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Student Organizations

Wichita State offers 275+ recognized student organizations across a wide range of categories like academic, cultural, religious, special interest and sports clubs. Joining an RSO can help you make friends, expand your professional network and gain leadership skills. If you don't see something that interests you, start your own student organization.

Join a Student Organization

ShockerSync is the official portal for all Wichita State University groups, sport clubs, and student organizations. Here you can search by major, hobbies and interests. Once you find a group you like, send them a message to connect.

two girls standing for a picture for Involvement Fair

 

Start a Recognized Student Organization

If you have an interest or hobby that there is not already a club or organization for, why not start one? Find more information here on the steps, requirements, and benefits of being a recognized student organization.

Student organizations provide an outlet for students to enhance their Shocker Experience! The staff of Student Engagement & Belonging are here to help you through the process of creating, establishing and chartering an RSO at Wichita State. SE&B staff assist students in starting new student organizations that address areas of interest which are not offered through other RSOs. The process is a collaboration between Student Engagement & Belonging and the Student Government Association.

What are the benefits of becoming a Recognized Student Organization?

Recognition is a process where organizations become officially sanctioned and acknowledged by Wichita State University. Recognition is administered on an annual basis to over 275+ organizations on campus. Recognition allows organizations access to meeting space, equipment, and services. Many privileges come from being a recognized campus or student organization at Wichita State University. These benefits are not available to unrecognized organizations or groups of individual students. Once an organization becomes recognized, the following privileges and benefits are available:

  • Recognition as a university organization

  • Use of university trademarks in accordance with WSU Trademark Licensing Policy and Guidelines

  • Establishment of an account with the Financial Operations and appropriate purchasing privileges in accordance with university guidelines and expectations

  • Inclusion in appropriate university publications

  • Publication of activities through the university calendar

  • Utilization of the Student Organizations website

  • Eligibility to utilize university staff and programming resources

  • Eligibility to apply for awards and honors presented to university recognized organizations and members

  • Eligibility for use of campus meeting facilities

  • Eligibility to be considered for the Student Government funding allocations

  • Printing Fund through Student Engagement & Belonging free to organizations
  • Use of Student Engagement & Belonging equipment and technology for events hosted by the organization

Some university equipment and services may involve charges. Benefits are not available to all recognized organizations because of additional criteria and restrictions that may be imposed by the respective entity.

What are the steps to become a Recognized Student Organization?

Chartering a new Recognized Student Organization is a lengthy process and may take several months. By following the steps below and reviewing the RSO Handbook, the process can be more efficient.

  1. Check for Duplicity Take a look at our recognized student organizations, and see if there is a place where your interests are already represented on campus. With over 275+ recognized student organizations, there is a good chance that we have something you would love. You can see that list by visiting by clicking here.
  2. Find Other Students Cultivate interst and recruit other students to become members in order to meet the five (5) member minimum requirement.
  3. Define the Purpose You and the other students will need to establish a name and define your purpose. This will be essential to establishing your constitution and recruiting other new members.
  4. Determine Roles Organizations must have a President, Treasurer, and Event Chairperson. These roles are essential to the operation and additional positions are at the discretion of the group.
  5. Find an Advisor All RSO Advisors are required to be a Full-Time Wichita State Faculty or Staff person. This ask should be made in-person and consider someone who you have had frequent contact with or shares the same intersts that align with your propsective organization.
  6. Schedule a Meeting with the RSO Intern in Student Engagement & Belonging will help you in the creation of your constitution!
  7. Recognized by the Student Government Association If your request is approved your group will become a Provisional Recognized Student Organization for one year.

What are my responsibilities once my group is chartered?

  • Review the RSO Handbook for Policies & Procedures that impact the operation of your organization
  • Complete and maintain your ShockerSync RSO page including your member roster, meeting information, and events.
  • Promote your organization, recruit members, and maintain your five (5) member minimum
  • Meet with your Advisor for guidance
  • Complete the required annual trainings
  • As the end of your first term concludes, create a transition plan and hold selections/elections to ensure all roles are filled
  • Complete the annual renewal process that includes updating your officers, member roster, submit an updated constitution, and complete an end of the year summary about your organization

Resources for Student Organizations

Below are helpful links for the operation of your student organization. Review the RSO Policies, Guidelines, & Resources page for helpful links in event planning, funding, and more.

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