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