Student Organization Classification Structure

Students at Org Fair

Welcome

This page provides an update on Student Organization Classification Structure:

Update and Key Revisions
Overview of University Affiliated Designation
Designation Process
 

Update

In Spring 2024, the Department of Student Involvement and Engagement conducted a comprehensive review of the existing student organization classification system to assess its effectiveness and alignment with higher education best practices. 

Following this evaluation, it was determined that the current dual classification system, distinguishing between registered student organizations (RSOs) and chartered student organizations (CSOs), will be replaced with a more streamlined approach. 

Moving forward, all student organizations will fall under the umbrella classification of RSOs. However, organizations meeting specific criteria related to risk management, university affiliation, funding, and size and scope may be designated as university-affiliated, subject to the evaluation process by a designated committee and final approval by the Vice President for Student Success.

Key revisions include:

  • Discontinuation of the current student organization classifications, transitioning all organizations to the RSO designation.
  • Established a clear criteria for designating RSOs as university-affiliated, following assessment by a committee and final endorsement by the Vice President for Student Success.
  • Developed a comprehensive set of tools, including a risk assessment tool, questionnaire, rubric, and review procedures, to formalize the designation review process and maintain consistency in the application of the university-affiliated designation.

These shifts provide a more structured approach to recognizing and supporting TXST’s nearly 400 student organizations. 

University Affiliated Designation

Overview

Student organizations who are designated as university-affiliated play a pivotal role within the university ecosystem, often serving as governance boards for either the university as a whole or multiple registered student organizations (RSOs). 

This designation is conferred upon organizations through official partnerships or sponsorships with university departments, academic areas, or programs. University-affiliated student organizations typically engage in activities and operations of a broader scale, encompassing increased levels of complexity and risk management. 

As governing boards, they maintain a defined relationship with the university, embodying a strategic alignment with its objectives and mission.

RSOs with the university-affiliated designation:

  • Receive advisement from a university assigned an advisor with the department overseeing RSO operations.
  • Operate within the purview and framework of a designated University unit.
  • Adhere to and abide by internal university policies, standards, and operational protocols.
  • Align their missions and objectives with a specific relationship to the University.
  • Function as a governance organization or governing board for other student organizations.
  • Participate in specialized risk management training developed by the advising department to address the unique needs of the student organization.

Designation Process

Survey and Rubric

When considering an RSOs for university-affiliated designation, the RSO university-affiliated designation questionnaire should be completed. 

The survey will be accessible online via the Bobcat Organization Hub and linked on the Student Involvement webpage. 

To ensure standardized assessment, a detailed rubric has been developed for evaluating responses to the questionnaire.

Assessment Criteria

The assessment criteria for determining the university-affiliated designation reflect four key areas: risk, relationship to the university, funding, and the size and scope of operations. Here is a detailed explanation of each criterion:

Expand FAQ List

  • The risk criterion assesses the level of risk inherent in the activities and operations of an RSO. University-affiliated RSOs typically engage in larger-scale activities with increased complexity and associated risks. 

    A risk assessment tool is utilized to evaluate the level of risk, with organizations categorized as having high or very high risk being considered for university-affiliated status. 

    The following risk categories are utilized in determining RSO risk:  

  • Physical
    Sport clubs, outdoor activities (subject to elements) and/or indoor activities that include significant physical activity

    Reputational
    Activities perceived by general public to be significantly tied to the university (e.g. fraternity/sorority recruitment activities, events with alcohol, organizations that are impacted by legislation), operates as a judicial body

    Emotional
    Recruitment, Membership-Based organizations, operates as a judicial body

    Financial
    Organization receive/expend a large number and/or amount of funding for activities 

    Facility Usage
    Utilization of campus and off-campus facilities that include contracts, stakeholder engagement, and significant risk mitigation efforts

  • This criterion evaluates the organization's engagement with the University through resources, staffing, responsibilities, agreements, and other forms of support. 

    University-affiliated RSOs establish defined partnerships or sponsorships with university departments, academic areas, or programs.

    Example: The organization conducts events with contracts or significant financial commitment from a university department/unit/program. 

  • The funding criterion examines the financial resources received and expended by an RSO within an academic year. 

    University-affiliated RSOs manage substantial funding to facilitate their operations effectively. 

  • This criterion considers the reach and impact of an RSO, assessing the number of students involved and the breadth of activities conducted. 

    University-affiliated RSOs often serve as governing bodies for large groups of students, the entire student body, or multiple RSOs or reach a large student population. 

    Additionally, their operations and decision-making influences a significant number of students, often hosting events with over 100 participants, activities involving physical exertion, alcohol, travel, overnight components, or requiring considerable support from university stakeholders such as UPD, EHS, and Facilities.

Review Committee

A committee, comprising a diverse group of campus stakeholders, will assess all submitted questionnaires using the designated rubric to determine whether a group will be designated university-affiliated.