Forming a New Student Organization

Students should review existing student organizations at Yale Law School to ensure that the proposed organization will not duplicate any other organization's objective, programmatic efforts, or a majority of the organization's membership base. Should there be an unmet need, students may apply for new student organization to be created.

The Student Representatives will open a time period where students may submit a proposal for a new student organization to be recognized. The window will be open each year in the spring semester for a period of one month, and will close before the next fiscal year's budget has been decided upon. Student organizations which are approved during this time will be considered in the following year's budget allocation. Students may not submit a proposal for a new student organization in the fall academic semester.

Please note restrictions on the use of "Yale" in organization names via the Trademark Licensing Department.

Application Process:

Student Reps have extended this year's deadline to Friday, February 5, 2021.

Students interested in submitting a proposal for a new student organization must complete the online application on YaleConnect. A complete application for review will include:

  1. The mission/purpose for the group & how it meets an unmet need at YLS.
  2. The individual(s) who will start/lead the group.
  3. What types of events/activities it would organize.

An Unmet Need:

Students should review existing student organizations at Yale Law School to ensure that the proposed organization does not duplicate any other organization’s objective, programmatic efforts, or a majority of the organization’s membership base. Should there be an unmet need, students may apply for the new student organization to be created.

Because adding new organizations means decreasing or limiting funding of existing organizations that have already proven successful, it is encouraged that students work with current student organizations to create new programs or engage in new activities when possible. (Note: There are mechanisms for existing organizations to request additional funding.)

Review Process:

Student Representatives will review all submitted applications together in one session. Review of applications will not be made on a rolling basis. Students who submitted a proposal for a new student organization will have the opportunity to present their proposal to the Student Representatives, including members of OSA, prior to the vote to approve or deny the student organization.

Approval Process:

After students are given the opportunity to present their proposal in front of the Student Representatives, they will hold a silent vote to determine whether the organization shall be approved.

  • To determine whether a new student group is approved, it must receive two-thirds majority vote by the Student Representatives.
  • The approved student organization can begin functioning as an active student organization without funding the semester in which it's approved
  • Should a student organization be denied recognition, they will have the option to re-apply for recognition status the following spring semester following the same process.