The College of Engineering is invested in creating opportunities for students to further develop their leadership skills and to become more engaged and committed student leaders. In turn, student organizations are empowered to maximize their impact around the College, the University, and the community. The College of Engineering is home to more than 30 student groups comprised of honors organizations, departmental and multi-disciplinary organizations, cultural and identity-based organizations, and industry specific organizations. The Student Development Center and the Dean's Office, in conjunction with Engineering Student Council, work together to support recognized student organizations by:
Creating continuity among organizations from year-to-year and easing officer transition
Promoting engagement and collaboration among students, organizations, and other University groups
Celebrating the accomplishments and successes of student organizations and leaders
Providing funding opportunities and guidance on budget management and fundraising
Does your organization want help developing your events? Contact Alyssa Burks (alyssa-burks@uiowa.edu). Want to make sure your event is inclusive of all students? Check out the university's online Inclusive Event Planning resource.
Connections with alumni and companies for seminars, panels, speakers, reunions, etc.
Advisor support and resources
Printing of organizational documents
Web site hosting/organizational email address
Locker use in 2312 SC (apply here). Note that there are a limited number of lockers and they are available to organizations on a first-come, first-served basis.
Prior to affiliating with the College of Engineering, student organizations must first gain approval through the Leadership and Engagement office. Check out how to start a student organization at the University of Iowa.
The College of Engineering has three rooms in the Seamans Center (3517, 2312, 3124 and G131) dedicated for student organization use. The Fethke Rooftop Terrace is also available for special events. Student organizations can also reserve other classroom spaces in the SC and on campus, including the IMU.
Please fill out the Engineering Student Organization Space Request form to request one of the designated student org spaces in the Seamans Center: 3517 SC, 2312 SC, 3124 or G131 SC. You can also use this form to request the 2nd floor lobby, the Fethke Rooftop Terrace, or outdoor tabling.
For university classroom reservations (in the Seamans Center and other campus buildings), use this form.
Student organizations often require financial resources for materials, events, and professional development. There are a variety of sources for organizations to acquire funding.
College of Engineering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council (EDEIC)
The EDEIC has two different funding sources for student organizations that are accepted on a rolling deadline, meaning you can apply at any time:
DEI Initiatives are for student-led programs and events that promote DEI in the College. Up to $3000 can be requested in your proposal.
DEI Student Professional Development Awards grant professional development awards of up to $500 each to undergraduate or graduate students. The awards are available to encourage and facilitate student opportunities to participate in national/international meetings, symposia, conferences, or other professional development opportunities that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Undergraduate Student Government (USG) or Graduate & Professional Student Government (GPSG)
USG funding allocations are made using a portion of the Student Activity Fees. Each organization applying for USG funds must be a University-recognized student organization through Engage. Click here for more information about applying for USG and GPSG funds.
Private Funding
For organizations that require substantial funding (i.e. hosting a regional conference, competing in an engineering competition, purchasing equipment or building materials), student organizations may be allowed to solicit funding from sources outside of the University. All other funding sources must be explored first to determine if additional funding is needed. Pre-approval must be obtained through the Student Development Center and the College of Engineering Dean's Office before soliciting funding from outside sources. Organizations must also work closely with a departmental or college faculty adviser and follow collegiate fundraising guidelines. To start this process, fill out the Funding Request Form and submit to the Collegiate Chief Financial Officer/Chief Operating Officer April Tippett.
Fundraisers
Many groups rely on fundraising to help support the organization as well as plan and put on special events. Finding a secure form of fundraising for the organization is necessary. Some organizations only fundraise once a year and others may fundraise throughout the year. Fundraising can be conducted in many ways, including:
Merchandise/Apparel Sales (designs must be submitted to Jason Kosovski, Director of Marketing & Communication, and approved by UI Licensing prior to purchase)
Restaurant fundraisers
Car washes
Carver or Kinnick clean-ups
Aramark concession sales
College party after the parade
Membership dues
Some organizations require members to pay dues in order to generate operating revenue or to exchange for services, opportunities, or materials provided by the student organization. Membership dues may be assessed in a variety of ways and can include one-time fees, recurring dues, or dues to a national organization. If dues or other fees are required, they must be reflected in the organization's constitution or bylaws.
With any fundraising activities, organizations must follow all university cash-handling policies and provide careful oversight of the organizations budget. Check out the Student Organization Business Office for more information.
Recruitment and engagement are key to the success of any student organization. Every group needs new members to share diverse ideas, sustain organizational operations, and lead initiatives. Organizations must offer programming related to the group's mission to engage its members in order to help them grow personally, academically, and professionally. Marketing is an essential piece to recruiting and engaging members. Below are some ideas to help increase awareness about your organization.
If you have any questions or would like to further brainstorm ideas to help your student organization recruit members or increase engagement, contact the Student Development Center at Engineering-SDC@uiowa.edu or drop in to 3612 SC!
