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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.  
 

A NEW LOOK!

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

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Student Organizations Overview

Organization benefits, membership/leadership criteria, types/categories, pathways, and additional info for club sports, FSL, grad umbrellas, and honor societies

Expectations, Policies & Accountability

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

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.

GW Engage Platform

Engage access information, 24/7 support, and resources guides

Annual Requirements, Training & Re-registration

Annual requirements to maintain active registered student organization status, including advisor meetings, training, and re-registration

Organization Finances

Finances overview, types of organization accounts, general finance policies, prohibited purchases, obtaining and depositing funds, and making purchases

Events, Meetings and Activities

Event registration requirements, planning and hosting events, contracts and certificates of insurance, ticket sales, 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.

Organization Travel

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

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.

 

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.