First let’s clear up any confusion you may have about student groups, Ulife and UTSU. Then learn about the different categories that student groups fall under.
Ulife is not UTSU
Clubs & Leadership Development (CLD) and the University of Toronto Students Union (UTSU) both have the power to officially recognize student groups, but they are not the same.
CLD recognizes student groups via Ulife Online, and provides a variety of support services. Student groups must already be recognized through Ulife to be recognized by UTSU, so you should seek recognition through CLD first through Ulife Online and then seek recognition with UTSU. Being recognized by UTSU gives you access to additional benefits, including funding opportunities.
See the UTSU website for more information on UTSU club services and recognition.
All the different types of student groups
Explore hundreds of other student organizations at U of T and find ones that interest you on Ulife Online!
Recognized student groups: Student clubs or groups are formally referred to as “recognized student groups” at the University of Toronto. Recognized student groups are voluntary organizations that have “registered” or gained recognition from the Office of Student Life. Recognition is based on the Policy on the Recognition of Student Groups. Group leaders can apply for recognition through the Ulife website. Student groups include cultural groups, advocacy, social justice, hobby, arts and much more. You can find a list of student groups on Ulife Online.
Student societies: Student societies are often called student governments, student unions or student councils. They are supported by student fees, and students automatically become members based on where they are registered at the University. For example, the University of Toronto Students’ Union requests a fee from all undergraduate students at the University and so they are considered a student society. These groups are included in the Policy on the Compulsory Non-Academic Incidental Fees. You can search for student societies on Ulife Online.
Affiliates of student societies: Affiliates of student societies are organizations which have a formal relationship with an established student society. Many affiliates receive a levy from the student society, which often collects a fee designated for this affiliate group. For example, the U of T Sexual Education and Peer Counselling Centre is an affiliate organization of the University of Toronto Students’ Union. Some of these organizations also seek status as recognized student groups.
Course unions: Course and program unions are affiliates of student societies which represent a particular sub-section within a student society. For example, there are course and program unions within the Arts and Science Students Union (ASSU), the Graduate Students’ Union (GSU) and the Engineering Society (ENGSOC). Some of these organizations also seek status as recognized student groups. For example, the Psychology Students’ Association is a course union under the Arts and Science Students’ Union (ASSU) as well as a recognized student group.
Campus media: The newspapers that run on St. George as campus media are considered to be student societies because a fee is collected on their behalf. The majority of these organizations are considered affiliates of student societies. Examples include The Varsity (St. George), The Medium (UTM) and The Underground (UTSC).
Hart House groups: Hart House clubs and committees operate through Hart House and do not fall into any of the previous types of organizations. There are about 30 clubs and committees listed on Ulife Online.
Athletic groups: Athletic groups that are not recognized student groups operate through the Athletic Centre and/or the Varsity Centre. More information about the athletic groups at U of T can be found at athletics.utoronto.ca.
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