Student Organizations

College students who are involved within their institutions do better academically, feel a stronger connection to their school and peers, are more likely to persist to graduation, and develop key skills that make them more employable after college.

The Student Organization Resource Center on the third floor of the Baker Pattillo Student Center provides the following resources from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays or by appointment:

• Printing (no personal printing)
• Button-making machine and supplies
• Computer lounge
• Paper cutter
• Craft supplies, including butcher paper, markers, paint, etc.
• Organization storage, including reserved lockers
• Event supplies (if available)

Contact Student Engagement Programs at studentengagement@sfasu.edu or 936.468.3703 for more information.

Basic Training is held at the beginning of each fall semester provides an overview of the responsibilities, training and processes required of all SFA student organizations. Multiple sessions of Basic Training are offered at various times and days of the week to accommodate students’ schedules. Four officers from each organization must attend one of the fall sessions. Spring Basic Training is only required for new student organizations and newly appointed officers. Basic Training dates will be announced on The Handle. Email studentengagement@sfasu.edu if you have a class conflict or other scheduling issues.

As part of a registered student organization, your members have the opportunity to raise funds by working the concession stands at SFA athletic events. Email Lumberjack Eats for more information or to schedule concession-stand fundraiser.

Mini catering grants are a way for student organizations to elevate their events with no extra cost to them. Grant applications can be found under the Forms tab on The Handle. Submissions are reviewed by a committee, and organizations can receive up to $250 if they meet the criteria. This opportunity is first come, first served. Sponsored organizations that receive funding from the university are not eligible until the end of spring semester (if there are funds remaining). To be eligible, organizations must: 

• be recognized and in good standing with the university,
• have not already received a mini catering grant within the academic year, 
• have no past-due invoices with the student center, and 
• ensure the catered event is open to all SFA students.

For questions on how to access the application, contact studentlife@sfasu.edu or 936-468-1018.

The four basic requirements for starting a new organization are

1. Find four full -time students who wish to be members;
2. Find one full-time faculty/staff member who is willing to serve as the new organizations advisor;
3. Create a constitution for the group (we have examples); and
4. complete an Organization Formation Packet.

Visit The Handle for required forms and additional information.
 

SORF is allocated to student organizations at the start of each fall semester and re-allocated based on need each spring semester. Registered student organizations that have achieved Level 2 (non-probation) status may apply for SORF. This requires that the organization be active for at least 12 months and be registered with the Office of Student Engagement Programs each year. Any officer wishing to use these funds must complete the SORF Certification prior to checking out the credit card and making purchases. For additional information, email studentengagement@sfasu.edu or call (936) 4685-3703.

Registered student organizations should visit The Handle to complete the required documentation. Off-campus groups should contact The Office of Student Engagement Programs at studentengagement@sfasu.edu or (936) 468-3703 for registration information.