Recognized Student Organization (RSO) Overview

A Recognized Student Organization (RSO) is an autonomous student organization recognized by Tulane University. An RSO is formed by currently enrolled students who share a common purpose and have completed the recognition process, agreeing to adhere to all University policies and procedures.

RSO membership and participation in organization activities are open to all students regardless of age, color, disability, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, shared ancestry, or veteran status, or any other status or classification protected by federal, state, or local law.

Title IX allows specific, narrow exemptions on the basis of sex for social fraternities and sororities, physical education classes or activities, and choruses.  

Recognition by Tulane University does not imply endorsement or approval of the organization’s purpose or activities.

An RSO is placed into one of the three following categories based upon its membership, purpose, and organizational structure:

• Undergraduate Student Organization: A student organization open to all Tulane students. These groups span a wide range of categories, such as academic, club sports, exploration, intercultural life, media, performance, political, programming, service, and student governance.
• Graduate and Professional Student Association (GAPSA) Student Organization: A student organization that represents a graduate or professional school at Tulane, or an Interdivisional Graduate Diversity Organization (IGDO).
• Fraternity and Sorority Programs Student Organization: A social Greek-letter organization affiliated with the Office of Fraternity and Sorority Programs. These organizations belong to one of four governing councils: the Interfraternity Council, the Multicultural Greek Council, the National Pan-Hellenic Council, or the Panhellenic Council.

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 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

To receive and maintain recognition, organizations must meet the following criteria as demonstrated through their application and annual renewal materials:

• Student Membership: All members must be currently enrolled Tulane University students, and that the required officers (President and Treasurer) are in good standing with the University and are eligible to serve as RSO officers
• Membership Minimum: The organization must consist of a minimum of ten (10) currently enrolled Tulane student members.
• Governing Documents: The organization must submit a current constitution and/or bylaws that clearly define its purpose, structure, membership requirements, officer eligibility, selection and removal procedures, and include statements of compliance with Tulane’s non-discrimination policy and applicable federal laws (Title IX and Title VI).
• Non-Commercial Operations: The organization operates on a non-profit, non-commercial basis and is not organized or operated for the profit or private benefit of any individual, corporation, or commercial enterprise.
• Advisory Support: The organization must have a Tulane faculty or staff advisor who has completed the Advisor Role & Responsibilities Agreement prior to recognition.
• Compliance Commitment: The organization agrees to conduct all activities in accordance with the Tulane University Code of Student Conduct, University policies and procedures, and all applicable local, state, and federal laws.

Additional Criteria for Nationally or Internationally Affiliated Organizations

Organizations affiliated with or recognized as chapters of a national or international body must also submit a Certificate of Compliance from their parent organization verifying compliance in the following areas:

• Non-Discrimination: Certifies that its membership and participation policies comply with Tulane University’s non-discrimination standards or hold a lawful exemption (e.g., a Title IX exemption for single-sex social fraternities or sororities).
• Local Autonomy: Confirms that the local chapter retains full authority over its operations, leadership, and business activities, including event registration, membership management, and financial oversight. All officer and voting positions must be held by Tulane University students.
• Policy Precedence: Affirms that the local chapter will comply with all applicable policies of its national or international organization; however, if any such policy conflicts with Tulane University policies or procedures, Tulane’s policies shall take precedence and govern the chapter’s actions.
• National Liaison: Identifies a designated national or international liaison for communication and compliance.
  Branding and Identity Use: Confirms that dual-branding and name usage follow Tulane’s identity guidelines – “(name of organization) at Tulane University”
• Disclosures Regarding Findings of Non-Discrimination: Certifies that the organization — including any national or international parent entity — has not been found by any federal, state, or local government agency or court in the last two years to have engaged in unlawful discrimination, harassment, or retaliation based on any legally protected characteristic, including but not limited to: age, color, disability, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, shared ancestry, veteran status, or any other status or classification protected by applicable law.
  • If any such finding exists, the organization must disclose the finding, including the jurisdiction, date, nature of the finding, and summary of all corrective actions taken.
  • Additionally, if any such legal finding arises following the RSO recognition or annual renewal periods, the organization agrees to to report it promptly so that a review of the organization status may be initiated.

An RSO that does not complete the annual renewal process to maintain recognition will be frozen. Frozen organizations lose access to all RSO benefits until they are reactivated.

To regain active status, organizations should contact Ben Griffith, LBC Assistant Director for Recognized Student Organizations, at bgriffith@tulane.edu to complete the renewal process.

If an organization remains frozen for more than two consecutive semesters, it will be classified as inactive and must complete the full RSO chartering process to regain recognition.