A Department Student Organization is not a Recognized Student Organization (RSO). 

A Department Student Organization (DSO) is considered a program of a Department, and operates under the Department’s supervision, discretion, direction and control. DSOs are governed by and responsible for following all university standards, policies and processes, including financial and administrative responsibilities, in the DSO’s activities. DSOs provide Students positional roles of leadership and should be comprised primarily of OSU students as determined by the Department.  Departments fully support the success of the Student Organization through supervision of the DSO’s members, providing opportunities for professional development, mentoring, and advising.

Although DSOs are not Recognized Student Organizations, DSOs can register with the Student Organizations and Activities Office (SOA) to support visibility of and access to these organizations to OSU students.

The following are key indicators that a Student Organization is likely to be classified as a DSO:

  • Department directly employs staff to support, develop, and direct the Student Organization.  The position description of these staff explicitly includes directing and supporting the Student Organization as a duty of their OSU position.
  • Department provides on-going compensation to Students for participation in the Student Organization (examples of compensation may include wages, scholarships, stipends, housing, and term meal plans).
  • Departments manage all business and safety functions of the Student Organization, including but not limited to engaging support offices, such as: Finance and Administration, Business Center, Procurement, Insurance and Risk Management Services, Office of the General Counsel, and OSU Foundation.
  • Department manages Student Organization finances and property, and maintains control of access to these resources.
  • Department has the authority to establish, maintain or eliminate the Student Organization.
  • Department sets annual goals of the Student Organization.
  • Department can require Student Organization Student leadership change.
  • Department can define positional roles and duties and can define unique criteria for participation.
  • Student Organization is responsible for allocating Department resources to other Student Organizations. 

Student Organizations that are competitive sports and supported, funded, and advised by the Department of Recreational Sports are classified as DSOs.

DSOs do not have an “advisor” but must function under the supervision of an OSU faculty/staff member.  Role of the supervisor is defined and outlined by the supervising department.