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Starting up

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If you are interested in starting a new student group it's not as hard as you may think, plus you'll receive help from Union staff throughout the process and after as a ratified group.

You should consult the list of existing student groups here to see if a similar student group already exists - we are unable to accept duplicate groups. If no similar group exists then you're ready to apply! If you have any questions or want to talk through your idea then please contact the Opportunities Team through dsu.engagement@durham.ac.uk.

 

Application process

Before applying:

  • You should have determined the group's aims and objectives as these need to be written into your group Constitution.
  • You should contact any similar existing groups to discuss whether there would be any conflicts or concerns.
  • You will need to have a president, treasurer and secretary in place and these positions all need to be taken up by three seperate people.
  • You should seek out other interested students to demonstrate support for the group.
  • You should have read and agree to the Student Group Terms
Submit your application
When you are ready to apply, read the guidance provided and fully complete the new student group application form (you will need a full Exec in place to proceed with your application). Applications can be submitted at any time of the academic year, but the time taken for decisions to be made on them will vary depending on the date you submit your application.
Your application gets reviewed
Once an application is submitted the Opportunties Team will check the form over and will get in touch if there is any information missing from your application.
Once all information is received then the application is sent to our Student Groups Committee who will look at your application in the next meeting (the meetings take place every few weeks during term time only so if you apply out of term-time then it may take longer for a decision to be made) and the Committee decides whether to make a decision to ratify/reject the application, or ask for further information.
After Ratification/Rejection
You will be contacted to confirm the outcome of the Committee’s discussion.
If your group is ratified you will be invited to an induction session, which you must attend in order to be eligible for a start-up grant.
Your student group will also be added to the Students’ Union website, and other support will be provided in order for you to get your student group running.

Documents you need

Here are all of the documents that you will need as part of registration, please have these ready to upload into your form:

Start an Association

If you are interested in setting up a new student association (a representational group) simply get in touch via dsu.engagement@durham.ac.uk to discuss the process.