Offices open to RSO applicants

Recognized Student Organizations can now apply for occupancy of six new offices located in the Student Center.

The University Students Council will approve space allocations through an application process, which RSOs must complete by March 15 each academic year, though this year’s deadline was extended to March 21.

The offices, located on the second floor of the Student Center, will be available to RSOs next fall.

University Sen. Zaira Soleno said applications are necessary because there are over a hundred RSOs currently on campus.

“It wouldn’t be fair to do this first come, first serve,” Soleno said. “We also want to make sure the offices are used to the full extent, and by the RSOs that need them most. We need to know their purpose and how students are going to benefit.”

John Wright, President Pro Tempore of the Student Government Association, will serve as Chair of the Council. Other members of the USC will be comprised of officers representing various student organizations including the International Club, Black Student Alliance, Campus Activity Board, Inter-Fraternity Council, Residence Hall Association and Student Ambassadors.

Any RSO seeking office space must present an official request with 15 copies to the USC, stating their organization’s goals and objectives, as well as the signature of a full-time staff advisor.

“Some things will be looked at as far as who gets what,” said University Sen. Sandra Green. “How long the organization has been an RSO and how getting an office would help them operate more efficiently are to be taken into account.”

Organizations submitting office requests must be registered as active with the Department of Campus Life & Student Activities, maintain a faculty/staff advisor and cannot have probationary status.

According to Soleno, the new offices will benefit RSOs considerably.

“I think RSOs should take absolute advantage of these offices,” Soleno said. “They are actual offices, and they’re pretty big. Organizations with an office will have a common meeting ground with all their paperwork. It will also be a place where students can come and speak to them about their RSO.”

The Director of Campus Life & Activities will review space requests each year, making sure applying organizations meet USC guidelines. Student organizations can appeal denial of office space to the USC chairperson.

Those RSOs having funds approved through the Student Activities Budget Committee will receive first priority consideration.

Student organizations must further complete a “Facilities Usage and Conduct Agreement” with the Department of Campus Life & Student Activities before office space is granted.

Student Government Association Secretary Sara Johnson said the new offices will allow more students to take advantage of the Student Center.

“I personally am excited to get more students in the new Student Center,” Johnson said. “These offices will help ensure the building as a place students will use and enjoy.”

Posted by Colonnade Archives on Apr 1 2005. Filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry