Registered Student Organizations

FY22 RSO Budget Process Resources:

FY22 Budget Process

RSO Racial Justice Reflection:

Racial Justice Reflection Form

Prospective RSOs

Learn more about what it takes to start your own organization

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. Historically, the application has opened once per semester. While the timeline is is up to the discretion of the Secretary of the Registry, the application's availability will be announced on SGA social media channels and website.

When you are deciding to begin the process of becoming an RSO, there are a few best practices we recommend:

  • Complete the Preliminary Application.
  • Follow this checklist
  • Have at least 10 undergraduate students who are interested in membership.
  • Ensure that a similar organization does not already exist. If one does, you might consider joining forces. Visit Campus Pulse to check current organizations.
  • Start considering your group's goals, mission, and long term sustainability of your organization.
  • Weigh the pros and cons of becoming an RSO. Is there anything your organization isn't able to accomplish without official RSO status?
  • Meet with SGA leadership working closely with RSOs and discuss how they can help you navigate the process.

Note: Not being an RSO does not preclude your organization from meeting in public spaces. 

Some inactive and frozen RSOs 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).

See Title VII in the SGA ByLaws

Frequently Asked Questions

Pros of RSO

Dedicated advisor from Student Engagement and Leadership

Ability to seamlessly book space on campus

Eligible to apply for a budget from the Student Activities Fund

Officially recognized by UMass as a student group

... and so much more support and resources!

We have a support team who can answer any questions you may have, click their name to email them!

New RSO Interest Form

What Does The Secratary of The Registry Do? 

Zachpic

Zachary Bhattacharjee

He/Him/His

Secratary of the Registry

sgaregistry@umass.edu

Greta Garcia Jalil Melendez - Photograph - SGA Undergraduate Registry Oversight Committee

Greta Garcia Jalil Melendez

She/Her/Hers

Chair of the Undergraduate Registry Oversight Committee

sgauroc@umass.edu

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.
  • RSO Lockers: Each RSO may be allocated locker space within the student union with approval from the Secretary of the Registry. Lockers are completely free and of no cost to any RSO utilizing them. To request a locker fill out this form.
  • RSO Budget Process: For funding guidelines, deadlines, resources, and updates about the budget process, visit our landing page for the FY22 RSO Budget Process, which is linked below.
  • 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 and is linked below.
FY22 Budget Process
Emergency Funding Application

Student Union

The Student Union renovation is a $62M project that was completed on Fall 2020. It is better equipped to support RSOs and student activities. To learn more, check out our landing page on the renovation and the video below.

Student Union Renovation


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.

Business Center

The SORC

The SORC is the one stop stop for Student Organizations' questions and support. They help groups navigate their organizational needs.

The SORC

RSO Racial Justice Reflection

A Google Form for RSOs to fill out as a reflection on how the RSO will commit to racial justice.

Racial Justice Reflection Form

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.

Directory of Orgs

Questions?

If you have an unanswered question, please contact us.