Start a Chapter

Process to Becoming an Official SACNAS Chapter

1. New student groups that want to become an official SACNAS chapter, should apply to become recognized by the SACNAS National Office.

2. Newly recognized chapters are approved as provisional chapters for their first 12-months. During this time the SACNAS national office works with chapters to ensure that they are on track to becoming high-performing and sustainable chapters.

3. At the end of the provisional status, chapters submit an annual report to provide an update on their progress. Chapters that demonstrate that they are becoming high-performing and sustainable chapters are approved as official chapters. Chapters need to submit annual reports each year to retain their official status.

Expectations & Resources to Become an Official SACNAS Chapter

Membership

All your chapter members and advisor(s) are highly encouraged to have an active SACNAS membership. Use this chapter roster template to compile a list of all your student members and advisor(s). Please see application for requirements for number of members. All members should be listed regardless of SACNAS Membership status. 

Advisor(s)

Your chapter should have at least one faculty or staff advisor. The advisor(s) must provide a letter that states their commitment to serve as advisor to the student chapter and thoroughly explain how they will support and foster the development of the chapter. If your chapter has multiple advisors, they must all provide letters that also indicate how their roles differ from each other and how they work together to support the chapter. *Not required for professional chapters

Institutional Recognition

Your chapter should already be recognized by your institution as a student organization. *Not required for professional chapters. See Chapter Charter Template and Chapter Requirements for guidelines.

Chapter Marketing & Branding

Your chapter should have a consistent chapter brand for your communications and marketing. See Chapter Marketing Toolkit and Chapter Branding Toolkit for more information.

Fundraising

Your chapter is responsible to obtain funds to host activities and support chapter members to attend SACNAS events (e.g. national conference and community gatherings). Funds may be obtained by seeking grants through your institution, collecting sales, and/or collecting donations.

Are you interested in starting a student or a professional chapter?

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Student Chapter Application

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Professional Chapter Application

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Questions about the application process?

Email us at chapters@sacnas.org