Student Organization Registration and Recognition

McKendree University Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) provide students with opportunities to connect around shared interests, serve others, develop leadership skills, and contribute to campus life.

All RSOs must complete the registration process to become, or remain, officially recognized by McKendree University.

 

Renewing an Existing RSO

Existing RSOs must complete annual registration during the timeline announced by the Office of Campus Activities. To renew recognition, the organization must:

• • Complete the RSO Registration Packet;
  • Have the President and Vice President complete the required information;
  • Have the organization’s advisor review and sign the packet; and
  • Submit the completed packet to the Office of Campus Activities.

After the packet is submitted, the President or Vice President must schedule and attend a meeting with Maci Meyer, Manager of Campus Activities. This meeting reviews the organization’s packet, responsibilities, expectations, and available resources.

Following the meeting, the packet will be forwarded to the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs for final approval. An organization is not officially renewed until final approval has been confirmed.

 

Creating a New RSO

Students interested in creating a new RSO must first ensure that the organization has:

• • At least five currently enrolled undergraduate student members;
  • A President and Vice President;
  • At least one McKendree University faculty or staff advisor; and
  • A completed RSO Registration Packet.

New organizations should complete the packet and contact Maci Meyer, Manager of Campus Activities, at mmmeyer@mckendree.edu to schedule a meeting.

During this meeting, the group will review its proposed purpose, membership expectations, leadership structure, advisor responsibilities, University policies, and the expectations of recognized student organizations. Following the meeting, the packet will be forwarded to the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs for final approval.

An organization may not represent itself as an official McKendree University RSO, reserve University space, or use RSO resources until recognition has been approved.

 

Maintaining Recognition

To maintain recognition, an RSO must:

• • Complete annual registration during the timeline announced by the Office of Campus Activities;
  • Maintain at least five currently enrolled undergraduate student members;
  • Maintain a President, Vice President, and active faculty or staff advisor;
  • Report advisor, officer, and significant membership changes to the Office of Campus Activities;
  • Follow University policies and applicable local, state, and federal laws; and
  • Operate in a fiscally responsible manner.

Organizations that do not complete annual registration or otherwise fail to meet recognition requirements may lose access to RSO privileges and be placed on Inactive-Hold Status.

 

Inactive-Hold Status and Reactivation

An organization that becomes inactive or ceases operations will be placed on Inactive-Hold Status for one academic year. During this period, the organization’s University-held funds will be frozen and may not be spent, transferred, or withdrawn.

An organization may seek reactivation at any time during the one-year hold period by meeting the University’s current recognition requirements. If the organization is not reactivated within one academic year, any remaining funds in University-held accounts will be handled in accordance with the organization’s governing documents and/or University policy. Funds will not be distributed to individual members, officers, or advisors.

 

Privileges of Recognized RSOs

Once recognized, an RSO may be eligible to:

• • Reserve University rooms and event spaces for approved meetings and activities;
  • Use University equipment and services in accordance with applicable policies and availability;
  • Recruit members and publicize approved organization activities;
  • Request or access eligible RSO funding and financial resources;
  • Participate in University programs, events, involvement opportunities, training, and workshops; and
  • Conduct approved fundraising activities that support the organization’s mission or an identified philanthropic purpose.

Recognition also carries responsibility. RSOs are expected to maintain accurate records, manage funds responsibly, work with their advisor, and follow all applicable University policies and procedures.

 

Questions?

For questions about RSO recognition, annual registration, the registration packet, or scheduling a meeting, contact Maci Meyer, Manager of Campus Activities, at mmmeyer@mckendree.edu.