Expectations
ACU Online encourages you to get involved and develop connections in the areas you value most. On this page, you will find the steps to begin the student organization approval process. Please note that simply following the procedural steps in creating an organization does not guarantee recognition of an organization. The Student Engagement department and other individuals (if necessary) will review, recommend and make final approvals for the recognition of student organizations.
Our Mission
We seek to support the creation and continuation of all clubs and organizations whose purpose aligns with the mission of Abilene Christian University and adds value to the online student experience. Student organizations are created to allow students to build community, develop leadership skills and contribute to the values set by ACU by fulfilling the mission of educating students for Christian service and leadership throughout the world. ACU Online affiliated organizations must adhere to the policies set forth in the Student Handbook. All activities and organizations that engage in any expressive activities or events that infringe on the rights of others are not permitted at ACU.
Need Assistance?
If you have any further questions or need assistance in the official student organization creation process, please contact:
LaShae Grottis
Student Engagement Manager
Process for Forming a New Student Organization
- STEP 1: Complete the Proposal Form describing the function and purpose of the organization, the number of members, and the advisor/sponsor information.
- Once the Proposal Form has been received, an email from a Student Engagement representative will provide the proposed student organization with resources to assist with the following steps needed to complete the process.
- STEP 2: Meet with your advisor.
- A new student organization will automatically be advised by a member of the Student Engagement team. Advisors will play a crucial role in helping students facilitate an environment that is productive, safe, enjoyable and educational. Advisors guide and help students navigate the administrative functions at ACU. For this reason, student organizations are required to have a minimum of one full-time ACU faculty or staff member to serve as an advisor.
- If an additional advisor is requested, they will be expected to sign the Advisor Indemnification Letter. This letter provides clear guidance regarding advisor roles and expectations.
- STEP 3: Identity 10 students interested in joining your organization.
- Students are encouraged to work with their assigned advisor and use the Interest Form to identify a minimum of 10 members (required to continue in the process).
- STEP 4: Create a Bylaws/Constitution (to be submitted with the Registration form).
- Every student organization is expected to maintain an up-to-date constitution and/or bylaws that communicate and assist in operating functions, order, rules and purpose of the organization. The constitution and/or bylaws are required to contain:
- Organization name
- Purpose of organization
- Membership requirements
- Meetings
- List of officers and roles
- Officer selection process
- Faculty/Staff advisor information
- Amendments
- Every student organization is expected to maintain an up-to-date constitution and/or bylaws that communicate and assist in operating functions, order, rules and purpose of the organization. The constitution and/or bylaws are required to contain:
- STEP 5: Complete the Registration Form.
- STEP 6: The student organization president and advisor will receive an e-mail confirmation of approval.
Clubs and organizations that are seeking to be created in order to participate in expressive activities or political events will not be approved.