Start a Club or Organization
Each year, every club is required to follow the registration process in order to receive the benefits of being an official club.
To be recognized as a CSUMB student club or organization, you will go through a simple recognition process that helps ensure groups are aware of their responsibilities and privileges. This allows each group to operate as independently as it desires and receive as much assistance as it needs.
This registration process occurs during November and April (once per semester), although Student Engagement & Leadership Development encourages student involvement year-round! Please see the How to Start an ICC-Recognized Student Organization Guide for more information about starting a student organization.
Please reach out to dburfeind@csumb.edu if you have additional questions.
• Free room reservations for your meetings.
• Many free venues for your club events including but not limited to the University Center, Meeting House, Dance Studio, Tanimura & Antle Family Memorial Library, Heron Hall, Otter Student Union and the Student Center.
• Publicity via Master Calendar and some may be featured in the weekly email newsletter: Otter Be Involved.
• Financial account is setup and maintained for you by Student Engagement and Leadership Development.
• Event planning support and training's. This includes chair, table, technology, and other rentals as needed—on a first come, first serve basis.
• Access to student fee money as well as club funds automatically deposited to your club account.
• Training's vital for the success of your organization sponsored by Student Engagement and Leadership Development.
• Otter Showcase tabling opportunity in order to recruit new members.
For more information, stop by Student Engagement and Leadership Development located in the Otter Student Union room 304.. The professional staff in Student Engagement and Leadership Development is dedicated to assisting all clubs in their efforts.
Inter-Club Council
Inter Clubs Council Advisor: Dan Burfeind - dburfeind@csumb.edu
Sports-Clubs Council
Sports Club Council Advisor: Rick Dawson - rdawson@csumb.edu
United Sorority and Fraternity Council
United Sorority and Fraternity Council Advisor: Dr. Denise Tambasco - dtambasco@csumb.edu
Setting up a meeting in Google Calendar
To set up a meeting with your council advisor, please submit a calendar invitation using Google Calendar. To view your council advisor’s calendar, login to your CSUMB Dashboard with your CSUMB username, and click, “calendar.” This will open your CSUMB Google Calendar. To search for your advisor, simply type their name or email in the “Add a coworker's calendar” search bar on the left of the calendar. There you should be able to view their availability and select a time within business hours (8am-5pm) that works for your schedule.
Should you have trouble sending a calendar invitation, you can always feel free to email them directly
Before registering your student organization, you’ll need to determine which council best represents your group. Each council provides specialized support, resources, and community tailored to your club’s focus. Review the descriptions below to find the best fit:
Inter-Club Council (ICC)
The Inter-Club Council represents a wide range of student organizations that enrich campus life through culture, community, creativity, and connection. These clubs create inclusive spaces for students to express themselves, explore interests, and build leadership skills.
Examples of clubs under ICC include:- Cultural & Identity-Based Clubs – Celebrate heritage, traditions, and diverse identities (e.g., APIA, Otter Pride Club)
- Faith & Spirituality Clubs – Support students’ spiritual growth and dialogue (e.g., Otters Under Christ, Jewish Student Union)
- Advocacy Clubs – Encourage civic engagement, dialogue, and social justice (e.g., Wildlife Conservation, Lit Match Club)
- Academic & Honors Clubs – Enrich academic experiences and connect students by major or field (e.g., Film, Business Club)
- Interest-Based & Fun Clubs – Bring students together around hobbies, pop culture, or just for fun (e.g., Swifties Club, Star Wars Club, Board Games Club)
United Sorority and Fraternity Council (USFC)
The United Sorority and Fraternity Council supports all recognized Greek-letter organizations at CSUMB. These organizations foster leadership, lifelong friendship, scholarship, service, and a strong sense of community through shared values and traditions.
USFC includes:- Social fraternities and sororities
- Culturally based Greek organizations
All USFC organizations uphold standards related to academics, community involvement, and organizational integrity.
Sport Clubs Council (SCC)
The Sport Clubs Council supports student-led sports organizations that promote health, competition, and team building. These clubs offer opportunities for students to play sports recreationally or competitively while building community and school pride.
Types of sports clubs include:- Competitive Teams – Represent CSUMB in club competitions (e.g., Men’s Soccer Club, Women's Rugby Club)
- Recreational Clubs – Encourage active lifestyles and wellness (e.g., Surf Club, Hiking Club)
Clubs are open to all skill levels and usually involve regular practices, events, and tournaments.