You Belong Here

Student Organizations


Getting involved with a student organization comes with major perks. It’s not just about meeting other students and making friends. Joining a student organization can help you learn more about yourself, gain practical experience, acquire leadership skills, and engage with a diverse group of people, just to name a few. 

Ready to get started?! Log on to MySL to view the list of current recognized Student Organizations.

Whether you’re bringing back an organization from last year, from several years ago, or starting something brand new, you must complete the steps below:

  • Nuts & Bolts: Officer Orientation: All student organization officers must successfully complete Nuts & Bolts. In order for the registration process to move forward, at least two officers must successfully complete Nuts & Bolts: Officer Orientation prior to October 13, 2023. One advisor must attend the Student Organization Advisor Orientation before an organization can be granted recognized status.
  • Nuts & Bolts information will be provided to Officers and Advisors once their respective Commitment Forms are submitted and eligibility is confirmed.
  • Full details and specific requirements are outlined in the Organization Guidebook. If you have any questions, we recommend you meet with an Organizations Coordinator (email [email protected]).
  • Schedule an application review meeting with a Student Organizations Coordinator once all previous requirements are completed. To schedule that appointment, please email [email protected].

    Registration Guides and Forms:

Leadership experience on a resume helps to land top-notch jobs after college. Interested? Here’s what you can do:

Join. Engage. Get Elected. You can’t become a leader overnight. Student officers are elected from active organization membership. Join an organization, stay engaged, and when elections roll around, get on the ballot! In order to improve a community, you first have to know it, love it, and serve it. Leadership starts with active membership.

Start an Organization. Okay, so sometimes you can become a leader overnight! It’s called entrepreneurship, and maybe you’ve got what it takes. Bring your passion, interest, or academic major to new heights at ACC by starting an organization. Check out the basics under the Start or Renew an Organization section above and go rally friends and classmates to the cause.

Student Leader Resources:

Advising provides a wonderful opportunity for advisors to know students better and through those relationships can guide students towards successful organization development. The following are some resources for current advisors as well as those interested in exploring the opportunities that being an advisor provides.

Helpful Documents for Advisors:

Joining an Organization:

Is there a list of student organization activities that I can attend?

Yes! Details for all student organization activity is listed on the Events tab of MySL. Search by campus, theme, or just to see what’s happening next.

What organizations does ACC have?

Find a list of ACC student organizations on the Organizations tab of MySL. Didn’t find the org you’re looking for? Check out how to start your own student organization under Start or Renew an Organization section above.

How do I become a member of a student organization?

Each organization defines membership differently. For some, all you need to do is show up. For others, members have to meet certain GPA or academic program requirements set by the organization. If you’re interested in joining a particular organization, click on the Join or Contact buttons on that organization’s MySL home page. The Join button allows student officers an opportunity to review your requested membership. They can either approve your request or contact you for more details before adding you to the Organization’s roster. The Contact button will allow you to ask questions before jumping straight in. 

How do I get more involved in a student organization?

Involvement in a student organization comes down to two things: (1) showing up and (2) taking ownership of your own experience. For instance, if you are not already a member of an organization, you could go to a meeting. If you are already a member, you could volunteer to help your officers, or you could consider running for an officer position next time elections come around. 

Where do organizations host events and meetings?

Student organizations host activity on all eleven ACC campuses as well as throughout the greater Austin area. Student Organizations are also taking their activities, meetings and events online by being hosted via Google Hangouts, Webex and other virtual platforms. Details for all student organization activity, including location, can be found on the Events tab of MySL.

Who can I talk to about joining a student organization?

Want to get involved but don’t know where to start? Walk into any Student Life office and talk to a Student Ambassador or Specialist. Want information about a specific organization? Contact the organization directly by clicking Contact on an organization’s MySL homepage.

What if the organization I want doesn’t exist?

Start it yourself! Check how to start your own student organization under the Start or Renew an Organization section below. 

What is MySL (My Student Life)?

MySL is an online database and advertising platform. On MySL, you can find a list of student organizations, look for events to attend, contact any organizations that interest you, and submit your registration for a new organization. Log into MySL with your ACCeID and password to claim your free student MySL account.

Leading an Organization:

How do I become a student officer?

Each organization has different election processes, so ask the current officers what your organization’s process is. All organization officers must meet eligibility requirements: (1) Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA; (2) Be currently enrolled as a student of good standing; (3) Submit a Commitment Form (found under Forms on MySL).

Are there any requirements for becoming a student officer?

All organization officers must meet eligibility requirements: (1) Maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA; (2) Be currently enrolled as a student of good standing; (3) Submit a Commitment Form (found under Forms on MySL); (4) Complete Nuts & Bolts: Officer Orientation (access to Nuts & Bolts will be emailed upon completion of Commitment Form).

How do I find an advisor for my organization?

Ask the faculty and staff that you know. Share why your organization exists and what type of support you need. If they can’t help, ask them who else might be interested. Email [email protected] for more help.

What can I spend organization funds on?

Organizations should be creative and use funds effectively. Organization funds can cover travel costs, order food, pay a speaker or performer’s fee, and the list goes on. There are only a few prohibited purchases and payments. Find that list under Prohibited Purchases and Payments in the Guidebook

How do I advertise my organization’s activity?

All student organization marketing and advertising materials must be approved through the Marketing Request Form. Student Life will print and distribute your paper marketing. Email your design PDF to [email protected]. All advertisements must include the Student Life logo (found in the Documents Library on MySL) and adhere to the Advertising/Marketing guidelines outlined in the Student Organizations Guidebook.

How do I start a student organization?

Complete the registration process outlined under the Start or Renew an Organization section above.

How do student organizations get funding?

Organizations are able to request up to $1,000.00 per semester via the Purchase Proposal Form. The Purchase Proposal Form can be found in the “Forms” tab of MySL. Refer to the Organizations Guidebook for specific dates and deadlines for when the Purchase Proposal window is open. Organizations can receive funding for in-person and virtual events.

I’m pretty sure our Purchase Proposal and EP will be approved. Can I start buying stuff now?     

No! Do not make any purchases, even after your PP and EP are approved. You will not be reimbursed. Student Life staff will make all purchases and payments once your Purchase Proposal and EP are approved. 

Do we need to set up a bank account?

Not necessarily. Organization funds are managed by Student Life. If your organization has another source of funds (e.g. membership dues, fundraising) Student Life will not store those funds. It is up to your organization to decide how to store, account for, and manage those funds. 

Are we able to host events virtually?

Yes! Student Organizations are encouraged to host events/meetings via online platforms. Currently, the ACC-approved online platforms are Google Meet and WebEx. New platforms may be added! Please email [email protected] if you have any questions.

 If I have any questions, who should I contact?

Most questions can be answered in the Student Organizations Guidebook, but always feel free to email [email protected]

Student Organization Advisors:

How can I become a student organization advisor?

    • Assignment – College faculty or staff can be assigned to work with student organizations as part of their job responsibilities.
    • Chartering a Student Chapter – College faculty or staff may partner with a national organization and charter a chapter to bring to ACC. Departments are encouraged to charter professional associations or organizations to enhance the student experience of the students in their program.
  • Be Requested – A student organization may approach you and ask you to serve as their advisor. Many times, students have trouble finding an advisor. 

How long can I serve as a student organization advisor?

The default term for any Advisor is three academic years or as long as the organization maintains recognized status (whichever is shorter). Advisors must maintain eligibility throughout their term. A Commitment form must be submitted by advisors each academic year.

Is there training and support for student organization advisors?

Yes. Student Organization Advisor Orientation is online. Once a commitment form is submitted and eligibility verified, you will receive an email with instructions on how to complete the orientation. In addition, there is a Student Organization coordinator in each region who is available to offer support.

What is the time commitment for serving as an advisor?

Based on the expectations, activities, and needs of the student group, your time commitment will vary. It’s helpful to identify your responsibilities and availability to compare them to the activities and needs of the student group(s) you advise to determine how much time they’ll require.

What are the eligibility requirements?

Advisors must be currently employed by Austin Community College as a full-time staff member or as an adjunct or full-time faculty member and complete Advisor Orientation each year.

 Are there any mandatory requirements?

Yes. In addition to meeting the eligibility requirements, advisors must also fulfill the following mandatory requirements:

    1.  Complete the Commitment Form. Completion is required before the organization receives recognition from the college. Form must be submitted by October 1st of each academic year.
    2.  Complete Student Organization Advisor Orientation, which includes state-mandated risk management training.

What is my liability for serving as a student organization advisor?

All Student Organization Advisors are considered Campus Security Authorities. A campus security authority has a legal responsibility to contact ACC District Police upon receipt of a report of crime or alleged crime. The campus security authority also has a responsibility to assist the victim/survivor by connecting them with the Student Affairs or Human Resources Departments. For more information, visit the ACC website Campus Security Authority page. 

In general, student organization advisors are not liable for the behavior of a student organization UNLESS the advisor had prior knowledge of the group’s risky behavior(s) and failed to report it, and/or either condoned/participated in the activity(ies). 

If you have questions or concerns related to a student organization’s activities, please contact Student Life immediately at [email protected].

Questions? Email [email protected] for more information.