FAQ
How can I get involved? What do you recommend?
There are numerous opportunities for involvement on campus. Student Union maintains a list of student groups and contact information. Visit http://su.wustl.edu/sgac/. We also encourage you to visit with members of student organizations at the Activities Fair at the beginning of each semester. Even if you didn't make it to the Activities Fair, it's never too late to get involved. Check out the list of student groups that participated in the activities fair at http://www.getinvolved.wustl.edu/activitiesfair/participants.php. Check out organizations' websites or e-mail the contact people to find out when and where meetings are. Most student groups will be delighted to see a new member in the middle of the semester.
Where is the Office of Student Activities (OSA)?
OSA is located on the Garden Level (a.k.a. basement) of the Women's Building, Room 20. You can also find the Student Union and Student Life offices there. Call OSA at 935-5994 or e-mail at osaleadership@wustl.edu for more information.
Who works in OSA and what do they do?
Click here to find OSA staff members’ and read their bios!
What is the time commitment for joining an organization?
The time commitment varies depending upon the student and the organization. Some students take on leadership roles within the organization, which naturally require more time, while others support the organization through their attendance at meetings and programs. It is important to find your own balance of academic, co-curricular and free time. It is generally good to begin with a smaller time commitment. In short, you can determine how involved you want to be, and that can change depending on your course load, desire and interests.
How will participating in a student organization affect my academics?
Because there are so many opportunities for involvement, you will need to make choices about how you want to spend your time. It is important to find your own balance of academic, co-curricular and free time. If you manage your time well, co-curricular activities can be a wonderful complement to your academic courses. Involvement in a student group that you care about and enjoy can improve your work performance by giving you time off, but also time to focus on something besides academics rather than just floating.
Getting involved sounds like a lot of work. What are the benefits for me?
Becoming involved will provide you with so much. You will meet new people and develop friendships. If you join campus organizations, you will develop valuable skills, such as a good working knowledge of the University, leadership traits, time management, goal setting, interpersonal skills, collaboration, program planning and assessment. You can affect change, making Washington University a better place. And finally, being involved is fun!
What if I am interested in something that doesn’t exist at the University?
If you can't find what you are looking for among the more than 200 student organizations already in existence, you can start your own group. Just assess the interest level among students for your idea, talk with someone in OSA and apply to be a Student Union recognized group. Visit The Student Group Activities Committee website at http://su.wustl.edu/sgac/ for all the necessary information and paperwork.
Where can I find contact information for student groups?
Visit the Student Group Activities Committee website where a list of all student groups and their contact information is located.
How can I update my student group’s contact information?
Please contact Student Group Activities Committee to update your group’s contact information.
How can I find out details about events I am interested in?
You can search the Spark calendar for events happening on campus.
How can I put my student group’s events on the calendar?
You can post events on Spark by visiting http://spark.wustl.edu/.
I want to volunteer. How do I get started?
The easiest way to learn about community service opportunities is to contact the Community Service Resource Team, a team of eight students trained to assist their peers in navigating community service options. You can e-mail them at community_service@wustl.edu.
I want to volunteer but I don’t have a car. What can I do?
There are many ways to volunteer, even without a car. You can volunteer with a student group, including Campus Y, Hillel, and Catholic Student Center. You can volunteer with programs that provide transportation, such as Each One Teach One and Wellston Wins. OSA also maintains a binder of St. Louis non-profit agencies that are accessible without a car (by Metrolink, shuttle, and/or foot). Information from this binder is also available on the community service page (at volunteer now, search for agencies that don't require a car).
What is the community service resource team? How do I contact them?
Just e-mail community_service@wustl.edu, and you will be contacted by one of the eight team members to schedule a meeting.
Is there a fax machine that I can use?
Student Union (SU) has a lot of resources available to student groups. A fax machine is located in the SU office. Groups can send and receive faxes at this location. To learn more about the resources in the SU office visit http://su.wustl.edu/sgac/.
Where is the vendor list?
The Student Union Treasurer and Business Manager compiles a vendor list each semester. Copies of this list are available outside the Treasurer and Business Manager’s offices. A copy of this list is also included in the Treasurer’s Manual which is available on line at http://suserver.wustl.edu/treasury/docs/treasurer-manual.pdf.
When do I need to complete the Event Registration Form?
See the Event Registration page.
When do I need to have a contract signed?
Contracts must be turned in to OSA no less than 10 days in advance. In addition, students need to drop-off their contract in the red folder located on the wall at least one day in advance of the meeting with an OSA advisor. There are times to sign-up for a meeting inside the red folder. If a student is unavailable to meet during the times designated, they can email osaleadership@wustl.edu to arrange for a time outside of the listed hours to meet to go over event planning details and details of the contract.
What is the turn around time for a contract to be signed?
OSA advisors need at least one day to look at a contract before a contract meeting. In addition, all contracts should be turned in no less than 10 days before an event.
When do I need a hold harmless form, and which form do I use?
A hold harmless form is needed whenever a contracted vendor supplies their own contract, rather that signing the blank Washington University contract. If you are contracting with a company the Hold Harmless Statement-Organization is to be completed. If you are contracting with an individual the Hold Harmless Statement-Individual is to be completed.
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