University Recognition through SOA is how Student Organizations apply to become eligible for benefits and resources, and indicates a formal relationship with OSU; therefore, a high level of accountability from the Student Organization is required. RSOs are expected to maintain alignment with OSU’s mission while acting in good faith in the business dealings of the organization and are responsible for legal compliance, fiscal accountability and maintaining Student Organization policy and community standards, including the Code of Student Conduct and any other applicable University policies or agreements. RSOs shall not misrepresent the mission, purpose, or goals of the Student Organization. OSU maintains the right to deny or rescind University Recognition to a Student Organization that, in the sole judgment of OSU, does not further the teaching, research, and outreach and engagement missions of OSU.
Following is additional information on the various RSO types, RSO eligibility, registration requirements and benefits of recognition.
RSOs are legally separate entities from OSU and function solely under the direction and control of the Student Organization’s Members. Except as specifically identified in this policy or expressly written in any sponsorship agreement, the University does not control or accept responsibility for the activities nor endorse the programs of student organizations. There are 2 potential designations beyond recognized for some RSOs - Sponsored (SSO) and Affiliated (ASO).
An SSO is an RSO that functions under the guidance and support of a Department, while maintaining Student Organization Member direction and control. Sponsorship is indication that the Department views the organization’s efforts as contributing to the department’s goals, and therefore commits itself to provide formal support for the organization and its endeavors during the term of sponsorship.
Completed annually as part of the University Recognition process, Annual Sponsorship is a formal agreement that establishes a sponsorship relationship between a Department and an RSO. The agreement outlines any special benefits (optional) and expectations of that relationship, and provides the RSO access to specified OSU services and resources if facilitated by the Department. An Annual Sponsorship agreement is required when a Department grants ongoing Department resources to an RSO. Once the agreement is fully executed and approved by SOA in its sole discretion, the RSO is designated as an SSO.
The following are conditions and expectations that are required to be in every Annual Sponsorship Agreement:
ASOs include:
In addition to meeting the requirements for annual recognition, general liability insurance is required to be obtained and maintained by the ASO in order to become recognized.
General Liability Insurance requirements for ASOs:
RSO Eligibility. To be eligible for University Recognition, the following must be true:
To become recognized and maintain recognition as a RSO, the Student Organization must:
Upon completion of the annual University Recognition process, RSOs become eligible for certain OSU benefits and resources as detailed below. To simplify processes, reduce confusion and minimize liability, benefits are administered through SOA, which manages the processes and procedures for access.
Baseline Benefit Eligibility
1Activities must be reported in advance through the SOA event reporting process.
2As noted in 6.6., ASOs are not eligible for this benefit.
3RSO must have an active RSO Fund Index
Benefits for SSOs
Through Annual Sponsorship, an SSO may become eligible to access these benefits at the discretion of the sponsoring Department and if consistent with applicable law and University policies and standards. Access must also be facilitated through the sponsoring Department.
4An RSO may also become eligible for these benefits with the execution of an Activity Sponsorship Agreement.
Please review the FAQs below. The questions and responses on this page will be updated continually as new questions are posed so be sure to check in regularly.
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The Annual Sponsorship Agreement completed annually as part of the University Recognition process. Annual Sponsorship is a formal agreement that establishes a sponsorship relationship between a Department and an RSO. The agreement outlines any special benefits(optional) and expectations of that relationship, and provides the RSO access to specified OSU services and resources if facilitated by the Department. An Annual Sponsorship agreement is required when a Department grants ongoing Department resources to an RSO. Once the agreement is fully executed and approved by SOA in its sole discretion, the RSO is designated as an SSO.
Affiliated Student Organizations are ineligible for annual sponsorship.
Faculty mentors work collaboratively and proactively with RSO Officers to help the RSO meet the organization’s stated purpose and goals. Faculty Mentors also support, guide and work with Student Organization Officers and leaders to ensure fair, intelligent, and reasonable decision-making that is consistent with applicable law and OSU policy and standards.
Each RSO is recommended to have a Faculty Mentor. If the RSO elects to have a Faculty Mentor, the process for selecting one is determined by the Student Organization, with the specific responsibilities of the Faculty Mentor to be discussed and agreed upon by the Student Organization and the potential Faculty Mentor. SSOs are required to have a Faculty Mentor who is approved and employed by the sponsoring Department Head (or designee).
Faculty Mentors are required to complete SOA Faculty Mentor orientation and training requirements.
No. Due to OSU's status as a non-profit, governmental entity, funds cannot be donated to external organizations from any OSU account/index.
RSOs wishing to raise funds for charitable causes will need to arrange for direct donation methods with the organization intended to receive funds. This means working with the organization to create a way for folks to donate directly to the cause in the name of the club, rather than to the club itself. Funds from an RSO index cannot be used to support charitable causes. Alternatively, and RSO can raise and collect funds for charitable causes through an off-campus checking account if they have one.