Unfunded Group
Consider applying for Unfunded group status if you want to start a group which needs merely recognition, publicity and reservation access, but can serve as the basis of a community for a group of students. An Unfunded group has the same rights to space reservation (CAC, office space, and storage) and publicity as a Funded or Sponsored group, but is not eligible to apply for funding from the UA FinBoard or the GSC Funding Board. Note that an Unfunded group can still apply for the merit-based LEF/ARCADE funding and any other funding source on campus they qualify for. This is a potentially permanent status, however groups may request to change to Funded Status by submitting a funding status change request through the group application form. This can happen beginning one semester after the group's recognition and no more than once a year.
The basic criteria for MIT student group recognition are. In addition to these technical requirements, we will also consider the merit of the student group proposed.
- At least 50% of active/voting members are MIT students;
- The president and treasurer are MIT students;
- At least 50% of officers are MIT students;
- Membership consists of at least 5 student members;
- Follows the MIT Non-Discrimination Clause.
Funded Group
Consider applying for funded status if you want to start a new student group which requires and merits funding from one of the student government-administered funding boards (for undergraduate groups, the UA FinBoard; and for graduate groups, the GSC Funding Board). Although the boards vary in policy, in general groups that merit funding are those which promote student life for a significant portion of campus, which are significantly unique from existing groups and have a purpose that cannot be fulfilled by other existing student groups, and which have established a track record of excellence. Funded status is harder to obtain, but also gives full access to Student Activities resources.