Create a New Recognized Student Organization (RSO)

KU 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 KUEngage, KU’s comprehensive student involvement database. If your idea isn’t already out there, we encourage you to complete the application process to start a new RSO.


 

Timelines & Deadlines

The application process will proceed as listed for the Fall 2025 semester.

  • October 27th: New RSO applications can be submitted for those wishing to start in the Spring 2026 semester. The intake form will be available through November 15,2025.

  • November 17,2025: SEC staff will be reviewing new RSO applications. An SEC Graduate student may contact you for more information or clarification about your application. Please monitor your email at this time for communication.

  • December 2, 2025: Applicants will be notified of their status and whether they move forward to the next step. 

    • Orgs who receive notification of organization being accepted are tentatively so. Participation in the new RSO symposium is required to be a RSO.

  • December 3,2025: Registration for New Organization Symposium opens

  • January 9, 2026: Last day for approved new RSO to register for symposium.

  • January 24, 2026: 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. 

 

All steps listed above must be completed in order to become active in Spring 2026.

 

New Student Organization Resources

An RSO is KU'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 KU students.

We require at least three members before RSO creation, and at least two of the three must be full-time, fee-paying students.

We also require all organizations to have an advisor. 

Student groups are not required to register with the Student Engagement Center. However, there are many benefits to being registered. They include the ability to:

  • Reserve spaces on campus with waived fees.
  • Apply for storage space in the Student Engagement Center.
  • Apply for SOFAS account.
  • Apply for funds via Pepsi Funding, Senate, and departmental funding where applicable.
  • Reserve a table for Involvement Fairs (occurring Fall & Spring semesters)
  • Use the KUEngage system for recruitment and networking.
  • Drop in for advising with Student Engagement Center staff.
  • Participate in leadership development courses, retreats and programs offered by the SEC.

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
    • Potential advisor, should proposed organization be approved. 


 

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  (Link will be made live on October 27th 10AM).
  2. After applications close on November 15th, applications will be reviewed by SEC staff beginning on November 17th. During this process a SEC Graduate Assistant may email you for more information or clarification regarding  your application. Be sure to regularly check your KU email at this time.
  3. If you're notified that you've been tentatively approved on December 2nd, then you will be required to attend the New Student Organization Symposium on January 24th. 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.