Student Organizations

A student organization is defined as a group of currently enrolled University of North Carolina at Charlotte students who unite to promote a common interest.  Student organizations are student-initiated and student-run. They may include faculty and staff as long as 51 percent of the membership are currently enrolled students. Only currently enrolled students can serve as officers or vote on organizational matters.  UNC Charlotte recognizes the vital contributions that student organizations make to the quality of life on campus; however, recognition as a UNC Charlotte student organization is not to be interpreted as an endorsement, approval, or reflection of the mission, purpose, and/or activities of UNC Charlotte or its affiliates.

If it is alleged that a registered student organization or its members have failed to comply with University policies or procedures, the University may conduct an investigation and render sanctions as it deems necessary.  Failure to comply with University policies and procedures may result in a variety of penalties, including but not limited to suspension or the revocation of recognition.  A student organization that is suspended or no longer recognized by the University loses all privileges and benefits granted to student organizations under the Student Government Association Act for Registration or GPSG.

All undergraduate student organizations are governed by the Student Government Association (SGA) and the Senate Organizational Ways and Means Committee.   The following are the categories that all student organizations fall under: 

• Academic/Pre-Professional: Organizations designed for students interested in a particular career or academic field who want to establish networks and further develop their skills in that area.  
• Fraternity & Sorority: Traditionally known as Greek-letter fraternities and sororities, these academic and service-oriented groups work to foster the ideals of friendship and the development of character. 
• Graduate: Organizations designed specifically to meet the needs of graduate students in their specific areas of study or interest. 
• Honor Society: Local and national honor societies that provide service and/or leadership opportunities and recognition for students with academic honors. 
• Interest: Organizations that exist to enhance campus life and to provide support to students through a variety of programs and events. 
• International: Focused on providing support, knowledge, and awareness through interactions and discussions of international culture, language, and people in the global community. 
• Media:Main purpose is education about and production of mass communication. 
• Multicultural: Focused on providing support and fostering community within the various cultures, races, religions, and orientations represented among the student body. 
• Performance: Main purpose is to entertain and educate through dance, vocal, and other performances. 
• Political:Student groups that encourage expression, debate, and support of political issues, views, and/or candidates. 
• Religious/Spiritual: Groups that provide spiritual and/or religious development and support. 
• Service: Organizations that provide volunteer opportunities for civic-minded students eager to serve the campus and/or community. 
• Sport Club: Groups that encourage participation in and promotion of team sports, physical fitness, health and wellness, as well as leisure and special interest activities.

1. Returning or new student organization 
   1. Groups are new only if they have not been previously approved by SGA, or if they have not been registered in 2 or more years 
2. Provide full organization name 
   1. No acronyms or abbreviations; do not put “UNC Charlotte” or “UNCC” in front of name.
3. Provide abbreviated organization name 
4. Provide the purpose/brief description of your organization 
   1. This description will be displayed on your organization’s profile and will provide helpful information to students interested in your group.  Please remember this should be a brief description/overview of your organization.  
5. Provide the student organization’s website URL 
6. Provide the student organization’s social networking sites (e.g. Instagram, Facebook, X, Tiktok etc.) 
7. Provide the student organization’s email address 
   1. This e-mail address will be displayed on your profile and will provide an additional method for students to inquire about the organization.  Please list an email address that is regularly checked (e.g. the president’s email). 
8. Provide the student organization’s mailing address 
   1. UNC Charlotte does not provide a mailing address for student organizations.  Please list a mailing address that is regularly checked (e.g. the president’s mailing address). 
9. Membership Roster 
   1. The roster should include the names and email addresses of all student members.  At least eight (8) members are required to be considered a student organization. 
10. Provide the Officers’ and Advisor(s)’ Information.  
    1. Three different UNC Charlotte students must hold the offices of President, Treasurer, and Vice President. You will also need to select or edit the Primary Contact for the organization. *Only @charlotte.edu e-mail addresses will be accepted for officers. 
11. Upload Organization logo or photo 
    1. Be sure to get permission from Licensing if using University trademarks. 
12. Membership Criteria and Meeting Information 
13. What month does your organization transition its new officers? 
14. Constitution 
    1. Attach a current copy of your student organization’s constitution/bylaws. Be sure to review your constitution regularly with your executive board. 

The following benefits and responsibilities are excerpts from the Act for Registration under the purview of the Student Government Association and/or the Graduate and Professional Student Government. The complete Act for Registration document is available at sga.charlotte.edu.

Responsibilities 

• Register annually with the Student Government Association or GPSG.  Registration begins on April 1st and concludes on September 30th by 5:00pm, unless otherwise revised by SGA. (Review the Annual Registration) 

• Maintain an accurate roster at all times at least eight (8) current student members who are participants within the group. 

• Maintain an updated organization constitution.  Information regarding the requirements for the organization’s constitution is available later in this handbook. • Select three (3) officers including a President, Treasurer and Vice President. 

• Have a clear and unique purpose that does not duplicate an existing student organization. 

Benefits 

• Meeting and event space in accordance with University space reservation procedures. 

• Use of University names at the end of an organization’s name.  NOTE: Use of the University name does not constitute a grant of authority to the student organization or to any of the members.  It also does not allow members to represent themselves as having authority to act as an agent for, to speak on behalf of, or to obligate UNC Charlotte or SGA contractually.  The use of the University’s tax exempt status is not included in this benefit. 

• Grant funding available by SGA via the Finance Committee.  Funds include event, travel, and operational opportunities.

• Lockers may be applied for by contacting Student Involvement. 

• The Student Organization Resource Center (SORC) has a host of resources available to organizations including computers, meeting spaces, poster and button supplies, design software, and much more.  The SORC is located in Popp Martin Student Union 210. 

• Assistance from Student Involvement staff including leadership training, educational workshops, general organization advising, event planning, publicity, and reference materials. 

• Use of Niner Engage and Niner Engage + for event promotion and management, file storage, news announcements, roster management, elections, and more. 

• Participation options in University events such as International Festival, Move-In, Homecoming, Student Organization Showcases, Niner Nation Give and more.

STUDENT ORGANIZATION RESOURCE CENTER (SORC)

The Student Organization Resource Center (SORC) is an area that is dedicated to student organization leaders and members for handling the day-to-day operations of your group.  The resource center is designed to give you access to MAC computers with the latest design software, button machines, a laminator, and more.  In addition, you will have access to the printer/scanner/fax machine.  Printing is free if your organization uses Operational Funds.  Art supplies are provided free to organizations. 

Information you should know about the SORC: 

• The SORC is accessible to all members of registered student organizations. You do not need to reserve the space. 

• The resources are free; however, we ask that you do not take items/supplies out of the SORC so that they are available to everyone at all times! 

• Materials in the SORC are for student organization use only - materials are not for personal use or class projects.

EQUIPMENT & PROGRAM SUPPLY CHECK-OUT 

Games, sport equipment, tents, decorations, walkie talkies, gaming systems, and more are available for check-out to student organizations.  These items are to be used as a supplement to programs and events occurring on-campus.  For more information about this program and a list of available items, please visit https://safc.charlotte.edu/safc-check-out-program.

The Student Organizations Showcase takes place twice during the academic year.  The first is in August during Gold Rush, and the second occurs in January at the beginning of the spring semester.  These Showcases are open to the entire campus community and provide an opportunity for the student body to connect with registered student organizations at UNC Charlotte.  Student organization members staff tables where they can recruit new members and distribute information about their organization.  Please see the Assistant Director for Student Involvement for more information or visit https://studentorgs.charlotte.edu/student-organizations-showcase.

Workshops are presented throughout the year to help strengthen student organizations. The workshops are for any student leader, member, future officer, or advisor involved with a registered student organization. A current schedule of workshops is available at https://studentorgs.charlotte.edu/workshops-events. 

All student organization presidents must attend a President’s Leadership Workshop. Other officers are welcome and encouraged to attend.

Student Involvement Ambassadors are also available to attend one of your general body meetings to present on a topic of your choosing.  In addition to workshops, the Ambassadors are also able to assist you through one-on-one officer consultations to provide information about resources, policies and/or best practices for running your org.

STEP #1. Read the Act for Registration to understand what rights and responsibilities student organizations have at UNC Charlotte. 

STEP #2. Have at least eight (8) UNC Charlotte students who are interested in participating in the organization. Record these students’ names and email addresses, which will need to be included on the online registration form. 

STEP #3. Search for a UNC Charlotte faculty or staff member who is willing to serve as an advisor to your organization. Advisors are required as of April 2026.

STEP #4. Write a constitution for the organization using the template; include by-laws if necessary. Click here to download the online template.

STEP #5. Select officers for the organization. Each organization must have at least three (3) student officers who are in good standing with the University and enrolled as full-time students. Your organization must list a President, Treasurer, and a Vice President. 

STEP #6. Complete the request form in Niner Engage: log in, select Organizations, then Register an Organization, then Register a NEW organization. 

STEP #7. Schedule an appointment to meet with the Student Involvement. Email us at studentorgs@charlotte.edu to schedule your meeting. 

STEP #8. The student organization will be invited to appear before the SGA Student Organization Committee. At this meeting, members will share the purpose of their new organization. The Student Organizations Committee will submit the organization’s request for approval to the SGA Senate. The Senate will vote on whether to officially recognize the group.

To culminate a year of great events and engagement with student organizations, Student Involvement holds an annual reception to recognize the efforts of our student organizations. Nominations open up in the spring every year. Stay tuned to the website, social media and student organization newsletter for updates on when nominations open!

Advisor of the Year: This award recognizes a Staff or Faculty member who advises a Student Organization. Please consider Staff or Faculty members who have not only performed their duties as assigned, but provided comprehensive support for the organization they advise. Examples include referrals to campus resources, extensive knowledge of University policy and procedures, as well as other acts of kindness or aptitude for advising. The winning advisor(s) will get a $100.00 bookstore shopping spree.

Student Organization Leader of the Year: Recognizes a student leader who provided exemplary service, commitment, and strong leadership to a student organization and UNC Charlotte; made a meaningful contribution to members of the organization; motivated the group; made themselves available to student organization members and brought out strengths and talents of individuals in the group; exemplified integrity; and demonstrated initiative by seeking ways to challenge the present and enrich the future. The winning student(s) will get a $100.00 bookstore shopping spree.

Unsung Hero Award: This award recognizes a student who made significant contributions to their organization behind the scenes. This award honors individuals who consistently show up, support their peers, demonstrate reliability, and elevate the organization without seeking recognition. Ideal nominees embody humility, dedication, and a commitment to the group’s success. The winning student(s) will receive a $100.00 bookstore shopping spree.

Student Organization of the Year (Above 25 members): This award recognizes the student organization that demonstrated consistent flexibility, initiative, creativity, and perseverance; made a meaningful contribution to students, the University, and/or the surrounding community; remained visible, and provided consistent programming or content that has had a significant impact on UNC Charlotte. Winners receive funding credit through our office to support their organization’s events, projects, or operations.

Student Organization of the Year (Below 25 members): This award recognizes the student organization that demonstrated consistent flexibility, initiative, creativity, and perseverance; made a meaningful contribution to students, the University, and/or the surrounding community; remained visible, and provided consistent programming or content that has had a significant impact on UNC Charlotte. Winners receive funding credit through our office to support their organization’s events, projects, or operations.

New Student Org of the Year: This award recognizes our new Student Organizations, specifically those organizations that were created after April 1st, 2025. Additionally, this award recognizes an organization that fills a new niche, caters to a previously unsupported or unrecognized demographic, or one that had successes in programming, recruitment and retention of their members during their first year. Winners receive funding credit through our office to support their organization’s events, projects, or operations.

Outstanding Social Media Presence: This award recognizes the student organization who created a robust online presence. This recognizes organizations that effectively use social media platforms to help folks learn about their organization and the wonderful things that their group has to offer. We are looking for groups that have used innovative strategies to engage with their users specifically with social media platforms. Winners receive funding credit through our office to support their organization’s events, projects, or operations.
 
Outstanding Niner Engage Presence: This award recognizes the student organization who created a robust online presence. This recognizes organizations that effectively use Niner Engage and other social media platforms to help folks learn about their organization and the wonderful things that their group has to offer. We are looking for groups that have used innovative strategies to Engage with their users specifically with Niner Engage and other platforms. Winners receive funding credit through our office to support their organization’s events, projects, or operations.
 

Community Impact: This award recognizes the Student Organization that dedicated significant time and effort to support the Charlotte community or surrounding folks from marginalized communities. Service hours, volunteer opportunities and other acts of philanthropy should be considered when nominating for this award. Winners receive funding credit through our office to support their organization’s events, projects, or operations.

Collaborative Program of the Year: This award recognizes a program created through meaningful collaboration between two or more student organizations. This award honors groups that combined their strengths, resources, and perspectives to deliver a well-planned and impactful program open to the UNC Charlotte community. Programs should demonstrate intentional partnership, shared leadership, and an outcome that was strengthened by the collaboration. Winners receive funding credit through our office to support their organization’s events, projects, or operations.

Programs of the Year: This award recognizes a student organization program that enhanced the University community. It is for events/programs that took place from April 1, 2025 to March 2026 are eligible to be nominated. Winners receive funding credit through our office to support their organization’s events, projects, or operations.

• Philanthropic: This award recognizes a student organization program focused on service, giving, or charitable impact. This award honors events that addressed a community need, raised awareness, or mobilized students toward meaningful action. Successful nominations will highlight intentional planning, partnerships, and outcomes that contributed positively to the Charlotte community or a specific cause.
• Social: This award recognizes a student organization program that fostered belonging, connection, and campus engagement through a social, community-building event. This award honors programs that thoughtfully created space for students to connect, have fun, and build relationships while demonstrating strong planning, creativity, and broad accessibility.
• Educational: This award recognizes a student organization program that enhanced learning, awareness, or skill-building for the UNC Charlotte community. This award honors programs that presented information in engaging ways, fostered meaningful dialogue, and expanded participants’ understanding of a topic. Strong nominations demonstrate effective planning, intentional educational outcomes, and accessibility to all students. 

Graduate Organization of the Year: This award recognizes a graduate student organization that demonstrated excellence in leadership, programming, membership engagement, and service to the UNC Charlotte graduate community. The student organization must be classified as a Graduate Student Org on Niner Engage. This award honors groups that provided meaningful opportunities for involvement, fostered academic or professional development, and strengthened the overall graduate student experience. Winners receive funding credit through our office to support their organization’s events, projects, or operations.

Commitment to Wellbeing Award: This award recognizes a student organization that prioritized the wellbeing of its members and the broader UNC Charlotte community. This award honors organizations that intentionally incorporated wellness practices, promoted healthy habits, or created supportive environments within their programming or operations. Nominations should highlight initiatives that contributed to mental, emotional, social, or physical wellbeing. Winners receive funding credit through our office to support their organization’s events, projects, or operations.

Innovation Award: This award recognizes a student organization that demonstrated creativity, originality, and forward-thinking in its programs, operations, or outreach. This award honors groups that introduced new ideas, implemented unique strategies, or reimagined the student experience in impactful ways. Strong nominations highlight risks taken, lessons learned, and the positive outcomes of the organization’s innovative approach. Winners receive funding credit through our office to support their organization’s events, projects, or operations.

Golden Org Award: This award recognizes a student organization that participated in the Student Org Leadership Development (SOLD) Incentive Program. This organization has acquired points for their org by demonstrating exceptional consistency, excellence, and engagement with the SOLD Program throughout the entire academic year. Ideal nominees embody reliability, strong internal operations, and sustained impact. Winners receive funding credit through our office to support their organization’s events, projects, or operations.

This award is only applicable to student organizations who have reached the “Gold Tier” within the SOLD Program and is not open for nominations currently. 

If you have any questions, concerns, or accommodation needs, please contact Ayana Cholula [acholula@charlotte.edu]