Division of Campus Life
Student Activities
Student Groups
The Student Activities Office supports the initiatives of 400+ active, recognized student organizations, providing a vibrant and diverse community where students can engage in a wide range of interests, including academic, cultural, artistic and social pursuits.
Student Groups
The Student Activities Office supports the initiatives of 400+ active, recognized student organizations, providing a vibrant and diverse community where students can engage in a wide range of interests, including academic, cultural, artistic and social pursuits.
All UCS and GSC recognized organizations must be open to all students regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or caste.
Recognized Student Organizations
Student Activities works closely with the Undergraduate Council of Students (UCS) and Graduate Student Council (GSC) to recognize and support student organizations.
Derecognized Student Organizations
The organizations listed below are not currently recognized by Brown University, the Undergraduate Council of Students (UCS), the Graduate Student Council, or any Greek Council on campus.
If you have any questions regarding an organization's status, please contact the Student Activities Office at 401-863-2341.
Participation in Derecognized Student Groups. It is a violation of University policy for students to knowingly affiliate with groups, teams, or organizations that have had their University recognition suspended or permanently revoked by the University for disciplinary reasons. The definition of affiliation includes joining, rushing, pledging or being involved in any activity that would normally be associated with being a member of such an organization. This applies to organizations that were created by members of a derecognized organization in an attempt to continue its presence on campus.
This prohibited conduct does not apply to unrecognized student groups who have never had University recognition or who are currently not recognized by the University because of non-disciplinary disbandment. However, known members of unrecognized student groups may be held accountable for any prohibited conduct by these groups.
Derecognized Student Organizations:
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Phi Kappa Psi, RI Alpha Chapter - established at Brown in 1902, derecognized in 2015
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Sigma Chi, Beta Nu chapter - established at Brown in 1872, derecognized in 2019
Student Organization Resources
Student Group Handbook and Forms
The Student Activities Office has created a handbook for student organizations at Brown which is inclusive of all necessary policies related to recognition, events, safety, applicable campus policies, etc.
There are a variety of forms and contracts that are vital for student organization leaders to be familiar with in order to host successful events and support their group operations. Below you can find resources that are important for financial transactions, event planning and registration and managing liability.
Student Group Management
Brown's vibrant student culture is constantly shifting based on the varied interests of its students. There are hundreds of student groups in existence and each year new student groups form while others become inactive. Find out what you need to know to start a new student group at Brown.
The Student Activities Financial Services Office can be found in room 342 of the Stephen Robert '62 Campus Center where student organizations can manage financial accounts and carry out transactions.
Student groups can make use of OIT, University Communications and Multimedia Labs services to enhance online communication.
Student Organizations may host registered activities and events by completing forms and receiving approval from their Student Activities Office (SAO) advisor. Groups must register events at least 2-3 weeks ahead of time.
The goal of the Student Activity Office (SAO) and Environmental Health and Safety (EHS) Safety Program for UCS-recognized groups is to ensure that a safe, healthy environment is maintained at all times during each stage of every project and activity.