There are several different student organization types at OSU. Below, we outline the basic characteristics of each type.

RSOs are autonomous student organizations that contribute to student learning and are critical to the mission and culture of OSU; operate under a Tax Identification Number registered to their specific organization; and are legally separate entities from Oregon State University.  RSOs are responsible for legal compliance, fiscal accountability and maintaining student organization policy and community standards, including ensuring member adherence to the Student Conduct Code and any University agreements.

There are two types of RSOs: Sponsored Student Organizations (SSO) and Voluntary Student Organizations (VSO). Click the buttons below to learn more about OSU's student organization policies.

SOR Manual RSO Policies Overview SOR Manual RSO Recognition Eligibility

An SSO is a student organization that is legally, a separate entity from OSU, but functions under the guidance and support of an OSU department.  Sponsorship from a University department indicates two things:

  1. The OSU department views the organization’s efforts as an integral component of the department’s goals, and therefore commits itself to provide support for the organization and its endeavors; and
  2. While recognizing the importance of student leadership and the autonomy of the student organization, sponsorship indicates a relationship with the University; therefore, a high level of accountability from the organization and the sponsoring department is required.

Click the button below to learn more about OSU's SSO policy.

SOR Manual SSO Policy

A VSO is a student organization that is legally a separate entity from OSU and functions solely under the direction and control of its student members. The activities and operations of these organizations are not affiliated with OSU. VSOs may enter into activity sponsorship agreements with an OSU department to access department support and resources.  No faculty/staff advisor is required for recognition under this classification.

Click the button below to learn more about OSU's SSO policy.

SOR Manual VSO Policy

The following grid is meant to outline the benefits bestowed upon student organizations that have received University recognition through Experiential Learning & Activities Department Student Organizations do not receive special benefits and can access campus resources in the same way as their department.

Benefit

SSO

VSO*

Listing of current information in the Student Organization Directory

Yes

Yes

Eligible for fee reductions or discounts for dedicated University Space

Yes

Yes

Ability to participate in student organization focused development, activities and programs offered through SLI

Yes

Yes

Eligible to establish a Funds-in-Trust account with the AABC - SEC Finance Office

Yes

Yes

Eligible to apply for activity funding through SORCE

Yes

Yes

Access to web space and email address under the oregonstate.edu domain

Yes

Yes

Access to receiving organization mail through SLI

Yes

Yes

Use “Oregon State University,”  “Beavers” or any derivation thereof in the student org name

Yes

No 

Use University logos and trademarks

Yes

No**

Eligible for ongoing access to department-controlled resources (i.e. funding, dedicated office/storage space, equipment, etc.)

Yes*

No**

Eligible for access to University Motor Pool

Yes*

No**

General Liability Insurance coverage and access to special activity insurance

Yes*

No**

*Controlled by and made available at the discretion of the sponsoring department and detailed in the annual sponsorship agreement

**May be eligible at the discretion of a sponsoring department under the terms of an activity sponsorship agreement

 

DSOs provide students positional roles of leadership as employees or as official volunteers of OSU.  Departments fully support the success of the student organization through supervision of its members, professional development, mentoring and advising.  DSOs are comprised primarily OSU students as determined by the department.  Although DSOs are not recognized student organizations, DSOs can register through the Student Org Database managed by the department of Student Leadership and Involvement to support visibility of and access to these organizations to OSU students.

Eligibility

If the answer is yes to any of the following, the organization is not eligible to be a DSO and should pursue recognition as a Sponsored (SSO) or Voluntary (VSO) Student Organization. If the answer to all 3 is no, review DSO Key indicators.

  • Is the organization religiously focused?
  • Is the organization a political
  • Does the organization maintain a tax identity number separate from Oregon State University

Click the button below to learn more about OSU's DSO policy.

SOR Manual DSO Policy