Form a Voluntary Student Organization (RSO)
Recognition Eligibility
There are a few eligibility requirements to consider before initiating the recognition process. Please read carefully as these restrictions could apply to your organization:
1) Membership—There must be at least 8 currently matriculated students at the University of Michigan-Flint to receive recognition
2) Financial Management—No organization may be created whereby members directly benefit financially from the group’s activities. In addition, only currently matriculated students can be Authorized Signers, who are individuals who have the ability to conduct official business.
3) Naming a Student Organization: Student organizations may NOT have “The University of Michigan-Flint” at the beginning of the organization’s name without having SSO Classification
4) Standards of Conduct—By receiving recognition and registering your organization, you agree to abide by, all campus rules and regulations including but not limited to:
- Non-Discrimination Policy
- Anti-Hazing Policies
- Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities
- Contract and Financial Policies
- General University Policies
5) The following organizations are unable to be classified as a Sponsored Student Organization:
- Religious Organizations
- National Organizations
- Lobbying Organizations
- Independently Incorporated Organizations
Recognition Process
1) Acquire an Intent to Organize (ITO) Form from the Student Organization Center, Room 213 University Center and return the form to the Student Activities Coordinator in the SOC.
2) Receive communication within 24 hours from the Office of Student Life to proceed forward with the writing of a Voluntary Student Organization constitution and application. If not approved, a meeting will be put together to discuss other options.
3) If the ITO is approved, submit the constitution and application to the OSL. Please note:
- The organization must have eight currently matriculated students, four of which must be officers.
- The organization must provide meeting information
- The organization is NOT required to have an advisor, but is highly recommended to find one. Please
contact the Activities Coordinator if you need help with identifying a volunteer staff or faculty advisor.
4) Receive limited benefits until OSL approves or denies the organization application and constitution.
5) When approved, the organization must schedule a New Student Organization Orientation meeting with the
Student Activities Coordinator. All officers and advisor(s) are required to attend the Orientation Meeting.
6) If an organization is applying for Sponsored Student Organization status, please refer to the Sponsorship
section of this Guidebook and the Sponsored Student Organization Guidebook.
Frequently Asked Questions and Helpful Hints
- Are there benefits given while forming?
- How long does the application process take place?
- Should an organization still meet regularly?
- Can non-UM-Flint individuals be members of the organization?
- Does the organization have to have a faculty or staff advisor?
- When do elections have to occur?
- Can the organization still collect dues?
Are there benefits given while forming?
Yes.
A group may have the following limited benefits:
- They must request all meeting and event rooms and distribution table through Brian in the SOC.
- They are allowed tables during Student Organization Fairs if room is available
- They are allowed marketing on the Student Life Bulletin Boards and Digital TVs.
- Full access to the Student Organization Center and its resources
How long does the application process take place?
The entire process can be performed within 2 weeks from the submission of the Intent to Organization Form. However, it may take less time or more, depending if there are complications with the mission, constitution or application of the organization.
Should an organization still meet regularly?
Yes.
It is suggested that the organization meet regularly to maintain communcation, to continue planning for events and activities, to continue to be involved and to build commaredie between organization members.
Can non-UM-Flint individuals be members of the organization?
Yes.
Non-Student Members are possible. However all university issued funds must be solely used for the student members. Additionally to begin the organizsation there must be at least 8 UM-Flint students on the roster.
Does the organization have to have a faculty or staff advisor?
No.
The Office of Student Life does not require a university advisor. If the organization does not specifically identify an advisor, Brian Proffer is the default advisor for your organization.
When do elections have to occur?
Elections must occur at least once a year. When they occur is at the descretion of the organization, so long as they abide by their constitution. It is the suggestion that elections occur mid to end of Winter Term.
Can the organization still collect dues?
Yes.
If the organization collects dues or membership fees, an organization may begin collecting immediately, however records must be kept and upon offical recognition of the organization, all funds must be deposited into the organization account.
 Student Organization Center | 213 University Center - 303 East Kearsley St. | Flint, Michigan 48502Phone: 810.424.5316 | Fax (810) 762-3023 | Dept.Student_Life@umflint.edu |