» Start a Club

Have you searched through our current list of student organizations on Engage and have an idea for a club that doesn't yet exist? We invite you to propose one!

Benefits of Recognition 

  • Ability to request use of campus facilities for organization related activities*
  • Online portal & free website through Engage
  • Ability to have representation at the bi-annual Student Involvement Fairs
  • Ability to apply for funding through the Student Government Association
  • Student organization mail held in AF 303
  • Ability to apply for a university account through Financial Services
  • Access to poster making supplies in the AF Student Union

1. Submit a Proposal

Spring 2024 New Organization Proposals will be accepted starting on Wednesday, February 7th through Friday, March 1st

Students must submit a proposal through Engage, by going to "Register a New Organization". You will need the following information to complete this form:

  • Your club’s mission/goals, proposed activities, and unique contributions to Chapman University
  • Your club's constitution (a template is available here for your reference)
  • An idea of which category your club fits with best
    • If you are proposing a recreation, fitness, wellness student organization related to a competitive sport, please read these guidelines.
    • If you are proposing a religious/spiritual student organization, you will be asked to meet with a staff member in Fish Interfaith Center.
  • The contact information for a Chapman employed faculty or professional staff member (not a student) who has agreed to serve as your advisor (only required for academic, performance and arts, recreation/fitness/wellness, religious/spiritual, and any others deemed to have high risk activities)

Please note that each organization proposal is different and the process and timeline of starting a student organization will be dependent on your club's purpose, proposed activities, and responsiveness to our questions.

2. Meet with Staff Member

After receiving your proposal, a staff member will be in touch (usually within a week) to set up a meeting to discuss your proposal. At this meeting, the staff member will share the next steps which will be constructed based on your club's activities and unique contributions to campus.

3. Committee Approval

The Student Organization Staff Advisors (SOSA) committee, made up of professional and student staff members, meets every other week and fairly considers each club proposal. The staff advisor you met with will submit your proposal and the committee will make a decision on whether approval can be given or if more information is required.

4. New Organization Training

After receiving approval, a Student Organizations Assistant will set up a time to meet with you to go over policies and procedures, and to get you set up to be a fully active club at Chapman!

Student Organization Staff


Contact us at studentorgs@chapman.edu for questions and support through the recognition process.