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Home » Student Engagement » Join or Start a Student Club

Join or Start a Student Club

Joining or Starting a club is a great way to get involved at York University! Explore this page to learn more about how to get connected to current Student Organizations (Student Clubs and Governments) or learn about the process to start your own!

  1. Go to yuconnect.yorku.ca and click on Login.
  2. Login to the system through your Passport York account. Note: The YU Connect system is only available to community members with an active Passport York Account.
  3. Fill out a personal profile and add things like your name, contact information and profile picture. 
  4. Explore active student clubs and student governments and request to join

If you have a passion or idea that is not represented in any of the existing student organizations, you are welcome to create a new one.  Keep in mind that you cannot create more than one organization per year nor can you be the signing officer for more than one organization at a given time.  To apply to start a new organization, follow these steps:

  1. Visit YuConnect's Group Directory
  2. Click Register new Student Club
  3. Complete the steps in the application process and review your submission.
  4. Click Submit.

Starting a club at York University involves several steps and meeting specific requirements. Follow this guide to ensure a smooth application process:

1. Choose a Name for Your Club

  • The club name must not use "York" or "York University" in the official title.
  • You may indicate the club’s location with phrases like “at York”.
    • Example: Use “Chess Club at York” (abbreviated to CCY), but not “YCC”.

2. Assemble Your Executive Team

  • Identify and list club officers such as:
    • President
    • Vice President
    • Treasurer
    • Any additional positions as needed
  • Gather contact information for each officer:
    • Full Name
    • Title/Role
    • Email Address

3. Recruit Members

  • Prepare a membership list with:
    • Full names of all members
    • Indication of student status (York or non-York)
  • Membership requirements:
    • Minimum 15 active members who are currently registered York students.
    • 80% of members must be York University students.
    • Academic Student Clubs: No minimum membership but still require a membership list.

4. Draft a Club Constitution

5. Complete Clubs 101 Training

  • Ensure that all club executives complete the Clubs 101 training program.
  • Obtain proof of completion to include in your application.

6. Meet Additional Recognition Requirements (if applicable)

Depending on your club's focus, you may need to fulfill additional requirements:

  1. Academic Clubs:
    • Must affiliate with the relevant academic department or Faculty.
    • Obtain approval from the department or Faculty before registration.
  2. Athletic Clubs:
    • Undergo an additional review by the Athletics & Recreation Department to meet safety and documentation requirements.
    • Visit the Athletics & Recreations Clubs website for detailed steps.
  3. Religious and Faith-Based Clubs:
    • Join the Inter-Faith Council (IFC) of York University.
    • Adhere to the IFC’s Three Pillars of Tolerance and ensure no similar clubs exist.

7. Submit Your Application

  • Include all required documentation:
    • Club name and executive list.
    • Membership list with active members identified.
    • Constitution.
    • Proof of Clubs 101 completion.
  • For additional guidance, consult the Regulation Regarding Student Organizations.
  1. Visit YuConnect's Group Directory
  2. Search your student organization. Click "Group Re-Registration"
  3. Complete the steps in the application process and review your submission.
  4. Click Submit.

Timeline for Application and Recognition

Re-Registering an Existing Club

Student Club Recognition expires annually on September 30. All Student Organizations are required to register annually.

Registration Period:

August 15 - September 30

Note: Dates are subject to change

Starting a New Club

Students may start a new club through 2 registration periods

Registration Periods:

August 15 - September 30 2024

December 2 2024 - January 18 2024 - Applications will only be reviewed beginning January 6 2024.

Note: Dates are subject to change

Visit YU Connect

Clubs 101

All Student Club Executives & Signing Officers must complete Clubs 101 Modules. Failure to meet this requirement will void Recognition.

Clubs 101 Modules

Questions? Contact yuengage@yorku.ca