Chapter Starter Kit:

Using Your Campus "Home"


Introduction

A great connection for new and existing SEDS chapters can be found in creating a positive relationship with the student union or student government. You will find that the people in the offices that coordinate student activities can solve nearly any problem you face in start ing your chapter. Get to know the members of your campus administration. If you take the time to explain, they may become interested in SEDS and its activities and go out of their way to help you and support the group’s endeavors. Always remember to approach these people with courtesy and respect.

Administration & Paperwork

Though many campuses are different (see your institution’s rules), here are some basic guidelines that will most likely need to be taken care of...
  1. File a constitution with your host institution (more about this in later sections)
  2. Fill out necessary campus registration forms
  3. Attend student/union government committee meetings as required (presidents, treasurers, representatives...)
Your SEDS chapter’s establishment, continuance, and reputation will all be directly related to your handling of these responsibilities. Again, every campus is different. Please try to find contact information for your school’s Student Activities Office and they will be able to properly assist you.

Facilities & Resources

Very often, universities and their departments are very helpful in establishing some crucial components to a successful group. While some may seem rather trivial, you would be very surprised how some simple things can be hard to come by. Here are some common amenities found by our other chapters within their own institutions...
  1. Office space & mail boxes
  2. Financial assistance (again, more on this later)
  3. Meeting rooms
  4. Printing & copying privileges
  5. Audio/Visual equipment for meetings & projects
  6. Computer accounts, email accounts, web space
Other Space Groups

A very common difficulty with establishing a new campus space group is the pre-existence of a similar group. It is our suggestion to use these groups to your advantage, and not to compete with them over funding dollars, room space, and members. One option is to merge the groups and apply for joint-chapter status to SEDS-USA. Another very viable option is to meet with the group and discuss the focus and goal s of each organization. Consolidate differences and collaborate on similarities. Remember that your goal should be to accomplish tasks, not simply create your own club.

In either case, it is important that all groups are met with cooperation and friendly relations. These are very important to the health of all space organizations on your campus.