News & information from UB, New York's flagship university
Updated August 9, 2023
At the University at Buffalo, we recognize that clubs and organizations are an invaluable part of the university community. UB students organize and lead over 400 clubs and organizations. Students can discover the 400+ clubs and their events through UBLinked, UB’s virtual involvement platform.
We are proud to support campus UB clubs and organizations by offering a variety of programs and services designed to help them, including advisement on UB and SUNY policies, available campus programs and how to start a new student organization (budgeting, fundraising, travel and office space).
Student clubs and organizations must be officially recognized to utilize services and participate in campus events. An organization can be recognized by one of UB’s student governments, a university department, or the Campus Ministries Association.
There are currently seven student governments that have an affiliation with the University at Buffalo:
At UB, these separate, self-governing non-profit organizations are led by elected student leaders who serve and represent students at the university. All UB student governments are funded by a mandatory student activity fee, per SUNY guidelines. Elected student leaders develop and establish student government policies independent of the university. Student governments maintain complete control of their funding and designate its uses and plan accordingly.
The SA is made up of over 150 clubs. SA-sponsored clubs are permitted to use university space for their events and activities.
SA is a separate, self-governing non-profit organization, led by elected student leaders who serve and represent undergraduate students at the university. Elected student leaders develop and establish SA policies independent of the university.
Student government funds are collected through an activity fee paid each semester by each student at UB. This mandatory activity fee is determined by the student’s respective division (Undergraduate SA, Graduate, Graduate Management, Medical, Dental, Pharmacy, Law School). The fee provides support for student organization programs and activities for all divisions of the university and is a part of the tuition and fee structure. Taxpayer dollars are not used to fund student governments
Exploring diverse points of view and engaging in open discussion are core principles upheld at UB. Student government-sponsored clubs have the ability to invite speakers of their choosing to the university and must follow university guidelines on the use of campus space.
The university does not take a position on the views expressed by those who visit its campus. However, the university requires all groups using campus space to abide by university guidelines and state laws concerning the exhibition and management of public events.
As a public university, it is a fundamental value of UB that all members of the campus community and their invited guests have a right to peacefully express their views and opinions, regardless of whether others may disagree with those expressions. This includes the right of protesters to oppose the views or opinions of others, but not in such a way as to limit or prevent the speaker's freedom of expression or interfere with university operations. More information is available at http://www.buffalo.edu/news/key-issues/freedom-of-expression.html
UB is committed to being a safe and welcoming place for all people. University Police typically have a presence at on-campus public events to help ensure the safety of speakers and attendees.