Starting a Club, Expressing Yourself
Going to Arcadia means that there is a world of opportunities laid out for you, whether that’s studying abroad to experience the world, becoming a student leader, working in the various departments on campus, or joining a club that really excites you. But what if the club you’re meant to be in doesn’t exist yet? That is where your creativity can begin to truly shine.
What if the club you’re meant to be in doesn’t exist yet? That is where your creativity can begin to truly shine.
– Lashanna Bryant
Want to start a club? Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do that and create a brand-new atmosphere on campus.
Start with an idea.
What are your interests? What do you think Arcadia may be missing? Come up with an idea for a club that is unique and one that you believe will garner interest from the student body. The sky is truly the limit when it comes to figuring out what kind of mini-community you want to establish.
Gather a few friends (at least six, to be exact).
What’s a club without members? In order to officially start the process of creating a club on campus, you need to have at least six members, including a president and a treasurer. So talk to your friends about your idea and express to them the leadership opportunities they can obtain by joining. It can be great to put on their resume and it’s an opportunity to learn more about interacting with people and expressing yourself.
Student Government Organization (SGO) meeting.
Create an executive board.
As stated above, you need to start with at least a president and a treasurer on your exec board. But eventually, you should also have a secretary and vice president. Clubs tend to hold elections within their prospective members for who will hold these positions.
It’s important that your club states its goals: How do you plan on integrating with other clubs on campus? What will your club add to student life? How is this club beneficial to the campus itself?
– Lashanna Bryant
Get an adviser.
Every club must have an adviser, who can either be a faculty or staff member. So ask your favorite professor or a staff member who works in an area related to your club idea. There are tons of professors and staffers who are more than willing to help and be an aid to your growing club.
Create a mission statement. How do you plan to enhance student life on campus?
It’s important that your club states its goals: How do you plan on integrating with other clubs on campus? What will your club add to student life? How is this club beneficial to the campus itself? Also note that all clubs on campus have to be inclusive of people from all backgrounds, as well as adhere to Title IX guidelines.
To start the process of establishing a club on campus, submit an interest form.
