The Office of Campus Life & Leadership
Student Clubs and Organizations  

Welcome ECU students! Make the most of your experiences at East Central University by getting involved. Balance your time for learning, leading and living by participating in activities with other students who share your same interests. Build your skills, create friendships and become a part of the exciting things happening on our campus.

East Central University understands the importance of involvement and encourages its students to find opportunities to meet and interact with each other in a variety of ways.

In support of the East Central University and the Division of Student Development Mission, The Office of Campus Life & Leadership offers ECU student’s opportunities to develop, enhance, explore and empower their lives and their college experience through service, training, entertainment, education, programming and the development of Tiger Spirit.

East Central University understands the importance of involvement and encourages its students to find opportunities to meet and interact with each other in a variety of ways.

Research on the benefits of student organization membership suggests that actively involved students perform better academically, are more satisfied with their college experience and are more likely to graduate. Student organizations provide a medium for academic discourse, personal growth, leadership development, intercultural understanding, community service and lasting friendships.

Looking for a group?

We hope that during your time here at East Central University you will get involved with as many student organizations as your interest, schedule, and scholastic pursuits permit. There are many benefits to joining one of our various student organizations: 

  • making new friends
  • developing new skills and abilities
  • gain leadership and interpersonal skills,
  • working as part of a team,
  • learning to set and achieve goals,
  • sharing your time and talents,
  • contribute to the campus community and beyond,
  • as well as having fun!

East Central hosts over sixty student organizations. Student Organizations connect students with a stronger sense of community, develop group building and leadership skills, and serve as an outlet for self expression and sharing of talents. The Office provides assistance with student organization recognition, organization recruitment and retention, publicizing on campus, and event planning.

Enhance your education at ECU by becoming involved. Please view Student Organizations Directory span to browse the many student organizations or to search for a specific group. Only currently approved student groups will be displayed. If your particular passion is not represented yet, you can even start your own club! 

All clubs and organizations must be approved by the Student Government Association (SGA). All recognized student clubs and organizations are expected to operate within East Central University policies and procedures. Creating a student organization is a linear process, but it is important to understand the steps involved:

  • Initial Planning
  • Applying for Recognition
  • Recognition
  • Recruitment
  • Funding
 
Initial Planning
 
The initial planning step is the part of the process over which you, as the founder(s), will have the greatest amount of input and control. During initial planning you should be concerned with creating a clear and motivational purpose for the organization to exist. At this point you may want to discuss and structure how the group will be administered, whether it will consist of equally powered chairs or a strong president, etc.

Preparing a constitution is a great way to clarify your goals and structure. A constitution is also required for recognition.

Applying for Recognition
 
All groups who wish to receive the support of the university (resources, advice, and name) must be officially recognized by an entity at East Central University. Groups can also be recognized by campus departments (academic, Student Development, administrative).
 
Recognition
 
Once you have completed the necessary steps for recognition, East Central considers your group to be officially recognized. The organization should schedule an appointment with the Office of Campus Life and Leadership to go over university policies. The Student Organization directory serves as the official list of student organizations at ECU, informing university departments that your group should be able to access resources.
 
Recruitment
 
Once listed on the Student Organizations Directory your group is eligible to reserve space on campus. Please stop by the Information Desk located in the University Center at 580-559-5741 or email Mr. Robert Hayes the Facilities Coordinator at rhayes@ecok.edu.
 
Funding
 
Most groups wish to coordinate events or activities that align with their mission. There are many funding sources at East Central University. For most student organization - recognized groups the Student Government Association (SGA) and/or the Office of Campus Life and Leadership Programming Fund will be the first place to seek funding for general events. SGA meets weekly to hear requests for funds. Allocations range (on average) from $20 - $100+ per event. The SGA Programming Fund is designed specifically for student organization events at East Central University.

Please feel free to stop by our office anytime! We’re located in the University Center, room 152. We can also be reached at (580) 559-5231