How to start a student group

Starting a student organization is an amazing way to find your people and get involved on campus! Our groups represent a huge diversity of interest areas, including academics, politics, service, arts, culture and identity, and are the heart of student life at Portland State.

If you’re interested in creating your own group, you’ve come to the right place. The information below is intended to be a helpful guide as you navigate the steps towards becoming a university registered group. Please refer to this page often as you begin the process, and don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of student organization advisors at salporgs@pdx.edu if you have any questions along the way.

Becoming an officially registered student group

You can begin organizing your student group anytime during the academic year. After you’ve completed the steps below, your new student group will be classified as a “forming” organization. At this stage your group may be eligible for partial funding and resources such as tabling spaces, invitations to resource fairs and more.

To become officially registered for the following academic year, your group will need to formally apply through SALP by the first week of spring term. You will then be considered for full student organization recognition at the beginning of the following summer term.

Student Organization Recognition Policy

Steps for Starting or Restarting a SALP Registered Student Organization

1. Explore existing student groups

Look through the list of student organizations on Portland State Connect to make sure the group you want to start doesn't already exist.

Explore Connect

PSU Students gathering in the park blocks

2. Find your co-founders

You'll need four other Portland State students that would like to start a student organization with you. Once you've identified your co-founders, you'll need to discuss what your group will be, what you will do, and define your purpose. Click the link for tips and tricks for getting started.

Tips & Tricks

3. Email SALP

Send an email to salporgs@pdx.edu and let us know that you are interested in starting a group. Make sure to include your group’s proposed name and intended purpose. From there, a student organization advisor will contact you.

Email SALP

4. Get your group online

If your group existed previously but is no longer functioning, your advisor will give you access to the old organization portal so you can update the listing with the information about your newly formed group. If your group didn't exist previously, your advisor will send you directions for getting started.

Requirements for all new student groups

Your new group must consist of at least five current Portland State students.
Three of your members must be willing to serve as officers for the group, complete an online orientation, and have a 2.5 undergraduate or 3.0 graduate GPA.

You must create a group constitution using this template.
You'll need to compile a list of possible projects, events or initiatives to present to your advisor.

PSU Student Activities & Leadership Programs

Here at SALP, we have hundreds of opportunities for you to find your people and enrich your student experience, including fun social events, jobs, volunteer opportunities and internships, as well as positions on committees and in student government. Find out more about our programs with the link below!

Learn more about SALP