Find your own community

We know that finding people with similar interests and values is a great way to connect with others and make friends.

Student groups are one way of finding your tribe and the more groups we have showcasing the diversity of the Macquarie student body, the better!

Form a group

If you have explored the current list of MQ Student Groups and have noticed that there is not a Student Group that covers your interest, why not start your own!

The first thing you need to do is find some people who have the same interest and start meeting up. There are lots of places and spaces on campus (and online!) where you can arrange social meet ups and start forming the basis of becoming a student group. Spaces available to students include:

  • Ubar
  • Ground Floor of 18 Wally's Walk
  • Lakeside
  • Cafes
  • Other open spaces available to students

Become an affiliated group

If your student group starts to become more formalised, you might want to consider becoming an affiliated group.

Affiliation is the process of becoming associated with the university which comes with certain benefits, such as:

  • being able to book classrooms and theatres for student group events,
  • accessing equipment, like BBQs, for social events and fundraisers on Wally's Walk,
  • access to SSAF funds, and more!

If you want your student group to be affiliated, certain criteria needs to be met. Consider the following five points:

1. Your group must be unique

Take a look at our list of currently affiliated student groups to ensure that your group is not a duplicate of another club. If your group has a similar aim or purpose to another affiliated group, unfortunately, your group will not be considered for affiliation. If you find that you are unable to affiliate your group at this time, please check back in the new year as circumstances may have changed.

2. Your group must have been operating for a minimum of 3 months

By running your club unaffiliated for a minimum of 3 months, it shows that you understand the commitment and leadership skills that are required to run an affiliated group. You can show your group's activity for the minimum requirement of 3 months by providing documentation such as minutes from previous meetings as well as links to your groups socials which shows your activities over the past 3 months.

3. Your group must have a minimum of 30 members with 80% of those 30 members being currently enrolled Macquarie students

Your members will be required to fill out a Macquarie supported membership form which will be provided and monitored by the First Year Experience & Peer Program team. Prospective members will be required to enter their Student ID to successfully register as a member.

4. You must have a Terms of Reference

The Terms of Reference (ToR) is the central governing document which identifies the purpose, scope, structure and operations of your Student Group. The ToR also establishes the roles and responsibilities of executive members and the management committee.

5. Your student group must be open to all Macquarie students

Macquarie University is proudly inclusive and diverse and aims to cultivate an environment where all students feel a part of the University community and can thrive as their authentic selves. It is expected that student groups align with our goals and ensure that your group is welcoming to all MQ students.

6. Can a person be an executive in multiple student groups?

Students may be a member of multiple student groups, however they are only permitted to hold an executive position in one student group and must have satisfactory academic standing.

Register your group

Once you have confirmed that you meet all five requirements outlined, you are ready to begin the enrolment process to become an affiliated group. Simply send an email to the Student Engagement, Inclusion and Belonging (SEIB) team at studentgroups@mq.edu.au to request more information and get started.

Applications for Session 2 2023 affiliation are now closed and reopen on the following dates in 2024.

  • Session 1: 1 April 2024
  • Session 2: 2 September 2024