Benefits of Being a Recognized Student Organization (RSO)
The University of Chicago dedicates an office to support your organization, the Center for Leadership and Involvement. There you will find a full complement of advising staff (including professional staff members and peer advisors), as well as financial administrators who are happy to assist you.
In addition, when your student organization is recognized through the Center for Leadership and Involvement, you are eligible for numerous benefits including:
- The ability to hold events on campus
- Free or reduced-cost reservations in many of the University’s facilities
- Eligibility for Student Government funding
- Authorization to post notices on campus
- Use of the University's Tax Exemptions.
You should work with your advisor to take advantage of all of these opportunities as well as review the RSO Policy & Resource Guide and On-Campus Resources page for full listings of resources available to RSOs.
Responsibilities of a Recognized Student Organization (RSO)
- RSOs are required to comply with all University policies included in the Policies section of this website, those listed in the Policy & Resource Guide, and the full contents of the Student Manual. It is your responsibility as an RSO leader to be familiar with all policies and to ensure that your organization is in compliance. This may seem like a daunting task, but a close relationship with your RSO advisor will make things much easier.
- Your RSO must consistently provide updated contact information to the Center for Leadership and Involvement by maintaining your Blueprint roster.
- RSOs are expected to maintain a positive account balance and be fiscally responsible. Organizations that manage to incur debt will be required to work through the Student Organization Debt Reduction Program.
- RSOs that seek to travel outside of the Chicago area must register their trip and seek approval for their advisor according to the Student Organization Travel Policy.
- Each Fall Quarter your RSO will be required to re-register and your officers must complete the appropriate SOAR training.
- RSOs may not discriminate against any potential members on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, military or veteran status, genetic information, other protected classes under the law (including Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972), or any other factors irrelevant to participation in the programs of the University.
- Diversity and Inclusion are important aspects of all University programming, including RSO activities. We encourage organizations to evaluate and address systems of inequity and how they are meeting the needs of their entire membership. When your RSO is planning an affinity-based program/event, it is important to be explicit that all students are welcome to participate.
- RSOs are also responsible for ensuring that their organizations do not participate in any hazing activities. More information on the University policy on hazing can be found here.
- RSOs are prohibited from taking interim measures on any member due to Title IX allegations. This includes removal from the organization, suspension, or restrictions on organizational activities. If there is an issue or concern, members should contact Robin Berman (robinberman@uchicago.edu) or their RSO Advisor. Click here for more information about the University's Policy on Harassment, Discrimination, and Sexual Misconduct.