Create a new student organization

student at the be involved fair

²ÊÃñ±¦µä students can start a recognized student organization (RSO) by following these steps and policies. 

Note: Before you take steps to start a new organization, check if there is one that already exists. You can browse organizations by category or search for specific words or phrases on , CU’s comprehensive student involvement database. If your idea isn’t already out there, we encourage you to start a new RSO. 

Timelines and deadlines

  • Sept. 1, 2024: New RSO Applications can be submitted for those wishing to start in the spring 2025 semester. The intake form is available through Oct. 25, 2024.
  • October 2024: CSI Staff will begin reviewing new RSO applications.
  • November 2024: New RSOs approved to move forward will attend the New Organization Symposium.
  • December and beyond: Organizations will work to finalize their registration forms, plan for their launch in spring 2025 and start advertising themselves. 

If an organization begins this process during the spring semester and does not complete all steps by commencement, it will be required to restart the process the following year. 

What is a recognized student organization (RSO)?

An RSO is ²ÊÃñ±¦µä’s formal name for student-run clubs, groups or organizations. An RSO’s mission must be educational, charitable, cultural, social or recreational, and it may not result in personal (financial or academic) gain for individual members or the RSO.  

A recognized student organization's primary mission or activity must be centered on, for the benefit of and driven by ²ÊÃñ±¦µä students. 

We require at least three members before RSO creation, and at least two of the three must be full-time, fee-paying students. 

What are the benefits of being an RSO?

Student groups are not required to register with the Center for Student Involvement. However, there are many benefits to being registered. They include the ability to:

  • Reserve spaces on campus at discounted or free rates.
  • Access a colorado.edu email address specific to your organization.
  • Apply for office space in the UMC.
  • Apply for funds.
  • Reserve a table for the Be Involved Fair or Involvement Fair.
  • Apply for and be recognized at the annual CU Involvement Awards.
  • Use the BuffConnect system for recruitment and networking.
  • Drop in for advising with Center for Student Involvement staff.
  • Participate in leadership development courses, retreats and programs offered by CU GOLD. 

How can I prepare to start a new organization?

The registration process to create new RSOs opens at specific times in the fall and spring semesters.  To ensure that the process runs smoothly once it does open:

  • Visit our to ensure your suggested RSO does not already exist.
  • Be sure to review all information on this webpage first.
  • Brainstorm the following: 
  • Organization name
  • Purpose, mission or interest of your potential organization
  • Ideas for programs, events or activities you anticipate the organization having
  • There are some minimum requirements for all RSOs. Be sure your proposed RSO meets the following requirements before you go on to the next steps: 
  • Free and open to all students
  • A minimum of three student members
  • A clear sense of purpose and mission for the organization 

What steps will I need to complete?

The following steps need to be completed in the order they are listed and may take longer depending on the time of year (Fall Welcome, Spring Break, etc.):

  1. Complete the new (accepted through Oct. 25, 2024).
  1. If approved, a CSI liaison will email you to schedule a time during October 2024 to meet and discuss your idea.
  1. If approved after the initial meeting, attend the New Organization Symposium in November.
  1. Complete the new student organization application (organization registration form).  

My RSO existed before but is no longer active. What do I do?

If you’re interested in restarting the organization, please email studentorganizations@colorado.edu. Provide any information regarding the previous org (previous leaders, last year you think it was active, etc.). If you remain in contact with any former org members, please reach out in advance and ask them to lead the restarted organization. While this is not a requirement to restart the organization, it will help expedite the process. 

Do you have a guide for managing a new RSO?

We encourage all new leaders to review the RSO handbook, which offers plenty of tips for running a successful student organization. Our resource center page outlines many similar helpful tips.