Start a New Registered Student Organization

Have an idea for a club, organization or student group that does not already exist at EIU? You can apply to create a new Registered Student Organization, or RSO. Official RSOs can recruit members, host events, request funding and become part of EIU’s student organization community.

 

Start the New RSO Application

 

Before You Apply

As you prepare to register your organization, think through the questions below.

PurposeWhat will your organization do?

  • What are your organization’s goals?
  • What do you hope to accomplish?
  • How will your organization contribute to campus life at EIU?
  • What makes your organization different from existing groups?
  • Is there a campus department or office your organization may be connected with?
  • Who might serve as your faculty or staff advisor?

MembershipA new organization needs students who are interested and willing to participate.

  • Do you already know other students who want to join?
  • How will you recruit new members?
  • What will your organization offer students?
  • What kind of time commitment will members need to make?
  • Why would students want to be part of this group?

Steps to Start a New RSO

Step 1Choose Members and an Advisor

Before submitting your application, identify students who want to be part of the organization and select an advisor.

All RSO advisors must be current EIU faculty or staff members.

Step 2Write the RSO Constitution

You will need to upload a constitution as part of the application. 

A constitution template is available in the application.

Before submitting your constitution:

  • Remove the header from the template.
  • Use black font throughout the document.
  • Make sure the RSO name appears in bold throughout the document.
  • Include Article V, Section 3.
  • Include Article VIII, Sections 1-3.
  • In Article VIII, Section 3, list the criteria and steps for terminating an advisor.

Step 3Complete the New RSO Application

The online application will ask for information about your proposed organization, including:

  • RSO name
  • Membership type
  • Website URL, if applicable
  • Number of current members
  • Organization purpose
  • Meeting time and location
  • Advisor information
  • Officer information
  • Current member information
  • Constitution

When entering advisors, officers and members, use each person’s EIU NetID. For example: "bdpanther" for Billy D. Panther.

Application Reminder: After all information has been entered, click the green Create RSO button. If you do not click the button, your information may be lost.

Registration Review Process

Under normal circumstances, the approval process for a new student organization takes about two to three weeks after all completed materials are submitted.

The organization’s president and advisor will receive registration updates by email. Delays may occur if information is missing or changes are needed.

What Happens After You Apply 

  1. The Office of Leadership & Engagement reviews the application and constitution for accuracy and completeness.
  2. If changes are needed, the advisor, president and vice president will receive an email with suggested updates.
  3. The organization makes the requested changes and resubmits the materials.
  4. Once the application is ready, it is reviewed for final approval.
  5. The organization is placed on the Student Government agenda for review and approval.
  6. After approval, the organization becomes an official Registered Student Organization.

Membership Requirement

New organizations are expected to have at least 10 members.

Organizations with fewer than 10 members may receive a one-semester probationary period to meet the membership requirement.

Need Help?

The Office of Leadership & Engagement can answer questions about the application, constitution requirements or registration process.

Contact the Office of Leadership & Engagement