In order to be considered a Registered Student Organization (RSO), a student organization must meet minimum requirements to register as an RSO, as outlined in this document, and must choose to register with GSW’s Office of Student Activities. Social Greek organizations and Club Sports, who are supported and organized through the Office of Student Activities have additional university recognition requirements.  

RSO will have one or more category designations, the definitions of which are set forth below. RSO must initially register pursuant to the instructions set forth and must renew its registration with the GSW Office of Residential and Campus Life on an annual basis. GSW’s review of a student organization’s initial registration and registration renewal is conducted on a content-neutral basis and is not based on the mission, goals, or beliefs of the student organization. GSW’s decision on whether to approve a student organization’s application as an RSO is based solely on the organization’s submission of a properly completed registration application as set forth below and its demonstrations of a bona fide intent to sponsor programs, activities, or events for GSW students. Registration of a student organization does not constitute endorsement by GSW or approval of the student organization’s policies and activities.

Academic and Professional: Organizations that promote academic or professional growth by focusing on a particular major, academic program, or professional pursuit.

Academic Competition Teams: Organizations that compete on a local, state or national level in primarily applied academic competitions.

Club Sports: Organizations that compete in external university sporting competitions and tournaments

Community Engagement: Organizations that provide civic engagement opportunities including, but not limited to, philanthropy activities, advocacy work, and hands-on service opportunities.

Cultural: Organizations that act as a means for students of a particular culture, ethnicity, or nationality to interact with others of the same affiliations or to share their respective cultures with the broader campus community.

Faith/Spiritual: Organizations that act as a means for students of a particular denomination or religious affiliation to interact with others of the same affiliation or to explore ideas and topics related to faith and spirituality.

Graduate: Organizations that exist to provide benefits, support, and services primarily to graduate students.

Greek: Organizations that are supported by national headquartered organizations that have formed legitimate charters/chapters on campus and engage in social activities.

Honor Society: Organizations that recognize students and select membership based on academic and personal achievements.

Military: Organizations that support and advocate for military veterans and military personnel.

Performance and Fine Arts: Organizations that promote the enjoyment of or performance of the arts and music.

Political: Organizations that relate to, or deal with, the structure and affairs of government, politics, or the state, whether partisan or nonpartisan.

Publications and Media: Organizations that exist in order to provide information related to their purpose through means of mass communication, such as newspapers, magazines, radio, or television.

Recreation: Organizations whose purpose is to provide engage physical activity, outdoor excursion, or team aspect activities

Social Action: Organizations that discuss, encourage, or engage in reform work related to a particular cause, movement, or social issue.

Special Interest: Organizations that focus on a specific set of interests or topics and work to advance members’ understanding in that specific area or engage in a particular past time or leisure pursuits.

Updated 8/11/2021