Start a student group

In five simple steps, your group could be up and going in no time! 

Start a Student Group

You have decided to start a Group! Awesome! 

We will take you through in detail what you need to do in order to affiliate your group with CDU. Applying for affiliation has five steps.  When you are completing an affiliation application it is important to meet each requirement, otherwise your application may take longer to be assessed, or you may be asked to repeat parts of the affiliation process for approval to be granted. 

For a new group, club or society to be considered, it must:

  • Be wholly run by CDU students, for the benefit of CDU students;
  • Enhance the student experience;
  • Cater to a specific topic, group, or interest that is not adequately represented by an existing group.

Your first steps in creating a Student Group should be:

Step 1: Think of an idea for a group

Think of something you are passionate about and ready to commit to, something that other students would want to join.

Make sure that a group with a very similar name, purpose, objectives or activities does not already exist (see the list of the current Student Groups or speak with the Student Leadership Officer).

Step 2: Get interest

Ensure you have enough members. You need a minimum of 10 currently enrolled students to establish a group.

You should also consider how you may promote your group to other students in various campuses and those students studying externally to allow for maximum reach to all students. It's important to note that the University will also ask for evidence of student membership when considering your application.

Step 3: Draft your group rules

Student Groups must have a set of club rules, otherwise known as a constitution.

To make it easier we have created this Template Constitution (DOCX, 499.44 KB) (DOCX, 499.44 KB) for you to use.

The Student Leadership Officer is available to assist you to build a constitution, please contact via email to set up a time to discuss further.

Step 4: Hold your first meeting

Before you submit your application you will need to hold a meeting to decide on a group name, group logo, description, objectives, approve your constitution, and choose your committee roles i.e. who will be the president.  Remember to take meeting minutes!

This initial meeting is also known as an inaugural general meeting (IGM).

See Group Resources for tips on how to run an IGM.

Step 5: Submit application

Submit your new student group application form:

Apply now

Registration Periods:

  • Semester One: 1 December 2021 to 25 March 2022
  • Semester Two: 1 June 2022 to 26 August 2022

If you have missed the registration deadline, you will need to apply in the following registration period.

The Student Leadership Officer will contact you regarding the outcome of the application, allow two weeks for processing.

Entitlements of a Student Group

Student Groups who successfully affiliate with CDU have access to a load of great entitlements including:

  • Funding
  • Free on-campus venue hire
  • Marketing and promotional support
  • Storage for equipment
  • Training and support for Executives
  • Assistance from a dedicated Student Leadership Officer

Contact Us

08 8946 7678