Student Organizations

Please review the Leadership, Service, and Civic Engagement Fall 2020 Student Organization Guidance.

The College of Engineering is invested in creating opportunities for students to further develop their leadership skills and to become more engaged and committed student leaders. In turn, student organizations are empowered to maximize their impact around the College, the University, and the community. The College of Engineering is home to more than 30 student groups comprised of honors organizations, departmental and multi-disciplinary organizations, cultural and identity-based organizations, and industry specific organizations. The Student Development Center and the Dean's Office, in conjunction with Engineering Student Council, work together to support recognized student organizations by:

-Creating continuity among organizations from year-to-year and easing officer transition
-Promoting engagement and collaboration among students, organizations, and other University groups
-Celebrating the accomplishments and successes of student organizations and leaders
-Providing funding opportunities and guidance on budget management and fundraising

Student organizations affiliated with the College of Engineering receive the following benefits:

-Access to student organization designated rooms (3124, 3517, and G131 SC) Please note: These rooms are not available for student organization use in Fall 2020
-Marketing on bulletin boards and digital signs around the Seamans Center
-Ability to send mass emails to Engineering students
-Funding opportunities administered by Engineering Student Council
-Connections with alumni and companies for seminars, panels, speakers, reunions, etc.
-Advisor support and resources
-Printing of organizational documents
-Web site hosting/organizational email address

Prior to affiliating with the College of Engineering, student organizations must first gain approval through the Leadership, Service, and Civic Engagement office. Check out how to start a student organization at the University of Iowa.

Please note for Fall 2020: Student organizations are not able to reserve 3124, 3517, or G131. Please fill out the Engineering Student Organization Space Request form to request alternative space in the Seamans Center, including outdoor tabling. Student organizations are encouraged to hold virtual events in Fall 2020.

The College of Engineering has multiple rooms in the Seamans Center (3124, 3517, and G131) dedicated for student organization use. 3517 SC is available anytime and the others are available after 5:00 PM each day and on weekends for small group, officer, and organization meetings. The Student Development Center or the departmental offices can reserve these rooms. The Fethke Rooftop Terrace is also available for special events. 3517 SC will hold 12 people comfortably though it does not have a computer or projector. G131 SC has been remodeled to hold approximately 28 people and is equipped with technology. Other conference rooms in the Seamans Center must be reserved by the student org faculty advisor.

Student organizations often require financial resources for materials, events, and professional development. There are a variety of sources for organizations to acquire funding.

Engineering Student Council (ESC)

ESC provides the management and oversight of funding provided by the College of Engineering. Organizations can submit electronic funding requests via the CampusLabs ESC page. Requests should be submitted one month in advance in order to allow ESC adequate time to review the request and have the funds transferred to the appropriate account. Decisions from ESC are typically made within two weeks of submitting the request. ESC will provide funds for conferences and symposiums, industry field trips, design competitions, and materials for projects/events, based on availability of funds.

Engineering Career Services

Funds are available for networking and professional development purposes through Engineering Career Services. Examples could include hosting or traveling to a regional or national conference or competition, bringing in speakers or panelists, coordinating a site tour, etc. Funding requests could include helping with travel costs, registration fees, room and catering reservations, etc. Organizations can request funding by completing the EPD Funding Application.

Undergraduate Student Government (USG) or Graduate & Professional Student Government (GPSG)

USG funding allocations are made using a portion of the Student Activity Fees. Each organization applying for USG funds must be a University-recognized student organization through Engage. Click here for more information about applying for USG and GPSG funds.

Private Funding

For organizations that require substantial funding (i.e. hosting a regional conference, competing in an engineering competition, purchasing equipment or building materials), student organizations may be allowed to solicit funding from sources outside of the University. All other funding sources must be explored first to determine if additional funding is needed. Pre-approval must be obtained through the Student Development Center and the College of Engineering Dean's Office before soliciting funding from outside sources. Organizations must also work closely with a departmental or college faculty adviser and follow collegiate fundraising guidelines. To start this process, fill out the Funding Request Form and submit to the Collegiate Finance Director, April Tippett.

Fundraisers

Many groups rely on fundraising to help support the organization as well as plan and put on special events. Finding a secure form of fundraising for the organization is necessary. Some organizations only fundraise once a year and others may fundraise throughout the year. Fundraising can be conducted in many ways, including:

Merchandise/Apparel Sales (designs must be submitted to Jason Kosovski, Director of Marketing & Communication, and approved by UI Licensing prior to purchase)
Restaurant fundraisers
Car washes
Carver or Kinnick clean-ups
Aramark concession sales
College party after the parade
Membership dues

Some organizations require members to pay dues in order to generate operating revenue or to exchange for services, opportunities, or materials provided by the student organization. Membership dues may be assessed in a variety of ways and can include one-time fees, recurring dues, or dues to a national organization. If dues or other fees are required, they must be reflected in the organization's constitution or bylaws.

With any fundraising activities, organizations must follow all university cash-handling policies and provide careful oversight of the organizations budget. Check out the Student Organization Business Office for more information.

Recruitment and engagement are key to the success of any student organization. Every group needs new members to share diverse ideas, sustain organizational operations, and lead initiatives. Organizations must offer programming related to the group's mission to engage its members in order to help them grow personally, academically, and professionally. Marketing is an essential piece to recruiting and engaging members. Below are some ideas to help increase awareness about your organization.

Online

Social Media (College and Organization Pages): Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat
Organization Web Site
Engage (University Student Organization Portal)

University/College

University Student Organization Fair
University Events Calendar
College of Engineering Student Organization Fair
College-Wide Emails
Seamans Center Displays
Bulletin Boards in SC Hallways

In-Person

Table in SC Student Commons
Through apparel and other swag
Word of mouth

If you have any questions or would like to further brainstorm ideas to help your student organization recruit members or increase engagement, contact Kristin Lang in the Student Development Center, 3612 SC.