Step 1: Review the “Establishing a Walden University Student Organization” Guidelines.

Step 2: Review the Faculty/Staff Advisor expectations & duties.

Step 3: Complete the proposal and application.

Note: The Department of Student Life, Leadership and Engagement will make every effort to provide conditional approval within 45 business days after receipt of this packet.

Interested students, staff or faculty should review the Walden University Student Organization guidelines below to determine if their group interest meets the guidelines for formal student organizations.

• Student organizations are organized and active groups that, in many cases, are affiliated with national or international organizations or are Walden-sponsored
• If Walden sponsored, the group will be considered an “Affinity Group”
• A student organization’s mission or purpose must align with the mission of Walden University and the College or School to which the student organization relates
• Student organizations must be formally organized, have a defined purpose and maintain a constitution and organization by-laws
• Student organizations must provide an annual report on the activities of the student organization
• Student organizations must secure a minimum of 2 faculty and/or staff advisors prior to submitting the required Walden University organizational form
• Student organizations and student organization members must abide by Walden University’s Code of Conduct in conducting the organization’s activities

If Walden conditionally approves a new student organization, but a national or international office approval is needed:

• Apply for and receive national/international office approval (see the applicable website for information and the process for the specific national/international organization).

• After receiving national/international office approval, these student organizations must submit a copy of the approval letter to studentorgs@mail.waldenu.edu and then the organization may begin development of the student organization structure, the required constitution and by-laws, an initial membership drive, induction ceremonies, etc. in collaboration with the faculty advisors.

A student org advisor provides a sense of direction and leadership for the student organization and promotes student and faculty/staff interaction out of the classroom.

Student Org. Advisor Duties and Expectations:
1. Support Student Leadership
o Empower student officers to lead and make decisions while offering mentoring and guidance.

2. Ensure University Policy Compliance
o Help officers understand and follow institutional rules, codes of conduct, and event protocols.

o Attend the mandatory Annual Compliance Training led by the Student Life, Leadership and Engagement team (typically every June).

3. Maintain Regular Communication
o Stay in consistent contact with organization leaders (e.g., attend meetings, check-ins via email or text).

4. Attend Key Events & Meetings
o Participate in important meetings and events, when possible, especially those with higher visibility or risk.

5. Mediate & Advise During Conflict
o Be available to help manage group conflict or leadership challenges, offering constructive feedback.

6. Review & Approve Documents/Processes
o Review constitutions, event proposals, risk assessments, and other required forms as needed.
o Assure that accurate and consistent records are kept, that approved methods of handling organizational finances are followed, and that updates requested by the Department of Student Life, Leadership and Engagement are reported properly.

*Unless otherwise noted, all advisor and advisor-elect positions are voluntary and not compensated.