If you are a current UIC student, you can start a student organization of any kind. You must have at least two other UIC students who are interested in establishing the organization as well to be in compliance with UIC Campus Programs regulations.
If you are starting an organization that is a charter or chapter of an already established organization, you must be in compliance with that organization’s constitution and bylaws.
To start an organization on the campus of UIC, you must register the organization within the Campus Programs Department. Undergraduate students mainly based on the east side of campus, register in the Campus Programs Department located in the Student Center East Building, located at 750 S. Halsted in room 340 South between 8:30am – 4:45pm. Call 312-413-5070 for more info. Graduate and Pre-professional students mainly based on the west side of campus, register in the Campus Programs Department located in the Student Center West Building, located at 828 South Wolcott St. between 8:30am – 4:45pm. Call 312-413-5180 for more info. Back to top
2) Is there a similar organization already on campus?
You can find out if the organization you want to charter or establish is already existing on campus by visiting the Campus Programs website at http://www.uic.edu/depts/chcc/programs/Campus/Files/
Then click on east side organizations to search through, then click on west side organizations. Back to top
4) How many people do I have to register my organization?
You must have three current UIC students to register as officers to establish an organization. Back to top
5) Does my organization have to have an advisor?
Your organization must have a faculty or staff member acting as the organization’s advisor. Back to top
6) How can I change my registration, i.e. officers, contact info, etc?
To change officers, the newly elected/appointed officer must come in to Campus Programs East or Campus Programs West with his/her UIC I.D. OR UIN # and fill out a registration form within the officer position he/she is taking over. Back to top
FUNDING
1) How can my organization get funding?
There are various ways to fundraise or receive funding on the campus of UIC: Fundraising
• Bake Sales: Orgs can sign up for three bake sales per semester contact Meetings & Conferences at 312.413.5040
• Dances: Meetings & Conferences puts on reserve 12 dance dates to be held in the Inner Circle of Student Center East, 750 S. Halsted. Funding Sources
• Student Activities Funding Committee (SAFC):
A committee of 14 students and 7 faculty and staff members, overseen by a Campus Programs advisor. The main duty of this committee is to review the proposals turned in by organizations and departments requesting financial support for activities and events they are planning. The committee then decides to what degree, if any, these proposals warrant financial support.
• Chicago Organizational Fund (COF) Review Board:
The board is comprised of six student organization members who have the final say in how COF movies are allocated. The Chicago Organization Fund Review Board was established to provide funding for organizations participating in activities that enhance their members’ educational experience at UIC. These activities may include field trips, conferences, seminars, inter-collegiate tournaments/contents, service projects, and on campus programs/events. Back to top
2) Does my org have a bank account?
A bank account is established for a student org once registered via the Chicago Organizational Fund (COF). The Fund serves member organizations by providing on campus banking and accounting services. Contact Campus Programs for more info. Back to top
3) How do we deposit funds into our bank account?
Treasurers of organizations are permitted to deposit only dues, contributions and proceeds from membership activities with the University cashier, Office of Business Affairs, 1st floor, Marshfield Building. Back to top
4) How do we withdraw funds out of our bank account?
Withdrawals require the completion of “Disbursement Voucher” and its approval by the Treasurer of the Fund. All disbursement vouchers must be accompanied by paid receipts, invoices or other supporting documents fully explaining the payment and its relationship to the activity’s purpose. Back to top
5) What members have access to the bank account?
The treasurer and president and one optional noted third member has access to the organizations bank account. Back to top
ROOM RESERVATIONS
1) How can my org reserve a room to host an event?
Registered student organizations are able to reserve room reservations via Meetings and Conferences located in the Student Center East building, Room 214. Contact number, 312-413-5040. Back to top
2) Can we order food for our event?
In order to have food at an event located in one the Student Center Buildings; SCE, SCW, SSB; you must use the university’s on site caterer, Sodexho. Catering orders can be made also in Meetings and Conferences and once a reservation confirmation has been issued.
Students can also apply up to $200/semester in funding for catering by bringing their catering order confirmation to Campus Programs. This is on first-come, first-serve basis and is only available until funds are exhausted. Back to top
3) How far in advance of the event date do I have to reserve the room?
There is no time limit to reserve but the more advance notice, the better chances of receiving the room that best fits your event. Back to top
4) How far in advance of the event date do I have to cancel a reservation?
If a room reservation has catering or equipment then 3 days advance notice is needed for cancellation but if there is no catering or equipment then 24 hours advance notice is needed for proper cancellation. Back to top
OFFICE SPACE
1) How can my organization get an office?
Each year Campus Programs has an office allocation process where student organizations can apply for office space. Back to top
2) Do we have to share an office with another student group?
Office space is shared between two student organizations. Organizations can list and prioritize who they would like to share an office with. Back to top
COF & SAFC
1) What is COF and SAFC stand for?
Chicago Organizational Fund (COF) Review Board:
The board is comprised of six student organization members who have the final say in how COF movies are allocated. The Chicago Organization Fund Review Board was established to provide funding for organizations participating in activities that enhance their members’ educational experience at UIC. These activities may include field trips, conferences, seminars, inter-collegiate tournaments/contents, service projects, and on campus programs/events. Student Activities Funding Committee (SAFC):
A committee of 14 students and 7 faculty and staff members, overseen by a Campus Programs advisor. The main duty of this committee is to review the proposals turned in by organizations and departments requesting financial support for activities and events they are planning. The committee then decides to what degree, if any, these proposals warrant financial support. Back to top
Miscellaneous
1) Can my organization receive a tax exempt?
Tax exempt letter are not given to student organizations on behalf of the university but a letter can be given by Campus Programs stating that the student organization is operating as non for profit organization to the best knowledge of UIC Campus Programs. Back to top
