Mar 29, 2024  
2019-2020 Student Handbook 
    
2019-2020 Student Handbook [Not Current Academic Year. Consult with Your Academic Advisor for Your Catalog Year]

Student Organization Definitions


Student Life Policies  > Student Organization Definitions

The University of Houston (UH) recognizes that learning takes place in a wide variety of settings and circumstances. Involvement and participation in a student organization provides opportunities for developing leadership skills and enhances campus life at UH. In recognition of the important role of student development through involvement in student organizations, the university supports the growth and management of student organizations in accordance with these policies and definitions.

Registered Student Organizations

Registered Student Organizations (“RSOs”) are unsponsored organizations that function independently from the University and are entitled to request minimal support from the University.  They are private entities and are not extensions of the University.  The RSOs may conduct the organizations’ business on their own behalf, but they may not imply or suggest that they are representatives or agencies with authority to make decisions or speak on behalf of the University.  These organizations are registered annually through the Center for Student Involvement at the University of Houston.  In addition, they are required to have:

  • Faculty or Staff advisors that are acceptable to the University.  The RSO advisors are volunteers that will exercise their duties independently of any duties that they may have with the University and not as representatives of the University.
  • A constitution that includes the anti-hazing clause and non-discrimination clause
  • At least three enrolled students at the University of Houston

University Sponsored Organizations

These organizations are inherently linked to the university and are considered to be an integral part of the institution. University Sponsored Organizations receive student service fees through the Student Fees Advisory Committee. They typically have a close relationship with a university department that provides a full-time professional staff member to serve as the primary advisor to the sponsored organization. They are required to register their organization annually through the Center for Student Involvement at the University of Houston.

Affiliated Organizations

These organizations operate independently of the University, but collaborates with other larger sponsored organizations and departments; and shared the common goals of providing the most unhampered open print, online, and broadcast media coverage and commentary to the University and surrounding community.