Looking for some frequently asked questions about managing a Registered Student Organization (RSO) on campus? Take a look at what popular questions come up when it comes to managing an organization. For more information, visit the Student Org Manual.
A Registered Student Organization (RSO) is recognized and authorized to operate on campus and conduct business as a student organization at UWM. RSOs can have benefits such as receiving grants, having assistance from staff and University departments, and earning benefits from programs like the STARS Development Program. No student organization will be officially registered with the University if Student Involvement determines that the group’s actions or activities are contrary to the educational mission of the University and/or the welfare of the students.
Student Organizations provide a safe and fun environment for students to connect with their peers on campus. Student organizations not only create a way for students to make friends, but they also can serve as a resume builder and networking with professionals. Student orgs host a lot of events on campus as well, continuing traditions that have been around for years. Research shows that students who are involved in extra-curricular activities are more likely to complete their degrees and report feeling connected on campus.
Student organization officers act as authorized representatives for the organization’s membership and in so doing bear some personal responsibility for the organization. All registered student organizations at UWM have a minimum of four officers enrolled on a fee-paying basis, at least half-time (undergraduate six credits, graduate four credits) in order to comply with registration and recognition requirements. A member of a student organization is someone who does not have an official leadership role recognized by the school.
All student organizations shall renew annually each September by filing an updated Student Organization Registration (Org. Registration) with Student Involvement. This is so the University can keep track of how many student organizations are active on campus. Organizations failing to renew their registrations on time will have their registration cancelled and will be listed as inactive. Inactive organizations lose access to all University resources, such as, Union office space, office equipment, use of University facilities, and/or segregated University fees that the group has been allocated.
Student Org Conference Night (SOCN) is a required part of renewal. Student Org Conference Night is an opportunity for student org officers to learn about many of the resources available to student organizations such as the Credit Union, event services, PantherOrgs, meeting their org liaison, and more! This is a great way for new officers to learn new information as well as returning officers.
You may view your progress with these steps in PantherOrgs by finding the “My Forms” tab on the left-side menu and then selecting your emerging org application. Note that only the person who submitted this form will be able to view which officers have checked off their required items.
A Registered Student Organization (RSO) is recognized and authorized to operate on campus and conduct business as a student organization at UWM. A student organization is not owned by the University. A student organization cannot speak on behalf of the University or any of its divisions or departments. A department is a an official part of the University
Changing org officers is an important task to do in PantherOrgs every time an officer graduates or leaves an org and a new one replaces them. It is essential to keep your org officers updated so that your org does not miss any important information from the Student Org Newsletters and from Student Involvement. Your org can face serious consequences of not having updated officers listed in PantherOrgs because of this, such as being deactivated. Complete the Passing the Torch training in Canvas to learn more about how to properly complete officer transitions. Learn more here on the Officer Transition webpage.
Keeping your org in good standing with the University is simple. Every fall semester, all orgs must complete the Renewal process in order to remain active on campus. Complete the Renewal process, including attending Student Org Conference Night (SOCN), by the deadline. Adhere to University guidelines and policies listed in the Student Org Manual. If you have any questions or are unsure, reach out to the Student Involvement Front Desk at csidesk@uwm.edu.
All student orgs must renew each fall semester in order to maintain their status as a Registered Student Organization (RSO) that receives recognition and benefits from the University such as SAC Grants. If a student org fails to renew, they go inactive. Inactive orgs lose all of their grants. From here, an inactive org must reactivate, which in turn would turn them back into an active status the following semester. To learn more, go to the Renewal Webpage.
SAC Grants are distributed by the Student Appropriations Committee. The Student Association is the official voice of the student body, advocating for student interests in collaboration with faculty, administration, and campus leadership. As the student government, the Student Association drafts and passes legislation, conducts surveys to gather student input, and leads initiatives that address academic, social, and infrastructural needs across campus. For more about SAC Grants, go to the Student Appropriations Committee website.
Reach out to the Student Involvement Front Desk! Our staff are happy to help you navigate your questions. We are located on the third floor of the Union in room 351. You can also contact us by phone at 414-229-5780 or by email at csidesk@uwm.edu.