Chartering Process

The process of chartering a student organization begins in late March.  This process must be completed by any new student organization wishing to be recognized by the college.  Being chartered gives the organization access to college funding, leadership development and connections to other student leaders. 

Chartering is an important process that will take a significant amount of time.  The charter needs to reflect the goals and vision of your organization.  Charters and budgets should be written by the leadership that will serve in 2008-09.  Any organization wishing to be recognized must:

1. Submit a Charter (see pdf example)

2. Complete the advisor consent form

3. Submit a line item budget (see pdf example)

4. Sign and submit a student leader consent form

1.   Stick to the charter format that is given below.  Include the headings listed and then add the details under each heading.  Attempts to add artistic elements or a well-written essay describing the importance of your organization do NOT help in the process of chartering your organization.  

2.   This document represents you. As in a resume, make sure the charter is well written, using proper English, grammar, and spelling.

1. Organization's Name

2. Organization's Leadership (Name, email address & phone number)

3. Organization's Advisor (Name, email address and phone number)

Request the Advisor’s participation in the organization during the 2008-09 school year. Submit the Advisor Consent Form with your charter.

4. Organization's Mission Statement

A mission statement should clearly and concisely describe both WHO you are and WHAT you do. Within this statement it should be apparent that who you are informs what you do, in other words you are describing WHY you exist as an organization.  The mission statement should also reflect the educational mission statement of Calvin College and a Reformed Christian worldview.

5. Organization's Goals for the Year

What will be the measurable targets that your organization will be aiming for?  How will you and the Student Development office know when you have accomplished them?

6. Organization's Calendar of Scheduled Fall Events

7. Organization's Structure

Decision-making procedures, perpetuation strategies, and defining roles and responsibilities of leadership structure