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Student Organization Recognition

All student organizations are required to receive and maintain recognition from the Office of Student Involvement to receive the benefits of being a Recognized Student Organization (RSOs); this process is known as registration for New RSOs or re-registration for returning RSOs. Successfully completing registration ensures an organization receives university recognition, which lasts until June 30th of the following academic year. The registration process varies depending on whether the RSO is a new or returning organization. Read more to learn about how RSOs maintain recognition status.

Basics of Recognition

Benefits of Recognition

Organizations recognized by Missouri S&T receive numerous benefits, including the following:

  • Event Services- RSOs can reserve rooms and spaces in university-owned and operated buildings and grounds for events they are hosting. Many rooms are available for free to RSOs, as well as certain services associated with those rooms. RSOs may receive discounts on catering for events via Event Services.
  • Funding and Banking- RSOs are eligible to receive funding for events, meetings, and various other things from the university via the Student Activity Finance Board (SAFB) and departmental funding. RSOs are also eligible for a university finance account which can be used in lieu of a bank account and allows RSOs to receive a discount at Hasselmann and other venues.
  • Campus events- RSOs are eligible to participate in university events such as MinerRama, Spring O’Rama, and other campus events that invite student organizations.
  • MinerLink page- RSOs get their own website via a page on MinerLink. This space can be used to advertise organization events, recruit members, store documents, photos, and videos, and administer forms and elections, among others.
  • Mail service and storage space- RSOs can utilize mail delivery to Student Involvement and storage space in a variety of buildings. Mail can be delivered to the Havener Center, and organizations will be notified of its arrival. Storage space includes individual cages and rooms.
  • Use of University logos- RSOs may have the option to utilize select S&T logos on their website and merchandise so long as they do so according to the S&T Branding Guidelines.

Resources for Registration

Organizations completing organization registration should utilize the following resources to ensure a successful registration is submitted:

  • Peer Involvement Advisors- the PIAs work in Student Involvement and are dedicated to ensuring all organizations are able to successfully submit a registration request and receive the benefits of recognition
  • Student Organization Handbook- a one stop shop for all things related to student organizations, the Student Organization Handbook lists all policies, procedures, and guidelines related to registration and successful organization management
  • Registration How-To- this document contains a walkthrough of step-by-step instructions for completing RSO registration
  • Constitution Checklist- this document provides a template for constitutions and outlines the required components of an RSO constitution
  • Advisor Resources- this webpage provides an overview of the process for finding an advisor, as well as the requirements and expectations of faculty/staff advisors
  • CampusGroups Support Desk- CampusGroups is the program that powers MinerLink, the platform where registration occurs. The CampusGroups Support Desk provides technical guides and helpful articles for navigating the site and utilizing the registration workflow.
  • PIA Workshops- the Peer Involvement Advisors provide training to organizations seeking assistance with registration. Training comes in the form of on-demand presentations and scheduled trainings held 2-3 months before registration.

Recognition Processes

There are two different recognition processes depending on the previous status of an organization. Student leaders needing assistance with either process should review the Registration How-To document in the Student Organization Resources Repository for a step-by-step guide to completing both processes.

Review the two recognition processes below:

  • Returning RSOs
  • New & Reviving RSOs

Returning RSOs

Organizations returning to campus after being recognized during the previous academic year complete a process called re-registration. Re-registration is a straightforward process designed to help RSOs keep important information updated, maintain compliance with university policies and laws, and ensure RSOs function in a manner conducive to their success.

Re-registration is completed on MinerLink. The re-registration portal opens on July 1st at 12am annually and remains open without loss of benefits until the Friday of the first full week of September. Organizations that do not complete re-registration before the deadline to keep their benefits will be frozen on MinerLink, at which point they will have until 12am on March 1st to submit re-registration and be reinstated. Organizations that have not completed re-registration by the March 1st deadline are considered defunct and must reapply as a reviving organization to be reinstated in the future. Re-registration requests are not accepted past the March 1st deadline until the next registration period begins on July 1st.

Below are the steps for returning RSOs to complete re-registration:

    1. Confirm the advisor
      1. Confirm your organization has a faculty/staff advisor that meets the advisor requirements, confirm that the advisor wants to continue to advise the RSO, and verify they are willing to accept the responsibility of being an RSO advisor
    2. Read required documents
      1. Ensure all officers and the RSO's advisor read through all important documents in the Student Organization Resources Repository, specifically the Student Organization Handbook, Constitution Checklist, and Registration How-To.
    3. Review the organization's constitution
      1. Review the organization's constitution to ensure it meets the requirements set forth in the Constitution Checklist document
    4. Update MinerLink
      1. Ensure the organization's MinerLink page is up-to-date, with all officers listed with their position(s), all current members on the roster and former members removed, and accurate mission and goals statements
    5. Open the re-registration portal on the MinerLink homepage
      1. Update the RSO's MinerLink profile page and ensure executive officers and the general membership roster are listed correctly
      2. Submit a copy of the RSO's constitution and bylaws that meets the requirements set forth in the Constitution Checklist document
      3. Read through the Student Organization Handbook and agree to abide by and enforce its contents
    6. Submit an RSO Registration request
      1. Submit a request using the blue button under the RSO's "Management/Settings" tab
      2. Check the RSO's MinerLink information for accuracy and change information if needed
      3. Verify the RSO's list of executive officers and general membership roster
      4. Submit a copy of the organization's constitution and bylaws that meets the requirements set forth in the Constitution Checklist document
      5. Answer all questions and agree to all confirmation and affirmation statements
      6. Submit the request
    7. Ensure officers approve their position
      1. Every listed officer (including the advisor) will receive an email requiring them to accept their position on MinerLink. This is accessible through either the email or the track called "RSO Officer & Advisor Position Acceptance" under the "My Checklists" tab.
    8. Wait for approval from the organization's listed advisor. The advisor must approve or deny the submission.
      1. If the advisor approves the submission, it will be routed to Student Involvement staff for review
      2. If the advisor rejects the submission, please resubmit the re-registration request to either meet their suggestions or find a new advisor if applicable.
      3. Note: our staff will not begin reviewing your submission until all officers have accepted their position and the advisor has given their approval of it via MinerLink.
    9. Wait for approval from Student Involvement staff
      1. If approved, the RSO has completed re-registration and is recognized until the next academic year. Student Involvement will reactivate the RSO's MinerLink profile, which the RSO leadership will maintain.
      2. If rejected, please make the required changes provided by Student Involvement staff, at which time the re-registration request will be reconsidered.

In addition to the Registration How-To document, student leaders and advisors can also visit the "My Checklists" tab on the MinerLink sidebar and view the "RSO Re-Registration" checklist for a step-by-step guide that can be checked off as the organization advances through the re-registration process.

New & Reviving RSOs

Organizations being officially founded on campus for the first time or reviving after being defunct for 1+ academic year(s) complete a process called registration. Registration is an efficient process designed to help new and reviving RSOs structure the organization properly, maintain compliance with university policies and laws, and ensure the organization has the resources and support structure in place to be successful for the long term.

Registration is completed on MinerLink. The registration portal opens on July 1st at 12am annually and remains open until March 1st of every year. Students that do not complete the New & Reviving RSO Registration Process by the March 1st deadline must wait until July 1st before they can submit a New & Reviving RSO Registration request.

Below are the steps for new and reviving organizations to complete registration and receive university recognition:

    1. Brainstorm a new organization or one to revive
      1. Have an idea for a brand new student organization at Missouri S&T? Come up with a plan for how to bring it to life! All successful RSOs have the following:
        • A distinct mission and purpose that is unique from every other RSO at Missouri S&T
        • A constitution that addresses all processes for operating and conflicts that may arise
        • A plan for membership growth and sustainability
        Before continuing in the process, write down how your organization will meet these components to create a thriving organization.
    2. Meet with the Peer Involvement Advisors
      1. Schedule an Involvement Consultation with the Peer Involvement Advisors to discuss bringing a new RSO to campus or reviving an old one
    3. Recruit officers and members
      1. Recruit students to serve as officers and members of the organization. Organizations must have a President and Treasurer, as well as at least one other student.
    4. Find an advisor
      1. Find a faculty/staff advisor that meets the advisor requirements to serve as your organization's official advisor
    5. Read all required documents
      1. Ensure all officers and the RSO's advisor read through all important documents in the Student Organization Resources Repository, specifically the Student Organization Handbook, Constitution Checklist, and Registration How-To.
    6. Draft the organization's constitution
      1. Draft the constitution using the Constitution Checklist to ensure it has all the information you need
    7. Submit a New & Reviving RSO Registration request
      1. Submit a request using the blue button on the "All Groups" tab
      2. Create the RSO's MinerLink profile page
      3. Add the RSO's list of executive officers and submit the RSO's general membership roster
      4. Submit a copy of the organization's constitution and bylaws that meets the requirements set forth in the Constitution Checklist document
      5. Answer all questions and agree to all confirmation and affirmation statements
      6. Submit the request
    8. Ensure officers accept their positions
      1. Every listed officer (including the advisor) will receive an email requiring them to accept their position on MinerLink. This is accessible through either the email or the track called "RSO Officer & Advisor Position Acceptance" under the "My Checklists" tab.
      2. Once all officers have accepted their position, Student Involvement staff will review the submission.
    9. Wait for approval from the organization's listed advisor. The advisor must approve or deny the submission.
      1. If the advisor approves the submission, it will be routed to Student Involvement staff for review
      2. If the advisor rejects the submission, please resubmit the re-registration request to either meet their suggestions or find a new advisor if applicable.
      3. Note: our staff will not begin reviewing your submission until all officers have accepted their position and the advisor has given their approval of it via MinerLink.
    10. Wait for Student Involvement staff to reach out regarding your request. Our staff will ensure that the new RSO will not be a duplicate organization and has its own distinct and unique purpose, and ensure that all documentation meets university requirements.
      1. If approved, the New & Reviving RSO Registration request will be sent to Student Council to ensure the organization has a STUCO representative
      2. If rejected, please make the required changes provided by Student Involvement staff, at which time the re-registration request will be reconsidered.
        1. If the organization is a duplicate, the request will be rejected
        2. If the organization previously existed but is currently inactive, the old organization must be revived instead of formed as a New RSO
    11. Wait for Student Council approval. STUCO will work with the organization to determine a STUCO representative.
      1. If approved, the request will be routed to the Vice Chancellor for Student Success
      2. If rejected, please resubmit the registration request to meet STUCO's requirements
    12. Wait for approval from the Vice Chancellor of Student Success
      1. If approved, the organization is approved to form on campus and receive university recognition. The request will be routed to Student Involvement for final processing.
      2. If rejected, information will be provided as to why the request was rejected and next steps to take for the potential RSO
    13. Wait for final processing from Student Involvement staff
      1. Final processing includes creation of the organization's MinerLink page and communication with the Student Involvement finance team regarding creation of a university MoCode account.
      2. When this step is approved, the RSO has completed registration and is recognized until the next academic year. Student Involvement will reactivate the RSO's MinerLink profile, which the RSO leadership will maintain.

In addition to the Registration How-To document, student leaders and advisors can also visit the "My Checklists" tab on the MinerLink sidebar and view the "New & Reviving RSO Registration" checklist for a step-by-step guide that can be checked off as the organization advances through the registration process.

RSO Recognition Frequently Asked Questions

University policies and applicable laws change frequently. RSO registration is required annually because it serves as a way to ensure RSOs are aware of current policies, laws, and procedures applicable to the organization to protect the organization and its leadership. Additionally, registration allows Student Involvement to maintain an accurate count of active organizations and make sure all organizations are supported properly.

Student Involvement has multiple resources available to assist organizations with registration/re-registration. The Student Organization Handbook is the premier resource for advisors and student leaders, laying out all guidelines, policies, processes, and rules that apply to RSOs. The Handbook is supplemented by the Student Organization Resources Repository, which contains all important documents pertaining to RSOs. The SORR also contains documents specific to completing registration (Registration How-To) and drafting constitutions.

For human assistance, the Peer Involvement Advisors are dedicated to ensuring that all student leaders have the information and tools they need to be successful throughout registration. Additionally, Student Involvement has workshops available to assist with navigating the registration portal, and the office also hosts an annual registration walkthrough in the later part of the spring semester.

Registration is a process that involves multiple campus partners and offices. Multiple approval steps are required to ensure that all appropriate campus partners have a chance to review the request and ensure the organization meets its requirements to operate. Below is a list of different approvals that may be required:

  • Student Involvement- approval is required for all organizations seeking recognition. Oversees all RSOs and involvement processes.
  • Advisor- approval is required for all organizations seeking recognition so that Student Involvement can verify the listed individual is eligible to serve as an advisor and that they agree/consent to the following:
    • They have reviewed therequest and agree with/approve of all submitted documents and information
    • Notifies Student Involvement staff that they are an active advisor, meet the requirements to be an advisor, and agree to serve as the RSO's advisor
    • Ensures the organization has an active advisor and is in compliance with university policies and applicable laws
    • Provides advisors the chance to notify Student Involvement of any issues, questions, and/or suggestion advisors may have
  • STUCO- approval is required for all new and reviving organizations to ensure the RSO has a STUCO representative
  • Fraternity & Sorority Life- approval is required for all social fraternities and sororities to ensure they meet the FSL Team's requirements
  • Recreation Services- approval is required for all club sports to ensure they meet Recreation Services requirements

For help with approving a registration request, please follow the instructions listed in the Registration How-To document located in the Student Organization Resources Repository.

Registration is an in depth process and organizations are required to register every academic year beginning on July 1st. Organizations looking to form later than February do not have enough time to assemble all required documents and complete all processes to register an organization before the next registration cycle begins. Student Involvement is happy to assist student leaders with crafting documents to register the new organization in July, but no new RSOs are eligible for recognition until the next cycle begins due to timeline constraints.

New RSOs are required to have three student members and one faculty/staff advisor in order to form and receive university recognition. Potential New RSOs are allowed to table across campus, advertise the organization, and attempt to find members like any other organization. The two best ways to advertise a new organization are to create a MinerBytes request and utilize digital media. Once an organization has at least three student members, the organization can continue with the registration process.

All RSOs, whether new or returning, must have a faculty or staff advisor that meets Student Involvement's advising requirements. Advisors are crucial for providing input on leadership, university policy and procedure, history, and continuity. Organizations seeking an advisor should review the How to Become An Advisor in the Advisor Resources page.

Contact Us

Do you have questions about RSO Recognition? Email involvement@mst.edu or call us at 573-341-6771.