What is recognition? Do we have to renew our recognition?
The CSU Chancellor's office requires all student organizations to be recognized by the university. Recognition is the official process that all student organizations at SJSU must complete to become registered with the University. Once the registration is completed and approved by Student Involvement, the group is an officially Recognized Student Organization (RSO). Recognition must be renewed annually.
What is the difference between New Student Organizations and Returning Organizations?
New student organizations are defined as groups that have never been recognized at SJSU or had their recognition lapse prior to the 2009 - 2010 academic year. Returning Student Organizations are defined as groups that were recognized at SJSU the 2009 - 2010 academic year.
How long does it take to become an officially recognized organization?
The recognition process can take approximately 6 weeks from the time the organization submits all required materials to the time they receive their recognition letter.
Why does it take such a long time for Student Involvement to recognize organizations?
The recognition process is a long procedure that entails verifications for grades, enrollment, and advisors. In addition, the length of time is sometimes dictated by how quick groups can respond to staff requests. Please be assured that the S.O.A.L. Team does everything to make the process as quick and efficient as possible.
How many members do I need to have?
Organizations must maintain a membership of at least eight (8) matriculated, currently enrolled students at SJSU.
Which officers must our organization have?
Every organization must elect a President and Treasurer who have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and be currently enrolled in at least 6 credits if they are undergraduate students and 3 credits if they are graduate students. They may NOT have completed over 150 units or 125 % of the units needed for their major. Presidents and treasurers must be in good academic and conduct standing with SJSU (Per CSU Executive Order No. 969/ Executive Order No.1006). The roles of the President and Treasurer cannot be held by the same person. Please also note that first-semester freshmen cannot hold either of these offices.
Can I have off-campus members join my organization?
Yes, however at least eighty percent (80%) of all members of the organization must be matriculated, currently enrolled students at SJSU. This does not apply to Club Sports and Fraternities/Sororities as they must have 100% of their membership be currently matriculated, enrolled students at SJSU.
What are the benefits of being a recognized organization?
Who is eligible to be a SJSU Student Organization Advisor? What if I can't find one?
An advisor can be any faculty or staff member at SJSU that holds at least a bachelors degree. Graduate students are subject to Student Involvement's approval. Employees of Auxiliary Offices (Associated Students, Spartan Shops, Student Union Inc.) may not serve as advisors (per California Code of Regulations, Title 5, Article 2). If more than one advisor is desired, the main advisor should be a San José State University faculty /staff member.
Student Involvement keeps a list of SJSU faculty/staff that are interested in serving as an advisor. Please ask a S.O.A.L. Team member for assistance if you cannot secure an advisor.
What is the New Student Organization Orientation?
The New Student Organization Orientation is an opportunity for new organizations to gain more information about the recognition process, as well as information on event management, risk reduction, and the SJSU alcohol policy. Groups will also learn about student organization benefits and SJSU policies and procedures that specifically apply to student groups. This is the required first step for groups wishing to start a new student organization at SJSU.
What happens if I miss the recognition deadline, orientation, or don't complete the entire process?
Student groups that miss any of the above mentioned items will not have their recognition granted. New groups will need to begin the process again the following semester. Returning groups will lose all privileges afforded to recognized student organizations (ie. bank accounts will be frozen, all room reservations will be released, etc.).
Is the Student Organization Leadership Conference mandatory?
The Student Organization Leadership Conference is MANDATORY for both new and returning groups. In addition to gaining leadership skills, student groups will cover the necessary Alcohol Education training for student organizations that is required per Executive Order 1006. Failure to attend will result in immediate loss of recognition status with the university, including all benefits and privileges afforded to student organizations.
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