Six steps to start a new student club at Saddleback College

The college hosts a variety of active clubs both on and off campus. Clubs not only serve as social gatherings, but also offer many benefits to student through developing working relationships and networking opportunities.

“Students learn skills such leadership communication skills and time management,” said Inter Club Council Advisor Erin Long. “They don’t understand what a key experience they have here on campus that they will benefit them in so many ways.”

Here are the necessary step to organize a new student club at Saddleback College:

1. In order for a new club to get started and be active, students need to begin first by signing up with Simplicity, a network designed for event planning.

   “Simplicity has made it easier to announce events without using a flier and say ‘here is our event and this is what we are doing’,” said Eric Anthony Hunter, 21, president of the Super Friends Club. “We can say all the members are here and say a lot on our announcement section which is wonderful to have.”

   The Simplicity website is helpful for students to connect and network with other students. The network’s members can use the website to send email and other messages to members and to sign up new members.

2.  A new club’s organizers must find a faculty or staff member who is willing to volunteer to act as a mentor to advise and to be involved with the club throughout the year. It is recommended that the mentor have a similar background into the club’s interest.

   A mentor’s responsibilities include approving events, planning expenditures and attending all events. He or she needs to be available 5 p.m to 8 p.m Monday through Friday and on weekends.

3.  Organizers of a club must first gather at least five members, all who are required to be current Saddleback students with a minimum 2.0 GPA and who are enrolled in a minimum of five units. Members must also purchase an Associated Student Government stamp available for $10.
4. The next step is to register for orientation at www.saddleback.edu/calenders.  The names of your members and their emails are required for registration. The Student Development Office recommends that you attend orientation with as many members as possible. Students will be introduced to members of the Inter-Club Council and to working with their mentors. Multiple orientations are available if all members can’t make it.

   The orientation is helpful in giving an overview of running the club.

   “Students need to know that there is no prescription to how they run their clubs,” Long said.

5.  After the orientation is completed, members develop the club’s constitution and bylaws. The Student Development Office has templates available.
6.  After the club’s charter is received, an email notification is sent to the club’s mentor asking for approval. Once approved the club is then assigned a meeting room on campus for meetings. The club can then begin meet begin planning their events. A representative then must be assigned to represent the clubs in ICC meetings. Once a representative is chosen the club is then activated.

“Don’t make it more difficult than what it is,” advised Long. “I encourage people to start clubs that are meaning to be helpful to other people and encourage socialization.”