The SOLID (Student Organization Leader Intentional Development) program is intended to ensure that RSO leaders are properly equipped to lead groups successfully and utilize all the resources available. SOLID workshops offer valuable information on campus policies, UConntact, and tailored strategies for each student leader position.

The chart below outlines training requirements for RSO leaders. For workshop descriptions and requirements, please visit http://solid.uconn.edu/solidworkshops

Tier-I Organizations

Tier-II Organizations

*Storrs Tier-II RSO officers (President, Treasurer) may be required to complete the USG Funding Workshop to gain access to the funding request system. Please contact USG with any questions.

STAMFORD RSO Additional Workshops (Tier-II)

Note for all RSOs: Supplemental workshops may be required

All Tier-II RSOs are required to have an RSO Advisor listed and confirmed on UConntact. See Subsection 1.4B for who can serve as an RSO Advisor. Advisors are required to accept annual Terms and Conditions on UConntact to remain active and listed as the advisor to each respective RSO. RSO Advisors serve as the primary and initial point of contact for RSO issues. SA Staff are available subsequently to discuss requests, questions, comments, or concerns with RSOs.

Training Requirement for RSO Advisors:

RSO Advisors are required to complete a brief online training course designed to educate on the role and responsibilities of advisors as well as provide guidance and resources on effective advising practices. New RSO advisors will have until the end of their first advising semester to complete the course.

RSO Advisors may also seek support from SOLID@uconn.edu.

RSO Advisor Role:

An RSO Advisor should act as a guidepost for RSO leaders and serves in a supportive role while RSOs retain full authority over their organization’s actions and decisions. RSO Advisors do not bear responsibility for the actions or conduct of RSO members when fulfilling their role appropriately and in good faith.

The role of an RSO Advisor is determined collaboratively by the RSO and the RSO Advisor, and may vary depending on the needs and goals of the RSO. At the beginning of each year, RSO student leaders and the RSO Advisor should meet to discuss expectations, responsibilities, and how the advisor will support the organization.

RSO Advisors typically:

• Meet regularly with student leaders to discuss goals, planning, and expectations.
• Provide continuity and institutional knowledge as leadership transitions from year to year.
• Serve as a resource for the RSO with University policies and procedures.
• Offer guidance on the organization’s mission, programming, and decision-making processes.
• Support leadership development, group dynamics, and problem-solving within the organization.
• Assist with event planning considerations, including logistics and risk awareness. In some cases, RSO Advisors may be required to review or sign event-related paperwork and/or attend an RSO event.

Further, an RSO Advisor does not:

• Hold voting rights in with the RSO,
• Serve as a member of the RSOs board of directors, executive council, or similar governing body,
• Make financial, programming, or roster decisions for the RSO
• Determine the status of RSO officers or members.
• Represent or speak on behalf of the RSO.

These responsibilities remain with the student members and leaders of the RSO.

Replacing an Advisor. If a RSO Advisor resigns or is no longer employed by the University, the RSO is responsible for seeking a new advisor within 30 days of notice. Once a new RSO Advisor has been chosen, please inform the appropriate SA Staff by completing the online Advisor Change Form on UConntact.

Community Advisement & Support. In addition to official RSO Advisors, RSOs may receive guidance or support from alumni, graduate students, national organization representatives, or other campus affiliates. However, the University recognizes only the RSO Advisor listed and confirmed on UConntact as the primary point of contact and collaborator with the RSO.

An RSO wishing to hold a function at a campus other than their Primary Campus should notify their Primary Campus Student Activities Staff Member and submit a request to the Non-Primary Campus office responsible for reviewing and approving space reservation requests.

Only Active RSOs are eligible to submit such reservation requests. The responsible office/department at each campus charged with reviewing and approving space reservation requests will have the ultimate authority regarding decisions about space reservation requests.

The approval to host/hold a function at a non-primary Campus applies only to the specific, individual function for which the request had been made and approved. Subsequent functions/events/activities will each require their approval.