Activities & Organizations
Student Organizations/SOURCE
Organization Registration & Management
Use the links and information below for existing organizations and new organizations to complete your organization’s registration or renewal for this academic year.
Information for Existing/Renewing Organizations
Existing Organizations are those that were registered during the last academic year and are continuing to be registered with the SOURCE. Existing Organizations must complete the requirements to renew their organization between May 1 and October 15 each year in order to maintain, or contiue working toward, their Active and Established status.
Primary Leaders and Advisors log in here to access the management pages.
Information for Starting New Organizations
New Organizations are those that are brand new in this academic year and were not registered with the SOURCE in the previous academic year. New Organizations must complete the requirements to register their organization within 90 days of starting the online process.
Students interested in registering a brand new organization log in here to begin.
Information for All Student Organizations
All organizations must complete the following requirements in order to be registered and active:
- Trainings for Primary Leader (President Training) and Treasurer (Treasurer Training) completed yearly
- Training for Advisor (Advisor Certification) completed every 3 years
- Online organization information renewal
- Online renewal or registration requires:
- At least 5 student members
- Names and contact information for 3 student leaders serving as officers (including OSU name.#)
- Faculty or Staff Advisor name and contact information (including OSU name.#)
- Organization purpose statement and mailing address
- An electronic copy of your constitution in either PDF or Word format. If you need a electronic copy of your constitution, please come to the Student Activities Office and we can scan your paper copy. A sample constitution is available for your reference.
- An electronic copy of a roster of names of members
Understanding Student Organization Status
Student Organization statuses are based on the amount of time an organization has been continuously registered with the SOURCE, and the completed registration requirements. Below is a listing of student organization statuses:
- Pending: organizations that are in the process of completing registration requirements for a given year. All organizations will be listed as pending prior to the annual October 15 deadline as registration requirements are being completed.
- Active - New/Re-established: organizations that have been registered for less than two (2) continuous years with the SOURCE; all registration requirements completed by the annual October 15 deadline.
- Active - Established: organizations that have been registered for at least two (2) continuous years with the SOURCE; at least 15 members of the organization; all registration requirements completed by the annual October 15 deadline.
- Inactive: organizations that have not completed all registration requirements by the annual October 15 deadline. This may include organizations who no longer exist as groups on campus.
- Unregistered: organizations that choose to be listed in the Student Organization Directory online, but that do not complete registration requirements and so do not receive any benefits or resources from the SOURCE.
Student Organization Registration Guidelines – Requirements, Responsibilities, and Benefits
What is a Student Organization?
Unregistered Organizations
New and Re-Established Registered Student Organizations
Requirements
Benefits
Established Registered Student Organizations
Responsibilities of Student Organizations
Denial and/or Termination of Registration
Special Registration Organizations
The Ohio State University has traditionally held that one of the most viable ways for our students to engage in university life is to become involved with student organizations. A Student Organization is an association of Ohio State students created for any educational purpose that supports the vision and goals of the University set forth in the Academic Plan and the Diversity Action Plan.
Acknowledging our land-grant mission and consistent with the university motto disciplina in civitatem (education for citizenship), The Ohio State University recognizes the contributions Student Organizations make to an effective learning environment that prepares our students to live in a multi-cultural society and to work in a global community. Student Organizations serve as a medium for academic discourse, personal growth, leadership development, intercultural understanding, community service, and lasting friendships.
Research on the benefits of student organization membership suggests that involved students tend to perform better academically and are more likely to graduate than their non-involved peers. Students involved in organizations composed of peers learn leadership and interpersonal skills, as well as life skills such as planning, time management, and budgeting. Involved students develop a more robust, supportive network of friends and colleagues that often lasts beyond their college years. The Ohio State University strongly supports a diverse student organization community that contributes to the mission of the University.
The Ohio State University respects the right of students to associate in order to express commonly shared viewpoints. Ohio State recognizes but does not support or endorse these unregistered student groups. Some student groups may desire this level of classification because of the minimal amount of requirements.
1. Organization name
2. Statement of purpose
3. Name, local address, phone number, and the OSU internet username (“lastname.nn”) for one student leader who is currently enrolled at Ohio State
4. 90% of the membership must be currently enrolled Ohio State students
1. Inclusion in the University-published directory of student groups
2. Use of bulletin boards, outdoor signboards, and kiosks on the University campus
3. Use of University facilities, as a non-University entity. Unregistered student groups have access to University facilities that are generally available to the public.
4. Host events, including sponsoring guest speakers on campus
Registration becomes effective after the student organization has completed both the online registration process and the required training session for the president, treasurer, and advisor and has received electronic notification of its registration classification from the Office of Student Affairs.
1. Constitution and bylaws on file with the Office of Student Affairs, must include:
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Organization purpose that is tied to the educational purpose of the University and supports the mission of Ohio State
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Statement of nondiscrimination prohibiting discrimination on the basis of age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status
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A student organization formed to foster or affirm the sincerely held religious beliefs of its members may adopt a nondiscrimination statement that is consistent with those beliefs
2. No student shall be excluded from full membership on the basis of sex, unless the student organization is exempt under Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.
3. At least 3 student officers, including a treasurer and usually the organization’s president and vice president or its co-chairs
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Officers must be enrolled for at least 3 quarters or semester equivalent within the current academic year, meet minimum GPA requirements as determined by the Office of Student Affairs, and not be on academic or disciplinary probation or suspension
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Officers must not be registered officers in more than 3 student organizations
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The officers’ names, local and home addresses and phone numbers, and the OSU internet username (“lastname.nn”) must be included in the organization’s registration application
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President must have completed orientation
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Treasurer must have completed SOURCE treasurer training
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Student organizations may be registered provisionally if the incoming treasurer has not participated in the SOURCE treasurer training. No funds will be disbursed to the student organization until after the training has occurred.
4. 90% of the membership must be currently enrolled Ohio State students
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Faculty, staff, alumni, and the partners of students, faculty, staff, and alumni of Ohio State may participate in the activities and programs of student organizations as associate members, but may not comprise more than 10% of the total membership
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Registered student organizations whose constitution expressly promotes faculty-student interaction may have a membership that is composed of 60% students providing that the other 40% is composed of faculty or administrative and professional staff at Ohio State.
5. Student membership of 5 or more
6. Identify the student organization as primarily graduate, professional, or undergraduate organization based on the composition of the organization leadership
7. At least 1 faculty/staff advisor who is a member of the faculty or administrative and professional staff selected by the student organization in accordance with its constitution and bylaws
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Advisor must be certified by the Office of Student Affairs every 3 years
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Advisor may not serve as primary advisor to more than 3 student organizations at the same time unless his/her job description requires advising more than 3 student organizations. The advisor’s job description must be on file with the student organization’s file in the SOURCE. This rule does not preclude faculty and staff from serving in an informal co-advisory capacity to additional organizations.
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The name of the advisor(s), his/her campus address and phone number, and OSU internet username (“lastname.nn”) must be included in the registration application
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Classified civil service employees and graduate administrative associates my serve as co-advisors, but the primary faculty/staff advisor must complete the certification process for the organization to be registered.
8. Statement from the local, state, national, or international organization certifying affiliation when the student organization is a campus chapter of a local, state, national, or international organization (if applicable)
- Constitution of the local, state, national, or international organization on file with the Office of Student Affairs
9. Must adhere to the responsibilities of student organizations
10. Non-university checking account (with local bank or credit union) with president, treasurer, and advisor as signatories OR a University chart field account maintained by an academic department, unless the organization does not have any organizational assets, i.e. dues, CSA funding, other University provided funds. Under no circumstances may organizational money be placed in personal banking accounts.
11. Tax ID number or an EIN
Benefits (Subject to applicable policies, rules, regulations, and laws):
1. Inclusion in the University-published directory of student organizations
2. Use of bulletin boards, outdoor signboards, and kiosks on the University campus
3. Use of University facilities
4. Access to CSA student activity fee monies up to $200/year for operating expenses
5. Access to CSA student activity fee monies up to $2,000/year for programming
6. Participation in Student Involvement Fair
7. Participation in Homecoming Parade
8. Use of the SOURCE and its resources
9. Mailbox space in the SOURCE
10. Server space on University computers, including website hosting and organizational email accounts and listservs
11. Access to office space in the Ohio Union
This level of classification is intended to promote growth and continuity, recognizing the contributions that established student organizations bring to the University.
1. Meet all the requirements for a New Student Organization
2. Organization must be in continuous good standing at least two full years
3. Student membership of 15 or more
4. Must renew registration annually by the October 15 deadline to maintain Established status
Benefits (Subject to applicable policies, rules, regulations, and laws):
1. Benefits available to New Student Organizations
2. Access to CSA student activity fee monies up to $3,000/year for programming
3. Use of the University name to designate the student organization’s location “at The Ohio State University” or “Ohio State” on its letterhead and publications, subject to University name, logo, and seal guidelines
4. Rental of University vehicles through the motorpool
Registered student organizations at The Ohio State University, their officers, members, and guests are responsible for:
1. Complying with applicable federal, state, and local laws and with University regulations, including but not limited to the provisions of the Ohio Administrative Code including the Rules, Regulations, and Bylaws of The Ohio State University, The Ohio State University Operating Manual, the Code of Student Conduct and guidelines promulgated by the Vice President for Student Affairs. Copies of pertinent documents are available at the Office of Student Judicial Affairs;
2. Planning and implementing their own programs and activities;
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This is not intended to preclude bringing to campus contracted programs such as speakers, bands, performers, MTV sponsored events or other national touring programs.
3. Sponsoring and supervising their programs;
4. The safe operation of their programs;
5. Assuring that facilities are used for the purpose for which they were scheduled;
6. The activities of non-student members and guests while participating in the activities of the student organization;
7. Sound fiscal management and prompt payment of debts incurred, including maintaining fiscal records that include:
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Checkbook;
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Check stubs or copies of all checks;
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Consolidated receipt/disbursement book;
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Paid bills and invoices for all purchases;
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Copies of receipts issued for all cash payments;
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Other documents, reports, receipts, photographs, etc. that the organization deems important;
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Financial statements; and
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Budgets;
8. Expending student organization monies to further the purpose(s) of the student organization and not for the private benefit of its officers or members;
9. Keeping the organizations’ faculty/staff advisor informed of its activities, programs, and financial standing; and
10. Notifying the Office of Student Affairs within 30 days of any changes in the information submitted for registration.
- Reclassification may occur at this time based on changes submitted.
The Office of Student Affairs reserves the right to deny or terminate registration status. Circumstances that will result in denial or termination of registration include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. When the student organization is not formed for an educational purpose consistent with the philosophy statement on student organizations at Ohio State;
2. When the student organization has not complied with registration requirements;
3. Registering a student organization under termination or sanction from its local, state, national, or international affiliate (if applicable);
4. Registering a student organization currently under disciplinary sanction under a new name;
5. Registering a subsidiary of a currently registered student organization;
6. When the student organization has delinquent debts which the student(s) requesting registration cannot show will be paid within a reasonable time; and
7. Submitting false information to The Ohio State University or a university representative, and
8. Action taken by the Office of Student Judicial Affairs.
1. A request from the student organization to dissolve;
2. A lapse in communication with the Office of Student Affairs, including failure to maintain on file with the Office of Student Affairs the most current copy of the student organization’s constitution, bylaws, and officer contact information, including the name and contact information for the faculty/staff advisor;
Updating the student organization file must occur within 30 days of any change to this information.
3. When the student organization, its programs, and its activities are not planned and implemented by its student membership. This is not intended to preclude bringing to campus contracted programs such as speakers, bands, performers, MTV sponsored events or other national touring programs;
4. Failure to live up to the student organization responsibilities previously enumerated;
5. Failure to meet financial obligations;
6. Failure to comply with the student organization’s constitution;
7. Failure to comply with the rules, regulations, policies, and procedures of The Ohio State University as determined by appropriate University representatives;
8. Submitting false information to The Ohio State University or a university representative; and
9. Action taken by the Office of Student Judicial Affairs.
A student organization may appeal to the Council on Student Affairs any denial or termination of registration by the Office of Student Affairs. An appeal must be initiated within 30 days of a student organization’s receipt of the notice of registration denial or termination. All such appeals should be directed in writing to the SOURCE, which will forward them to the chair of CSA.
In addition to meeting the registration requirements for student organizations, some student organizations have other requirements for registration imposed by the Council on Student Affairs and/or by other offices at the University. Some have exemption from certain requirements. The following four types of student organizations are the only ones that have additional requirements and/or exemptions.
Media organizations: Media organizations are registered student organizations whose purpose is to create media, such as student publications and electronic media, including but not limited to any brochure, newspaper, newsletter, yearbook, radio, television, or other telecommunication devices edited, published, and/or managed by students for distribution to members of the University community.
Additional requirements:
1. Media organizations must have an affiliation with an academic or administrative department at Ohio State. This affiliation includes but is not limited to:
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A faculty/staff advisor from this University academic or administrative department, and
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A University fund through this University academic or administrative department;
2. Media organizations must have an official liaison between the student organization and the Office of Student Affairs;
3. In addition to the requirements for officers and advisors, a registered student media organization must have an advisory board. The composition and duties of the advisory board shall be established in the student organization’s constitution and should provide that:
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The advisory board shall be composed of at least 2 faculty or administrative and professional staff members, one of whom must be the advisor, and 3 students, none of whom may be an officer, editor, or general manager of the student media organization;
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The duties of the advisory board shall include, but not be limited to, approval of the student organization’s annual budget and expenditures, advising on matters of ethical accountability, and advising on the selection of the editor or general manager;
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Unless specifically provided in the constitution, the advisory board shall not have control over the editorial policy or the student organization; and
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The advisory board may not engage in prior censorship of student publications or student media broadcasts;
4. Registered student media groups possessing equipment must submit a written inventory of all equipment to the Office of Student Affairs each time there is a change in officers and at least once per year. The inventory shall include the OSU tag # or a completed description of the equipment including purchase or trade date and price, current condition, and exact location. The Vice President of Student Affairs may request an on-site inspection to verify the inventory; and
5. The signature of the advisory board chairperson is needed on the student organization registration form.
Currently, there are two: The Makio and Student Radio.
Social fraternities and sororities: Social fraternities and sororities are registered student organizations that may be either single-sex or co-ed Greek-letter organizations whose mission and purpose is recognized as primarily promoting the intellectual, social, spiritual, moral, civic, and career development, and the wellness of student members.
Additional requirements:
1. All social fraternities and sororities must be officially recognized by one of the four Greek Councils: Interfraternity Council (IFC), the Multicultural Greek Council (MCGC), the Panhellenic Association (PHA), or the Pan-Hellenic Council (PHC).
2. All social fraternities and sororities must be endorsed by the Coordinator of Greek Affairs, Office of Student Activities. The signature of the Coordinator of Greek Affairs will be accepted as sufficient documentation of such endorsement.
3. The Office of Student Affairs may establish criteria for accepting new chapters and specific requirements for existing organizations. The Coordinator of Greek Affairs will make such criteria available to students upon request.
4. Social fraternities and sororities may have their registration terminated at the request of their local, state, national, or international chartering organization.
Exemptions:
1. Social fraternities and sororities may limit membership based on sex and still be eligible for recognition as a registered student organization.
2. With permission from the Director of Student Activities, social fraternities and sororities may have fewer than 10 members and be eligible for recognition as an Established Student Organization if the Director finds a compelling reason that supports the ideals and mission of the University.
3. If the OSU advisor of record is not the advisor directly responsible for the organization’s finances, exemptions may be made pertaining to the requirement that the OSU advisor must be a signatory on the organization checking account. The petition for exemption should be directed to the Greek Life staff at The Ohio State University. The organization may appeal the Greek Life decision to the CSA Allocations Committee. The decision of CSA Allocations shall be final.
Honor societies: Honor societies are registered student organizations whose purpose is to recognize achievement in academics and/or co-curricular involvement.
Additional requirements:
1. New academic honor societies must also submit with their registration application a letter of acceptance from the dean of the college with which the honor society is most closely associated. Each college may establish criteria for accepting new academic honor societies.
2. New class honoraries must make application to the Association of Ohio State Class Honoraries. The Association will make a recommendation to the Vice President for Student Affairs based upon student interest, the need for additional opportunities for student recognition, the future viability of the proposed society, and the contribution the proposed honor society can make to the quality of campus life.
3. Other new honoraries must obtain the permission of the Vice President of Student Affairs, who may establish criteria for accepting new honoraries and specific requirements for existing organizations. Such criteria will be made available upon request.
4. Honoraries that are affiliated with national organizations must be in compliance with their national organizations guidelines for chapter affiliation in order to be recognized at Ohio State.
Exemptions:
1. Honoraries and honor societies may limit membership based on selection criteria, which may include, but are not limited to, grade point average, merit of a membership application, or performance in a selection interview, and still be eligible for recognition as student organizations. Compliance with the nondiscrimination policy is required in order to be a registered student organization.
Sport Clubs: A sport club is an annually registered student organization that is recognized by and registered with the Department of Recreational Sports. Sport clubs receive funding, staff support, and special access to recreational facilities from the Department of Recreational Sports and are ineligible for resources available to other registered student organizations through the SOURCE and the Office of Student Activities.
Additional requirements:
1. The Department of Recreational Sports may establish criteria for new sport clubs and specific requirements for existing organizations. The Sport Club Director will make such criteria available to students upon request.
Exemptions:
1. Sport clubs may limit membership based on sex if the primary purpose of the student organization is to engage in sports in which the major purpose or activity involves bodily contact.
2. Students may comprise only a majority of the membership. Only students may hold officer/leadership positions.
3. Sport clubs are ineligible for the following benefits available to other registered student organizations:
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Access to CSA monies for operating expenses
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Access to CSA monies for programming
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Use of the SOURCE and its resources
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Mailbox space in the SOURCE
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Access to office space in the Ohio Union
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