Organization Registration
The registration application is required for all student organizations. This application provides the Office of Student Engagement with information on the officers of each organization, their constitution and bylaws, and advisor acknowledgment. It also allows us to track who has completed each step for each organization.
Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) enhance students' education by offering additional opportunities for personal development and growth beyond the curriculum. Moreover, the University and the community benefit from the variety of services and activities provided by undergraduate organizations.
To that end, the Office of Student Engagement helps students develop organizations and plan events, provides financial advice and assistance, clarifies University policies and procedures, and authorizes the use of University resources and facilities.
RSOs are bound by the same regulations within the Student Code of Conduct that apply to individual students.
How to Register Your Organization
All organizations must complete their registration annually to be recognized by the University as a Registered Student Organization (RSO). Failure to renew registration by the deadline will result in the organization being placed on "inactive status." This status prevents student leaders from requesting funds, reserving room spaces, hosting events, or participating in the student involvement fair. If your organization has not registered for the upcoming year, please contact RSO@ASURAMS.EDU today!
Registration must be completed by the incoming president who will hold their position in the new academic year. The registration process will not be considered complete until the Organization Constitution, an Advisor Agreement form, and a roster are on file with Student Engagement.
You will find key registration links below.
All organizations must have an advisor. Primary advisors must be full-time faculty or staff members at the University. Advisory councils are encouraged.
RSO RENEWAL & REPORTING LINKS
RSO MEMBERSHIP REPORTING FORMS
RSO PROGRAMMATIC INITIATIVES
How To Start A Student Organization
If you are unable to find a student organization to join, you are more than welcome to start one of your own! However, students must have experience as a club member before they can single-handedly establish a new RSO. Here are a few developmental reasons why it is important to have experience as an RSO member or e-board member before starting your own student organization:
1. Leadership Skills: Being part of an existing organization helps you develop essential leadership skills,
such as decision-making, conflict resolution, and team management, which are crucial
for running a new organization effectively.
2. Understanding Organizational Dynamics: Experience in an RSO provides insight into how student organizations operate, including
the processes of planning events, managing finances, and recruiting members. This
knowledge is invaluable when starting a new group.
3. Network Building: Participating in an existing RSO allows you to build a network of contacts within the student body and with faculty advisors. These connections can offer support, advice, and resources when you establish your own organization.
4. Experience in Collaboration: Working within a student organization teaches the importance of collaboration and teamwork. You learn how to work with diverse groups of people towards a common goal, a skill that is essential when leading a new organization.
5. Problem-Solving Skills: As an RSO member or e-board member, you encounter various challenges that require creative problem-solving. This experience prepares you to handle potential issues that may arise when starting and running your own student organization.
Becoming a recognized student organization comes with numerous rights and privileges, including but not limited to:
Access to Resources: Gain access to university resources, such as funding, marketing support, and event
planning assistance.
Use of University Facility Space: Reserve and use university facilities and spaces for meetings, events, and activities.
Space at the Involvement Fair: Secure a spot at the Involvement Fair to promote your organization and recruit new
members..
Networking Opportunities: Connect with other student leaders, faculty advisors, and university staff to enhance
your organization's impact.
Training and Development: Participate in workshops and training sessions designed to improve leadership skills
and organizational effectiveness.
Marketing and Promotion: Access to university platforms and channels for promoting your events and activities
to the student body.
The new RSO information sessions are offered during both the Fall and Spring semesters. However, petitioning groups will have until the Spring semester to submit their applications. If you have an idea for a club or organization you'd like to see on campus, simply stop by the Office of Student Engagement located in the C.W. Grant Student Union on the East Campus. We can help you get started with establishing something new and exciting!
Starting An RSO Application
Step 1: Review the RSO BUCKet list familiarize yourself with the RSO process. Questions should be directed to the Office of Student Engagement.
Step 2: Attend the new organization information session for an in-depth presentation on the steps to start a student organization.
Step 3: Complete the application for starting a new registered student organization
Alternatively, you can use the information learned at the workshop to adopt a previously existing group. Adopting a previously existing group means revitalizing a student organization that has not been active for some time. To learn more about RSO adoption, attend one of our sessions and stop by the Office of Student Engagement to see what groups are available. Adopting a previously existing RSO involves less work, and there is usually existing historical data on the organization to help you get reestablished.
The Organizational Review Committee (ORC) convenes following the stated deadline to review applications. This committee will contact petitioning groups regarding their status.
Please contact us at rso@asurams.edu if you have any questions about this process.