Lucy Dale, Staff Writer–

Since May 2024, the Campus Organization Review Board (CORB) and the Alford Community Leadership & Involvement Center (CLIC) have approved multiple new organizations. 

Among these organizations are Alpha Psi Lambda, BLISS, Club Pickleball, DCSA – Arts for All, DCSA – Book Recycling, DCSA – Serve to Swim, Gardening Club, HERE US Art Collective, International Affairs Association, Men’s Mental Health at Denison, Nepalese Student Association, Revival Thrift, Roundnet Club, Rubik’s Cube Club, Sports Career & Exploration, Wine Society, Women’s Club Field Hockey and Women’s Club Lacrosse.

According to the Princeton Review, universities typically offer 100–300 student clubs, and Denison currently has 177, based on a list updated on September 16, 2024, by CLIC. Students who wish to start a new organization must go through CLIC and CORB.  

CORB comprises at least eight members: one CLIC staff member, one chair (voted in by the Denison Campus Governance Association) and six students selected annually. It is co-led by the CORB Chair and the CLIC Associate Director. Proposals are only considered if the new organization is explicitly different from existing ones. 

“I wanted to create a space where Nepalese students and those interested in Nepalese culture could come together, celebrate traditions, and build a strong community,” said Ashlisha Sharma-Parsai ‘27, who founded the Nepalese Student Association (NSA). “There wasn’t a dedicated group for Nepalese students before, and I felt it was essential to have representation, cultural events, and a support system for those who share this heritage or want to learn more about it.”  

To apply, students must have at least two officers—such as a President and Treasurer—along with a constitution, bylaws (if applicable), and a faculty/staff advisor. Sharma-Parsai noted, “It was a team effort to bring the idea to life.”  

Additionally, proposals must align with Denison’s mission. Blake McDonald ‘25, who launched the International Affairs Association, said: “In today’s world, it’s crucial to engage with different perspectives and constructively challenge our own beliefs.”  

Specific organizations require additional approval. Service organizations must be reviewed by the Denison Community Service Association (DCSA) and the CLIC Associate Director. Greek life proposals require a meeting with the Director of Fraternity and Sorority Life. Club sports or intramural teams must first consult the Director of Club Sports.  

“I got in contact with Lynsey [Whisner], the Director of Club Sports and Athletic Business Management, and met with her to discuss the possibility of starting the club. After that, I wrote a constitution and answered questions from DCGA. It was a lot of work, but nothing too difficult,” said Melvin Serrano ‘27, founder of the Pickleball Club. 

Before applying, students must attend a New Campus Organization Information Session, which helps clarify requirements and answer questions. Sessions are hosted weekly during the first four weeks of each semester and are listed on WhatToDU. Students must attend one before submitting a proposal.  

Applications are submitted via WhatToDU, and the process remains open for the first four weeks of each semester. Spring proposals are due Feb. 28.

Once a proposal is submitted, a CORB liaison is assigned to communicate with the applicant. Students can also request meetings with their liaison. 

“This is intended to streamline the review and approval process to create a cohort of students starting new organizations to provide them extra support throughout their first semester,” Dana Pursley, Director of CLIC, said.  

CORB then reviews the entire proposal, gathers feedback from relevant campus partners, provides necessary revisions, and ensures the intended advisor has completed the required hazing prevention training. After this, CORB makes a recommendation to Pursley, who has the final say on whether a club is approved for provisional status or denied.  

Approved organizations enter a one-semester “provisional status” period, during which they must meet specific requirements. If successful, they receive full recognition at the semester’s end. McDonald, reflecting on his experience, said, “The process was relatively smooth and took about three months to get fully established.”