Student Organization Handbook

The Division for Student Affairs oversees the recognition, management, and development of registered student organizations at GW. Student Affairs, in collaboration with campus partners, develops policies, procedures, and resources to guide student organization operations.

The Student Organization Handbook is the primary resource for information about organizational benefits and expectations, policies, and available support. Organization leaders should familiarize themselves with the Handbook contents and consult with their Staff Advisor or Org Help about any questions. The Handbook is regularly reviewed and updated, so be sure to bookmark this page to stay informed about the most current guidelines.

NOTICE: With the diversity of student organization operations and needs, we cannot anticipate or document all situations that may arise. Carefully review the information in this Handbook and reach out to your Staff Advisor or Org Help with questions on areas that may not be directly referenced. The absence of reference to a policy or process does not always indicate the lack thereof.

The Division for Student Affairs is excited to launch a new, web-based Student Organization Handbook for the 2025-2026 academic year. We hope this website will serve as an important and helpful resources for student organizations and their leaders. Please contact orghelpgwu [dot] edu (orghelp[at]gwu[dot]edu) if you experience any issues accessing information on the Handbook website.

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Student Organizations Overview

This section provides an overview of registered student organizations at GW, including organization benefits, types, pathways, and membership criteria.

Annual Requirements, Training & Re-registration

This section outlines the requirements to maintain the status of an active registered student organization and receive access to organization privileges.

Organization Finances

This section outlines the financial policies that govern registered student organizations.

Events, Meetings and Activities

This section provides information on planning and hosting organization events. Topics include registering events, submitting contracts, and events with alcohol.

Organization Space Reservation and Offices

The university has several different offices that manage spaces on campus, with distinct reservation processes and policies.

GW Brand, Merchandise and Copyright Guidelines

This sections covers the use of the university’s trademarks, requirements for purchasing merchandise, and key copyright guidelines organizations need to know.

Organization Publicity, Marketing and Communications

Publicity, marketing and communications guidelines for student organizations at the George Washington University.

Additional Organization Information and Resources

Learn about organization awards and recognition, organizational conflict management, main and packages, the Student Org Resource Center, and more.

Advising & Org Help Support

This sections provides an overview of Staff Advisors and Org Help - key advising and support resources for student organizations and their leaders.

Organization Travel

Any individual or group traveling on behalf of a student organization must register and receive approval for travel.

Expectations, Policies & Accountability

This section outlines the various policies, expectations, and accountability mechanisms that apply to student organizations, officers, and members.

GW Engage

Engage is an online student organization directory and organization management platform. Student organization leaders utilize Engage as a tool to manage an organization’s public profile, roster, officer contacts, and finances.
Engage can also be used to publicize events and activities, connect with potential new members, host elections, and communicate with current members.
Access Engage with your GW UserID and password at go.gwu.edu/Engage. When prompted to enter your email address, enter your GW email without “gwmail” (i.e., emailgwu [dot] edu).
Registered student organizations are required to utilize Engage to maintain an accurate roster, including a current listing of officers. At a minimum, all organizations must list a primary contact, president, and financial officer. The president and financial officer cannot be the same individual.
Support for using Engage is available via Org Help or through Engage Support which provides articles and videos available 24/7. Below are commonly referenced articles.
Additional GW trailored guides can be found in Box

Please note that the handbook content and policies are subject to change.
Notice of major changes is generally distributed via email or in the required training. Minor changes may be made without formal notification.