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.
RSO Recognition Process and Resources
University recognition is required on annual basis to maintain the status of a university Recognized Student Organization (RSO).
The 2026–2027 RSO Recognition process is now open on EngageSC! RSO recognition status for groups who were recognized during 2025-26 ended June 30, 2026. Once approved, RSOs have recognition status for one academic year (between August 1-June 30). Please review the Recognition Process page for details on recognition deadlines, requirements, and more. Some general info on eligibility for fall and spring application cycles is below.
- All RSOs are required to submit a recognition application for the 2026-2027 academic year. RSOs that were recognized during the 2025-26 academic year are eligible to apply during the fall application cycle.
- New RSOs and RSOs seeking to re-establish after a lapse in recognition may apply during the spring 2026 application cycle, which will open in fall. Please submit this form if you would like to receive information about the spring application cycle. Information will be shared closer to the opening of the spring cycle in October.
Recognition Office Hours and Info Sessions
Info sessions provide a chance for officers to review recognition requirements, deadlines, processes, and resources with Campus Activities staff. Each presentation is followed by a Q&A session.
- Info Session: Tuesday, July 14, 11:00am-12:00pm Zoom
- Info Session: Monday, July 20, 2:00pm-3:00pm Zoom
- Info Session: Thursday, July 30, 11:00am-12:00pm Zoom
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. Current office hours focus on the recognition process and application support.
Office Hours will begin on Friday, July 17, 2026.