2007-2008 Recognition status for all student organizations expires on September 19, 2008. Groups failing to complete recognition materials by the stated deadline will lose recognition benefits such as room reservations in the Student Union and funding through Associated Students.

For New Student Organizations (New student organizations are defined as groups that have never been recognized at San José State or had their recognition lapse prior to the 2006-2007 academic year) follow steps listed as the Blue Procedure.

For Returning Student Organizations (Returning student organizations are defined as groups that were recognized at San José State during the 2007-2008 academic year) follow steps listed as the Gold Procedure.

Blue Procedure: 10 Step Recognition Process for NEW Student Organizations

Following the steps outlined below will ensure a smooth recognition process. There is an approximate eight-week time period from the time you complete and submit the required materials until you receive an official recognition letter. The length of the process depends on how timely and responsive you are to any requests during that period.

Step 1 - Review All Necessary Materials

Please make sure you thoroughly review the documents and information on this website. Please remember that the Fall 2008 recognition process for all student organizations occurs from August 1-September 19, 2008! All necessary items must be completed ONLINE and received by 5pm (PST) on September 19th.

Step 2 - Attend a Drop-In Meeting with a Student Organization and Leadership (SOAL) Staff Member

Newly formed student organization leaders must schedule an appointment to meet with a SOAL Staff member or attend a "Drop-In" meeting with one of the team members. All meetings are held on a 1-on-1 basis and are an opportunity for new organizations to gain more information about the recognition process, as well as information on event management, risk reduction, and the SJSU alcohol policy. You will also learn about student organization benefits and SJSU policies and procedures that specifically apply to student organizations. **Please thoroughly review the steps needed to become a Student Organization before attending the meeting. It is advised to print off all online documents and bring them to the meeting.

Fall 2008 Semester "Drop-In" Meetings (Held at Student Involvement, Suite 140, Clark Hall)

August 1-September 12 (*Last day to complete Drop-In meeting is September 12*)

Monday: 2-4 pm
Wednesday: 9-11am
Thursday: 11am-1pm
Friday: 1-3pm

Step 3 - Gather Minimum Membership

Acquire a minimum of 8 currently enrolled and matriculated SJSU students. Of those 8 members, all student organizations also must elect a President and Treasurer who have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA & be currently enrolled in at least 6 credits, NOT have completed over 150 units or 125 % of the units needed for their major, and be in good standing with SJSU. (Per CSU Executive Order No. 969/ Executive Order No.1006).

Step 4 - Develop & Approve Constitution

Review the Student Organization Constitution Outline carefully. Adhering to the guidelines is a required part of the recognition process. A carefully developed constitution contributes to the long-term success of the organization. The constitution must be voted on, approved by the membership of the organization, and dated. If at any time you have questions about developing the organization's constitution, please contact a Student Organization staff member at 408.924.5950.

**If your organization is affiliate with a national, state, or local organization, you must provide that organization's constitution and/or bylaws with your organization. Most often, this document is available on the organization?s website. If you are having trouble locating your affiliate organization?s constitution and/or bylaws, contact a Student Organizations and Leadership staff member.

Step 5 - Read and Agree to the University Policies and Procedures for Student Organizations and Student Organization Code of Conduct

Student organizations are expected to comply with all University Policies and Procedures for Student Organizations and the Student Organization Code of Conduct. Officers are held responsible for the actions of the organization as well as its members. By submitting your application for student organization recognition you are also indicating that you have read and understood these policies and procedures.

Step 6 - Select an Advisor

Student organizations are required to secure a San José State University faculty/staff member to serve as your advisor. This person must hold at least a bachelors degree (Graduate interns/assistants are subject to Student Involvement approval). Advisors are an important campus resource and help provide continuity from year to year. The presence of an advisor is often necessary in order to reserve certain university facilities, as well as utilize other University resources. (Executive Order No.1006 - Each officially recognized student organization must have a University advisor who is either a faculty or professional staff member).

Step 7 - Attend a Meeting with the Coordinator(s) for Student Organization Development

After completing the above 6 steps, you will schedule and attend a meeting with the appropriate Coordinator for Student Organization Development that oversees your category of student organization. They will review and approve your documents and give you a log-in/password to the Interactive Collegiate Solutions (ICS) website.

Step 8 - Submit Information via ICS Website

Log into the Interactive Collegiate Solutions Website (ICS) and input all officer and membership information. Submit online application portion via ICS website. ICS Trainings are available by appointment or you can refer to the ICS Training Guide. We suggest to have the Recognition Checklist Form completed and readily available when you input the information into the ICS System.

Step 9 - Communicate with Student Involvement during the Recognition Period

The recognition process takes approximately eight weeks to complete from the time you submit forms to the online. During this period, your timely response to any requests for information or changes to your constitution will speed up the process. The person listed as the primary contact for you organization will be the individual contacted by Student Involvement. Make sure this person checks their email and voicemail periodically for messages that may be sent by Student Involvement staff members.

Step 10 - Attend the Mandatory Student Organization Leadership Conference

Two members from each organization (one officer and one general member) are required to attend the annual Student Organization Leadership Conference on Saturday, September 27 from 9:00am -- 4:00pm in the SJSU Student Union. A workshop for advisors will also be provided. Please visit www.getinvolved.sjsu.edu to download a registration form or stop by Student Involvement, Clark Hall 140C.

**Additional Steps for Club Sports and Fraternities & Sororities:

If you want your newly formed organization to be affiliated with Club Sports or any fraternity and sorority council (IFC, PHC, NPHC, USFC), there are additional processes that must be completed in order for your organization to be recognized by the University. For more information about Club Sports organizations, please contact Caryn Murray at caryn.murray@sjsu.edu or 408.924.6345. To receive more information about becoming a recognized fraternity or sorority, please contact Student Involvement's Fraternity & Sorority Life (FASL) team at getinvolved@sjsu.edu or 408.924.5950.

Gold Procedure: 5 Step Recognition Process for RETURNING Student Organizations

Step 1 - Review All Necessary Materials

Step 2 - Read and Agree to the University Policies and Procedures for Student Organizations and Student Organization Code of Conduct

Step 3 - Submit Information via ICS Website

Log into the Interactive Collegiate Solutions Website (ICS) and update all officer and membership information. Submit online application portion via ICS website. ICS Trainings are available by appointment or you can refer to the ICS Training Guide. We suggest to have the Checklist Form completed and readily available when you input the information into the ICS System.

**Note that all student organizations must have a minimum of 8 members who are currently enrolled and matriculated SJSU students. Of those 8 members, student organizations also must elect a President and Treasurer who have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA & be currently enrolled in at least 6 credits, NOT have completed over 150 units or 125 % of the units needed for their major, and be in good standing with SJSU. (Per CSU Executive Order No. 969/ Executive Order No.1006).**Please note that because there must be a SJSU GPA attained, a first semester student (either frosh or transfer student) MAY NOT hold the office of President/Lead Officer or Treasurer/Finance Officer.

Step 4 - Communicate with Student Involvement during the Recognition Period

Step 5 - Attend the Mandatory Student Organization Leadership Conference

Two members from each organization (one officer and one general member) are required to attend the annual Student Organization Leadership Conference on Saturday, September 27, 2008 from 9:00am -- 4:00pm in the SJSU Student Union. A workshop for advisors will also be provided. Please visit www.getinvolved.sjsu.edu to download a registration form or stop by Student Involvement, Clark Hall 140C.