Don't see a student organization that aligns with your interests, passions, or talents? Want to share a new perspective with the Duke community?
Consider starting a new SOFC Recognized or Chartered Group to access funding and involvement resources through the Duke Student Government (DSG) network.
It is important to keep in mind that, given the high volume of requests received and the thoroughness of SOFC's review process, becoming a SOFC Recognized or Chartered Group often takes an entire semester. Therefore, we recommend that group leaders apply as early as possible in a given semester in order to ensure adequate time to work with SOFC Analysts. Any requests not completed in a given semester will remain in our queue until they can be reviewed the following semester.
STEPS
Check DukeGroups to make sure your potential new group goals are not reflected in an existing group.
If the ideas are similar, think about how your group is different and can uniquely contribute to Duke's undergraduate community.
At least 10 Duke undergraduate students and a faculty adviser are needed before you can seek the creation of a new group.
Make sure you've thought carefully about the diversity of class years for founding members – groups with members that span multiple years are more likely to thrive into the future.
Develop a constitution with goals, officer descriptions, election procedures, impeachment protocol, non-discriminatory policy, and other stipulations in accordance with University and DSG Bylaws. Use the template below:
Be intentional about your choice of either Chartered and Recognized status. Types of funding available depending on your status can seen below; Analysts will also help you decide which status makes the most sense for your organization.
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Once you are logged in to your authorized Duke undergraduate account, apply here through DukeGroups using the SOFC Recognized or SOFC Chartered button at the top of the page.
The application questions found on DukeGroups can also be found here. The answer to these questions should be answered in DukeGroups – this document is to help you craft responses and a constitution before submission.
SOFC Analysts will help you articulate the vision for your group and direct you on the first steps to take. Analysts meet with new group leaders on a rolling basis. Depending on the number of requests already submitted and in the queue, it can take several weeks for your application to be reviewed and for an Analyst to reach out. Applicants with time-sensitive deadlines should submit requests early.
After a consultation, analysts will decide whether or not to approve your organization for a SOFC hearing. Analysts will reach out to schedule an appointment after your group applies through DukeGroups.
Pending Analyst approval, SOFC will reach out to schedule a hearing. See guidance here for a successful hearing.
Please note that when you sign up for a hearing, your confirmation email will include these questions, which you should be prepared to answer at the hearing.
It is SOFC's priority to best prepare student leaders. Therefore, please reach out to the Analyst you worked with prior to the hearing with any questions.
Pending SOFC approval at a Tuesday hearing, DSG Senate will vote on whether or not to Charter/Recognize or reject a potential new group at a hearing the following night. Group leaders will have the opportunity to present their group idea to the Senate or can have the SOFC Chair present on their behalf.
Pending DSG Senate approval at a Wednesday meeting, the SOFC and University Center for Activities & Events Student Involvement and Business & Finance teams will work with the newly approved student organization to open a funding account and make them eligible for SOFC funds.
Please note it can take up to 8-10 weeks for UCAE to process fund codes and groups cannot request funds until they have a code.
Additionally, please know that new Chartered groups are capped at $1,000 when applying for Annual Budget in their first year.
Details and instructions regarding applying for funding can be found on the "Funding" page of this site.
We've also created a "Quick Start" Guide found here that includes key information and resources for those new to running a student organization and the SOFC funding process.
Of course, the SOFC is also happy to meet with new Presidents, Treasurers, or Organization Leaders to answer questions, review processes, etc. Details about Office Hours can be found here.
