RSO Office Space

Michigan State University provides a limited number of office spaces for Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) within select campus facilities, including the MSU Union and the Multicultural Center (MCC). These spaces are intended to support organizations whose activities, programs, and services make meaningful contributions to the student experience and who demonstrate a clear need for dedicated office space.

Because the number of available spaces is limited, office assignments are made through an annual application and review process. To ensure fairness, consistency, and transparency, each location utilizes established eligibility and priority criteria that align with the mission and purpose of the facility in which the space is located. While all applicants must be active RSOs in good standing, assignment decisions are based on factors such as organizational impact, engagement, collaboration, demonstrated need, and long-term organizational stability.

The criteria outlined below provide guidance for organizations seeking assigned office space in either the Multicultural Center or the MSU Union. Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee assignment, as available space may not accommodate all qualified applicants. However, the process is designed to ensure that space resources are utilized in ways that best support student engagement, leadership development, cultural enrichment, and the broader Michigan State University community.

Please review the criteria specific to each location before submitting an application for space assignment or renewal.

MSU Union Office Space Application

Mulitcultural Center Office Space Application

• MSU Union Office Spaces

  The Office of Spartan Experiences (OSE) maintains a limited number of office spaces within the MSU Union that may be assigned to Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) that demonstrate sustained, campus-wide impact and contribute meaningfully to the student experience at Michigan State University. These office spaces are assigned annually and are not permanent. Assignments will be made through a fair and transparent priority-based process, as described below. 

  The eligibility criteria recognize organizations that make sustained contributions to the educational, leadership, and social experience of Michigan State University students through programming, engagement, collaboration, and service. They also acknowledge the importance of organizational stability, breadth of impact, and responsible use of university resources by giving priority to organizations that demonstrate a long-term commitment to serving students and the broader campus community. 

  Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee assignment of office space. When demand exceeds available space, RSOs will be prioritized based on the degree to which they demonstrate the criteria outlined below. 

  Please note: The MSU Union maintains meeting and event spaces that may be reserved by RSOs regardless of whether they are assigned office space. 

  Eligibility and Priority Criteria 

  To be considered for assigned organization space within the MSU Union, an RSO must be in active good standing with the Office of Spartan Experiences and demonstrate the following: 

  Campus-Wide Impact and Engagement 

  The RSO must demonstrate sustained impact that extends beyond its own membership and contributes to the broader Michigan State University student community. This may include programs, events, initiatives, services, or other activities that engage significant numbers of students or serve a broad cross-section of the campus community. The RSO should be able to articulate how its activities contribute to the student experience and how assigned space in the MSU Union enhances its ability to serve the broader campus community. 

  Collaboration and Contribution to Campus Life 

  The RSO must demonstrate a record of collaboration with other RSOs, university departments, colleges, or campus partners. This may include co-sponsoring programs, coordinating campus-wide initiatives, convening or supporting other student organizations, sharing resources, mentoring developing organizations, or otherwise contributing to a vibrant and connected campus community. Organizations demonstrating sustained collaboration and an ability to positively impact multiple organizations or constituencies will receive stronger consideration. 

  Demonstrated Need for Assigned Space 

  The RSO must demonstrate how assigned office space supports its campus-wide activities and organizational responsibilities. Consideration may include the organization's need to coordinate frequent programs or services, maintain materials or resources necessary for organizational operations, provide consistent access for students, support a significant level of organizational activity, or perform functions that cannot reasonably be accommodated solely through reservable meeting or event space. The size or visibility of an organization alone does not establish a need for assigned office space. The programs, events and activities should demonstrate a commitment to engagement beyond the RSO’s own membership. 

  Longevity and Organizational Stability 

  The RSO must demonstrate sustained organizational stability and an established record of active engagement at Michigan State University. In evaluating requests for assigned space, consideration will be given to the length of time an organization has maintained active Registered Student Organization status, as well as its consistent record of organizational activity including regular meetings, events, and sustained membership as well as responsible use of university resources. 

   

  Annual Assignment Process 

  Annually, the Office of Spartan Experiences will facilitate a process for RSOs to apply to be assigned an office space or have their space assignment renewed for an academic year. Space assignments are not permanent and renewal is not automatic. RSOs requesting space are required to: 

  • Remain in active RSO standing with the Office of Spartan Experiences, including compliance with all applicable MSU policies, such as the Anti-Discrimination Policy (ADP) and its “Open to All” requirement. 
  • Submit an annual application or renewal request by the deadline established by OSE staff. 
  • Provide documentation of programming, events, services, and activities from the prior academic year. 
  • Demonstrate continued alignment with the eligibility and priority criteria. 
  • If requesting renewal, demonstrate appropriate and regular utilization of previously assigned space. 
  • Complete required space check-in/check-out processes and maintain the space in accordance with OSE and MSU Union standards. 

  When the number of qualifying organizations exceeds the amount of office space available, assignments will be prioritized based on the relative strength of each organization's demonstrated alignment with the criteria.  

  Failure to meet renewal expectations, maintain space standards, or fulfill programming obligations may result in space reassignment or non-renewal determination by the Director of the OSE in consultation with the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students (Student Affairs). 

  Review and Decision Process 

  Space assignment and renewal decisions are made by the Director of the OSE, or designee, in consultation with the Associate Vice President and Dean of Students (Student Affairs).  

• MSU Multicultural Center Office Spaces

  The Multicultural Center (MCC) maintains a limited number of office spaces for Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) whose objectives and activities align with our institutional mission and advance the purpose of the MCC through educational and social programs and events, that explore, preserve, share, or celebrate the cultures, histories, traditions, arts, languages, customs, experiences, knowledge, and practices associated with peoples, communities, countries, or regions of the world. These office spaces will be assigned annually based on eligibility and priority, using a fair and transparent process, as described below.  

  The eligibility criteria and priority consideration recognize RSOs that make sustained contributions to the educational, cultural, and social experience of Michigan State University students through programming, collaboration, and engagement. They also acknowledge the importance of organizational stability, breadth of impact, and responsible use of university resources by giving priority to organizations that have demonstrated a continuous commitment to serving students and the broader campus community. Meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee assignment of office space. When demand exceeds available space, RSOs will be prioritized based on the degree to which they demonstrate the criteria outlined below.  

  Please note: the MCC recognizes the value of all RSOs and maintains other meeting and event spaces that may be reserved by any RSO that wishes to utilize the space. 

  Eligibility Criteria and Priority Consideration 

  To be considered for assigned space within the Multicultural Center (MCC), an RSO must be in active good standing with the Office of Spartan Experiences and demonstrate the following: 

  Cultural or Area of the World Focus  

  The RSO’s stated purpose and programming must be focused on interest in or celebration of a particular culture or area of the world. The RSO’s work should center educational, cultural or historical programs, events, and observances relevant to that community. The RSO should be able to articulate how its presence in the MCC serves the broader campus community’s understanding of that culture or area of the world. 

  Affiliate Organization Relationships 

  The RSO must demonstrate active leadership and ongoing collaboration with affiliated RSOs based on shared culture, history, geographic region, or mission. This may include co-sponsoring programs, coordinating initiatives, sharing resources, mentoring newer organizations, or serving as a convening organization. Organizations that demonstrate a broader impact through sustained collaboration with multiple affiliated groups will receive stronger consideration for assigned space. 

  Demonstrated Need for Assigned Space 

  The RSO must demonstrate how assigned office space supports its campus-wide activities and organizational responsibilities. Consideration may include the organization's need to coordinate frequent programs or services, maintain materials or resources necessary for organizational operations, provide consistent access for students, support a significant level of organizational activity, or perform functions that cannot reasonably be accommodated solely through reservable meeting or event space. The size or visibility of an organization alone does not establish a need for assigned office space. The programs, events, and activities should demonstrate a commitment to engagement beyond the RSO’s own membership. 

  Longevity and Organizational Stability 

  The RSO must demonstrate sustained organizational stability and an established record of active engagement at Michigan State University. In evaluating requests for assigned space, consideration will be given to the length of time an organization has maintained active Registered Student Organization status, as well as its consistent record of organizational activity including regular meetings, events, and sustained membership as well as responsible use of university resources. 

   

  Annual Assignment Process 

  Annually, the Multicultural Center (MCC) will facilitate a process for RSOs to apply to be assigned an office space or have their space assignment renewed for an academic year. Space assignments are not permanent and renewal is not automatic. RSOs requesting space are required to: 

  • Remain in active RSO standing with the Office of Spartan Experiences, including compliance with all applicable MSU policies, such as the Anti-Discrimination Policy (ADP) and its “Open to All” requirement. 
  • Submit an annual application by the deadline established by MCC staff. 
  • Provide documentation of programming, events and activities from the prior academic year. 
  • Demonstrate alignment with all four eligibility criteria. 
  • Complete the space check-in/check-out process and maintain space in accordance with MCC standards. 

  Failure to meet expectations, maintain space standards, or fulfill programming obligations may result in space reassignment or non-renewal determination by the Director of the MCC in consultation with the Associate Vice President for Inclusive Access and Belonging (Student Affairs).  

  Review and Decision Process 

  Space assignment and renewal decisions are made by the Director of the Multicultural Center, or designee, in consultation with the Associate Vice President for Inclusive Access and Belonging (Student Affairs).