By becoming a registered student organization (RSO) at Illinois State University, you'll enjoy many benefits and privileges, such as:
Organizations will be reported in several publications used by the Student Involvement Center. All organizations registered by the publication deadline will be included in the “Getting Involved" booklet.
An organization can post flyers to appointed boards in academic buildings, residence halls, and the Quad. Facilities like the residence halls and the Bone Student Center must first approve the posting because they have specific guidelines. You will want to contact each location for specific posting guidelines.
Organizations can use Mail Services located in the Nelson Smith building. Mail services can deliver campus mail and help with large mailings by providing permits for second class and bulk rate mailings. RSOs can pay by check, cash, or if they are funded, their Illinois State account.
For recruitment mailings, check out the RSO Student Data Request process.
All organization presidents and advisors are added to the RSO listserv in order to help the Dean of Students staff keep in contact with the organization. The listserv is used to send important information and newsletters.
In addition, a listserv is available for organizations, campus departments, and affiliated agencies to send information. Access to this listserv is voluntary and a user can be added or removed at any time.
Every RSO is provided with a mailbox located in the Student Involvement Center. This mailbox is used by university departments and other RSOs as a way to communicate with each other. The address for your mailbox is:
RSO Name
Campus Box 2700
Illinois State University
Normal, IL 61790-2700
RSOs will have access to their mailbox during the Student Involvement Center hours: Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Friday 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (these times may vary during fall, winter, spring, and summer break). RSO mail must be picked up on a weekly basis. RSOs who misuse or do not check their mailbox could have this privilege revoked.
RSOs can use Rapid Print services located in the Old Union (open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.). RSOs can pay by cash, check, or if they receive university funds, their Illinois State account.
The president of each organization will receive a weekly E-Update as an e-mail attachment.
Registered student organizations interested in improving group dynamics and increasing leadership skills are invited to participate in a physical ropes challenge course, provided by Recreation Services. Your organization can participate in a three hour low ropes course (limited to 10 students) , or participate in a six hour low ropes course or Challenge Course Expedition (limited to groups of 10 or more).
Thanks to the Caterpillar Foundation, up to $300 is available for registered student organizations to cover the cost for the three hour course. Simply complete the Student Leadership Grant Planning Form and submit to the Student Involvement Center for consideration.
Organizations can reserve sandwich boards (to be placed around the Quad) and a display case (in the Bone Student Center) for the purpose of marketing a program or the organization. Reservations can be made in the Student Involvement Center at least one week prior to the week requesting; however, reservations are made on a first come first serve basis. Only one board or display case reservation can be made per week for a RSO. Bring any items, including flyers, you plan to decorate with when you come to Student Involvement Center. We will provide a set of dry erase markers for your use on the sandwich boards. For more information, see the online request forms (forms also located in the Student Involvement Center).
Organizations can participate in university events like Festival ISU and Spring Fest, advertise on campus, and use other recruitment means to increase their membership. RSOs are allowed to recruit under the name of the organization at these events.
RSO Program Fund/RSO Opportunity Fund
RSOs may seek out funding through dues, fundraising, bake sales, co-sponsorships with departments and/or other RSOs, program entry fees, and RSOs can apply for funds under the organization name through the RSO Program Fund and RSO Opportunity Fund. (See RSO Program Fund.)
The RSO Support Staff will coordinate RSO and Advisor training throughout the year. If there are any topics that you would like to see included as training topic, please call the Student Involvement Center at (309) 438-2151.
The Illinois State University Calendar provides students, faculty, staff, and the community-at-large a view of events happening around campus and beyond. The University Calendar is a tremendous way to promote a public service event being held by your RSO, or a fundraising activity that supports a local charity or service. Registered Student Organizations are permitted to enter their events on the calendar. In order to approve RSO event postings, the advisor will need to become an author. To become an author, contact the . Registered Student Organizations are expected to comply with any additional policies and regulations listed in the Registered Student Organization's handbook.
Once all the academic needs of the university have been met, organizations can reserve space in academic buildings. To reserve a room in an academic building, the organization needs to contact the Conferencing Unit at (309) 438-2403. Organizations are to abide by the conferencing unit policies when using an academic building.
Organizations' officers are able to reserve rooms in the Bone Student Center by calling (309) 438-2222 and scheduling a room. Rooms are available at no charge to the organization as long as no additional equipment or setup is needed. Rooms are assigned on a first come, first serve basis. Organizations with an overdue account at the Bone Student Center will NOT be able to reserve a room.
Organizations can reserve meeting space in the Student Services Building. Rooms are located on the first and third floor and can be reserved by calling the Dean of Students Officer at (309) 438-2151.
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