Official Student Org

Being part of the Baylor family means that it is helpful to be registered as an official student organization. Because graduate students have different needs than undergraduates, Present Your PhD has aligned with the Graduate Student Organization to reach official status.

Read more about what being an official org means for us and for you.

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What does it all mean?

Graduate Student Organizations [GSOs] are recognized by the University, through GSA, to allow current graduate students to gather together in unison behind a shared mission. These organizations contribute positively to the campus, adhere to expectations for the entire Baylor community, and abide by all University policies governing both individual students and student organizations. Groups of students not recognized by the University may not affiliate themselves with Baylor University, the Department of Student Activities, or other official university organizations. 

How “official” helps us

  • Recognition as a formal student organization (can be helpful for getting funding!)
  • Invitation to attend monthly GSA assembly meetings and add agenda items
  • Promotion of organization information on the GSA website
  • Ease with approving events and navigating university requirements
  • Boosting advertising through social media and other channels

Does it hurt PyPhD at all or add more work for us?

The only change for us is a once-a-year meeting to check in with GSA and a few more forms to be sure that everyone is happy and aware of what’s going on.

The Documentation

To become a recognized student organization, there are a few forms involved and we want to be transparent about what we submit:

  • Constitution [link] containing:
    • Name of organization (and any national affiliation)
    • Concise statement of purpose, goals, direction, etc.
    • Clear definition of membership requirements
    • List of officers, their duties, and requirements
    • Meetings and quorums to conduct business
    • Process for the assessment of dues and other finances
    • Amendments to the constitution
    • Advisors and roles
    • Judicial Process
  • Risk Management Policy
  • Roster (updated semesterly)

More Resources

GSA

The Graduate Student Association houses PyPhD — check out their homepage for more info and ways that we overlap!

Become Official Too!

Are you looking to become or start an official student org? All the information can be found below

Student Life

For a listing of the full requirements (some of which GSA helps us with) check out the Dept of Student Activities page