Registered Student Organizations
RSOs (Registered Student Organization) are student-run organizations that are officially recognized by the university. There are almost 300 active RSOs on campus currently. There is definitely a club for everyone on campus, but if not, then you can apply to be one!
Check out the link on the right to access a list of all active RSOs on campus to get involved!
Prospective RSOs
Have an idea for a club or organization? You can make it happen! Drive student life on campus and start your own Registered Student Organization (RSO). The RSO application will open at least once per academic year.
Please Note: We are currently in the process of reforming the RSO application process. The updated application process is set to open in Fall 2025, with more detailed instructions and guidelines being released in the early spring semester of 2025. Please check back for updated information on the SGA website and social media channels in the coming weeks.
In the meantime, we encourage prospective applicants to:
- Explore the list of existing RSOs to identify any organizations that may align with your interests and goals.
- Consider reaching out to these organizations to discuss potential collaboration opportunities before starting a new RSO application.
Note: Not being an RSO does not preclude your organization from meeting in public spaces.
RSOs that have been inactive or frozen for over potentially have to undergo the new application process. To determine the next steps for your organization, please contact the Secretary of the Registry.
Applications for RSOs are evaluated in accordance with the SGA by-laws (Title VII, Chapter VII).
Useful Links:
We have a support team who can answer any questions you may have, click their name to email them!
Pros of Being an RSO
Dedicated advisor from Student Engagement and Leadership
Ability to book space on campus
Eligible to apply for budget request from the Student Activities Fund
Officially recognized by UMass as a student group
...and so much more support and resources!
Current RSOs
Learn how the SGA is committed to continual support for your RSO
The Student Government Association is committed to continual support for your RSO. If there's anything that we can do, please do not hesitate to let us know. Whether it is emergency financing, support with funding guidelines, or something else, we strive to make the process seamless.
- Space Allocations: RSOs have the privilege to book space in the Student Union and Campus Center. Groups without RSO status are ineligible to do so. Reach out to the Secretary of Registry for any additional questions.
- RSO Storage Space: Currently the Secretary of Registry is working to create a system increasing storage for each RSO. At the moment all RSOs should have gotten an email requesting all items to be picked up from the current RSO room. Further information on a new system will be coming soon. Reach out to the Secretary of Registry for any additional questions.
- RSO Funding Guidelines: This Guide exists to help RSOs create the clearest and most transparent budget requests possible. The Committee votes on each budget using the criteria shown in this Guide, as well as other supplemental guidelines in a viewpoint neutral manner. Adhere to these guidelines and any supplemental guidelines referenced in this document as closely as possible in order to ensure you are submitting the most clear and transparent budget request possible. For any additional questions, reach out to the Ways & Means Committee.
- Emergency Funding: The SGA allocates funds each year for the purpose of emergency funding meant to ensure an RSO will not have to cancel an event vital to its mission due to unforeseen circumstances. The application may be filled out through Campus Pulse. Currently, the form is not out, but will be soon. Upon release, it will be published onto the site. All additional questions should be directed to the Finance Subcommittee.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Fall 2024 application just opened and will close in August 2024. Please submit an RSO Interest Form to start the process!
Historically, the Student Government Association has opened the application once each semester. If you miss this semester's application cycle, please consider applying next semester.
Please note that some frozen and inactive RSOs may have to submit an application during this cycle. As a general best practice, the SGA recommends that there are at least 10 students interested in forming the organization and that no similar organization already exists on Campus Pulse.
For further questions, please contact: sgaregistry@umass.edu and sgauroc@umass.edu
Thank you for your interest! Historically, we open the application at least once per semester. While we make every effort to announce the application's opening, we unfortunately cannot make exceptions for late applications because our by-laws do not permit this and this timeline has been established with Student Activities and Involvement. However, we are committed to supporting every student and helping them with their interests. Please schedule a meeting with with us so that we can help you find ways to achieve your goals until the next cycle of applications.
In the 2018-2019 Academic Year, we formed the Undergraduate Registry Oversight Committee (UROC). UROC works with current, former, and prospective RSOs in helping them achieve their goals. This committee works closely with the Secretary of the Registry. One service they offer is a peer-review of RSO applications. We highly encourage you to take advantage of this service as it reduces the likelihood of your application being rejected. You can email the Chair or UROC for them to review your materials!
Additionally, please review Title VII Chapter VII of the SGA By-laws. These by-laws govern the process and requirements.
Our approval process is an objective review of your applications to ensure that it satisfactorily meets criterion that is formulated with the support of the Student Legal Services Office.
We have a form that you can fill out. If you would like to remain anonymous, we recommend you put down a non-umass or an alternative personal email.
Check out our RSO Budget Process page for more information about the budget process for fiscal year 2025. Please email sgawaysmeans@umass.edu for any questions and more information!
For questions regarding budgeting, please contact Ways & Means. For other questions, please contact the Secretary of Registry.
Additional RSO Resources
The Business Center
The Business Center helps departments and student groups navigate the university's framework and polices, and provides oversight to ensure fiscal accountability.
The SORC
The SORC is the one stop stop for Student Organizations' questions and support. They help groups navigate their organizational needs.
Other Groups
Check out the other Registered Student Organizations on campus. Learn more about their events, how to get in touch, and ways to potentially collaborate.
Questions?
If you have an unanswered question, please contact us.
