Ohio University offers student organizations the tools they need to succeed through robust training and resources. To speak to a Center for Student Engagement & Leadership representative, please email involvement@ohio.edu .
Otherwise, all things student organizations are housed on Bobcat Connect , including Ohio University’s:
Registering a New Organization
If a student group is eligible, they may apply to become a recognized student organization. Please review the student organization recognition process and eligibility requirements in the Student Organization Handbook [PDF] .
To register a new organization, visit the organizations tab on Bobcat Connect , and click “Register A New Organization.” Once you complete the form, a Center for Student Engagement & Leadership staff member will be in contact.
Organization Leadership Training Modules
Ohio University student organizations are more than just a way to get involved; through experiences as members and leaders of these groups, OHIO students become stronger communicators, planners and more well-rounded individuals.
These training videos will support student organization leadership teams by developing essential skills to recruit and retain members, lead meetings, manage finances, and build a sustainable organization.
President Training Module
This video is for new and returning Presidents of Student Organizations.
At the end of this training, you will be able to use all the necessary functions of Bobcat Connect to better run your organization. Specifically, you will learn: roster management, event registration and how to locate your account number.
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Officer Transition Resources
Transitioning knowledge and role responsibilities from outgoing to incoming officers is vital for student organizations’ long-term success. The transition process provides new officers with the opportunity to learn from outgoing officers about their positions and responsibilities. Proactive and successful transitions will facilitate the following:
- Transfer of organization ownership and historical knowledge
- Seamless continuity of the organization’s progress, growth, and goals
- Reinforcement of productive communication and support between officers to plan and create new goals
- Development of a sense of pride and mission-aligned purpose in the new officers
A successful officer transition requires more than a one-hour meeting. During an officer's entire time in their role, they should be documenting processes, progress, recommendations, and goals.
Transition Guide
A transition guide [PDF]
is available for your organization to use. There are helpful questions and checklists for both outgoing and incoming officers.
When transitioning, we recommend following the outlined steps:
- Outgoing officers complete the ‘Outgoing Officer Checklist’ and ‘Outgoing Officer Worksheet’
- Incoming officers complete the ‘Incoming Officer Worksheet’
- Outgoing and new officer board meet for transition meeting (sample agenda available in the transition guide)
a. During the group transition meeting, ensure time is allocated for one-on-one meetings for individual officer transitions.
Student Organization Finances
The Center for Student Engagement & Leadership aims to provide all student organizations with the support needed to maintain financial health. In addition, student organizations can expect to work with the Office of the Bursar for depositing income and the Senate Appropriations Commission (SAC) for funding opportunities. All student organizations are provided with a university bank account.
External bank accounts are prohibited.
For more information, student organizations can access the Treasurer’s Manual [PDF] or book an appointment for financial support.
Making Purchases
Before making purchases, student organization members should always ensure there are appropriate funds in their student organization account.
Student organizations can purchase items in two ways:
- Complete an expenditure request with the center to use a University Purchasing Card (p-card). This process works the same way as using a personal credit card except funds come directly out of a student organization account.
- A member or organization can use their personal funds and be reimbursed by the organization. Complete an expenditure request to request reimbursement.
If you are paying an individual or business for service or if there is a contract involved, schedule an appointment with a Procurement Specialist for further assistance.
Checking Your Balance
The Student Organizations OHIO Funds Available View can be used to view receipts, expenditures and remaining funds available for an organization.
A video tutorial is located in the Leadership Training Modules .
Making Deposits
Complete a Deposit Slip, (which can be obtained from the Student Organizations window of the Office of the Bursar, 010 Chubb Hall), with the following information:
- Organization’s name
- Account number
- Deposit amount
- Coins must be rolled with the organization’s name and account number indicated on the rolls
- Checks must be endorsed with the organization’s name and account number
- Treasurer’s signature
Requesting Checks
Checks/disbursement vouchers are handled by the OHIO Business Service Center.
SAC Funding
Besides fundraising and dues as income-producing activities, student organizations can apply for Senate Appropriation Commission (SAC) funding via the finance tool on Bobcat Connect .
SAC is a student-run funding body, which means that all funding decisions are made by students. There are two types of SAC funding: bi-weekly and semesterly. Bi-weekly requests have a $1,500 cap per event per application and must be made for programs happening the semester the request is made. Semesterly requests have no funding cap and must be made the semester before the request is made.
Questions can be emailed to sac@ohio.edu .
Spring 2024 SAC Meetings (Baker 355)
- January 23
- February 6
- February 20
- March 5
- March 19
- April 2
- April 16
Student Organizations have done an unprecedented amount of programming this year and SAC is excited to have been able to fund so many of them. However, as a result of the increased programming, SAC has run out of funds to allocate for bi-weekly funding. We are sorry for the inconvenience that this will cause some of our organizations.
Semesterly budget requests will open via Bobcat Connect on February 26 and will remain open until April 5.If you need assistance with your application, please email sac@ohio.edu .
How to Access the SAC Application
How to access the SAC application on Bobcat Connect .
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Special Weekend Event Space Request
Ohio University hosts several special weekends for students to welcome families and friends into their OHIO experience. While student organizations typically reserve space on EMS or Astra, a special form is required for requesting space on special weekends. After submitting, student organizations will be notified of space allocations.
Event Space Request Form [PDF]
Email completed forms to involvement@ohio.edu or drop off at the Center for Student Engagement & Leadership at Baker 355.
Green Event
Are you interested in hosting a Green Event at Ohio University? Green Events are intentionally planned to benefit people, planet and prosperity simultaneously.
EMS Room Reservations for Fall 2024
Conference and Event Services Opening Day is Wednesday, March 20, 2024 at 9:00 am
Please make sure your Bobcat Connect organization rosters are updated to ensure you have access to reserve spaces.
Video tutorials for reserving spaces are available in the Leadership Training Modules .