Recognized Student Organizations
RSOs are student-led groups created by and for students around shared interests, identities, or goals. While they may collaborate with departments, RSOs are expected to be run by students and not operate as extensions of academic programs, administrative offices, or unrecognized groups. Their purpose is to support student community, leadership, and engagement. The upcoming edition of the Student Handbook, to be issued in August, will offer further clarification on permitted and prohibited uses of RSOs, including expectations around academic and administrative independence.
USC has more than 800 student organizations, which are responsible for many of the programs and events held on campus, including concerts, lectures, special events, spirit rallies, cultural and social events, and conferences.
The last day for spring semester RSO programming is May 1. No programming may occur during study days and finals. Programming may resume May 14 (after the last day of finals) through June 30 (the last day of RSO recognition for the 2025-26 academic year). After June 30, RSOs must apply for 2026-27 recognition before beginning programming in the new academic year.
RSO Transition Resources
- RSO Officer Resources
- Transition Workshops: Come learn about the four phases of RSO transitions and how to prepare for your officer hand-offs as you move into the year ahead.
- RSO Toolkit Transitions Folder: The RSO Toolkit contains a variety of resources for RSOs to successfully manage their operations and activities and develop leadership skills. Within the RSO Toolkit is an RSO Transitions Toolkit with a Transitions Manual, sample Shared Drive, workshop slides, and more.
- RSO Advisor Transition Resources
- Advisor Transition Lunch & Learn: Join us to review how advisors can best support RSOs through their officer transitions and prepare for the coming academic year.
- Thursday, April 30, 12:00-1:00PM on Zoom.
- Advisor Office Hours: Drop in any time during the hour to ask your questions about your advisor role and supporting your groups with their officer hand-offs.
- Friday, May 1, 12:00-1:00PM on Zoom.
- Advisor Transition Lunch & Learn: Join us to review how advisors can best support RSOs through their officer transitions and prepare for the coming academic year.
RSO Office Hours
Stop by our drop-in office hours to connect with a staff member on any questions related to Recognized Student Organizations, including events, fundraisers, recognition, advisor questions, and more.
Spring office hours take place the following dates and time. Office Hours will not be held during the workshop dates listed above.
- Tuesdays, 11:00am-12:00pm on Zoom or in-person SKS 410 (check in at front desk)
- Fridays, 2:00-3:00pm on Zoom or in-person SKS 410 (check in at front desk)
Last Office Hours for the spring semester will be Tuesday, May 5th.
University recognition is required on annual basis to maintain the status of a university Recognized Student Organization (RSO).
RSO recognition status for groups who were recognized during 2024-25 ended June 30, 2025. Once approved, RSOs have recognition status for one academic year (between August 1-June 30). Please visit the following pages to learn more about the RSO process and resources.
RSO Recognition Process and Resources
The 2025-26 recognition application cycles have closed. This website will be updated with 2026-27 application information at a later date.
All RSOs are required to submit a recognition application for the 2025-2026 academic year. Approved applications will have official RSO recognition for one academic year (between August 1-June 30). Please visit the following pages to learn more about the RSO Process and resources. Questions can be directed to stuacts@usc.edu.