Create a new student organization

CU Boulder students can start a new recognized student organization (RSO) by following the steps and policies outlined below.

But first, see if your organization 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.

What is a recognized student organization (RSO)?

A recognized student organization (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 in nature and may not result in personal (financial or academic) gain for individual members or for the RSO. 

The primary mission or activity of a recognized student organization must be centered on, for the benefit of and driven by CU Boulder students.

We require at least three members prior to 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 with 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 through CU GOLD.

How can I prepare for starting a new organization?

The registration process to create new RSOs opens during specific windows of time in Fall and Spring semesters (read above for specifics).  To ensure that the process runs smoothly once it does open:

1. Visit our RSO directory to ensure your suggested RSO does not already exist.
2. Be sure to review all information on this webpage first.
3. Brainstorm the following:
   • Organization name
   • Purpose, mission or interest of your potential organization
   • Ideas for programs, events or activities you anticipate the organization having
4. 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 organization

What steps will I need to complete?

Below you can read the steps for a general idea of what may be involved.  The following steps needed to be completed in the order they are listed and may take longer than listed depending on time of year (Fall Welcome, Spring Break, etc):

1. Complete the new RSO request form (accepted through October 25, 2024).
2. If approved, a CSI liaison will email you to schedule a time during October 2024 to meet and discuss your idea.
3. If approved after the initial meeting, attend the New Organization Symposium in November.
4. Complete the new student organization application (organization registration form). 

My RSO existed before, but is no longer active. What do I do?

If interested in restarting the organization, please email studentorganizations@colorado.edu. Please provide any information regarding the previous org (previous leaders, last year you think you were active, etc). If you remain in contact with any former org members, please reach out in advance and ask to lead the restarted organization. While 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 as it offers plenty of tips in running a successful student organization. Our resource center page outlines many similar helpful tips.