).
Please note: This year, applications will be reviewed by a student organization committee. Because space for new student organizations is limited, not all applications will be approved.

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:

  • Single Event or Officer Election: Is your group formed only to host a single event or hold an election? This is not permitted. 
  • Non-Cornell Membership: Does more than 50% of your membership include non-Cornell students (public, faculty, or staff)? 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: Is the organization truly open to all students? This year, completely open organizations will be prioritized over closed membership. 
     

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 will be able to function in the Spring semester (funds will be unlocked) and participate in the Spring Clubfest.

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 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.