Start a New Student Organization on Campus

Think about what your organization will focus on and why it matters. Ask yourself:

• What is our purpose or mission, and does it align with the university?
• Who is this organization for?
• How does it benefit students and campus life?
• Does our university have anything like this already?

Don’t worry about having everything perfect, just get started & your team can help you. 

Every RSO needs 5 individual Executive Board (e-board) members and at least 5 general body members. You’ll select:

• A President
• A Vice President
• A Secretary
• A Treasurer
• A Marketing Representative
• + FIVE (5) General Body Members 

Your team doesn’t have to be large, just committed.

All RSOs must have a signed agreement from a full time Faculty or Staff Advisor who is willing to provide the e-board support and guidance. Advisors don’t run the organization, they’re there to mentor and help you navigate the process.

Complete the New RSO Application through Engage.

• Click This Link
• Select "Student Organization"
• Complete the registration form

You’ll be asked to provide:

• Organization name and mission
• Student leadership and member information
• Advisor details
• Organization’s Constitution 

Failure to answer all questions entirely, upload all required documents, or have all leadership positions filled may lead to a rejection of your RSO. SOC and the Department of Student & Family Engagement will review your application at their weekly council meeting and follow up via email to schedule an interview.

SOC invites all new student organizations for an interview when pending approval. During this interview, the President and Vice President will meet with SOC representatives to:

• Share why your organization is needed on campus
• Answer any questions SOC has about your mission and plans
• Ask SOC any questions about next steps, expectations, and resources

This interview is meant to be supportive and conversational. It’s a chance for SOC to get to know your organization and help set you up for success.

If your organization is approved following the interview, it will move into a “Pending Approval” status. At this stage, SOC will invite your organization to complete required trainings through Canvas, including:

• RSO E Board Training (on demand) – required for all executive board member
• RSO Advisor Training (on demand) – required for your advisor

These trainings ensure your leadership team and advisor understand policies, expectations, and available resources before officially operating. RSO’s will not be approved until training is completed.

Once all interviews, applications, and required trainings are completed, your organization will receive full RSO approval and gain access to all the benefits of being a registered student organization.

⏰ Important Deadline:

All steps — application submission, SOC interview, and required trainings — must be completed by the sixth week of the semester to be officially approved. If the deadline is missed, your organization will need to wait until the following semester to complete the process.

After approval, congratulations — your organization is officially registered and ready to operate!

New RSO applications are due by the 4th Friday of the fall and spring semesters. All interviews and trainings must be completed by the end of the 6th week of the respective semester to be officially approved. 

After your RSO application is submitted and your interview is completed, your advisor and all e board members will receive a RSO Training invitation via Canvas.

Didn’t receive an email or having trouble accessing training? Email SOC@barry.edu for support.

Full time faculty or staff members may advise up to two student organizations at a time.

Everything is managed through Barry Engage. This is where you’ll:

• Submit and promote events
• Access all documents and request forms 
• Re register your organization each year
• Keep your RSO information up to date

You can hold up to two (2) total executive board positions across all RSOs. You may serve as President of only one (1) organization at a time.