Want to start a new student organization at HCC? An organization of special interest may be formed as long as it benefits the student body and is approved by the dean of students, following the guidelines established in the Student Organization Guide. All organizations must be open to all students regardless of sex, sexual orientation, race, ethnic background, national origin, age, disability or religion.

All active students are eligible for organization membership. HCC defines an active student as a currently registered HCC credit student who is not on academic or disciplinary probation or a currently registered HCC non-credit student who has satisfactorily completed a course. First-time HCC students are given active student status on a temporary basis until a GPA or satisfactory course completion is established. The GPA requirements may be higher for academic or honorary groups or to serve as an SGA officer.

There are two types of student organizations at HCC:

Registered Student Funded Organization (RSFO)

A Registered Student Funded Organization (RSFO) is an organization of five or more HCC active students which is recognized and registered in the Dean of Students Office. An RSFO must have a Faculty/Exempt Staff Advisor and be in compliance with all administrative procedures. RSFOs receive limited funds to conduct activities and with approval may raise additional funds through fundraising efforts.

Establishing a new RSFO

If you’ve reviewed the current listing of active organizations and don’t see one for you, consider starting an organization of your own. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Find an eligible HCC faculty or exempt staff member to be a club advisor.
2. Find at least four other student members. Members can be credit or non-credit students.
3. Complete the application materials (application, Constitution, membership list, prospectus) and submit to the Student Activities Coordinator. Forms can be found on the right hand side of this page.

Application materials may be submitted to the Student Activities Coordinator any time throughout the year. The Coordinator and the Dean of Students will evaluate the request. Consideration will be given to the value of the club as it relates to student development and engagement, safety concerns or potential liability for the College, and the mission of HCC.

Club budgets are awarded in September and January. Clubs formed after budgets are dispersed can use fundraising monies until the next budget cycle.

Registered Student Group (RSG)

A Registered Student Group (RSG) is group of two or more active students which is registered in the Dean of Students Office, and is not affiliated with or sponsored by the college. No college funding is granted in the form of a group budget, however the RSG may ask the Dean of Students Office for funding to support special projects and activities, such as printed handouts or refreshments.

Establishing a new RSG

If you’ve reviewed the current listing of active organizations and don’t see one for you, consider starting a group of your own. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Find at least one other student member. Members can be credit or non-credit students.
2. Complete the application materials (application, membership list, purpose statement) and submit to the Student Activities Coordinator. Forms can be found on the right hand side of this page.

Application materials may be submitted to the Student Activities Coordinator any time throughout the year. The Coordinator and the Dean of Students will evaluate the request and the group leader will be notified within 10 working days of the approval or denial of the RSG.

Please refer to the Student Organization Guide for details about student organization procedures.

Writing a Constitution: A constitution is a way of defining your purpose. This will help current and potential members to have a better understanding of what your organization is all about. Your constitution should state purpose, officer information and general policies of the group. Here is a general framework for a constitution.

You may choose to add other articles if you feel they are necessary to your constitution. This is simply a framework to use as a starting point.

• Article I: Name of the Student Organization
• Article II: Purpose (why has the organization been created, what does the organization hope to accomplish)
• Article III: Meetings (regular meeting schedule)
• Article IV: Officers and Advisor(s) (titles, qualifications and duties of the officers)
• Article V: Elections of officers (procedures and timing for nominations and elections)

Download or reference the Student Organization Constitution Template to create your organization’s constitution.

Apply Here To Start A New Club

Student Organization Application