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Registered Student Organizations

(Student Group Regulation)

Introduction

Michigan State University acknowledges the importance student organizations have on campus. Student organizations bring several benefits to both the University and surrounding communities by being a part of student activism, student-led community service and philanthropy, and student self-governance. The University, therefore, is committed to supporting student organizations through a registration system that serves the interests of both the University and student organizations; that recognizes and respects the right of students to freely associate and freely express themselves without intimidation or unjustified influence from the University; that ensures that student organizations operate consistently with the University’s core values of diversity, non-discrimination, financial accountability, responsible stewardship of public resources, full academic engagement, and the maintenance of a healthy and safe living and learning environment. Student organizations that choose to be recognized by the University accept the rights and responsibilities outlined in this policy. Within the University, schools, colleges, funding sources, student governing bodies or other entities have developed policies regarding the operation of student organizations.

As such, these organizations have the use of university facilities and services to assist them in meeting their goals and objectives.

It is the responsibility of each registered student organization to adhere to the mission of this University and its supporting bylaws and statutes. An organization’s goals, objectives, and activities are not to deviate from established University policies or regulations.

Due to the cyclical nature in the goals and objectives of these organizations, the Vice President for Student Affairs, or their designee, shall review this document every five years (starting in 1991) with ASMSU, COGS, and other appropriate student groups.

  1. Registered Student Organizations (RSO)
    1. An MSU registered student organization is an organization that is based on, centered around, led, governed, and directed by actively enrolled Michigan State University students.
    2. The goals and objectives of these organizations are met through educational, social, cultural, spiritual, or philanthropic activities. These activities should enhance and support MSU students, the University, and the community.
    3. Membership in organizations benefits students’ growth and education while attending MSU.
    4. Registered Student Organizations must:
      1. Be student led and organized.
      2. Provide for the development of leadership skills such as organization, financial management, creative thinking, conflict management, strategic planning, and problem solving.
  • Adhere to the policies and procedures of Michigan State University.
  1. The recognition of student organizations is the responsibility of the Office of Spartan Experiences within Student Development and Leadership in the Division of Student Affairs. Decisions on recognition will be made consistent with established policies and procedures.

 

  1. Condition for Recognition as a Registered Student Organization
    1. To exercise the privileges afforded by registered student organizations, a student group which is not a living-unit organization must register with the Division of Student Affairs.
    2. All registered student organizations will be held responsible by the University for abiding by federal, state, and local laws, as well as all University regulations.
      1. The University may become involved in the off-campus conduct of registered student organizations when such conduct is determined to affect a Substantial University Interest
    3. No organization will discriminate based on any protected category and will ensure that MSU’s Anti-Discrimination Policy (ADP) is followed.
      1. Current Anti-Discrimination Policy (ADP) can be reviewed at: https://civilrights.msu.edu/policies/
    4. Registered Student Organizations may not engage in any Hazing activities.
      1. Hazing definition and policies can be reviewed at: https://stophazing.msu.edu/
    5. The official name or title of a recognized student organization must not be misleading as to the purpose or nature of the organization (including the use of acronyms).
    6. All student organizations are open to undergraduate and graduate students that are enrolled full-time or part-time at the time of membership.
    7. Undergraduate and graduate students must be enrolled full-time or part-time at the time of and throughout their appointment or election to be eligible to serve as appointed or elected officers within their organizations.

 

  1. Registration Requirements
    1. Registration shall be valid from the date of registration until the end of the second week of the succeeding fall semester. Student Organizations Must Renew Every Academic Year. Dates for renewal processes will be shared by the Division of Student Life & Engagement for the upcoming year based on the type of organization and their respective academic calendar.
    2. Failure to submit all required material will result in the group having the registration denied.
    3. A student organization must submit materials to the Division of Student Affairs that include:
      1. The name of the organization.
      2. The purpose of the organization.
  • The names, phone numbers, and MSU email of four members including the organization’s officers and their titles.
  1. Registered Student Organizations must have an adviser(s).
    1. For undergraduate organizations, an adviser must be an MSU faculty member, staff member, or enrolled graduate student.
    2. For organizations that have graduate student members, the adviser must be an MSU faculty or staff member.
  • In conjunction with the Religious Advisers Association (RAA), an active member of the RAA within the religious, spiritual, and secular community may serve as an Adviser.
  1. Advisers must agree and acknowledge their understanding of the adviser’s responsibilities.
  1. A constitution must be included in the organization’s registration. A written constitution must provide the following:
    1. A statement of purpose.
    2. Eligibility of voting membership, including only students registered, enrolled, and attending Michigan State University are eligible to be officers and/or voting members.
  • The University non-discrimination policy must be stated in the constitution.
    1. Current Anti-Discrimination Policy (ADP) can be reviewed at: https://civilrights.msu.edu/policies/
    2. The organization shall not discriminate on the basis of age, color, gender, gender identity, disability status, height, marital status, national origin, political persuasion, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or weight.
  1. Necessary operating procedures such as list of officers, committees, rules of order, etc.
  2. Procedures for amending the constitution.
  3. The date of last approval.
  1. The Division of Student Affairs and the organization’s adviser must be notified of any change made to the original information required. The information must be presented within four weeks after an organization has instituted the change. This includes any officer or adviser changes.
  2. Registered student organizations may also submit (if available) to the Division of Student Affairs the following information:
    1. Notification of national affiliations.
    2. Notification of dates, times, and locations of regularly scheduled meetings.
  • Notification of dates, times, and locations of regular and special activities for the following year.
  1. No organization may have its registration denied or suspended on the grounds of its beliefs or its attitude except that an organization’s goals, objectives, and activities are not to deviate from established University policies or regulations.
  2. A student organization may have its registration suspended if:
    1. The organization is found to be in violation of submitting falsified information required by the Division of Student Affairs.
    2. The organization is found to be in violation of an ordinance or written policy or regulation of Michigan State University by the Division of Student Affairs.
  • Any or all parts of a decision by the Division of Student Affairs personnel to suspend the registration of a student organization may appeal to the Dean of Students or their designee. The student organization can continue to operate within university guidelines, procedures, and regulations until the appeals process is exhausted.

 

  1. Maintaining Recognition as a Registered Student Organization
    1. Registered Student Organizations must renew their registration every academic year. Dates for renewal processes will be shared by the Division of Student Affairs for the upcoming year based on the type of organization and their respective academic calendar.
      1. All RSOs must be in good standing with the university to be eligible for renewal each year.
      2. Any RSO that is not renewed during the allotted period will not be eligible to function as an RSO for the academic year.
  • An inactive organization has no privileges until the renewal process is completed and approved.
  1. RSOs must maintain an accurate officer list, membership roster, and an active MSU affiliated adviser.
    1. RSOs must maintain a membership roster of a minimum of 4 MSU students.
  2. When an RSO changes their name, constitution, and/or bylaws, those changes are to be submitted to the Division of Student Affairs for its review, information, and approval. The most recently approved version of an organization’s constitution on file with the Division of Student Affairs is the official constitution for the organization.
  3. RSO officers are deemed responsible parties for their respective organizations and may be held accountable for instances of financial misuse of funds, policy, or rule violations, or to speak on behalf of the organization as needed.
    1. RSO’s are not presumed to be responsible for the independent acts of their individual members or autonomous RSOs that are subordinate to the original RSO.

 

  1. Registered Student Organization Conduct and Policies
    1. All RSOs must abide by the Student Organization Conduct policy and the Registered Student Organization Handbook.
      1. The Student Organization Conduct policy can be located on the Office of Student Support and Accountability website: https://ossa.msu.edu/student-organization-conduct
      2. The Registered Student Organization handbook can be located on the Office of Spartan Experiences website: https://spartanexperiences.msu.edu/rso-s/RSOH/index.html
    2. An RSO is responsible for a violation of the Student Organization Conduct Policy or Registered Student Organization Handbook if:
      1. A member acts in violation of the policy or handbook as a representative of the organization.
      2. The members’ actions, which violate the policy or handbook result from the practices or activities of the RSO.
  • The members’ actions, which violate the policy or handbook, have been explicitly or tacitly approved of by the organization.
  1. RSOs may not use University funds in ways that are inconsistent with university guidelines.
  2. RSOs may not use or account for student organization funds in violation of university financial and accounting procedures. Violations include but are not limited to:
    1. Breaching contractual obligations.
    2. Using student organization funds for purposes not authorized by the student organization and/or outside the realm of University Policy.
  • Using contributions for a purpose other than as stated by the contributor and/or failing to submit a report of expenditures against those contributions to the proper unit.
  1. Failing to follow Registered Student Organization Account policies and procedures listed in the Registered Student Organization Handbook.
  1. RSOs must use University-controlled spaces in accordance with the standards of the space.
  2. RSOs are bound by the constitution submitted during the registration/renewal process. Any organization that violates their published constitution is in violation, even if an amendment has been made and submitted, but has not yet been approved.
  3. RSOs must adhere to federal, state, and local laws and ordinances.
  4. RSOs are encouraged to report allegations of sexual misconduct, relationship violence, discrimination, and Title IX violations directly to the Office for Civil Rights and Title IX Education and Compliance. It is neither the role nor the responsibility of RSOs to investigate or make determinations concerning allegations of sexual misconduct, relationship violence, discrimination, and Title IX violations.
    1. Any conduct related concerns or violations can be reported to the Office of Student Support and Accountability.
    2. Organizations found to be investigating or making determinations that impact an individual’s membership, or an organization’s operation may be referred to the Office of Student Support and Accountability or other appropriate office.
  5. RSOs may not file a false complaint, use this policy to harass or intimidate a student organization, or fail to cooperate or participate in the accountability process.
  6. RSOs may not engage in intentional interference that impedes or disrupts the business of an RSO or University unit. Ethical competition is not considered to be interference.
  7. Hazing any member of an RSO is strictly prohibited.

 

  • Associated Students of Michigan State University
  • Council of Graduate Students
  • University Committee on Student Affairs
  • Vice President for Student Affairs and Services
  • September 1, 1968, Amended, June 1980,
  • Revised, June 6, 1986
  • Updated October 5, 2024

 

Student Group Regulations, Administrative Rulings, All-University Policies, and Selected Ordinances