RSO FAQs
These FAQs are for registered student organizations and their faculty/staff advisors to help ensure programs comply with federal and Ohio law, regulations, guidelines, and executive orders, and University rules and policies. For specific questions, please consult your RSO’s advisor.
Page last Updated Sept. 18, 2025
As outlined in University Rule 40-03-01, students are permitted to organize, join, and hold office in associations for their common interests. A RSO is a group of university students who unite to promote or celebrate a common interest and have registered as a student organization with the Center for Student Involvement.
In June 2025, the Advance Ohio Higher Education Act (SB1) became law. SB 1 does not prohibit a state institution of higher education from permitting RSOs, including fraternities and sororities. RSOs must follow University Rule 40-03-01 .
Membership requirements are set forth in University Rule 40-03-01. All RSOs are required to have a University compliant non-discrimination statement in their constitution and operate in accordance with the non-discrimination statement.
The University Funding Board (UFB) allocates funding to eligible RSOs to promote and foster a vibrant Bearcat community through events and essential investments. To be eligible for UFB funding, RSOs must meet the eligibility requirements found in the UFB Handbook. Learn more about the funding criteria and process on the Center for Student Involvement’s website.
Colleges and departments must comply with University policies, including the Intellectual Diversity Policy 1.3.7. In addition, departments and colleges should discuss any RSO funding decisions with their respective Dean or Vice President.
RSOs may host events that relate to their mission and comply with University rules and policies, including but not limited to the Use of Facilities Policy Manual.
In addition to the posting policy found within the Use of Facilities Policy Manual, RSOs must follow the Use of University Name, Brand, and Logos policy found in University Rule 40-03-01.
If utilizing university funding, all promotions of RSO events and activities should indicate that the event or program is open to all.
Colleges and departments must comply with University policies, including the Intellectual Diversity Policy 1.3.7. In addition, departments and colleges should discuss the promotion of any RSO event or activity with their respective Dean or Vice President.
Privileges of RSOs include access to University facilities. RSOs can request space on campus through 25Live.
Registered Student Organization (RSO) 101 is the Center for Student Involvement's annual training for student organization leaders. The training is hosted three times a year in April, August, and September. If your organization is interested in requesting funding from the University Funding Board (UFB), your organization’s President and Treasurer are required to attend.
In addition to RSO 101, the Center for Student Involvement hosts RSO Workshop Series. These workshops happen throughout the semester and cover a variety of topics (i.e. Planning Impactful Events, Transitioning Officers Effectively, and more). Find information about upcoming workshops here!
A full-time member of the University faculty or staff may serve as a RSO advisor.
Advisors should provide resources to students, guidance around RSO operations, and support to members. Advisors should not complete the tasks of the RSO; but empower its membership to accomplish its mission and goals. As University employees, advisors of an RSO do not have the authority to represent the views of the RSO. Please refer to University Board Rule 10-17-01 for more information. This remains the responsibility of the RSO student members, who may not speak on behalf of the University.
The Center for Student Involvement offers a variety of resources for RSO advisors. The Advisor Resource Hub on GetInvolvedUC houses the Advisor’s Academy. The Advisor’s Academy is an online training tool that provides general information and resources on RSO operations and support. Advisors can contact Center for Student Involvement staff anytime for questions or support at ucinvolvement@uc.edu.
In addition to the Advisor’s Academy, the Center for Student Involvement will host advisor roundtables and training sessions throughout the 2025-2026 academic year. The full training schedule, including both in-person and online options, can be found on the Center for Student Involvement’s website. RSVP to upcoming trainings below.
Advisor 101 Trainings