By: Rylie Newman
Student Involvement – Student Writer
With over 500 student organizations, Auburn University offers endless opportunities to get involved. Joining one of Auburn’s many clubs and organizations is not just about filling up your calendar—it is about stepping outside your comfort zone, fostering human connection and building community!
Here at Student Involvement, we want each and every student to find their place within Auburn’s family. That is why we exist, to help students find the space that is just right for them. Students should check out our website for a complete list of active organizations.
Auburn organizations are overseen by the Organizations Board (O-Board). O-Board is a selected committee that approves organization status and funding requests. They meet weekly and are the go-to resource for the behind-the-scenes side of Auburn clubs. O-Board is here to help students find a home on Auburn’s campus.
Sometimes, however, “finding the right place” means creating your own perfect place, and welcoming others into it too! If you want to start your own organization on Auburn’s campus, here are four easy steps to help you get started.
1. IDENTIFY YOUR ORGANIZATION’S FOCUS
What will your club be all about? Will you explore a common interest, fulfill a need or provide a service? Whatever your topic, it should be something you are passi
onate about and want to pour your excitement and time into. You can also choose a name for your organization. This is probably the most fun part of creating a club—dig deep and dream big! What do you want your club’s legacy to be?
2. RECRUIT MEMBERS
Now that you have narrowed your focus on your organization’s topic, it is time to find amazing people to come alongside you. Look for people with similar interests. These can be your friends, but it is also an opportunity to invite, meet and get to know people who are different from you!
Consider posting on your social media, putting up flyers, and inviting via word-of-mouth. You will need 10 members to start your club. Additionally, your organization will need a full-time faculty or staff member to serve as an advisor.
3. APPLY FOR PROVISIONAL STAUS
Once you are ready, apply for provisional status to get your club officially registered with Student Involvement! Go to aub.ie/orgregistration and fill out the forms located there. In order to qualify for Provisional Status, there a few stipulations you must fulfill. Provisional clubs must:
- Have at least 10 members
- Have a full-time faculty advisor
- Have a designated President and Vice President and Treasurer if you are collecting dues
- Have a constitution and/or bylaws outlining the rules of the organization including the University Non-Discrimination Clause
- Fulfill financial obligations (see more about this here)
- Submit Provisional Status application
- Attend an O-Board meeting once you receive an invitation
4. APPLY FOR PERMANENT STATUS
Once you apply and are granted Provisional Status, you can apply for Permanent Status as soon as you’d like, which is the last step in your journey to becoming a Student Involvement organization. In order to apply for Permanent Status, your club must meet the following conditions in addition to the qualifications of a Provisional Organization:
- Attend a New Organization Orientation or President’s Training
- Table at one O-Day
- Attend three (3) Involvement Worskshop Opportunities
- Submit the Permanent Status Request Form on AUinvolve
Congratulations, after you have completed these steps, you are officially registered as an Auburn organization! Once the process is finished, you can request funding, use trademarked Auburn branding, and partner with AUinolve resources to promote your club.
Interested in the other side? Consider applying to be on O-Board, and be a guiding voice in developing Auburn’s incredible involvement opportunities. Applications are open for the Spring 2025 semester now! Fill out the application here.
For more specific information and additional resources, go to the O-Board page. Everything you need to know can be found there. Still have questions? Feel free to reach out at oboard@auburn.edu!