New Group Recognition

Every year, SAC holds a New Group Recognition period during which student groups that are not yet SAC-recognized can apply for SAC recognition. Earning SAC recognition provides groups with access to SAC funding as well as a budget code in OSA. SAC recognition is not necessary for reserving spaces on campus, obtaining funding from alternate sources (see Common Funding Application here), or hosting a table at the SAC Activities Fair.


Timeline

The SAC New Group Recognition application period runs typically throughout October. Following the closing of the application period, all applications will be reviewed to determine which groups will be granted interviews for recognition.

Applications will be reviewed throughout the month of November. Given the increased number of applications submitted each year, this review process is lengthy. Please be patient during this period. Your group may be notified of its status at any time during the month of November or early December. Groups will be notified of SAC Exec's final decision by early December. Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.


Criteria

There are criteria that must be met by applying student groups in order to be eligible for SAC recognition. Failure to meet these pre-requisites will result in disqualification of an applying groups, a decision that cannot be appealed. The criteria are as follows:

  • Student groups must serve a niche purpose that is completely distinct from other SAC-recognized student organizations.

  • Student groups must be sustainable. This is demonstrated by having members from various class years and being registered on Penn Clubs by - at the latest - December 1st of the year prior to the application deadline. Instructions on how to register can be found in the General FAQs here.

  • Students groups must have Executive Boards comprised completely of full time undergraduate students at the University of Pennsylvania (with the exceptions of second semester seniors) and general membership must be at least 75% full time undergraduate students.

  • Student groups must have a primary mission that fits into a SAC category. SAC uses the following categories for student organizations:

    • Academic/Pre-Professional

    • Arts/Performance

    • Community/Public Service

    • Cultural/International

    • Instructional/Competitive

    • Media/Publications

    • Peer Education/Support

    • Political/Advocacy

    • Religious/Spiritual

    • Sports/Recreational*

  • Student groups must be recognized and in good standing by an applicable umbrella organization, if one exists. As follows…

    • Performing arts groups must be recognized by the Performing Arts Council (PAC).

    • Religious groups must be recognized by Programs for Religion, Interfaith, and Spirituality Matters (PRISM).

    • Cultural groups must be recognized by the applicable governing board, which includes the Asian Pacific Student Coalition (APSC), Latinx Coalition (LC), UMOJA, and United Minorities Council (UMC).

    • Support groups must be recognized by the applicable governing board, which includes the Penn Association for Gender Equity( PAGE) and Lambda Alliance (LA).

    • Academic & Pre-Professional groups affiliated with the Wharton School must be recognized by the Wharton Council (WC).

    • Academic & Pre-Professional groups affiliated with the School of Engineering must be recognized by the Engineering Student Activities Council (ESAC).

    • Consulting groups which fall under SAC’s Academic & Pre-Professional category must be recognized by an applicable governing board or be supported by a University department or administrator.

    • Sports & Recreational groups DO NOT apply to SAC directly. This category is primarily for competitive sports clubs, which must seek recognition and funding through the Sports Club Council (SCC).


Application requirements

  1. Constitution (formal document that governs the organization)

  2. List of activities (include events that were collaborations)

  3. List of members (list position and school year for board members as well as general members)

  4. List of expenses for the most recent full academic year (in Excel format with the SAC budget category each expense falls under)

  5. Completed SAC Recognition Application

  6. Once you have completed all of these steps, please email newgroup@sacfunded.net with the Subject "[Club Name] SAC New Club Recognition Application”

Application process

Prior to applying, make sure you have designated someone to serve as your student organization's SAC representative. We expect SAC representatives to be fiscally responsible, adhere to University policies and procedures for student organization finances, and making sure the student organization remains in good standing by registering with OSA each year.

There are three possible decisions: (1) disqualification due to not meeting the criteria for applying as outlined below; (2) recommendation to not recognize, which can be appealed; (3) recommendation to recognize. Appealing and accepting groups will attend the December GBM to undergo the process before the general body.

Newly-recognized student organizations will not be eligible for funding until three months after the date of their SAC recognition. After this period, they will be eligible to apply for contingency funding for the remainder of that academic year and may apply for an annual budget for the following academic year. 

UNIVERSITY POLICIES

All student organizations must adhere to policies and procedures established by the University of Pennsylvania. This includes, but is not limited to, the policies outlined in the Pennbook and the Code of Student Conduct. Furthermore, student organizations are expected to operate in compliance with the University’s non-discrimination statement, antihazing regulations and all relevant local, state, and federal laws.

Please email newgroup@sacfunded.net with any questions.