Create New USO

Are you looking for resources to create a new USO?

Check out the information below!

What is a USO and Why It matters?

A Ukrainian Student Organization (USO) is a student-led club at a Canadian post-secondary institution that unites Ukrainian students and allies to celebrate culture, promote advocacy, and build community. It is especially important in times of war and displacement, as USOs help preserve language, traditions, and identity while connecting students to their roots and broader Canadian society. If your campus doesn’t have one, SUSK provides a step-by-step guide, constitution template, and personalized support to help you start and grow a USO.

 

So, You Want to Start a USO on Your Campus?

First of all, check for existing USOs in different universities across Canada.

How to Check for an Existing USO

  1. Visit SUSK’s “Find Your USO” page
    SUSK cooperates and supports over 25 USOs across Canada and provides a searchable list broken down by province and campus
  2. Search by institution name
    Navigate to your province, find your school, and use the listed contact information (email, social media, etc.) to see if the club is active.
  3. Contact SUSK VP National if unlisted
    If your school doesn’t appear on the list, Contact SUSK.

If you didn’t find one, follow the instructions below :

Read this guideline that outlines the process of creating or reviving a USO. It highlights how to form your team, become officially recognized at your post-secondary institution, attract members, and much more.

 

In This Guideline, You Will Find:

 

  • Forming Your Team
    Tips on building a dedicated team to support your USO.
  • Official Status at Your University
    Steps to become officially recognized by your post-secondary institution.
  • More On Attracting Members
    Techniques to grow your membership and engage with potential members.
  • Office and Storage
    Guidelines on securing office space and storage for your USO.
  • Scheduling
    Advice on creating a schedule that accommodates your members and activities.
  • Letting the World Know You Exist
    Effective strategies for promoting your USO and its activities.
  • Forming Your Team
    Tips on building a dedicated team to support your USO.
  • Official Status at Your University
    Steps to become officially recognized by your post-secondary institution.
  • More On Attracting Members
    Techniques to grow your membership and engage with potential members.
  • Office and Storage
    Guidelines on securing office space and storage for your USO.
  • Scheduling
    Advice on creating a schedule that accommodates your members and activities.
  • Letting the World Know You Exist
    Effective strategies for promoting your USO and its activities.

Pre-Check: Before You Start a USO

 

  • Clarify your motivation and goals
    Why do you want to start a USO? What do you hope to achieve — cultural events, advocacy, community building?
  • Evaluate interest on campus
    Talk to other Ukrainian students or allies to see if there’s demand for a club. Ask your student union, international office, or Ukrainian students you may know.
  • Understand your campus policies
    Learn the process and requirements for registering a new club at your university.

Steps to Start a Ukrainian Student Organization (USO)

  1. Find a Founding Executive Team
    Recruit at least 3–5 committed members willing to take on leadership roles.
  2. Draft a Club Constitution
    Use SUSK’s Constitution Template and adapt it to your university’s needs.
  3. Secure Official Recognition
    Submit registration forms to your university’s student government or clubs office.
  4. Plan Your First Meeting or Event
    Choose an activity that draws interest—like a cultural night, welcome social, or info session.
  5. Promote the Club
    Create posters, launch a social media page, and connect with other USOs for visibility.
  6. Start Building Partnerships
    Reach out to local Ukrainian organizations, student councils, and faculty allies.
  7. Join SUSK as a Member Organization
    Register your USO with SUSK to access grants, mentorship, event toolkits, and national network support.

Constitution Template

Do not forget!
Every USO needs to have its own constitution.

Use this template when creating your constitution for your USO. Edit it according to your USO’s needs and your post-secondary institution’s requirements. A well-structured constitution ensures your club has a clear mission, defined roles, and long-term stability—crucial for official recognition and effective leadership.

Executive Roles Template

Clear leadership roles are essential for a successful USO. Use this template to define responsibilities for positions like President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Events Coordinator, and more. While not all roles are mandatory, having a structured team helps ensure smooth operations, accountability, and strong event coordination. Customize based on your team size and goals to build an effective and sustainable leadership structure.

 

Need assistance with creating a new USO?

Contact our VP National, Stefaniia, at vp@susk.ca for support and guidance.