Types of Members

As part of running your student group you may encounter different types of members that want to join, this page briefly explains these types and some of the processes behind them.

Associate Members

Non-students, staff and members of the public can register as an associate member of York SU on our website.

Shortly after applying, they will receive an email asking them to reset the password to their new York SU account. Once this has been completed, the associate member will be able to login to the York SU website and purchase memberships as usual!

Please be aware that Associate Members must not exceed 20% of a student groups membership and cannot hold any committee positions. This is to ensure that groups remain student run in line with our charitable objectives.

If you have any questions about associate membership or concerns about the process, please contact our Helpdesk team at helpdesk@yorksu.org. 

Under 18 Members 

At York SU we want all students to be safe in taking part in our activities. In the United Kingdom, persons under the age of 18 or those classified as vulnerable, are protected under government legislation. This means that all organisations who work with people in this category must undertake various measures to identify and safeguard them from harm. We have introduced additional control measures to support any student who has joined the university under the age of 18 years old and wishes to take part in student group activity. These controls are in place to ensure we are able to support you to participate wherever possible, while ensuring your safety and that of other group members.

Step 1

Please complete the parent/guardian consent form.

Please note to protect student privacy, applicants only need to provide the broader activity category (e.g., Sports Club, Society, Volunteering Project). Consent provided for a category covers participation in any individual society falling under that heading, and York SU will discuss with the student any specific requirements of an activity.

Step 2

Please complete this google form to request to join an activity, attaching your consent form. Making sure you fill out all the details required, including the activity you want to join and the specific membership you wish to buy.

If you are an estranged or care leaver student, or are unable to complete the consent form for any other reason please contact the SU so we can support you to make alternative arrangements.

Step 3

Once you have completed the form a member of York SU staff will review your request to join an activity, determining if any further risk assessment is needed. The student group committee will be made aware of your intention to join and asked to complete additional safeguarding training.

Restricted Groups

There are some student groups which are unable to accept under 18 members due to the nature of their activities, and there also may be restrictions of National Governing Bodies that affect participation. This includes but may not be limited to:

• BUCS competitions, which do not allow students under 18 to participate.

• Interest societies that are related to alcohol (Cocktail Society, Beer & Lager Society)

• Fetish Society

• Nightsafe