Forming a New Club: A Step-by-Step Guide

So you want to form a new club? If you are reading this, you are headed in the right direction! Make sure to read each step closely, look at the bottom of the page for important deadlines, and email the Clubs Coordinator at csaclubs@uoguelph.ca if you have any questions or concerns!

Important Deadlines 2025: 

To be announced!

Step One: Do Your Research

Before jumping right into the new club creation process it is important that you do your research first:

• Develop a firm idea of what you want your club to represent, what activities or events your club may run, how you will recruit club members etc.
• Make sure to review Gryphlife to ensure that a similar club does not already exist. The CSA will not approve the creation of a new club if it is too similar to a pre-existing club. If you would like to know if a similar club exists and aren’t sure, email csaclubs@uoguelph.ca.
• Review the Clubs Handbook to become familiar with the expectations and requirements of being a club accredited under the CSA.
• Please keep in mind that CSA clubs must be of potential interest to all undergraduate students. Any clubs of interest to specific colleges or academic programs should seek accreditation from their individual college government. 

Step Two: Check For Demand

Once you have an idea of what your club will be, it is time to begin recruiting club members.

• To become an accredited CSA Club you are required to submit a club membership list during the accreditation process. This list will include names, ID numbers, and student emails of all club members.
• Every CSA club is required to have a minimum of 25 members to become and remain an active CSA club. At least two thirds of the membership of all CSA clubs must be undergraduate students.
• Club membership must be open to all members of the University of Guelph community including undergraduate and graduate students, faculty members, employees of the University and alumni.
• At this stage, ask around to see if you can find at least 25 people to join your club. You will fill out the official form later in the application process.  

Step Three: Submit Your Initial Application

The Application Form will be active soon for the W25 semester!

Step Four: Wait for Further Instructions

Your initial application will be reviewed by the Clubs Administrative Coordinator. From there, you will receive approval to apply for accreditation, or will be asked additional questions for further clarification.  

You can read more on what to expect for the accreditation process, including the required documents, by clicking here.  

More information will be provided to you after your initial application has been approved. You do not need to complete these final steps until you have heard from us.