1. Student organizational handbook
Located on OSI website, organized by subject
There’s something in there for every Executive position!
Available for reference 24/7! When the OSI is closed, the handbook is still open!
Have edits? Share them at and help us improve this resource
RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE

2. Constitution workshop
Does your org’s Constitution need a makeover?
Come have a personalized consultation to discuss how
updating your Constitution can revive your organization
and move it forward!
to request an appointment, or stop by the OSI front desk!
Consultations can be 1-on-1, with your President and Advisor, with your whole exec board, or at your next meeting!
RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE

3. Keeping your org visible & viable on campus
Keeping your student organization viable even after you graduate takes commitment from you now! Here is a quick list of things to put in place to ensure this happens:
Establish a system of good stewardship
Create Officer binders to describe each executive position, its responsibilities and a calendar or timeline for each semester.
Stress that executives use binders for all org business and keep good notes.
Establish a transition period. Make sure binders get passed down.
Hold clean elections
Elections should be held at the same time each year. November elections for January takeovers provide maximum stability for organizations.
Communicate clearly to your organization about when nominations/elections will happen.
Use Bearcat Link to run your election! There is a workflow for this in the Student Org Handbook!
Keep the finances transparent
Treasurers should be trained in Northwest processes and report regularly to the group.
Deposit cash quickly.
Bank on campus whenever possible. Off-campus accounts don’t always make the transition to new leadership.
Keep National dues and memberships up to date for your organization.
Keep your Advisor in the loop!
Set up monthly meetings to update him/her on what the organization is doing, challenges you are experiencing and suggestions for success.
Invite your Advisor to events held by the organization – they are key to your success.

4. Establish your Campus Reputation DWYSYWD – Do What You Say You Will Do
Your organization can suffer for years under a “bad rap” so build good relations to pass on.
Clean up all venues, check your and mailboxes regularly, address issues as they arise.
Create “Mini Me’s”
Open up leadership positions whenever possible by creating committee chairs and junior officers.
Groom the next leaders now so they’ll be ready to take-over for maximum stability.
Get involved on campus! Participate in Homecoming!
Get together with recent Alums from your organization, plan campus-wide events to attract new members, fundraise and benefit Philanthropies.
Perform Community Service
Nothing builds a strong organization like working in service to others.
Partner with other Student Organizations
Hold larger events by working with other groups whose mission is similar or complementary.
Hold competitions for a good cause to benefit everyone.
Maximize your groups reach, share its message and capitalize on shared resources.
Re-Register on Bearcat Link each Fall
Re-register each Fall to stay recognized so current and future Bearcats can find you!
Build relationships and have FUN!! People don’t get involved because it sounds good. People get involved because of YOU!
KEEPING YOUR ORG VISIBLE & VIABLE ON CAMPUS

5. University branding
Like all Universities, Northwest takes violations of it’s logo and image licensure very seriously. Use of Northwest’s
Logo and images are cases where you definitely want to ask for permission, not forgiveness.
Northwest’s Institutional Graphic Standards can be found at:
This covers use of the University’s logos, font and print standards. These standards apply, even to flyers for
Use on campus, as well as for t-shirts, merchandise, and on the web.
If you are intending to use Bobby Bearcat, or the Northwest bearcat paw, these images are licensed by
Northwest Athletics. Contact Nathan Davis in advance to have your graphics approved before using.
Not sure if your design is up to standards?
Want some guidance?
Contact Brandon Stanley in University
Marketing & Communications for help:

6. Additional resources Mail & Copy Center Other miscellaneous suppliesor
charge copies to 919 or FOP for organization
Need large paper or craft supplies?
The OSI can loan you the pass to the Resource Center which has large rolls of colored paper, die-cut letters and more! Great for making banners and bulletin boards.
Other miscellaneous supplies
Limited supplies available in the OSI – 2nd floor JW Jones Student Union
Borrow card swipers for attendance tracking in the OSI – 2nd floor JW Jones Student Union.
Need to use a credit card for org purchases? Talk to the OSI, we may be able to help.
Need giveaways for an event? University Marketing & Communications might be able to help:
Need icebreaker activities for a meeting or event?
The OSI Leadership Library has games and activities for you to check out
Need something else and not sure where to go? Talk to the OSI!!
2260 JW Jones Student Union