Create a New RSO

How Does the Process Work?

Students who want to start a New Student Organization (NSO), registered with Student Engagement, must submit an application via the submission form on ’Cuse Activities.

Fall 2023 applications will open Aug. 28 and be due the third Friday of the semester.  Dates for workshops and deadlines are pending and will be posted soon.

Access the NSO application beginning Aug. 28.

For an in-depth overview of the NSO process, please refer to the NSO Process Information Packet.

What Needs to be Included in the Application?

  • 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 both the president and the advisor.
  • Applications must have all questions answered and completed.

What Next?

As part of the application process, proposed organizations must submit their application via ’Cuse Activities. This gives the organization an opportunity to state what their mission and goals are and answer any questions after reviewing the application.  Any questions can be emailed to Student Engagement.

What happens if I’m approved?
Approved NSOs will complete a registration process during the semester of their approval.  This registration process is required for NSOs to become fully functioning RSOs the following semester.  This process will be explained in depth at the NSO Orientation workshop.  Please be aware that approved NSOs who complete the registration process will become fully functioning RSOs beginning the semester following their approval.

What happens if I’m denied?
Any organization denied NSO status during Wave 1 can reapply/resubmit their application during Wave 2 in the fall semester, at the discretion of the NSO Review Board.  Any organization denied NSO status during Wave 2 must wait an entire academic year before they can submit an application again.  For example, if an organization applies in Fall 2023 and is denied, or fails the NSO registration process, they must wait until Fall 2024 to reapply for recognition.

You must submit the application for Wave 1 by 5 p.m. on the third Friday of the semester, and the application must be submitted via ’Cuse Activities for consideration.  If you have questions, please email Emily Nasal at  for more information.

New Student Organization (NSO) Resources

NSO Application (link will be updated when application is live):  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 Process 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.

Advisor Packet [Google Document]:  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.

How to Write a Constitution [PDF]:  Tips and template to writing your organization’s constitution.