Student Group Overview
Student Group Overview
Mizzou’s Division of Student Affairs is updating how student organizations are classified across campus. Beginning when re-registration opens in July and effective for the fall 2026 semester, student groups will be classified in one of the following categories:
Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs): This is the primary classification for student organizations at the University of Missouri. RSOs have access to specific university resources and operate under the direction of the student members in accordance with the organization’s constitution. RSOs do not represent the university. They must follow the Organization Resource Group (ORG) registration process each year and comply with policies and guidelines.
Sponsored Student Organizations (SSOs): SSOs are affiliated with the University of Missouri through a formal process with a sponsoring university unit. SSOs operate under the direction of the student members with guidance from the assigned University administrator. Students provide organizational direction and retain high-level of engagement with the University to ensure policies and guidelines are followed.
University Programs: University programs are created for the benefit of the students and the institution. These are typically educational, academic or administrative programs and the University has supervision of its members and operations.
| Status/Benefit | Recognized Student Organizations (RSOs) | Sponsored Student Organizations (SSOs) | University Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| University entity | No | Affiliated 1 | Yes |
| Required university advisor | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Religious or political (party, ballot measure, candidate or campaign) affiliation | Permitted | No | No |
| Fiscal account management resides with the university | No | Yes, with limited exceptions 2 | Yes |
| Eligible to apply for Organization Resource Group (ORG) Funding | Yes 3 | Limited | No |
| Access to University email and website | No | Yes | Yes |
| Access to MU Engage Portal | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Access to ORG equipment | Yes | Yes | No |
| ORG allocated Mailbox, office and storage | Upon application | No | No |
1 These student-run entities are affiliated with the university.
2 Fraternity & Sorority Councils are an exception.
3 Club sports are only eligible to apply for Mizzou Club Sports Federation funding.
External Groups: Groups that operate independently of the University and are not recognized as student organizations by the University. Absent a University agreement indicating otherwise, external groups are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by the University. External groups may reserve campus space for their events under the same terms and conditions as other third-party groups and may engage in noncommercial expressive activity pursuant CRR 110.010.