Student Organizations

Most people just call us Student Orgs. No matter what you call us, joining a student organization will be one of the best decisions you make at CU Denver. Student orgs give you the opportunity to be more involved in the campus community and strengthen your skills in networking, communication, leadership, and time management.

What are you waiting for? Visit MyLynx and explore all of our student orgs and join the groups that interest you, or learn how to start your own organization below.

Join the Org for You

MyLynx is home to 130+ student orgs that focus on just about anything you can imagine. From academics to culture, faith/spirituality, community service, professional development, and everything in between. Interested in finding the right org for you?

Log-into MyLynx
Click on "organizations"
Filter orgs by category or search for specific organizations
Find general information, meeting times, and upcoming events
Reach out to the group for more information

Start an Organization

We're excited for you to start your student org with our simple and streamlined process!

In order to complete the recognition process, you'll need to confirm three officers and one faculty/staff advisor, as well as upload your org's constitution/by-laws. All CU Denver student organizations require a non-discrimination clause in their constitution. View the sample constitution. Additionally, you must determine your org's recognition type, either affiliated or associated. We've got those details included right here.

Affiliated organizations fall under the university tax ID number, are tax-exempt and are required to manage all of their funds through the Office of Student Life. No off-campus bank accounts are allowed. This recognition type also allows the org to request funding for events and conferences through the Student Government Association (SGA). The president and treasurer of the org are required to attend a Finance & Funding training offered through Student Life, prior to making any deposits, purchases, or funding requests.

Associated organizations are typically chapters of larger organizations and fall under their national/local org's tax ID number. This recognition type operates an off-campus bank account. Student Life doesn't oversee the org's finances.

All student organizations, including associated orgs, may request funding for events and conferences through the Student Government Association (SGA).

The president and treasurer of the org are required to attend a Finance & Funding training offered through Student Life rrior to making any deposits, purchases or funding requests.

Download the How to Student an Organization guide or follow these steps to get started:

Meet with the Office of Student Life and Campus Community. Although this is optional, this can help you understand what it means to be an organization at CU Denver and give you the best chance to succeed! Email studentorgs@ucdenver.edu to set up a meeting.
Create a constitution. Sample constitutions can be downloaded or found on the first page of the MyLynx registration form. Note that all constitutions must have a non-discrimination clause as stated in the sample constitution.
Find a total of three CU Denver student officers and one faculty/staff advisor. If you need help finding an advisor, email us so we can help match you with one!
Register or renew your organization through MyLynx. Once logged-in, click on Create Organization.
Keep an eye out for an email from us. We will review your submission and send your advisor an agreement form. Once complete, you will be sent an official recognition letter.
Welcome to the CU Denver student orgs family!

Important Organization Registration Dates to Remember

The Fall Registration Period starts August 1 and ends October 31.
The Spring Registration Period starts January 6 and ends March 31.
Submissions received outside the designated periods will be reviewed upon the next registration period opening.
Student Life will be instituting new registration periods for the 2020-2021 academic year. If your student organization wants to return to campus next year you will register in the month of April. You are strongly encouraged to hold your elections for your 2020-2021 officers prior to the end of April so that you can re-register your group. More information to come!

Student Org Leaders

Being a student organization officer gives you the opportunity to practice your leaderships skills and learn new ones while directing an awesome group of students with a common purpose. Leadership, teamwork, and critical thinking/problem-solving are all part of an officer’s job. They’re also among the competencies identified by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) as ones employers are seeking, giving you a leg up on the competition. Check out our leadership resources to prep for your role and grow your skills.

Manage an Organization

All forms and applications regarding the management of a student organization can be found on MyLynx. Student orgs that have already been established are required to renew their recognition annually in August via the "transition" feature in MyLynx in order to remain a registered student organization. The transition feature can be accessed through the admin dashboard for each org.

Remember, every student org will need to confirm three officers and one faculty/staff advisor, as well as upload their constitution/by-laws. All organizations require a non-discrimination clause in their constitution.

Check out the Student Organization Policy to learn more about recognition status and finance guidelines.

For student orgs applying for Student Government Association (SGA) funding, refer to the Finance and Funding Committee resource guide.

Permitted to use the university’s name, trademark, IRS tax-exemption or governmental status, following established university policies
Access to the university’s purchasing, travel office, payroll and personnel system
Manage funds through the university accounting system and may not establish separate checking accounts at any outside banking institutions or credit unions
Request funding from student fees through the Student Government Association (SGA)
Access to university facilities for events or meetings

Local chapters of national organizations that have a presence on campus and want to maintain off campus bank accounts using their national organizations’ or chapters’ EIN numbers.
No access to the university’s purchasing, travel office, payroll and personnel system.
Can't use the university’s name, IRS tax-exemption or governmental status.
Funding from student fees can e requested through the Student Government Association (SGA)
May use university facilities for events or meetings

Finance, Funding, and Purchasing Guidlines for SGA Funding, taken from online Student Org Officer Training
Student Orgs Event Planning Manual, provided by Events & Partnerships
Tivoli and North Classroom Banner Policy, provided by Events & Partnerships
Forms for Student Organizations, available in MyLynx
Documents for Student Organizations, available in MyLynx

Advisor Resources

All organizations are required to have at least one faculty/staff advisor. An advisor is defined as a full-time CU Denver employee, faculty, staff, or administrator. Advisors play a key role in the development of an organization and its individual members. Prior to agreeing to be an advisor, we recommend you determine the role and time commitment required.

The day-to-day operations of the organization should remain the responsibility of the officers/members, not the advisor. An advisor's main purpose is to provide guidance, assistance and mentorship for the organization.

Advisor Responsibilites

Be familiar with the organization's constitution/by-laws
Attend at least one of the organization's regular meetings or regularly meet with the organization's officers
Obtain information of events, programs, meetings and activities from the organization involving potential liability
Assist with the development of meeting agendas, feedback and goal-setting
Nurture and develop the students' leadership skills
Model professional attitude and behavior
Provide continuity for the organization
Provide suggestions that lead to positive outcomes
Be an advocate for student concerns
Have a general knowledge of policies, regulations and laws which are relevant to student organizations
Be present at after hour events that the organization holds, or designate an alternate staff/faculty member to be present