The purpose of the student club and organizations program is to provide all undergraduate students with an opportunity to participate in a co-curricular experience. Research has proven that involvement in a student organization results in the development of a student’s interpersonal, leadership, communication, teamwork, critical thinking, and many other professional skills needed for life after college.

Serving as a recognized student organization at Widener University is a privilege that includes hard work, responsibility, and personal rewards. Active organizations enjoy specific privileges and rights granted to student organizations at Widener University, including:

• Space reservations for meetings and events.
• Access to funding.
• Participation in leadership development programs.
• Official recognition and visibility on campus.

A student organization at Widener is a group of undergraduate students who come together around a shared interest, goal, or purpose. To be officially recognized, organizations must register with the Office of Student Engagement (OSE), which allows them to access university resources such as space reservations, funding opportunities, and official visibility on campus. Recognized organizations are expected to support Widener’s mission and values by promoting leadership, civic engagement, career preparation, and multiculturalism. Each organization must also be unique — no two groups may duplicate the same name, mission, or activities. While advisors and national affiliations may provide support, Widener student organizations are created by students and exist first and foremost to enhance the student experience.

The new student organization recognition process is open to all undergraduate groups who want to be recognized through the Office of Student Engagement (OSE). The goal is to give students the chance to create organizations that meet unique interests and needs, while ensuring they align with Widener’s mission and values. Organizations should primarily serve Widener students, even if they are affiliated with a national association.

Students can propose a new organization twice a semester during the academic year. Groups that have been inactive for two or more consecutive semesters must also complete this process. New organizations will be placed in Pending status until all requirements are met and approved by OSE and the Student Government Association.

All organizations must be unique and may not duplicate the name, mission, or activities of another active group. Greek-lettered groups must first consult with OSE, and competitive or contact sports groups must also coordinate with the Pride Recreation Center.

Steps to Start a New Organization:

1. Read the Student Organization Policy Manual.

2. Check the RSO Site to confirm your group idea is unique.

3. Secure at least one full-time faculty or staff advisor (two-year commitment).

4. Recruit ten (1) interested students (nationally affiliated groups must also follow national membership rules).

5. Attend a New Student Organization Workshop (offered twice each semester).

6. Complete the Recognition Application and submit all required materials.

RSVP here for the New Student Organization Workshop!

To serve as an officer in a student organization, you must be a matriculated, full-time undergraduate student on Widener’s main campus with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5. Students on academic, disciplinary, or social probation are not eligible to hold office. Organizations may also set higher standards if they choose. If a student’s GPA drops below 2.5 at the end of the fall semester, they will be ineligible to serve during the following spring semester.

All student leaders are also expected to uphold the Student Leader Character Clause. Students found in violation of this clause may be removed from their leadership role or membership. The Office of Student Engagement will notify students and advisors if someone becomes ineligible, and the organization should follow its constitution to select a replacement.

To stay active and keep your organization’s privileges (like space reservations and funding), student groups must complete semester requirements. These expectations vary by recognition level and ensure that organizations remain engaged, accountable, and connected to the Widener community.

SEMESTER REQUIREMENTS

If a student organization becomes inactive—meaning it no longer meets recognition requirements or fails to operate for two consecutive semesters—it may apply for reinstatement through the Office of Student Engagement. To return to active status, organizations must complete the Student Organization Recognition Form in Experience Widener, update their roster and executive board information, and complete any additional forms needed, based on status. Depending on the length of inactivity, groups may also be asked to meet with a staff advisor to review requirements, attend relevant trainings, and demonstrate student interest. Once reinstated, the organization regains access to benefits such as event registration, room reservations, and eligibility for SGA Funding.

Widener’s recognized student organizations are grouped into categories based on their purpose and activities.

Media & Publications: Groups that give students hands-on experience in media, journalism, or publications.

Student Governance & Leadership: Organizations that support other student groups or areas on campus while defining procedures, policies, and expectations for those groups.

Visual & Performing Arts: Groups that provide opportunities to participate in or showcase the visual and performing arts.

Club Sports: Competitive non-NCAA sports teams that compete against other colleges or universities. Club sports must follow their governing body’s rules and receive support from Pride Recreation Center staff.

Social Equity & Justice: Groups focused on raising awareness about social equity issues and actively working to create positive change in the community.

Honor Societies: Organizations recognizing academic excellence and/or leadership, usually profession- or program-based. Membership is typically by invitation only.

Campus Engagement & Programming: Groups that plan and deliver events for the student population, either broadly or for specific groups.

Special Interest: Organizations that are closely tied to Widener’s mission or culture, often hosting events for the campus and broader community, and usually maintaining a close relationship with a university department.

Fraternity & Sorority Life: Groups that provide national or international affiliations, promoting friendship, service, leadership, and academic excellence. They must follow the Fraternity & Sorority Life Expansion policy and adhere to the Points of Pride Standards and Accreditation Program each semester.

Academic Interest: Groups that provide an opportunity for students to discuss and share information related to a specific academic discipline.

Religious & Spiritual: Organizations that enhance students’ spiritual life while providing fellowship and outreach opportunities; supported by the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs.

Civic Engagement & Service: Groups that provide direct service to campus and the broader community through civic engagement activities.

Identity & Inclusion: Organizations that raise awareness about various cultures and foster a sense of community among members who share a cultural heritage or interest; supported by the Office of Student Inclusion & Belonging.