New Student Organizations

With more than 600 existing registered student organizations, GW has a wide range of ways to get involved with existing organizations that are always looking for new members. There are times, however, when significant interests or needs arise on campus that aren’t yet addressed by an organization or campus department. In those instances, students are able to seek recognition for a new student organization.

Before applying for the registration of a new organization, you should  consider the following:

• Is there an existing organization or campus department that you can join or collaborate with to achieve your goals?
• Do you have the time required to plan, prepare, start, and maintain a thriving student organization?
• Is there adequate interest from students across different class years who can keep the organization going after the founders graduate?

Please reach out orghelpgwu [dot] edu (orghelp[at]gwu[dot]edu) with any questions.

APPLICATION TIMELINE

The new student organization registration process will open once per semester. 

Application Opens  |  Wednesday, March 4 
Priority Review Deadline*  |  Monday, March 16
Extended Deadline  |  Thursday, March 26

Priority review will take place March 17-19 with decisions released by March 20. Decisions for the extended deadline will be released on a rolling basis.

*The priority review deadline is for organizations who wish to apply for a Student Government Association fall 2026 general allocation. Budget requests are due March 25. Additional funding opportunities will be available in the fall through SGA co-sponsorships for those who do not meet this deadline or who are not yet prepared to submit a budget request. 

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Abide by all university policies and guidelines established for students and student organizations
• Operate in accordance with the university’s non-profit and tax-exempt status
• At least 10 active members who are currently enrolled GW students
• At least a president, financial officer, and primary contact (president and finance officer may not be the same individual)
• A constitution that includes the four required clauses - review the guide to writing your organization’s constitution for additional information

Review the Expectations, Policies & Accountability section of the Student Organization Handbook for more information. Review the New Organization Rubric for more information on criteria. 

APPLICATION

All applications are submitted through Engage. 

1. Navigate to the Engage homepage and click “Organizations” in the left menu.
2. Click “Register an Organization” on the left-hand side of the Organizations page.
3. Scroll down and click “Register a New Organization."
4. Complete the application as instructed.

Submit Your Application

REVIEW PROCESS

The New Organization Committee (NOC), composed of students and staff, is responsible for reviewing applications. Starting in spring 2026, the Division for Student Affairs will also seek input from relevant campus and academic departments who have greater content expertise related to the student organization’s mission or operations. 

The NOC will use this New Organization Rubric when reviewing the application material. The rubric considers - added value, uniqueness of mission, organization structure, sustainability, resources, risk management, and action plans. 

The student organization application will be approved or denied. If denied, you can re-apply in the fall based on the feedback provided.