Registered Student Organization Formation and Annual Certification Policy

The Registered Student Organization Formation and Annual Certification policy outlines the requirements for establishing and maintaining a Registered Student Organization (RSO) at St. Mary’s University. RSOs exist to build upon and enrich the academic experience of students. All enrolled students are eligible to create an RSO following the guidelines articulated in this policy.

St. Mary’s University seeks to guide all its actions in the light of its Catholic and Marianist identity, moral and social teachings. In line with this commitment, St. Mary’s University understands and respects that individual members of our student community hold a diverse and wide range of interests, identities, perspectives, and positions that may inform the creation of a Registered Student Organization. The University reserves the right to deny or withdraw official recognition when, in its judgment, a Registered Student Organization’s purpose, goals and/or activities are inconsistent with or in opposition to the University’s mission and Catholic identity.

Registered Student Organization Formation and Annual Certification Process

New and continuing student organizations seeking official registration must be registered annually. Becoming a Registered Student Organization (RSO) also requires compliance with the policies outlined in the RSO Handbook. Upon approved registration, the organization becomes an official Registered Student Organization of the University community and enjoys all benefits and privileges available to such organizations. These include, but are not limited to:

• the right to reserve campus spaces;
• the right to request funding through the Student Government Association or Student Bar Association;
• the right to host campus programs and events;
• the right to promote the organization as an official RSO of St. Mary’s University on social media;
• the right to recruit new members; and
• the right to promote the activities of the RSO to the University community. 

The purpose, goals, and activities of a Registered Student Organization must adhere to the University’s policies, including those regarding non-discrimination and equal opportunity, and all applicable Federal, State and local laws.

Generally, a proposed Registered Student Organization should not duplicate the purpose and/or activities of an existing RSO at St. Mary’s University.

Process for Establishing a New Registered Student Organization

1. Complete the Intent to Organize form in RattlerTracks:
   • New UG/Non-Law Grad RSO application.
   • New Law RSO application.
2. Complete the online registration application in RattlerTracks. The following documentation must be submitted with the RSO Registration Application to receive consideration:
   • Statement of Purpose Form
   • Preferred Organization Classification (honor societies, special interests, service-based, academic-focused, social-Greek, etc.)
   • A list of officers, their Student IDs and their telephone numbers. The proposed RSO needs a minimum of two (2) officers (President and Risk Management Chair) to become registered. The same person may not simultaneously hold these positions.
   • A proposed RSO must have at least 5 full-time student members*, each of whom must be a current St. Mary’s University student. A list of members, their Student IDs, University e-mail addresses, and telephone numbers must be provided at the time of registration. Students listed as officers may be included in the count.
   • Advisor Agreement Form: Each RSO must have one (1) full-time St. Mary’s University employee (faculty or staff) as the official advisor of record. The employee must be at least 21 years of age.
   • An electronic copy of the organization’s constitution and/or bylaws. Organizations that are chapters of national or parent organizations must also provide a current copy of the constitution and/or bylaws of the national or parent organization.
3. The risk management officer must complete a scheduled risk management training listed on the New RSO Checklist available on RattlerTracks. See St. Mary’s University Hazing Policy.
4. The faculty/staff advisor must complete mandatory advisor training every year.

Notice of Recognition

The president of a proposed Registered Student Organization will receive official notice of organizational approval once all documentation has been submitted, reviewed, and approved by the Office of Student Life.

For more information, please contact:

Student Life Office                                                                          

University Center, Second Floor

210-436-3436

studentlife@stmarytx.edu

*Note: The requirement for 5 full-time student members does not apply to an RSO established in relation to academic programs that are, by design, part-time (ie: Evening Student Bar Association).