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Student Organization Resources

How to Become a Recognized Student Organization

Gates Center for Leadership and Personal Growth

Lake Forest College students have the opportunity to participate in intellectual and social programming outside of the classroom through the on-going efforts of our student-led organizations.  Sometimes a group of students wish to fill a need on campus not currently met by current organizations.  The process for starting a new club / organization is included here.

The College formally approves the recognition of new student organizations:

1) Whose function meets a clear community need not already being met by a current student organization or College entity.

2) Whose purpose and activities are not inconsistent with the mission of the College.

3) Whose existence advances a sense of community throughout the College.

4) Who are compliant with College policies / procedures.

The procedure is as follows:

1) New organizations may initiate the recognition process at any time during the academic year. Recognition packets are available at the Gates Center for Leadership and Personal Growth or on the Gates Center  web site.

2) An organization must be comprised of at least five Lake Forest College students.

3) Members of the potential organization must meet with the Assistant Dean for Gates Center for Leadership and Personal Growth.  Upon initial the Gates Center approval, the organization will be asked to present the following:

- Application for recognition (member / officer list, purpose, summary of organization)
- Organization constitution
- National / state affiliation (if applicable)
- Statement of agreement to abide by College and General Assembly policies
- Name of faculty / staff advisor

4) Upon completion of necessary paperwork, the Assistant Dean forwards the formal request for recognition to the Executive Board of the Student Government, who will bring the decision before the General Assembly at the next available meeting time.

5) Organizations requesting recognition will be informed in advance of the General Assembly meeting date for recognition approval and are asked to participate in this meeting in order to answer questions from the General Assembly.

A student organization is not recognized until the recognition process is completed. 

Prospective student organizations may appeal to the College Life Committee any decision made by the General Assembly.

If you are interested in starting a new club / organization, please contact the Assistant Dean for Gates Center for Leadership and Personal Growth (847-735-5210) to set up an appointment.  A printable application form and sample organization constitution are available on the the Gates Center web site.