| Title: | Policy on Registered and Trustee Student Organizations |
|---|---|
| Policy Owner: | Division of Student Life & Enrollment |
| Applies to: | All University Workforce Members, Students, Guests and other Third Parties that engage with student organizations |
| Campus Applicability: | All UConn Campuses |
| Approval Date: | March 4, 2026 |
| Effective Date: | March 9, 2026 |
| For More Information, Contact: | Associate Vice President for Student Life |
| Contact Information: | solid@uconn.edu or studentactivities@uconn.edu |
| Official Website: | https://studentlife.uconn.edu/ |
BACKGROUND
The University of Connecticut recognizes the longstanding role of student organizations in fostering student engagement, leadership development, and community building across all campuses. Student organizations operate in a variety of forms, funding structures, and engage regularly with University resources, employees, and third parties.
This policy formalizes the University’s definitions, oversight, and relationship with Registered Student Organizations and Trustee Student Organizations.
PURPOSE
To establish a clear and consistent framework as it relates to the University’s working relationship with student organizations across its campuses.
APPLIES TO
All students, workforce members, and third parties that engage with student organizations.
DEFINITIONS
Registered Student Organization (RSO): A student-run entity voluntarily formed by University of Connecticut students, with a common interest, for a lawful purpose, and registered with their respective campus-based Student Activities office.
Trustee Student Organization (TSO): A Registered Student Organization formally recognized by the University’s Board of Trustees and separately funded through student-fees in accordance with Connecticut General Statutes. TSOs are student-governed and student-managed with operational and editorial autonomy (where applicable).
Advisor: A full-time University employee, including faculty and staff, or a graduate assistant where permitted, who is officially designated through the student organization registration process or assigned as part of their University role to provide guidance and support to a RSO or TSO.
The following individuals are not eligible to serve as an Advisor for UConn Campuses:
- Part-time employees
- Special payroll employees
- Student employees (except approved graduate students holding an assistantship)
- Volunteers, alumni, contractors, or external affiliates
Only external affiliates may serve as Advisors for RSO’s at UConn Health as may be permitted by UConn Health’s specific policies or processes.
POLICY STATEMENT
Formation and Registration
The University recognizes the right of students to form voluntary organizations for any lawful purpose. Student organizations that wish to receive access to University resources and services must register with their campus-based Student Activities office. To register, a student organization must meet all minimum requirements established by the University’s Blueprints manual and, when applicable, their campus-based Student Activities office.
RSOs shall be designated into a Tier-system in accordance with University guidance and oversight from the Division of Student Life & Enrollment. TSOs shall be established in accordance with the Student Service and Activity Fee Advisory Committee (SASFAC) process.
University Oversight and Organizational Autonomy
RSOs at the University are independent entities. The University assumes no responsibility for an RSO’s decisions, operations, contracts, events, or activities, nor does it provide insurance coverage or liability protection. The actions, viewpoints, publications, invited speakers, or initiatives of RSOs are solely the responsibility of the organization and their members.
The University’s role is not to approve or disapprove of such views, but rather to uphold its educational obligation to support free expression and open discussion consistent with the constitutional rights of students and the regulations of the University.
The University does not regulate RSO’s use of independent and non-university funds raised or collected. RSOs may independently enter into contracts or agreements with external parties using these independent funds. The University does not review, approve, or assume responsibility for such agreements unless explicitly stated in University policy otherwise.
A TSO receives financial oversight and administrative support from the University. However, a TSO retains control over their internal governance, operations, and student-led initiatives, except where University intervention is required to ensure compliance with law or policy.
Advisors serve in a supportive role while TSOs and RSOs retain full authority over their organization’s actions and decisions. Advisors do not bear responsibility for the actions or conduct of organization members when fulfilling their role appropriately and in good faith.
All students remain subject to the Student Code, and thus, a TSO or RSO may be referred to the University’s Student Organization Conduct process when their activities violate University policies.
ENFORCEMENT
Violations of this policy and any related procedures may result in appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with University By-Laws, General Rules of Conduct for All University Employees, applicable collective bargaining agreements, and the University of Connecticut Student Code. If violated, individuals and/or Organizations may be personally liable.
PROCEDURES/FORMS
Blueprints Manual
Trustee Student Organization Manual
REFERENCES
Connecticut General Statute § 4-52 – 57a.
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 4-165
Conn. Gen. Stat. § 5-141d
The Student Code
Student Service and Activity Fee Advisory Committee (SASFAC) Guidelines for Student Activity Fee Creation, Elimination, and Change (2025)
POLICY HISTORY
Policy created: March 4, 2026 (Approved by the Senior Policy Council and President)
Revisions: