Start a New Organization
Christopher Newport is dedicated to promoting students' success through their academics and involvement. The OSI is here to support the efforts of student organizations and the implementation of them. If there is an organization or club that doesn’t already exist on campus, you may request to create a new organization by filling out the request form on The Compass. If you have any questions, feel free to email us.
Interested in starting a Recognized Student Organization (RSO)? First Consider a few questions:
- Is there a current RSO that shares a similar mission or goal? Does your organization have a unique mission or purpose that makes it different?
- Are there adequate university resources (e.g., space, potential participants) to support the group's activities?
- Are there significant safety risks associated with activities your organization will sponsor?
- How will your organization contribute to the common good at Christopher Newport? Will it make our community a better place?
- Is your organization sustainable? Are there students interested in continuing the organization after you graduate?
- Would your organization be considered a sports club? If so, contact Recreation Services for more information at jeremy.fritz@cnu.edu.
Still Interested? We can help!
New Student Organization (NSO) recognition has several required steps. All NSOs are asked to do the following:
- Find a minimum of 10 interested members.
- Write your organization's Constitution and Bylaws. This document serves as a user manual for your organization. We have a Sample Constitution to follow for guidance.
- Consider if your organization needs an advisor. Your advisor can be a valuable advocate on campus, and can help your organization be more successful. Ask your advisor to review and sign the Advisor Agreement Form
- Once all materials have been submitted through the New Registration Request Form on The Compass, you will be contacted by an OSI Student Assistant to schedule your NSO meeting. After this meeting has been completed, an OSI staff member will contact you to schedule an orientation on how to be an organization.
- Request a CNU Email Address. Once your organization is recognized by the Office of Orientation and Student Involvement, it is eligible to request a cnu.edu email address. Student organization presidents should fill out the Student Org Request Form.