Create a New Recognized Student Organization (RSO)

CU Boulder students can start a recognized student organization (RSO) by following these steps and policies. 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 BuffConnect, CU’s comprehensive student involvement database. If your idea isn’t already out there, we encourage you to start a new RSO. 

Starting in fall 2025, Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) at CU Boulder will be required to have a faculty or staff member serve as an advisor. This change is taking place because we know that having an advisor can increase an organization’s effectiveness, provide a more engaging experience for students within the organization and can create a strong connection with campus departments.

Who can be an advisor? 

Advisors can be current CU Boulder faculty or staff members, as well as a graduate student who serves as a CU Boulder GA/TA/RA/GPTI. Graduate-led organizations must have a faculty or staff advisor (the advisor cannot be a graduate student).

Learn more about finding an advisor

Timelines and deadlines

  • Aug. 27, 2025: New RSO applications can be submitted for those wishing to start in the spring 2026 semester. The intake form will be available through Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025.
  • Sept. 29, 2025: CSI staff will begin to review new RSO applications and a CSI liaison will email you to schedule a time to further discuss your proposed student organization. The meeting must take place before Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2025.
  • Oct. 22, 2025: All applicants will be notified of their status and whether they move forward to the next step.   
  • Oct. 29, 2025: Last day for tentatively approved groups to register for the New Organization Symposium. Attendees must RSVP to continue in the process.
  • Nov. 15, 2025: Proposed new RSOs who were tentatively approved must attend the New Organization Symposium. Attendees must attend for the entirety of the symposium to continue in the process.
  • Nov. 30, 2025: Final deadline for organizations to submit their registration form. You must identify a faculty/staff advisor during this step.

All steps listed above must be completed in order to become active in spring 2026. You must identify an advisor by Nov. 30.

What is a recognized student organization (RSO)?

An RSO is CU Boulder’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 CU Boulder 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 RSO directory 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 RSO request form (opens on Wednesday, Aug. 27, accepted through Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025).
  2. After applications close on Sept. 28, a CSI liaison will email you within a week to schedule a time to meet and learn more about your proposed student organization. The meeting must happen before Oct. 21.
  3. If you're notified that you've been tentatively approved on Oct. 22, then you will be required to attend the New Student Organization Symposium on Nov. 15. Attendance is mandatory and attendees must attend for the entirety of the symposium in order to become active the following semester.
  4. Complete the Organization Registration Form by the deadline. You must identify a faculty/staff advisor during this step.

Failure to complete any of the steps will result in having to start the process over again during the 2026-2027 academic year. 

Additional Information

 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.