How Does the Process Work?
Students interested in starting a New Student Organization (NSO), recognized by Student Engagement, must complete and submit the official application through ’Cuse Activities.
Join us this fall for an NSO Information Session!
Connect with the NSO team, get an inside look at the application process, and receive early feedback on your organization proposal before submissions open.
The Spring 2026 application process opens on January 12, 2026.
Submit an NSO Application HERE!
For an in-depth overview of the NSO process and timeline, please refer to the NSO Information Packet [PDF].
The deadline to submit complete applications is February 6, 2026.
- Applications must have a minimum of eight (8) members, including four (4) filled executive board positions.
- 51% of your members must be undergraduate students, and your executive board should consist of on-campus, undergraduate students. Students studying abroad cannot hold executive board positions, in accordance with the RSO Handbook.
- Applications must include an Advisor Contract, signed by the Advisor and available via ‘Cuse Activities.
- Applications must have all questions answered and completed.
- All proposed organizations are expected to attend a required pitch meeting upon approval of their initial application. During the pitch meeting, members of the proposed NSO will engage with the NSO Review Team, providing comprehensive responses to any relevant inquiries. Further details regarding pitch meetings can be found on the final pages of the NSO Information Packet.
Approved NSOs will complete a formal registration process during the Spring semester.
This step is required for all NSOs to transition into fully active Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) in the following semester.
Details about this process will be covered during the required NSO Orientation workshop.
Please note: Only NSOs that successfully complete registration will gain full RSO status beginning the semester after approval.
Any organization denied NSO status must wait an entire academic year before they can submit an application again. For example, if an organization applies in Spring 2026 and is denied, or fails to complete the NSO registration process, they must wait until Spring 2027 to reapply for recognition
If you have questions, please email Student Engagement for more information.
New Student Organization (NSO) Resources
NSO Application: Application form that needs to be completed to apply to be a new student organization. Because the form is updated each semester, it will be made available when the NSO application period is open.
NSO Advisor Application: Application form to be completed by NSO Advisors. This form is not intended for pre-existing RSOs.
NSO Information Packet [PDF]: This packet covers all the information about becoming a new student organization including FAQs about the application and registration process, the various RSO communities, and overall requirements of the process.
Pitch Meeting Presentation Prep: This guide contains what will be assessed during NSO pitch meetings. NSO applicants are encouraged to prepare a brief presentation addressing the questions included in this guide.
How to Write a Constitution [PDF]: Tips and template to writing your organization’s constitution.
Advisor Packet [PDF]: Information provided in the Advisor Packet includes what it means to be an advisor and the complete advisor application.
Advisor Resource Sheet [PDF]: Quick article overview for advisors.