A Recognized Student Organization (RSO) is an autonomous student organization that is formally recognized by Tulane University. An RSO is formed by currently enrolled students sharing a common goal or interest that have completed the RSO recognition process and agree to adhere to all university policies and procedures. An RSO should have a clearly articulated mission consistent with the university mission and be open to all students without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, military status, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected by federal, state or local law. Social fraternities and sororities are permitted to retain their same-sex membership status. Members of a club sport organization may be restricted from league or association competition based on eligibility requirements for that sport’s governing body. Recognition as a Tulane University student organization is not to be interpreted as an endorsement or approval of the purpose and/or activities of any organization by Tulane University.
An RSO is placed into one of the four following sponsorship categories based upon its members’ interests and goals, organization funding, organization advising, and/or mission of the organization.
The sponsorship categories include:
- Undergraduate Student Organization: student organization that is open to Tulane students and is eligible for Student Activities Fee funding; these include academic, club sports, exploration, gender and sexuality, media, multicultural, performance, political, programming, religious, service, and student governance organizations
- Graduate and Professional Student Association (GAPSA) Student Organization: student organization representing a graduate or professional school or an Interdivisional Graduate Diversity Organization (IGDO); both are eligible for GAPSA funding
- Departmental Student Organization: student organization that is affiliated with a Tulane University department, advised by a faculty or staff member from that department, and may receive departmental funding
- Fraternity and Sorority Programs Student Organization: social Greek student organization that is affiliated with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Programs and are part of one of the four governing councils including the Interfraternity, Multicultural, National Pan-Hellenic, Panhellenic councils
Newcomb Institute Affiliate Status: USG or GAPSA sponsored student organizations can additionally apply for Newcomb Institute Affiliate Status. Organizations that obtain affiliate status can receive a yearly operating budget of up to $1000, apply for additional monetary support from Newcomb for campus-wide events, and use Newcomb meeting spaces in the Commons. Affiliate organizations are not required to submit a constitution to Newcomb or participate in Newcomb programming, but are limited in the amount of funding and support they can receive from Newcomb. To apply for affiliate status, please complete the application form.
An RSO benefits by receiving access to university facilities, support, and services not available to non-recognized groups or to the general public. RSOs are expected to abide by all university policies related to these resource/service benefits. The benefits include the ability to:
- Reserve meeting/event space on campus
- Participate in the Fall and Spring Activities Expos
- Advertise programs and events on campus
- Have access to a WaveSync portal for event registration, organization management, communication, access to organization resources, and publicity
- Utilize the Student Organization Center for assistance with organization management
- Be listed in the online student organization directory and other publications of the university
- Use the university’s trademarks for organization materials in accordance with the university's trademark guidelines and approval
- Create a university fiscal account
In order for a student organization to be eligible for and maintain university recognition, the following must be true:
- Organization represents the interests of its members and control of the organization is maintained by Tulane students
- Organization complies with Tulane’s non-discrimination policy, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, marital status, military status, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected by federal, state or local law (Note: social fraternities and sororities are permitted to retain their same-sex membership status. Members of a club sport organization may be restricted from league or association competition based on eligibility requirements for that sport’s governing body. Please contact the Club Sports office at clubsports@tulane.edu and/or review the governing body’s eligibility guidelines for more information.)
- Membership is open to Tulane students only (unless special permission has been granted)
- Membership consists of at least 10 currently enrolled Tulane students
- Organization creates and maintains a WaveSync portal, including a copy of the organization constitution, roster of currently enrolled Tulane student members, and listing of officers and advisor(s)
- Organization has a Tulane faculty or staff advisor who understands and annually signs the Advisor Role & Responsibilities Form
- Members manage the organization’s governing document(s) such as the organization constitution and bylaws
- Members determine their own leaders (election and removal) through a process defined and outlined in their governing document(s). This includes:
- Officer/Leader eligibility and selection criteria
- Officer/Leader election and/or appointment
- Officer/Leader roles and responsibilities
- Organization does not operate as a business
- Organization completes the annual organization renewal process by the annual renewal deadline
- Organization leaders attend required trainings such as the Welcome Back Meeting or Budget Workshop
- Organization must comply with the Code of Student Conduct, university policies and procedures, local, state, and federal laws
An RSO that does not complete the annual organization renewal process and/or ceases to meet the eligibility requirements will be frozen immediately by the LBC and/or the sponsoring entity. Frozen organizations will not be eligible to utilize any RSO benefits. Frozen organizations may contact Ben Griffith, LBC Assistant Director for Recognized Student Organizations at bgriffith@tulane.edu to complete the renewal process and reactivate the organization. If an organization is frozen for more than two consecutive semesters, the organization will be deemed inactive and have to complete the full RSO chartering process to become an RSO.
