The new student organization application opens during the second week of the Fall semester. The process to become a recognized student organization only happens once an academic year. To access the application, please go back to the Student Organization Center Online (SOCO) main page.

If you can't see the following information, that means the application is not available right now: On the top dashboard, please select the “Group” button for a drop-down to appear and then select the "+All Groups" button. At the top of the next page, multiple buttons will appear that state 'Register new [group type]'. Please select the corresponding group type for the organization seeking recognition. Examples of group types include, but are not limited to:

• Academic and Pre-Professional
• Creative and Performing Arts
• Gender and Sexuality
• Government and Politics
• Hobbies and Special Interests
• Media and Publications
• Public Service

Once a “Register new [group type]” button is selected, the application will open. Application review will begin after the application deadline (usually at the end of September).

Student organization recognition applications will be reviewed by a committee featuring staff from the Office of Student Engagement and student representation from the Harvard Undergraduate Association (HUA).

Student organizations who have their applications approved will then be moved on to the required training series. All officers from the student organization must attend this series. Dates and times will be shared after the application closes.

Student organizations that complete the required training series will then be recommended for recognition by the Committee on Student Life. The Committee on Student Life will grant new student organizations recognition at the December meeting allowing new student organizations to be recognized for the Spring 2026 term.

If you have any questions, please reach out to the Student Engagement team at studentorgs@fas.harvard.edu.