View the most updated version of the RSO Handbook.
RSO Ordering Sheet
All RSO orders including more than three (3) items must be recorded using the attached RSO ordering spreadsheet and submitted to an RSO Consultant well in advance. Orders that are not recorded in the form and contain more than three items will not be accepted by RSO Consultants.
Please save a copy of this spreadsheet to your computer prior to editing.
RSO Guides
The resource guides listed below can be used when navigating new systems or processes as a student leader.
Use this constitution writing guide when crafting or making edits to your RSO constitution.
The Student Engagement office provides a number of workshops and sessions for student organizations. These programs are listed below. Specialized requests may be made below and will be reviewed the Student Engagement team.
If you would like to request a workshop, please complete this form at least two (2) weeks in advance. Custom program requests will be reviewed to determine if we are able to accommodate. For custom requests, please provide as much detail as possible.
Please contact the RSO Help Desk at rsohelpdesk@syr.edu with any questions or concerns.
Request a workshop through the Student Engagement Leadership Workshop Request Form.
Available Workshops for Request:
VIA Classification of Character Strengths (60-minute workshop)
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- The VIA Character Strengths assessment is a powerful tool designed to help individuals flourish in all aspects of their lives, from personal growth to professional development, and at every stage of their life journey. By identifying your 24 Character Strengths, the assessment provides valuable insights into your unique qualities, such as honesty, kindness, creativity, and leadership. As student leaders on campus, you can use these strengths to enhance your leadership abilities, foster meaningful connections with others, and create a positive impact within your community. The VIA assessment empowers you to understand your strengths more deeply, and offers guidance on how to apply them effectively to overcome challenges, reach your goals, and contribute to the well-being of those around you.
Emotional Intelligence 2.0 (90-minute workshop)
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- This leadership development session focuses on the importance of Emotional Intelligence (EQ) and provides a comprehensive approach to enhancing it. Emotional Intelligence 2.0 offers a practical, step-by-step guide for improving your EQ through four core skills: self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, and relationship management.By developing these skills, you’ll not only improve your interactions with others but also enhance your ability to navigate challenges, communicate more effectively, and make better decisions. This session will equip you with the tools you need to exceed your goals, unlock your fullest potential, and become a more impactful and emotionally intelligent leader in both your personal and professional life.
Risk Management (60-minute workshop)
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- This workshop is designed to introduce student leaders to the fundamental concept of risk management, with a specific focus on how it applies to organizational leadership and event planning. During this session, you will learn how to identify, assess, and mitigate various types of risks ranging from logistical challenges to safety concerns and reputational risks. By gaining a solid understanding of risk management, you will be better equipped to navigate the complexities of planning and executing events, ensuring that potential issues are anticipated and addressed proactively. This workshop will empower student leaders to manage risks confidently and take the necessary steps to minimize the impact of potential challenges, ensuring that your events and organizational activities run smoothly and achieve their intended outcomes.
Officer Transition (45-minute workshop)
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- Effective officer transitions are crucial for maintaining continuity, strengthening organizational culture, and ensuring that your group’s goals are consistently met, even as leadership changes. This workshop will explore a variety of strategies to ensure a smooth and successful transition of executive board (e-board) leadership from one year to the next. During this session, you will learn practical approaches to facilitate seamless handovers, including tips on knowledge sharing, setting clear expectations, and providing guidance to new officers. Topics will include creating thorough transition documents, shadowing incoming officers, and establishing mentorship programs to support new leadership.
Self-Advocacy (60-minute workshop)
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- In this interactive one-hour workshop, student organization leaders will explore the essential skills and strategies for effective self-advocacy. Participants will learn how to articulate their needs, set boundaries, and build confidence in their leadership roles. Through engaging activities and real-world scenarios, attendees will gain insights into navigating conversations with peers, advisors, and campus stakeholders to create a positive impact for their organizations.
Elections Support (45-minute workshop)
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- This workshop is designed to introduce student leaders to the Elections feature in Cuse Activities, providing a comprehensive guide to using the platform for your organization’s e-board elections. Whether you are organizing elections for the first time or looking to refine your process, this session will equip you with the knowledge and tools needed to create, manage, and promote a successful election. You will learn how to set up the election process within your organization’s Cuse Activities portal, including how to customize election details, set timelines, and designate positions for candidates. Additionally, you’ll explore strategies for promoting your election to ensure maximum engagement from your organization’s members. This includes tips on how to communicate election information, encourage participation, and create awareness about the importance of voting in your community.
This document details the event planning process and includes important deadlines.
Steps for any off-campus student travel over 100 miles:
- Student leader must complete the travel form.
- Student leader must also alert RSO Consultant with travel information and names of students traveling.
- Consultant will setup the trip in Travel Registry (syr.edu).
- Traveling students must complete travel waiver form emailed to them directly.
- Travel will be approved upon completion of all travel waivers.
Recognized student organizations can receive assistance with technology-related issues from the Student Experience Technical Services team. Organizations can request assistance from Technical Services by contacting them via email at sehelp@syr.edu, by phone at 315.443.1436, or by visiting their space in Answers.
Please review the Q&A below for more detail on the scope and level of assistance provided
What Does Student Experience Technical Services Do?
The Student Experience (SE) Technical Services Group’s primarily responsible is to provide technology support and guidance for departments within the Division of the Student Experience. As an auxiliary to these services, the group provides consulting and technical support services for recognized student organizations and sports clubs. SE Technical Services also acts as a liaison to central IT on campus (ITS) and is responsible for assuring departments and organizations adhere to the university policies, procedures and security guidelines that relate to the acquisition and use of technology.
Which Student Organizations Does SE Technical Services Support?
Technical Services provides technical assistance to student organizations recognized by Student Engagement and sports clubs recognized by Competitive Club Sports and Esports.
What Kind of Assistance Can SE Technical Services Provide to a Student Organizations
Technical Services provides assistance and guidance to organizations in the following areas. Further details on each can be found later in this document.
- Purchasing – Technology-related purchases are subject to the university’s procurement, accessibility and security policies and guidelines (refer to https://policies.syr.edu/policies/information-technology/). Technical Services can assist student organizations in selecting technology and applications that meets their needs and are appropriate for use in the university environment. Selecting and procuring technology takes time so please contact Technical Services well in advance of considering moving forward with a purchase. Examples of technology we assist organizations acquire include computer hardware, networked devices (e.g. printers), web and software applications, and technology-related services.
- Web Support/Maintenance – Technical Services provides web hosting services using the WordPress platform. Additional details as to the options available can be found at https://studentorgs.syr.edu.
- Technology Configuration and Deployment – Technical services can assist with the setup and networking of computers and other devices. We also provide assistance with the installation and configuration of any required software applications.
- Troubleshooting – Technical Services can troubleshoot and diagnose problems with technology and coordinate repair and/or replacement for faulty computers.
Does SE Technical Services Charge a Fee for Services?
Technical Services does not charge a fee for any of the services mentioned above. For larger projects that may involve significant investments in time and resources, a fee may be considered. In those cases, a representative from the student organization should meet with an associate in Technical Services and discuss the project in detail.
Please use this form to request an estimate when using any of the larger event spaces that the Student Engagement office oversees. This is NOT a reservation and does not count as any sort of hold for any spaces.
The update/cancellation form is for updates to confirmed reservations only. Please do not use this form for new reservations.
Information here is for full time faculty or staff members interested in becoming an advisor to a recognized student organization. Included is the application that must be submitted as well.
This is a template students can use when contacting agents to confirm price, availability and booking information for proof of cost.
Student Association and the Co-Curricular grant require proof of cost sheets to back-up why you are requesting a specific dollar amount for a certain item. This packet will show you what are acceptable proofs of cost for typical budget items.
This is a sample and editable version of the timeline your organization can and should follow to plan ahead and know who is handling what aspect of the show.