The University recognizes the right of students to form voluntary organizations for any lawful purpose. Student organizations that wish to receive access to University resources and services must register with their campus-based Student Activities office. To register, a student organization must meet all minimum requirements established by section 1.4 and, when applicable, their campus-based Student Activities office.

RSOs shall be designated into a Tier-system in accordance with section 1.3, TSOs shall be established in accordance with the Student Service and Activity Fee Advisory Committee (SASFAC) process.

RSOs at the University are independent entities. The University assumes no responsibility for an RSOs decisions, operations, contracts, events, or activities, nor does it provide insurance coverage or liability protection. The actions, viewpoints, publications, invited speakers, or initiatives of RSOs are solely the responsibility of the organization and their members.

The University’s role is not to approve or disapprove of such views, but rather to uphold its educational obligation to support free expression and open discussion consistent with the constitutional rights of students and the regulations of the University.

The University does not regulate RSOs use of independent and non-university funds raised or collected. RSOs may independently enter into contracts or agreements with external parties using these independent funds. The University does not review, approve, or assume responsibility for such agreements unless explicitly stated in University policy otherwise.

A TSO receives financial oversight and administrative support from the University. However, a TSO retains control over their internal governance, operations, and student-led initiatives, except where University intervention is required to ensure compliance with law or policy.

Advisors serve in a supportive role while TSOs and RSOs retain full authority over their organization’s actions and decisions. Advisors do not bear responsibility for the actions or conduct of organization members when fulfilling their role appropriately and in good faith.

All students remain subject to The Student Code, and thus, a TSO or RSO may be referred to the University’s Student Organization Conduct process when their activities violate University policies. See Chapter 5 for more.

RSOs vary widely in purpose, structure, and activity engagement. To support the diverse needs of student organizations, The University utilizes a tiered-system that reflects the relative risk, activity level, and resource requirements associated with each RSO.

Tier-I Organizations:

Tier-I RSOs operate at the simplest organizational level. These RSOs:

• Engage primarily in low-risk activities;
• Are permitted the use of space on campus for meetings;
• Do not host events or travel off-campus;
• Receive general advisement from SA Staff as needed;
• Are not eligible to apply for or receive student-fee funding;
• Cannot have SABS or foundation accounts

Tier-II Organizations:

Tier-II RSOs are more complex and often involve moderate to high levels of member engagement. These RSOs:

• Engage in moderate to high-risk operations;
• Regularly host meetings, events, performances, practices, or competitions;
• Are permitted the use of space on campus for meetings or events;
• Participate in and travel to activities on and off campus;
• Are eligible to apply for and receive student-fee funding;
• Are eligible for a SABS and/or foundation account.

Tier-III Organizations (Student Fee-Funded Organizations):

Tier-III Student Organizations are established by the University and are managed regularly by students with oversight from the University. These RSOs:

• Have high visibility and broad accountability to their respective campus constituents;
• May be funded through student-fees;
• Engage in moderate to high-risk operations;
• Regularly host meetings, events, performances, practices, or competitions;
• Are permitted the use of space on campus for meetings or events;
• Participate in and travel to activities on and off campus;
• Rely on designated University staff to assist in financial oversight, facilities, and event planning support;
• May have dedicated office space and additional governance requirements.

Tier Membership Minimums

All RSOs must maintain an accurate roster in UConntact and meet minimum membership requirements based on their Primary Campus:

• Storrs, Stamford, or Law School
  • At least eight (8) primary campus student members
• Avery Point, Hartford, or Waterbury:
  • At least three (3) primary campus student members

A.   Starting a New Student Organization

Any full-time undergraduate or graduate student at the University may create a new organization, provided its purpose and goals are meaningfully distinct from the existing RSOs at the selected Primary Campus and complies with University policy and law.

How to Apply

Students interested in forming a new RSO can begin by submitting a New Organization Application at https://solid.uconn.edu/student-org-management/. All resources on how to start your new RSO can be found at that link.

After submission, SA staff will review and connect with the prospective organization to discuss appropriate next steps, expectations, and resources available (if applicable).

Initial Registration Timeline

New organization applications open each semester after the Involvement Fair and close before the last week of classes. Summer applications are open from June 1 – July 31.

Official dates and communication are posted on UConntact and the SOLID website.

After a New RSO Application is submitted, the SOLID team will review it and reach out to the submitter regarding next steps. Prospective new organizations will need to complete a new-organization meeting with a SOLID Involvement Ambassador to discuss training, requirements, and the process for becoming an Active status organization. They will also ensure that the organization has a plan and is set up for success upon approval.

Primary Campus Designation

All potential RSOs must identify a ‘Primary Campus’ when applying which reflects where the majority of the RSO membership and activities will be derived and focused. Requirements in this manual outline the minimum expectations for registration at the University; based on the Primary Campus identified, there may be additional requirements, documents, meetings, or training as part of the registration or re-registration/renewal process. RSOs must follow the requirements of their designated Primary Campus.

Please refer to Appendix A for a list of campus specific SA staff.

Designated Categories of New Organizations (Storrs Only)

Certain categories of registered student organizations have additional processes or guidelines governed by specific University offices and departments with which they are affiliated.

• Social Greek-Lettered Organizations
  • The Center for Fraternity and Sorority Development (CFSD) works collaboratively to register Social Greek-Lettered Organizations. Such organizations must follow the Social Fraternity & Sorority Recognition Policy (https://greeklife.media.uconn.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/266/2023/05/Fraternity-and-Sorority-Recognition-Policy.pdf) by to be properly recognized as a social fraternity/sorority with the University.
• Club Sports
  • Athletic-based student organizations seeking affiliation and support as a Club Sport must follow the guidelines and procedures outlined by UConn Recreation’s Competitive Sports. Only accepted organizations will be listed as a Club Sport and receive associated support.

B.   Gaining and Maintaining Active Status

Once an organization has requested to register, it must complete several steps to obtain registered status and remain active.  These requirements for Active Status apply to both new and returning RSOs. See Subsection 1.4C for more RSO Status definitions.

Requirements also vary based on tier status, see Section 1.3.

Student Organization Leader Intentional Development Trainings (SOLID)

After registration, RSO leaders must complete SOLID Training requirements based on their respective tier:

• Tier-I: President + Secondary Officer
• Tier-II: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary

See Section 2.1 for full details.

RSO Advisors (Tier-II Only)

For a Tier-II RSO to achieve and maintain Active Status, the RSO must have an RSO Advisor (which meets the criteria outlined in section 1.1). RSOs are encouraged to find an RSO Advisor who shares an interest or has experience in some aspect of the organization’s mission or activities.

Note: Graduate Students, where permitted under Section 1.1, are not allowed to advise graduate RSOs.

Constitutions (Tier-II and Tier-III)

Tier-II RSOs must maintain up-to-date constitutions on file with their Primary Campus SA office and on UConntact. Constitutions are required to be renewed and resubmitted every two (2) years and can be submitted through UConntact under ‘Forms’. While renewal is required every two (2) years, RSO leaders are strongly encouraged to review and acknowledge their constitutions frequently throughout the year. Constitutions must be accessible to new and general members.

Guidance and templates are available at solid.uconn.edu.

Annual Re-Registration/Renewal

All RSOs must re-register each academic year via UConntact to verify important information and confirm their status. This can include:

• Updating Officer Information
• Submitting required documents (if applicable)
• Confirm RSO Advisor Information
• Confirming Tier Status

Failure to adhere to the re-registration deadline will result in the organization's status changed to ‘Inactive.’ Late submissions will not be accepted and will not be processed until the following academic year.

Any additional requirements for re-registration will vary based on primary RSO location.

Affiliation with External Organizations

Some RSOs affiliate with national, state, or local governing organization, non-profit, or charity. In such cases:

• The RSOs constitution must clearly state the nature of the affiliation;
• The RSO must obtain written permission to use the parent/governing organization’s name; and
• The parent/governing organization must acknowledge that the University’s students retain full control over their respective RSO operations and decision making.

Students are encouraged to consult with the external organization for sample constitutions or resources to supplement organization operations.

C.   RSO Status Definitions

The status of an RSO refers to their position within the University. An RSOs status may vary based on their registration process, conduct on campus, completion of required training, and more.

• Active. Active organizations are considered in good standing. This means they have met all requirements as it relates to their respective tier. This includes registration and renewals, SOLID Trainings, and appropriate membership appointments.
• Frozen. Frozen organizations have not yet met all SOLID requirements and are not eligible for funding, space, UConntact, or other access to services.
• Locked. Locked organizations are temporarily administratively suspended based on University policy violations, misconduct, and/or failure to complete deadline requirements; resulting in lost access to some or all services. (i.e., gross misconduct or insubordination, misuse of logo and branding).
• Inactive. Inactive organizations have disbanded and are no longer registered with the University. Organizations that have not achieved an Active status after an academic semester may be subject to becoming ‘Inactive’.

Apart from sanctions issued via OCS under Chapter 5, the University reserves the right to freeze or lock organizations, resulting in a ‘hold’ on their status for failure to comply with other University policies or procedures.

It's important to recognize that the specifics of membership can differ based on an RSOs values, constitution, and bylaws. Below is a general overview of the responsibilities and privileges that members may receive within an RSO:

• Active Participation: Members of RSOs should have the privilege to engage actively in the organization's events and activities. This encompasses attending meetings, sharing viewpoints, and contributing to decision-making processes.
• Voting Rights: An RSO may grant members the authority to vote on crucial matters, as defined by their constitution, such as officer elections, budget approval, and policy decisions. This empowers members to influence the organization's growth and direction.
• Leadership Opportunities: Members can seek leadership roles within an RSO. They can run for positions such as president, vice-president, treasurer, secretary, additional officer roles, or committee chairs, depending on the organization's structure, as outlined in their constitution.
• Inclusion and Non-Discrimination: Members are entitled to fair and respectful treatment. Discrimination or harassment based on an individual's actual or perceived protected class as defined in the University Policy Against Discrimination, Harassment, and Related Interpersonal Violence
• Access to Information: Members may request access to information related to an RSOs activities, and decision-making processes. This transparency supports informed participation.
• Due Process: Members are entitled to due process and fair treatment when involved in conflicts or internal disputes. 
  • RSO members are strongly encouraged to be given the opportunity to present their experience, perspectives, be heard, and appeal decisions through established and written procedures within the organization’s constitution.
  • RSOs are strongly encouraged to include detailed procedures/policies regarding internal member disputes within the RSOs constitution.

A.   Officer and Member Status, Removal, and Due Process

All RSOs must establish and follow fair, transparent processes for officer or member removal as outlined in their constitution. An RSOs removal process must adhere to all University policies and cannot conflict with those policies, including the University’s Policy against discrimination, harassment, and related interpersonal violence.

Officers or members may not be terminated without cause or due process. Removal decisions should:

• Be based on clearly defined reasons
• Be conducted with documented procedures
• Provide opportunity for the individual to be heard
• Comply with University non-discrimination and anti-retaliation policies

Organizations are strongly discouraged from making ad-hoc, informal decisions, or implementing their own investigative processes regarding leadership or member removal without consulting their constitution, SA Staff, and/or RSO advisor for guidance.

Organizations may define alternate member statuses (i.e., probationary, suspended, inactive), but each status must have clearly outlined criteria in their constitution along with a reinstatement process. Before proceeding with any member or officer removal, RSO leaders are encouraged to consult with their designated RSO Advisor or SA staff member (see Appendix A).

Reminder: RSOs and RSO Advisors are not investigative bodies and may not conduct internal investigations involving serious allegations like harassment, discrimination, or violations of The Student Code. These concerns must be referred to the appropriate University Staff or offices. See Chapter 5 for more information.