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Start a Society

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Can't find something that interests you? Start something new!

This process can be used to apply to create a new society at BCUSU.

You may have an idea for a brand new group, or you might prefer to ressurect an existing one that's in need of a new committee - if that's the case, you can find out which are available on our adoption page.

We'll consider each application on its merits, but are looking to understand the impact you will make and for a plan which means your society will be sustainable for years to come.

We have provided information below to guide you through the process of establishing a society and to outline the expectations for your involvement. When you're ready to go, just press the button below!

Start a new society

How it works

 

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1

Fill in the application form (we can set up a meeting to help answer any questions you might have).

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2

Once submitted, your application will be reviewed by a coordinator from the Activities and Representation team, who will organise a society start-up meeting with you.

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3

If your application is successful, it will be taken to the Officer Team for ratification.

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4

Following ratification, your coordinator will be in touch to guide you through our society leader training.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Once you submit the application form it can take up to a week for the Activities and Representation team look over the application.

They're looking at four key things:

  1. Is there a similar society that already exists?
    We can't start a society which is materially similar to another which already exists. If you feel that your idea is different enough, you may be asked to explain the reasons why in more detail.
     
  2. Does your idea replicate a service that BCUSU or BCU offer?
    We also can't start societies who's sole intention is to compete with services offered by either BCU or BCUSU.
     
  3. Do we have the resources for the society to be able to function?
    All of our societies are stuednt led and, where possible, we will aim to work with you to find ways to help your group to excel. However, if you wanted to start a swimming club and didn't want to go off campus...we don't have a swimming pool!
     
  4. Have you filled the form in with enough detail?
    If your form is lacking the detail we need, or we need clarification on something, we'll likely contact you to find out more.

After the team have checked your form, they'll call you in for a meeting to go over the detail. Following that meeting, we also have to take your idea through the ratification process with our Officer Team.

Of course! If you have any questions, get in touch and we'll have a chat first.

You can email societies@bcu.ac.uk or pop in to see us.

Here's a list of our societies, this page updates throughout the academic year. If you're struggling for ideas, we've got some previously popular societies available for a new committee to adopt. You can find a list of them here.

You'll need four committee members and a total of ten interested, current students to start a society to show there's interest from the student body. However, it’s not an impossible to achieve – and we don't want to see a great society idea fall at the first hurdle!

It's a good idea to post on social media to see if people like your idea and you can try speaking to people on your course or seeing if lecturers can spread the word.

Just a little reminder that societies must be run by BCU students for BCU students.