Starting an Orthodox Christian student organization needs serious, dedicated people with a vision.

First, the group needs a Spiritual Advisor, a priest from a local church near the college/university. This is a crucial role for the success and continuation of your group. Remember that if you are a student now, in a few years you will graduate, and there has to be someone that will continue God’s work that you start on campus after the current students graduate.

Second, a few dedicated students leaders are needed to work together to start and continue the service on campus.

Find out from your Student Activities Center (or equivalent) what are the requirements for starting an official student organization. There are usually a few requirements that may include a faculty advisor, 2 to 3 people to serve as officers, members names and signatures, a mission statement, and a constitution. These may differ from school to school, so you have to research the steps to take at your particular university.

There are many advantages to registering a student organization on campus:

• Many schools only allow registered groups to advertise on campus or in school publications.

• Registered groups are often allocated a certain amount of money to assist with their programs on campus.

• Registering on campus gives you the right to use school buildings and on-campus facilities for meetings and events. You also have the right to have a booth at an “info fair” at the beginning of the school year to advertise your group to new students.

• Most schools offer a mailbox, web space, and an email address, so you don’t have to change your organization’s contact info from year to year.

The OCCM Guidebook and Manual is your guide to starting a new Chapter at your university and it is your key reference to running your Chapter smoothly. Download the PDF file and keep it handy. 

OCCM Guidebook & Manual

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