Resources & Frequently Asked Questions for Student Organizations

Updated for 2024-2025: Student Organization Handbook

ATTENTION: As of April 2024, UMSG has begun streamlining the update process for student organizations. Our General update form has been moved to Campus Groups. As we update our site to reflect these new changes, please reach out to the Vice President for Student Organizations, Neil Rockey, at neil.rockey@maine.edu, with any questions you may have.

How do I update?

Our new update form is now on Campus Groups!

How often do I update?

Once annually, and/or after officer changes.

What if I don’t update?

The club will be deactivated and lose affiliation/recognition and resources.

What if I submitted an update form and it’s been approved, but our organization’s page still hasn’t been updated?

If after three full business days your organization page does not reflect the changes you requested, please contact the Director of Technology, Riley Mills, (riley.mills@maine.edu).

What if I already submitted an annual update form, but I need to update our organization’s description, meeting info, or links?

If you already submitted an annual update form for the academic year, and would simply like to update your organization’s description, meeting information, or links, please contact the Director of Technology, Riley Mills, (riley.mills@maine.edu).

How do I start a new club / reactivate an inactive club?

Here.

How do I get our club listed on the UMSG website?

If you’re starting a new club your organization will be listed as soon as it has achieved preliminary recognition. If after three full business days of achieving preliminary recognition, your organization has not been added to the UMSG website, please contact the Director of Technology, Riley Mills, (riley.mills@maine.edu).
If your club was recognized at one point, but has since been deactivated, please contact the Vice President for Student Organizations, Neil Rockey, (neil.rockey@maine.edu).

How do I apply for final recognition?

Has your club held the status of UMSG preliminary recognition for at least 7 academic weeks? Congratulations! You can apply for final recognition.

What are Affiliation and Recognition?

Affiliated Student Organization: A student organization with at least 5 undergraduate members can be affiliated with Student Life. This type of organization has access to privileges such as utilizing campus facilities, and Center for Student Involvement services, such as: assistance with advertising, event planning and equipment needs and participation in student organization fairs and programming. 

Recognized Student Organization: A student organization with at least 10 undergraduate student members can apply for recognition. A recognized student organization is also affiliated with the University of Maine Student Government, and has the ability to apply for funding and utilize all UMSG resources. 

Do I have to submit updates for both?

Beginning in Fall 2024, UMSG and the Center for Student Involvement (CSI) have merged our separate update forms together. Meaning that you will now only need to submit one update form, and once submitted it will be recieved by both UMSG and CSI.

How does the Recognition process work?

The President of the organization will be contacted by the VPSO to schedule a meeting with the Student Organizations Committee (SOC; Time TBD). If the presentation passes SOC, your club will present to the General Student Senate the following Tuesday at 6pm in the Bangor room to achieve either preliminary or final recognition.

Preliminary vs. Final Recognition:

A club will be in a state of preliminary recognition (not eligible for funding) for 7 weeks, after which they may apply for final recognition and be eligible for funding.

Who can be an advisor?

A member of UMaine’s faculty/staff.

Who can be in a club?

Anyone! Community members, staff members, and graduate students can participate. A club must still have the required number of undergraduate students to stay active; the president and treasurer must always be undergraduates.

What if I have a question or concern that wasn’t answered here?

Please contact the Vice President for Student Organizations, Neil Rockey, (neil.rockey@maine.edu), with any other questions you may have!

How can I provide feedback about this FAQ, or the website in general?

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