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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Recognition

  1. What is recognition? Do we have to renew our recognition?
  2. What is the difference between New Student Organizations and Returning Organizations?
  3. How long does it take to become an officially recognized organization?
  4. Why does it take such a long time for Student Involvement to recognize organizations?
  5. How many members do I need to have?
  6. Which officers must our organization have?
  7. Can I have off-campus members join my organization?
  8. What are the benefits of being a recognized organization?
  9. Who is eligible to be a SJSU Student Organization Advisor? What if I can’t find one?
  10. What is the New Student Organization Orientation?
  11. What happens if I miss the recognition deadline, drop in meeting, or don't complete the entire process?
  12. Is the Student Organization Leadership Conference mandatory?

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 2010 - 2011 academic year. Returning Student Organizations are defined as groups that were recognized at SJSU the 2010 - 2011 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 our staff 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 1068).  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?

  • Use of the University name (ie. "The Traveling Club at SJSU").
  • Use of University facilities for student organization events (Student Union, Classrooms, SJSU Plazas, etc.).
  • Eligibility to submit requests for funding from Associated Students.
  • Access to resources of the Associated Students General Services Office (Banking, Assistance with ticket selling for special events, etc.).
  • Ability to participate in the Fall and Spring Student Organization Fairs.
  • Inclusion in the Student Organization Directory, Student Involvement website, and other materials produced by Student Involvement.
  • Use a student organization mailbox in Student Involvement.
  • Opportunity to participate in the Annual Student Organization Leadership Conference.
  • Ability to participate in leadership programs and trainings
  • Access to leadership consultations with the Student Involvement staff
  • Access to the Student Involvement Leadership Library
  • Eligibility to become an Affiliate Group of the MOSAIC Cross Cultural Center.

Who is eligible to be a SJSU Student Organization Advisor? What if I can't find one? 

Student organizations must have an SJSU faculty/staff member serve as an advisor. This person must hold at least a bachelor's degree (graduate interns/assistants are subject to Student Involvement approval) and cannot be an employee of an SJSU auxiliary department (e.g.: Associated Students, Spartan Shops, Student Union). Advisors must be listed on SpartaNet and will be verified by Student Involvement. Advisors are an important campus resource and help provide continuity from year to year. The presence of an advisor is often necessary in order to reserve certain university facilities, as well as utilize other University resources (per CSU Executive Order 1068). Please contact us for assistance at studentorgs@sjsu.edu if you cannot secure an advisor.

What is the New Student Organization Orientation?
For organizations seeking recognition in the Spring, one officer and one general member of each new group is required to attend a New Student Organization Orientation. The orientation is a leadership development opportunity with the goal of getting new organizations off to a successful start 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  recognition requirements 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?
Yes. The Student Organization Leadership Conference is mandatory for both new and returning groups. Failure to attend will result in immediate loss of recognition status with the university, including all benefits and privileges afforded to student organizations.