Setting up a new society
If none of our 200+ societies floats your boat then you can always set one up yourself - it couldn't be easier! You just have to make sure that your society does not carry out any activities that are similar to another existing society. If it doesn't then you can set up a society by following these six simple steps:
1. Collect a 'Society Constitution' form, a 'What you can expect from this society' form, and an Exec Registration form from the Resources Room (Level 2) in Union North, or print forms off (see below).
2. Collect 30 signatures from people who would be interested in joining your society. Make sure you write the name of the society and brief description at the top so that people know what they are signing.
3. Hand all of the forms into the Societies Administrator in the Resources Room (Level 2, Union North), or email them to socsfedchair@sunion.warwick.ac.uk.
4. You will be invited to the next Societies Federation Committee meeting where you can explain what your society is all about and answer any questions that the Societies Federation Committee may have.
5. The Societies Federation Committee Chair will let you know if you have been recognised as a society or not.
6. Once you have been recognised you should go to the Resources Room and fill in an Exec Registration form and a Risk Assessment form and then you can begin recruiting members!
Forms
Society Constiution Form
What you can expect form
Exec Registration Form
What to do once your society has been set up
1. Go to the Resources Room (Union North, Level 2) and the Societies Administrator will explain how to access your society email account and finance account. You can also pick up your finance card here. You will also need to be registered on the system as the Exec of your society.
2. Read the Exec Information section on the Societies Website. This is basically an Exec Pack and will give you lots of information about how to run events, who can help you with what, compulsory courses, etc.
3. Go and see the Societies and Student Development Officer, who will answer any further questions you have to do specifically with your society.
Top Tips for running a successful society
1. Check your society email account regularly to keep updated. This is main form of communication between the Union and societies and is incredibly important as you may miss essential information and deadlines. It should be checked at least once a week.
2. Go to the Impact Training courses and read all the relevant information so you know exactly what is required of you and when.
3. Be organised! Organise your events and activities in plenty of time so that have everything planned out, you can complete the relevant paperwork and inform people, and prevent any unneccessary stress.
4. If in doubt, ask! The Societies and Student Development Officer as well as the staff in the Resources Room and the rest of the Union are here to help you. If you are not sure of anything, don't know if you are allowed to do a certain activity or purchase certain things with society money, or run into problems, the best thing to do is ask before it's too late.
5. Have fun! Remember that you are doing this as an extra-curricular activity. If you are finding it difficult to balance your time with your academic work, delegate tasks among the exec, ask for help, and speak to someone. Also, make sure that you get the most out of it you possibly can. Running a society develops many skills which employers look for, as well as enhancing your time and experience at Warwick.