Tips for Starting A Campus Student Organization

Do Your Homework

Consider Your Options
Consider your options - what kind of student organization would you like?  Read this tip sheet about the differences between clubs, cultural centers, and student organizations.

Contact Student Affairs
Contact the coordinator of student organizations on your campus to find out what you need to do to become a recognized campus organization.  This person is probably in Student Affairs, Student Services, or Student Life.  That person can help you fill out paperwork and learn about any campus requirements for student groups.

Get Together

Bring Students Together
Gather disabled students, culturally Deaf students, or nondisabled allies who are interested in being a part of your organization.  There are many different ways to do this, so go with your strengths!  Mostly you are looking for like-minded people willing to share the work and likely to enjoy or appreciate the benefits of the organization. Some options include:
  • Host a meet-up at an accessible coffee shop or space on campus
  • Pass around flyers directing people to participate in a short survey or meeting
  • If your school has a disability studies or Deaf studies program, talk to the department chair or hang out in hallways to talk with people after classes
  • Use social media to find like-minded people on campus

Have a Working Meeting and Plan Follow-Up Meetings
  • Discuss the mission and goals of the organization.  If you're ready, craft a mission statement that can be shared with others
  • Determine the structure of your group and whether your campus requires a constitution, charter, bylaws, or other formal type of organization
  • Decide on the name of your group and consider drafting a logo
  • Complete any required paperwork.  Complete an application to become a DREAM chapter or affiliate.
  • Consider how to raise funds for any fees your campus requires
  • Brainstorm about possible events, activities, and recruiting strategies

Connect with Others

Reach Out to DREAM
DREAM is run by students and for students.  We're always here to help - just contact us.  Encourage students in your group to participate in DREAM activities and to join the DREAM Slack Channel.

Sign Up for the DREAM Listerv to Get Weekly News Updates
EveryMonday during the academic year, the NCCSD sends out a Weekly News Update with news about what's happening across the U.S. with disability and higher education issues.  We archive past issues on the NCCSD website, but if you sign up for our DREAM email listserv you'll be the first to get them.  It's a great way to stay informed about what other campuses are doing and it's free!

Contact Other Campuses
Check out the DREAM list of campus organizations.  Find someone in your state or region, and ask them for advice about how they got started.

Learn More about Disability and Higher Education
Learn more about what others are doing. DREAM is part of the National Center for College Students with Disabilities - check out their Clearinghouse of information and resources.  Also take a look at what other national organizations are doing for college students with disabilities.
DREAM is supported under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education (P116D150005) to the Institute on Community Integration (ICI) at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities and is run in collaboration with the Association on Higher Education and Disability.  Opinions expressed here are not necessarily those of the U.S. Department of Education, ICI, or AHEAD.  If you have need assistance with the site or have questions, contact us.
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