Start a New Organization

Official recognition by Howard University is a result of recommendations by the President of the Howard University Student Association, the Assistant Dean of Campus Life and the approval of the Vice President for Student Affairs.

Organizations of a religious nature require the recommendation of the Dean of the Chapel.

Recognition in no way implies University endorsement or sponsorship of such events or activities. Recognition simply acknowledges the existence of an organization composed of at least ten (10) Howard University Students, consistent with the objectives and philosophy of the University and meets an expressed need of the students.

Your club will not be recognized until all portions of the application are submitted and approved.

Campus Life will begin accepting petition for recognition packets in Spring 2025 and documents must be submitted by the end of March 2025. 

The petition for recognition packet should include the following:

• A Petition Form
• At least 10 signatures from Howard University students
• A letter of support from Dean/Department/National organization
• A letter of intent from your on-campus Advisor
• A student organization Advisor Agreement Form
• Copy of the Constitution and By-laws

For fraternities and/or organizations with competitive selective membership processes the following additional documentation is required:

• Certificate of Insurance
• Greek Recognition Policy Statement of Understanding
• Copy of the membership selection protocol/process
• Anti-hazing Policy Statement

Petition for Recognition and Constitutional Review Process 

Each recognition packet and constitution submitted is stamped and logged in to the Office of Campus Life.

Once submitted and logged, the constitution is reviewed to ensure that all necessary documents are included in the packet.

If the packet is complete, the constitution is reviewed for consistency and compliance with the universities policies or guidelines and if applicable, the guidelines of the national or regional organization.

The constitution is then forwarded to the following for review and approval:

• HUSA President
• For religious organizations only: Dean of the Chapel
• Assistant Dean of Campus Life
• Vice-President for Student Affairs

Only recognized student organizations may:

• be granted permission to sponsor events and activities on campus and to make use of University facilities for this purpose. 
• use the Howard University nomenclature as a part of their organization name and/or in representing themselves as associated with the University.

The Office of Student Activities has the responsibility to ensure that the constitution is reviewed by all parties involved and that the constitution meets the guidelines of the university.

Constitution Review Process 

All constitutions are reviewed to ensure:

1. All necessary documents are included.
2. Consistency and compliance with the university policies or guidelines.
3. Compliance to the guidelines of the national or regional organization (if applicable).
4. There are no grammatical and spelling errors.

Upon completion of the review process for the constitution, the organization representative is responsible for revising and resubmitting the constitution to the Office of Student Activities.

Once all revisions are completed and the constitution satisfies the requirements of the University, the petition packet is forwarded on for final approval.

Advising

All student organizations are required to have at least one on campus advisor. On campus advisors must be current members of Howard University’s faculty or staff who agree to mentor student organizations on their purpose and operation throughout the school year. They serve as a liaison between the university and organization interpreting university policy and procedures. They are also an integral part of ensuring the organization's success and longevity on Howard University’s campus.

The Advisor's major responsibilities are as follows:

Responsibilities

• To assist the organization in finding optimal ways of implementing its programs.
• To serve as a role model and mentor to the organization and its individual members.
• To keep the organization abreast of university policy and to assist in ensuring that the organization is in compliance with all university policies.
• To periodically meet with the organization to stay informed of its activities.
• To verify that the leadership and membership of the organization are enrolled students in good academic standing.
• To stay for the duration of functions sponsored by the organization and to identify/provide a suitable replacement from the University, if unable to attend or stay for the duration.
• To represent the organization when required by the University or overall best interest.
• To be kept abreast of all paperwork, transactions, financial obligations concerning the organization and sign/approve (as necessary).

Qualities of a Good Advisor

1. She/he adheres to the responsibilities above
2. She/he encourages members to implement their ideas
3. She/he strongly encourages academic achievement
4. She/he advises/leads the group without taking over or being in charge
5. She/he holds himself/herself as well as members accountable for the organization's successes and failures.