1) How do I start a new Graduate Student Organization?

Anyone can create a student organization, for (nearly) any purpose. 

Firstl check to see if a similar organization already exists. The university wide student organizations can be found here. The GSO Directory lists all the graduate student groups that are currently recognized by the GSA.

Groups that apply for, and are granted, formal recognition by the Gradate Student Association are known as Graduate Student Organizations (GSOs). The advantages of adhering to the GSA requirements and gaining this recognition include:

• Being able to reserve rooms and space at the university.
• Being e ligible to apply for funding support from the GSA. Please read the appropriate forms for details.
• Being able to request an eden email account & web space.

Eligibility

The requirements for GSO's are detailed in the GSA Constitution and Funding Policies. The main points are:

• There must be a minimum of eight graduate student members in the organization.
• At least two officers from the organization must be graduate students.
• The organization must have a minimum of two officers (a president and a treasurer).
• The organization must have a written constitution. (see our model constitution for help in writing yours)

The Process

In order to gain recognition by the GSA a GSO must: submit the following paperwork:

• A membership list, in alphabetical order by last name, with graduate students and non-graduate students clearly labeled
• A list of officers, with Rutgers email accounts listed for each.
• A constitution
• A funding application, if necessary

Once the GSA has verified that the paperwork is in order,  recognition of the group will be added to the next council meeting agenda. A representative of the group must be present at the meeting to answer questions before the matter is put to vote.