Recognition Process

One officer will submit the application on behalf of the RSO and be responsible for all follow-up regarding the application and any required modifications as this is the only officer with access to the application. Applicants should use a desktop or laptop computer to prepare and submit the application and follow the steps below to begin the process.

• Navigate to the group’s page on EngageSC and look for the blue box at the top that says “You need to re-register your group”. Review the information in the blue boxes, then scroll down to begin the application.
• Update the RSO’s group details (categories, logo, mission, and goals) and roster to begin the process. To update the roster, select the field for each officer position, hit backspace/delete, and add the current officer by USC email address.
  • For any officers that do not appear in the dropdown, please confirm they have logged into EngageSC at least once to activate their account and that their profile is not hidden in their privacy settings. To update privacy settings, click your profile picture in the upper righthand corner, select “Privacy Settings”, and scroll to the bottom to review “Profile visibility”.
• To revisit and continue the draft of your application, you should open the lefthand menu from the EngageSC homepage and click “My Activity” and “My Surveys/Forms”.

The following items are required to complete the 2026–2027 annual recognition process. Additional guidance, FAQs, and step-by-step instructions are available in the RSO Toolkit. Please log in to your USC account to access the Toolkit. All items will be submitted with the RSO application by the submitting officer, who should confirm that all materials are complete and accurate, including any training certificates submitted by fellow officers.

Advisors must be full-time USC faculty or staff members who are not on sabbatical or leave. While part-time faculty and staff may serve as additional advisors to a group, the advisor listed on the recognition application must be a full-time faculty/staff member. 

RSO Advisors are required to complete a Commitment to Community form, RSO Advisor training, and Trojan Learn course titled “Clery Act for Campus Security Authorities”. Additional information about advisor requirements will be available soon. 

Recognition is a privilege granted by USC. Student organizations are expected to operate in accordance with University policies and demonstrate responsible leadership, ethical conduct, and a commitment to the values of the Trojan community.

An organization may not receive recognition for reasons including, but not limited to:

• An incomplete recognition application, including missing documents or incomplete officer training.
• The organization is not in good standing with the Office of Community Expectations (OCE) or the Office of Civil Rights Compliance (OCRC).
• The organization or its members have engaged in conduct inconsistent with the USC Student Handbook or USC Student Commitment. Please refer to the RSO Accountability page for additional information.
• The organization is not student-led and student-run.
• The organization is not open to all eligible students.
• The organization charges for services rather than accepting permissible donations.
• The organization is unable or unwilling to operate within University policies, procedures, and expectations.
• The organization’s purpose or activities conflict with University policies or standards.
• Required approvals for specialized or high-risk activities have not been obtained, including those from:
  • University Clinical Services
  • Youth Protection Services
  • Offices or departments with oversight established through University agreements (for example, Fraternity & Sorority Life, Recreational Sports, or the Office of Religious & Spiritual Life).

Organizations are expected to maintain compliance with University expectations throughout the academic year. Failure to do so may result in the loss, suspension, or limitation of recognition and associated RSO privileges.

Recognition may be affected for reasons including, but not limited to:

• Failure to complete the annual recognition process.
• Non-compliance with applicable inter/national governing organization policies.
• Hazing.
• Misrepresentation (“fronting”).
• Organizational responsibility for the actions of members.
• Bank fraud, larceny, or theft.
• Activities inconsistent with the educational mission of the university.
• A written request from the organization to relinquish recognition.
• Other violations of the USC Student Handbook.

Please refer to the RSO Accountability page for additional information regarding organizational responsibilities and accountability.

Some student organizations are affiliated with external organizations or operate within specialized areas of the University. These organizations may be subject to additional requirements.

RSOs affiliated with other campus departments must first become a Recognized Student Organization. 

Organizations affiliated with off-campus organizations must submit applicable governing documents (such as constitutions, articles of incorporation, or similar governance documents) for University review.

Religious organizations must also comply with expectations established by the Office of Religious & Spiritual Life.

Social fraternities and sororities are recognized and supported through the Office of Fraternity & Sorority Life and are governed by the Trojan Greek Community Standards and Accreditation, their respective governing councils, and, where applicable, inter/national organization policies.

Club Sports organizations must first become a Recognized Student Organization before completing the Recreational Sports Council recognition process in accordance with Recreational Sports requirements.

Report & Response: Report incidents involving bias, misconduct, or other concerns through the USC Report & Response website.

EngageSC: Learn how to access and manage your organization’s information, update officers, and complete important recognition tasks.

RSO Accountability: Student leaders are expected to uphold a high standard of ethical conduct and foster a positive, responsible organizational culture. Review the RSO Accountability page to learn more about your organization’s responsibilities.

Trojan Event Services (TES): Reserve eligible campus event spaces and learn about venue timelines, services, and event planning resources.

Classroom Scheduling: Request classroom space for meetings and events. Classroom requests open beginning Week 4 each semester. Additional scheduling information is available on the Classroom Scheduling website.

University Event Permit Application (UEPA): Determine whether your event requires a UEPA and begin the event review process when applicable.

Hazing Prevention: Access resources that promote healthy team building and help organizations prevent hazing.

Trademarks & Licensing Services: Find authorized vendors for organization merchandise and learn about appropriate use of USC trademarks and branding.

Trojans Care for Trojans (TC4T): Submit a confidential concern if you are worried about the well-being of a fellow Trojan and connect them with available support resources.