GUIDELINES FOR SUSS INTEREST GROUPS

a) Objective of IGs

The purpose of SUSS IGs is to create vibrant learning communities that serve to bring like-minded students together and hone a common interest that leads to purposeful learning and impact to the wider community. Under no circumstances should IGs be carrying sensitive agendas such as politics, sexual topics, religion, or be set up for personal gains or to advance one’s personal business.

b) Types of IGs

There are 2 types of IGs that Student Life (STL) manages, namely General IGs and Major-Based IGs.

i. General IGs

General IGs are IGs which students of any SUSS discipline may join. There are 3 categories of General IGs, namely “Arts and Community”, “Outdoor and Sports*” and “Professional Competency”. Students may refer to this link for the various types of Interest Groups offered at SUSS.

ii. Major-Based IGs

Major-Based IGs are IGs which serve to build a sense of community amongst students of specific SUSS majors. It serves to bring students of the same major together, under the mentorship of a faculty staff mentor. Major-Based IGs provide students with opportunities for networking, industry-based learning journeys, workshops by industry experts and serve as a platform for students to build a sense of belonging by forging lasting friendships with other students of the same major.

Note: From 2024 onwards, SUSS Student Life will not endorse Interest Groups related to sports. Students who are keen on pursuing sports (both recreational and competitive) may contact studentlife@suss.edu.sg for more information.

a) Member Size

An IG shall have a group size of at least 20 members. The 20 members may include the leaders of the IG (IG Leaders), which can consist of and not limited to the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson, General Secretary and Finance Secretary. The number of IG Leaders shall not exceed 20% of the number of IG active members.

b) Application

An application to form a new IG must be submitted by the stipulated deadline, for approval by STL. The application form is available on the "New IG Application" here.

c) Types of Support Provided by STL

General IGs that are approved will be notified by STL.

• Approved General IGs will also receive support and guidance by STL staff for the following:

i. Publicity and outreach (refer to "Publicity Guidelines" here for details);

Note: This only applies to university-wide events which are open to all students.

ii. Creation of IG Gmail account, Instagram, and joint bank account;

iii. Booking of licensed Zoom accounts for online meetings;

iv. Booking of SUSS facilities for all kinds of IG meetings and IG approved activities/events (subject to availability); and

v. Funding for activities, events and items (subjected to further approval). The total amount of funds provided annually will be based on individual IG performances and evaluated using the SUSS IG Sustainability Evaluation Framework (Tiered Funding Model).

Major-Based IGs

Major-Based IGs that are approved will be notified by STL.

• Approved Major-Based IGs will also receive support and mentorship by STL staff for the following:

i. Publicity and outreach (refer to "Publicity Guidelines" here for details);

Note: This only applies to university-wide events which are open to all students.

ii. Creation of IG Gmail account, Instagram, and joint bank account (only if IG has club funds collected from fund-raising campaigns, e.g. SUSS Giving Day campaigns);

iii. Booking of licensed Zoom accounts for online meetings;

iv. Booking of SUSS facilities for university-wide IG events that are open to all students (subject to availability);

Note: All expenses of Major-Based IG events and activities (e.g. food catering, venue bookings, logistics) will be budgeted, funded and approved by the schools accordingly.

d) Guidance & Support by STL & Faculty Staff Mentors

General IGs

• A staff mentor from Student Life (STL) will be assigned to all General IGs that are endorsed officially by the Office. The staff mentor will guide EXCOs along in their leadership journey on leading the IG, and how to plan and allocate resources effectively.

• The STL staff mentor will also be the point of contact for all IG admin queries that the EXCOs/Members have. The STL staff mentor will also be responsible for reviewing and approving the submitted IG constitution, event and activity proposals and risk assessment documents.

Major-Based IGs

• A staff mentor from Student Life will be assigned to all Major-Based IGs that are endorsed officially by the Office. The staff mentor will guide EXCOs along in their leadership journey on leading the IG, and how to plan and allocate resources effectively. The STL staff mentor will also be the point of contact for all IG admin queries that the EXCOs/Members have.

• For Major-Based IGs, an additional faculty staff mentor from the respective School will be assigned. The faculty staff mentor will provide the Major-Based IGs with ideas to run events and activities relating to their programme majors, share industry contacts to facilitate student-organised industry-based learning journeys, arrange talks and workshops conducted by industry experts and provide guidance on academic matters as an advisor.

• The STL staff mentor can assist in the reviewing of the submitted IG constitution, event and activity proposals and risk assessment documents. However, the final approval of the above-mentioned items shall come from the faculty staff mentor.