Proposed new student groups must be approved by the Office of Medical Student Affairs (OMSA) and by Medical Student Government (MSG). Student groups who wish to be involved in community engagement work should consult with the Community Engagement Coordinator prior to submitting the application and be prepared to submit an appropriate Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with relevant community partners.
Step 1: Fill out this form: WUSM New Student Group Application.
Step 2: OMSA will review application to ensure compliance with university policies and mission.
Step 3: The leader(s) of the proposed new group will meet with M1 MSG President, M1 OSR, OMSA Dean, and OMSA Staff member to hear the proposal. This team will give preliminary feedback, identify any potential concerns, and may request additional information.
Step 4: If approved by the initial committee, the proposal will pass through to the next scheduled MSG general body meeting. MSG will recommend approval or disapproval of your group’s proposal.
Step 5: Once your group is approved, OMSA will provide the following services:
- Provide funding through our office if appropriate
- Offer advice for accomplishing administrative tasks and overall goals
- Book on-campus meeting spaces on request
- Post group events on the Keystone Student Commons Calendar upon request
- Offer a web presence for your group on the website
Tips for a Successful Student Group Application
- Group mission should align with WUSM mission
- Group should ensure their interest or cause will have long term relevance
- Group should fill a unique need and not overlap with mission or activities of existing student groups
- Group should be active with regular meetings/ opportunities planned
- Group should have clear structure of leadership and transition plan for sustainability
- Group should demonstrate sufficient student interest (e.g. via informal survey) for sustainability
- Group should identify an appropriate faculty advisor (OMSA can assist with recommendations if needed)
- If group will engage in community outreach, group should have obtained consult with the Community Engagement Coordinator.
*Please note: Student groups will need to continue to demonstrate the above in order to qualify for approval and funding in subsequent years.