About Student Organizations
What Is a Student Organization?
A student organization is a recognized group of students who come together with a shared purpose or interest in starting a community, establishing a presence on and off campus, and giving back to the community. Organizations are required to be student-led, with a mission that aligns with the University mission and Jesuit values, follow all University policies (including the Community Standards and Student Organization Handbook policies), operate on campus in a manner compatible with the infrastructure and system the University operates with, and register with the Center for Student Engagement per academic year.
Recognition Requirements
To be recognized, student organizations must:
- Be student-led and composed only currently enrolled Loyola students
- Re-register annually through the Center for Student Engagement on LUCommunity
- Align their mission and activities with the University’s mission and Jesuit values
- Have at least ten (10) members and one (1) full-time LUC faculty/staff advisor
- Members need to include three (3) core e-board positions and seven (7) general members
- Core e-board positions need to include a president and a treasurer. Organization can determine the third e-board position based on the needs of the organization and community.
- Follow all University policies, including the Community Standards and Student Organization Handbook
- Comply with the organization's constitution approved by CSE, created through the required template here
- Operate in a manner that is compatible with the University’s infrastructure, systems, and support structures
Recognition grants organizations access to campus resources, funding opportunities, and the ability to host events and promote themselves on campus.
For more details, refer to the Student Organization Handbook or visit our Start a New Organization page.
Student Organization Categories
Student organizations at Loyola are required to identify with at least one of the following categories. These categories help students explore opportunities and allow organizations to clarify their core focus and mission.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Academic / Honorary | Activities and membership center on a particular academic or collegiate course of study or curriculum; organizations which select members on the basis of achievement in a particular academic discipline. |
| Cultural / Diversity | Activities and membership center on a particular ethnic or cultural group. |
| Hobby / Special Interest | Activities and membership center on a particular hobby and/or special interest area. |
| Media | Student-operated publications which publish on a regular basis. |
| Political / Advocacy | Organizations affiliated with local and/or national political bodies; activities and membership center on interest in a particular social issue or concern. |
| Religious / Spiritual | Organizations grounded in religious/spiritual beliefs with the primary goal of facilitating spiritual growth and creating community. |
| Service | Organizations grounded in the Loyola University culture of service through volunteer and/or service projects. |
Choosing the Right Category
Student organizations may identify with more than one category, but we encourage you to select only those that reflect your organization’s core mission and focus.
Choosing too many categories can dilute your group's identity and make it harder for other students to understand your purpose or get involved. Clear, intentional categorization supports stronger connections and a more sustainable organizational direction.
Resources & Next Steps
- Campus Activities Network
- Re-register Your Student Organization
- Start a New Organization
- Student Organization Handbook
- Student Organization Resource Library
Need help figuring out where your organization fits? Reach out to the Campus Activities Network at can@luc.edu—we’re here to support you every step of the way.
What Is a Student Organization?
A student organization is a recognized group of students who come together with a shared purpose or interest in starting a community, establishing a presence on and off campus, and giving back to the community. Organizations are required to be student-led, with a mission that aligns with the University mission and Jesuit values, follow all University policies (including the Community Standards and Student Organization Handbook policies), operate on campus in a manner compatible with the infrastructure and system the University operates with, and register with the Center for Student Engagement per academic year.
Recognition Requirements
To be recognized, student organizations must:
- Be student-led and composed only currently enrolled Loyola students
- Re-register annually through the Center for Student Engagement on LUCommunity
- Align their mission and activities with the University’s mission and Jesuit values
- Have at least ten (10) members and one (1) full-time LUC faculty/staff advisor
- Members need to include three (3) core e-board positions and seven (7) general members
- Core e-board positions need to include a president and a treasurer. Organization can determine the third e-board position based on the needs of the organization and community.
- Follow all University policies, including the Community Standards and Student Organization Handbook
- Comply with the organization's constitution approved by CSE, created through the required template here
- Operate in a manner that is compatible with the University’s infrastructure, systems, and support structures
Recognition grants organizations access to campus resources, funding opportunities, and the ability to host events and promote themselves on campus.
For more details, refer to the Student Organization Handbook or visit our Start a New Organization page.
Student Organization Categories
Student organizations at Loyola are required to identify with at least one of the following categories. These categories help students explore opportunities and allow organizations to clarify their core focus and mission.
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Academic / Honorary | Activities and membership center on a particular academic or collegiate course of study or curriculum; organizations which select members on the basis of achievement in a particular academic discipline. |
| Cultural / Diversity | Activities and membership center on a particular ethnic or cultural group. |
| Hobby / Special Interest | Activities and membership center on a particular hobby and/or special interest area. |
| Media | Student-operated publications which publish on a regular basis. |
| Political / Advocacy | Organizations affiliated with local and/or national political bodies; activities and membership center on interest in a particular social issue or concern. |
| Religious / Spiritual | Organizations grounded in religious/spiritual beliefs with the primary goal of facilitating spiritual growth and creating community. |
| Service | Organizations grounded in the Loyola University culture of service through volunteer and/or service projects. |
Choosing the Right Category
Student organizations may identify with more than one category, but we encourage you to select only those that reflect your organization’s core mission and focus.
Choosing too many categories can dilute your group's identity and make it harder for other students to understand your purpose or get involved. Clear, intentional categorization supports stronger connections and a more sustainable organizational direction.
Resources & Next Steps
- Campus Activities Network
- Re-register Your Student Organization
- Start a New Organization
- Student Organization Handbook
- Student Organization Resource Library
Need help figuring out where your organization fits? Reach out to the Campus Activities Network at can@luc.edu—we’re here to support you every step of the way.