Lead a Student Organization

Get your organization organized

Leading a student organization is one of the most rewarding experiences you can take on during your time at Indiana University Bloomington. And Student Involvement and Leadership is here to help you navigate it all. Below is a collection of key university policies you will need to know that we have gathered into a digital handbook for club leaders.

A successful leader learns and guides their organization in following university policies but doesn’t hesitate to ask for help! Student Involvement and Leadership offers walk-in consultations with Involvement Ambassadors as well as advising appointments with staff

Meet with us

Student Involvement & Leadership

Club Hub
IMU Suite 150
Phone: 812-856-1125
Email: clubs@iu.edu 

Student Involvement Tower
IMU Suite 270
Phone: 812-855-4682
Email: sil@iu.edu

Self-Governed Student Organization (SGSO) 
  • Independent entity from IU, related by location
  • Sign an annual SGSO agreement to create a special relationship with IU and gain unique privileges and access to resources
  • Responsibility over the organization rests with the student leaders and members
  • Not permitted to use IU trademarks or branding materials
  • Maintain finances independently of university in an off-campus bank account
  • Directed and managed by students with support from the organization’s chosen faculty/staff advisor and the SILC
University Student Organization (USO)
  • Treated as an entity of IU
  • Sponsored or established by a university department
  • Permitted to use IU trademarks and brand
  • Must have a university financial account
  • Must follow IU purchasing and travel policies
  • Control and maintenance of the organization is a balance between students and advisors

Student organization handbook

No one expects you to have all the answers, and that’s why we have gathered key information that every leader needs to know. Use this “Lead a Student Org” section of our website to help your organization navigate the university policies and procedures that all clubs need to know.

Resources and recognition

Nominate your club for an award

Student organizations are awarded each year for event planning, community service, leadership, diversity, collaboration, and overall excellence.

Visit the Club Hub

Stop by the Club Hub to talk to an Involvement Ambassador, hold a meeting in our co-working space, or utilize the resources in the makerspace and RecRe.

Discover the Involvement Tower

Visit the the IMU and learn about the various spaces available for use, including the meeting and storage space available for lease in the Involvement Tower.

Participate in an Involvement Fair or event

Student Involvement and Leadership coordinates opportunities for registered organizations to promote their organizations, including the Fall and Winter Student Involvement Fairs. Contact clubs@iu.edu to learn more.