student at the be involved fairCU Boulder students can start a new recognized student organization (RSO) by following the steps and policies outlined below.

But first,Ìýsee if your organization already exists. You can browse organizations by category or search for specific words or phrases on , CU’s comprehensive student involvement database. If your idea isn’t already out there,Ìýwe encourage you to start a new RSO.

Timelines and Deadlines
  • September 1, 2024:Ìý New RSO Applications can be submitted for those wishing to start in Spring 2025 semester.Ìý The is available through October 25th, 2024.
  • October, 2024:Ìý ÌýCSI Staff will begin reviewing New RSO applications.
  • November, 2024:Ìý New RSOs who have been approved to move forward will attend theÌýNew Organization Symposium.
  • December and beyond:Ìý Organizations will work to finalize their registration forms, planÌýfor their launch in Spring 2025, and may start advertising themselves!
  • If an organization begins this process during the Spring semester and does not complete all steps by commencement, they will be required to restart the process the following year.

What is a recognized student organization (RSO)?

A recognized student organization (RSO) is CU Boulder’s formal name for student-run clubs, groups or organizations. An RSO’s mission must be educational, charitable, cultural, social or recreational in nature and may not result in personal (financial or academic) gain for individual members or for the RSO.Ìý

The primary mission or activity of a recognized student organization must be centered on, for the benefit of and driven by CU Boulder students.

We require at least three members prior to RSO creation and at least twoÌýof the threeÌýmust be full-time, fee-paying students.

What are the benefits of being an RSO?

Student groups are not required to register with the Center for Student Involvement. However, there are many benefitsÌýwith being registered. They include the ability to

  • Reserve spaces on campus at discounted orÌýfree rates.
  • Access a colorado.edu email address specific to your organization.
  • Apply for office space in the UMC.
  • Apply for funds.
  • Reserve a table for the Be Involved Fair orÌýInvolvement Fair.
  • Apply for and be recognized at the annual CUÌýInvolvement Awards.
  • Use the BuffConnect system for recruitment and networking.
  • Drop in for advising with Center for Student Involvement staff.
  • Participate in leadership development courses, retreats and programs offered through CU GOLD.

How can I prepare for starting a new organization?

The registration process to create new RSOs opens during specific windows of time in Fall and Spring semesters (read above for specifics).Ìý To ensure that the process runs smoothly once it does open:

  1. Visit our to ensure your suggested RSO does not already exist.
  2. Be sure to review all information on this webpage first.
  3. Brainstorm the following:
    • Organization name
    • Purpose, missionÌýor interest of your potentialÌýorganization
    • Ideas forÌýprograms, eventsÌýor activities you anticipate the organization having
  4. There are some minimum requirements for all RSOs. Be sure your proposed RSO meets the following requirements before you go on to the next steps.
    • Free and open to all students
    • A minimum of three student members
    • A clear sense of purpose and mission for organization

What steps will I need to complete?

Below you can read the steps for a general idea of what may be involved.Ìý The following steps needed to beÌýcompleted in the order they are listed and may take longer than listed depending on time of year (Fall Welcome, Spring Break, etc):

  1. Complete the new RSO request form (accepted through October 25, 2024).
  2. If approved, a CSI liaison will email you to schedule a time during October 2024 to meet and discuss your idea.
  3. If approved after the initial meeting, attend the New Organization Symposium in November.
  4. Complete the new student organization application (organization registration form).Ìý

My RSO existed before, but is no longer active. What do I do?

If interested in restarting the organization, please email studentorganizations@colorado.edu. Please provide any information regarding the previous org (previous leaders, last year you think you were active, etc). If you remain in contact with any former org members, please reachÌýout in advance and askÌýto lead the restarted organization. While not a requirement to restart the organization, it will help expedite the process.

Do you have a guide forÌýmanaging a new RSO?

We encourage all new leaders to review theÌýRSO handbookÌýas it offers plenty of tips in running a successful student organization. OurÌýresource centerÌýpage outlines many similarÌýhelpful tips.