By Gabriella Gomperts, Senior Features Editor
On March 12, Yeshiva University students received an email announcing that the student organization application for the 2026-2027 academic year was open. The email also detailed a new structural change for student organizations that will go into effect next academic year. Student organizations will now be split into two different tiers. Each tier will consist of organizations analogous to each other, reflecting the different responsibilities of and resources needed to sustain the organizations.
The goal of this amendment is to improve the way student organizations are calibrated. “We always wanted to evaluate how things went this year and make structural tweaks for clarity and efficiency,” Dr. Jonathan Schwab, Director of Student Life, told the YU Observer. “That’s what these changes are: these are operational improvements, not philosophical or mission-based ones.”
The two tiers of organizations are called “Chartered Student Organizations” and “Student Associations,” with Networks acting as “umbrella organizations” to bring together different Student Associations with shared missions. The Chartered tier includes organizations “with a strong track record of activity, mission alignment, and plans for the coming year. Chartered Student Organizations generally operate on both campuses, receive higher budgets, and carry greater autonomy and responsibility,” according to the email. Student Associations “are recognized student organizations that operate within a thematic Network of similar groups. Student Associations receive budgets, the ability to plan and run events, and access to the resources of their Network.”
Only recognized student organizations may apply for Chartered status. All new student organizations must apply as Student Associations that will later be assigned a Network.
The implementation of a tiered system is to ensure that organizations are given the correct amount of funding depending on the nature of their activity. “There are groups that have a narrower focus, are figuring out how to operate, and/or have goals in a specific area. And there are groups that run major events or activities, build large and complex communities, and have a well-developed mission and strategy based on histories of success,” Dr. Schwab said. “For both types of groups to have the same level of resources, recognition, and standard budget doesn’t make sense for either groups.”
To help illustrate why different organizations are entitled to different degrees of recognition, Dr. Schwab pointed out the practical differences between running an organization like the Stern or Yeshiva College Dramatics Society as opposed to one like the Math Society. The Dramatics Society requires significantly more funding, planning and collaboration between different departments at YU to bring events like the fall and spring productions, and the Stern College Dramatics Society’s musical showcase and Shabbaton, to life. The Math Society runs smaller events throughout the year that don’t require the same kind of planning and support. “To require the Math Society to meet the standards of the Dramatics Societies would only be setting them up for failure,” Dr. Schwab said. “And having the Dramatics Society plan around the same rubric as the Math Society would leave them with lots of unanswered questions.”
Some student leaders were not aware of the new tiered system, and did not know the extent of the changes. “I’m still not fully sure what the goal of the change is or how much impact it has,” Avishai Tebeka (SSSB ‘26), president of the Daf Yomi Chevreh organization, told the YU Observer. “From what I see, most organizations still operate the same on both the front and back end.”
Shoshana Fisher (SCW ‘26), Beren Campus Student Government vice president, believes these changes are necessary. “Since student organizations resumed this year, the calendar has been full of events and activities, but questions remain about the back end of organizations and event creation,” she told the YU Observer. “In my opinion, this new training and system is necessary to empower student leaders to access and utilize the full extent of the support available to them and enable them and their organizations to succeed.”
Students who are currently applying for recognition of their student organizations are encouraged to reach out to the Office of Student Life. “The strongest applications we’ve seen are from students who can clearly explain what their organization does, why it matters to the YU community, and what they’re planning for next year — not in general terms, but with real detail,” Dr. Schwab said.
Dr. Schwab emphasized that the student organizations system aims to elevate the student experience. “Student organizations are one of the most important parts of what makes YU special — they’re where students build community, develop as leaders, and practice living out the values they’re learning in the classroom and the beit midrash,” he said. “I’m looking forward to seeing what students build in partnership with us.”
Photo Credit: Yeshiva University