The Office for Student Affairs

How To Start a Student Organization

There are several steps that a group must take in order to become an officially recognized HSPH Student Organization.

1. Create an application to start a new Student Organization.
2. This application must include the names and signatures of at least 20 HSPH students who wish to see the Student Group established and who plan to actively participate in the group.
3. Find a member of HSPH faculty or administration who plans to serve as the organization's advisor. The application must include a letter of support from the advisor addressed to the Office for Student Affairs (OSA). This letter should discuss his/her interest in advising the Organization.
4. Submit a Student Org. Constitution. See Page 4 in the Student Org. Handbook.
5. The application should include a Mission Statement: The objectives and goals of the organization should be identified, including a short statement describing the contribution that the organization will make to the HSPH community. The statement should explain why no existing student organization meets the needs and objectives of this organization. Substantial duplication of purpose with an existing organization may be grounds for refusal to approve the proposed organization.