Start a Club
We recognize two types of student-run organizations: Recognized Student Organizations and ASUI Affiliated Student Organizations. Why two? Well, organizations operate differently and need different levels of resources and support. Learn more about RSOs and ASOs below.
RSO vs. ASO: What's the Difference?
The University of Idaho recognizes all types of undergraduate and graduate student-run organizations through Engage UIdaho registration process with the Department of Student Involvement.
Benefits of University recognition:
- Official recognition of the student-run organizations' existence at the institution
- Engage UIdaho portal for organization management and promotions
- Free room reservations in the Idaho Student Union Building and Pitman Center and other facilities on campus
These benefits will come with added responsibility for the RSO to update their information annually.
Examples of RSOs:
- Undergraduate student clubs or organizations
- Graduate student clubs or organizations
- Sport Club Federation organizations
All student-led organizations register with the Department of Student Involvement on Engage UIdaho to become recognized by the university. Undergraduate student organizations who seek and qualify for additional benefits and perks through the Associated Students University of Idaho (ASUI) student government request to be registered as an ASO. Only undergraduate and non-sport club federation student organizations are eligible to seek ASUI affiliation. We provide additional support, resources, and training to ASOs.
ASUI student government outlines requirements to become an ASO in their Funding Board bylaws.
Benefits of ASUI Affiliation:
- Eligible to apply for a maximum of $2,000 in reimbursed funds from ASUI
- Event planning and promotion resources, advising, and support
- Meeting space reservations in DSI main space (ISUB 302)
- Access to office materials
- Computer usage
- 100 free black and white prints; 200 free color prints
- Free color paper and cardstock
- 3 free banner and/or large poster prints
- Storage space for supplies
- Physical mailbox
- Free requested leadership on-demand training
- Discounted advertising with campus Student Media outlets
- Priority registration for Palousafest and Get Involved Fairs
- Eligible to apply for awards and scholarships
- Promotion items and supplies
These benefits will come with added responsibility for the ASO to update information during Fall Annual Renewal and/or any time club information changes as well as attend additional mandatory training sessions.
Examples of ASOs:
- Undergraduate student clubs or organizations
- Multi-cultural Greek fraternities and sororities
Starting a New Student Organization
- Log in to Engage UIdaho with your University of Idaho Net ID and password. Select "Organizations" from top menu.
- Review the list of student organizations (RSOs and ASOs) to verify the organization doesn't already exist.
- Have a minimum of four (4) members of the proposed organization.*
- Confirm a board-appointed faculty or staff member to serve as advisor.
- Create a student organization constitution. We recommend that you use our constitution template. Some Articles and Sections are required.
- On Engage UIdaho, click on the "Organizations" tab and then the button "Register an Organization".
- Select if you want to start an Recognized Student Organization or an ASUI Affiliated Organization.
- Complete the Engage form.
- Wait for approval by Student Involvement.
- Meet with Student Involvement for a New Club Orientation.
Possible additional step for High Risk Clubs: Meet with Risk Management Office to develop a Risk Management Plan.
*If you are registering as an RSO, you only need two (2) members and may skip step 5.
- Read the Student Organization Handbook
- Complete fall annual renewal and all other mandatory trainings
- Update and maintain Engage UIdaho profile
- Abide by the Student Code of Conduct