Kean University takes pride in the students ability to form new and interesting clubs and organizations. Kean has over 160 student groups on campus including funded and non-funded groups.

The categories are as followed:

• Cultural Organizations
• Fraternities
• Funded Groups
• Governmental Organizations
• Honor Societies
• Non-Funded Groups
• Performance Organizations
• Professional Organizations
• Recreational Organizations
• Religious Organizations
• Service Organizations
• Sororities
• Special Interest Organizations
• Student Governments

The Involvement Center, located in the Miron Student Center (MSC), Room 303, understands that its student body is full of ideas and interests. 

The Involvement Center is connected to the Office of Student Government and the Center for Leadership and Service (CLS), where they offer various resources for students wishing to be involved.

It provides:

• Student group mailboxes
• Student group locker space
• Executive board and small group conference rooms
• Computer workstations
• Student group supplies
• Student group development
• Workshops and training

Student groups stem from student interest. Students can visit the Involvement Center were they can learn the process of starting a new organization or club.

So what are some reasons to start a club? It could be the need for involvement, representation or expression. Before a student decides to start an organization, there are a few things to keep in mind.

Does the organization have good intentions? A few of the characteristics to look for in a good organization are listed as follows:

• Sense of purpose and direction
• Organization and leadership
• Strong values
• Ability to grow
• Effective management of time and finances

To begin the process of starting an organization, there should be an executive board consisting of president, vice president, secretary and treasurer. This ensures that they are the right candidates looking over the group and providing assistance in growth. 

Also students wishing to start an organization must fill out the Student Leadership Criteria where students seeking to hold a leadership position must adhere to the following:

• Have completed a minimum of 12 credits at Kean University and be fully matriculated 
• Have a minimum GPA of 2.50
• Be probation free

Students serving in leadership roles must also:

• Have served as member for one semester
• Activate their Cougar Link accounts to maintain the organization's profile
• Keep Cougar Link records of membership and Co-Curricular Transcript hours
• Keep an electronic copy of the Constitution 
• Be responsible over the policies and procedures such as the Student Code of Conduct, the Drug and Alcohol Policy, the Posting Policy, the Hazing Policy and the General Procedures Governing Use of University Facilities and Grounds

The second form is the FERPA form which grants professional staff the ability to verify that the student has met the leadership criteria.

Next students should: 

1. Submit the completed application and any supporting items that can be reviewed.
2. In order to continue with the application process, the Center for Leadership and Service (CLS) must receive a response.
3. Applications are reviewed for unique mission and purpose.
4. Applicants may resubmit their submissions on Cougar Link with the necessary corrections for review, if necessary.
5. Upon approval, student leaders will receive electronic confirmation and further instructions for beginning the student organization recognition process.

Sarah Otero, a freshman studying math education and an involvement specialist, spoke about what students should do when planning a group.

"It is important that they have solid ideas, solid people who will back them up and second the notion of the group and have a solid organization. Also don't forget to do the paperwork on time!" said Otero.

For more information, students can visit Student Group Recognition or email cls@kean.edu.