The Starting a New Organization Committee (SOAC) at Seton Hall works with students who are interested in creating a new club or organization on campus. The deadline for sending a submission is Feb. 9.
SOAC also works with the Department of Student Life and the Student Government Association (SGA) to assist students throughout the application process.
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The deadline for sending a submission to the Starting a New Organization Committee (SOAC) is Feb. 9.
Fabbielle Garcia/Staff Photographer[/caption]
Josie Martinez, SGA secretary and chair of committee for SOAC, explained how the process for submitting one’s organization functions.
Including Martinez, the Committee Board consists of two faculty members, two SGA senators, two non-SGA senators, and Dean Karen Van Norman, who also serves as the SGA advisor.
Before the deadline, students must fill out a form stack online. Requirements for the club include having a minimum of 10 members, an e-board, at least one full-time faculty member who will serve as an advisor and a letter of recommendation from the advisor.
After a vetting period, SOAC will contact students with information about the presentation process, where they will present their club idea to the SOAC board.
According to Martinez, members of SOAC join for one day to go through student presentations.
Martinez says the odds of an organizational idea receiving approved is extremely high.
The only instance that denial will ensue is if the presentation seems disorganized or if SGA feels the organization may function more appropriately with a different group on campus.
Students who recently completed the process of submitting their ideas shared their experiences.
Jarrod Jackson, a sophomore creative writing and africana studies major, serves as the Public Relations position for the Council of Africana Scholars. He shared in an email the club’s purpose.
“The purpose for the Council of Africana Scholars (CAS) is to provide academic assistance and support beyond the classroom for majors, minors, and students enrolled in Africana Studies courses,” Jackson wrote. “After going to different outside events in cities like Newark and meeting numerous individuals with an Africana Studies background I realized that it is crucial for Africana majors and minors receive as much exposure of the possible societal impact they can make with an Africana degree.”
Jackson shared that CAS offers programs including guest speakers who specialize in Africana Studies, peer review workshops and the opportunities to attend outside conferences.
Beginning in March, the Council will provide a “Saturday School,” which is open to all Seton Hall members and residents from the neighboring communities.
When asked about the process, he said that it was difficult and it required much time from SOAC to approve their status.
Sarah Miller, a senior social work major, recently created the Non-Traditional Student Association (NTSA), and explained its essence.
“The mission of NTSA is to offer support for non-traditional students through interactive dialogue, workshops, and a variety of other activities,” Miller wrote in an email. “We aim to make a positive impact in the community through service projects.”
As opposed to Jackson, Miller shared that the application and approval process was not difficult for her.
Hannah Sakha can be reached be reached at hannah.sakha@student.shu.edu.
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