Starting a new HESA Society
Interested in starting a new society around a topic you are passionate about? Refer to the requirements and guide below to get started! (Please first make sure, that there not already exists one similar).
Do you want to form a new HESA Society and help connect the HES community? We encourage that!
Check the step by step guide!
Society Requirements
The requirements to start a student society are the following:
Topic
Student societies must be created on a topic that is related to an HES degree program as listed on the HES website. A special prior permission will be required to form a society that is not connected to a degree program.
Name
Society name needs to abide by the following format “Harvard Extension School Student [topic] Society” or “Harvard Extension School [topic] Student Society.
Members
(1) At least 10 degree candidates are interested and willing to petition for the society and serve as officers or voluntary members for the entirety of the inaugural semester(2) Three members need to be identified to serve in the roles of President, Vice President and Director of Events.
Document
The following documents are required to enable the official society formation:
(1) Registration form (OPEN) (2) Constitution (please note that anything in red or brackets [ ] needs to be replaced before submission) (3) Anti-Hazing Agreement (OPEN)
Logo
Societies are required to design a society logo. The logo should be in the shape of a shield (like all other Harvard clubs and societies) and include something to symbolize the purpose of the society.
Steps to form a new society
Step 1. Contact the Director of Club & Society Affairs to share your society idea.
The director will be able to guide you through the registration requirements and highlight the main pitfalls in the process. Also, the registration process is rather lengthy, and starting early in the semester will be key to your success. Most students and faculty get extremely busy during the last few weeks of the semester.
Step 2. Form your leadership team.
One of the common mistakes is trying to form a society and do all the administrative work alone. We are looking for a leadership team who will spread the load equally among themselves. The leadership team will also ensure the continuity of the society for years to come, so having a good mix of students with diverse backgrounds will make the task easier. The minimum size of the leadership team is three, but we recommend forming a group of five to seven. Your leadership team will later become your first Board of Directors.
- Conduct at least two meetings with students interested in participating in the society
- Identify 10 interested degree candidates willing to petition for the society and serve as officers or voluntary members for the entirety of the inaugural semester
- Select three members for the officer positions below: President, Vice-President, Director of Events
Step 3. Engage your community
During the formation of your society, you can start organizing events and holding discussions with your constituency. This will help you shape your mission statement and the main objectives of your society. Remember, the society is a representation of its members, so getting to know your people will guide you toward successful outcomes. HESA does not provide or share student names or contact details – building your community will be your leadership team’s responsibility.
Step 4. Find a faculty advisor.
The society approval process requires faculty member support. This person will play the role of a mentor to your board. While the time commitment is fairly low for them, the faculty advisor role is essential at the point of approving your newly-formed club by the Dean of Students Office. They should be your biggest supporter and advocate, vouching for you.