PDF Copy of the Tier Models
https://si.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Tier-Model.pdf

Student organizations at Mason have the option to register for one of two different tier levels depending on the resources needed for the organization’s functions. For instance, small organizations that require few resources (e.g. meeting space) would apply for Tier 1 status, while organizations that require more resources (e.g. large events spaces, travel and conferences fees) would register for Tier 2 status.

Tier 1 Leadership Requirements

• Minimum of two officers:
  • President (Required)
    • Must pass Cumulative 2.0 GPA Check for Registration
  • Treasurer (Required)
    • Must pass Cumulative 2.0 GPA Check for Registration
  • 25Live Representative (other than President)
  • Minimum of four Members

Tier 2 Leadership Requirements

• Minimum of four (4) officers:
  • President (Required)
    • Must pass Cumulative 2.0 GPA Check for Registration
  • Treasurer (Required)
    • Must pass Cumulative 2.0 GPA Check for Registration
  • 2 Other Officers (Required)
    • Must pass Cumulative 2.0 GPA Check for Registration
  • 25Live Representative (other than President)
  • Minimum of four Members
  • RSO Advisor
    • Must be a George Mason University Faculty or Staff Member
    • Must accept position during Registration/Re-registration Process

Requirements of ALL RSOs

RSO Materials

• Up-to Date Constitution
• Mission Statement
• Logo

Mason360 Online Trainings*
President, Treasurer, & 25Live Representatives:

• Training & Quizzes must be completed by Deadlines stated on the Student Involvement RSO website
  • Sign into Mason360: https://mason360.gmu.edu/
  • Review all four (4) Training Modules and Complete all accompanying Quiz Questions.
    • Re-registering RSOs: http://cglink.me/s26236
    • New RSO Registration: http://cglink.me/s29231

Re-Registered and New RSO Registered Presidents, Treasurers and 25Live Representatives are required to complete these trainings for 25Live accounts and RSO org code access. RSO Registrations will not move forward until the required trainings and quiz questions are completed and Passed at 100%.

We have opened the trainings to ALL RSO members. This allows other executive board members and even advisors to review policies and procedures. However, completion does not give them 25Live accounts or org code access.

*Once registration/re-registration is complete, there can be no switches to another Tier until the next process opens.

Resources to All Organizations

All Registered Student Organizations have access to the following:

• Booking spaces on campus via 25live (If ALL Blackboard Trainings/Quizzes have been completed 100%)
• ORG Code (If ALL Blackboard Trainings/Quizzes have been completed 100%)
• Kiosk Reservations through Student Centers
• Support from Student Involvement
  • Student Funding Board (SFB)
  • Checklist Signatures
  • Open Door Policy
• RSO Lead Team
  • Daily Office Hours
  • Contracts/ Guest Lecturer Acknowledgement
  • Event Planning
  • Officer Transition Help
  • Training Help
  • RSO Newsletter
  • RSO Lead Team Advisor for each RSO Category
  • Event Submissions on Mason360
• Mason360 Presence
• Mailboxes
• Lockers (assigned by the Student Involvement Front Desk Staff)
• Imagination Station
  • Banner Paper
  • Letter Press
  • Craft Supplies
• RSO Benches (Applications available in Spring)
• Distinguished Quill Awards
• Cube Painting
• Reserving George Statue to Decorate

Student Involvement Office

• Imagination Station
• Lockers
• Mailboxes
• Open Space

Paint Cubes

Kiosks

25Live – Campus Reservation

RSO Categories & Expectations

Social Greek Letter Organizations

Private, national, or international Social Greek Letter, voluntary associations which meet all of the following criteria:

• The sponsoring bodies are legal corporations.
• They have organizational goals which are social/service/fraternal rather than honorary, professional, religious, or political. The emphasis of these groups is the personal development of members. Membership in more than one such fraternal organization at once is not permitted.
• They may select members according to subjective criteria consistent with the nondiscriminatory polices of the University. They may be entitled to gender expression if they meet the provision of Section 86.14 of the regulations promulgated under Title IX of the U.S. Education Act Amendment of 1972.
• They are recognized by their respective local governing body at The University of Arizona: Interfraternity Council, National Pan-Hellenic Council, Panhellenic Association, or United Sorority and Fraternity Council.

Club Sports

A club sport is a recognized student organization, which exists to promote and develop interest in a particular sport of physical activity. These interests can be competitive, recreational, or instructional in nature. Clubs may represent the University in intercollegiate competition or conduct intra-club activities such as practice, instruction, social, and tournament play.

Academic

Main purpose is to recognize the attainment of scholarship of superior quality. There are honoraries for each class, special interest, as well as for almost all of the academic disciplines.

 International/Multicultural

This community of organizations’ primary purpose is the creation of opportunities that explore cultural, social, and service aspects of various cultural and international groups.

Political

Mission is to further the interest of a particular political group or issue.

Religious

Mission is to further the interest of a particular church, sect, denomination, or beliefs in a deity, divine power, or super natural entity, whether or not such activity is consistent with the precepts of an organized religion or denomination. May limit membership or leadership positions to students who share the same beliefs toward religion or sexual conduct, but may not discriminate in membership or leadership on any on any other prohibited basis (i.e. race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity).

Science and Technology

Special Interest

This community of organizations offers students opportunities to get involved in a variety of activities not generally offered in any other category.

Volunteer & Service

This community of organizations provide learning opportunities for students in the areas of community service and volunteering – locally, regionally, and nationally.

RSO Trainings Modules: 2020-2021

• RSO Resources (2020-2021)
  • https://rise.articulate.com/share/Rw9hMXCZ7r3DxRTQl7-V6i32Q0mCiGLl

  RSO Event Management (2020-2021)

  • https://rise.articulate.com/share/BPwfuaRRWYaIFCYW32TnXRcHAZggKsSl

  RSO Fiscal management (2020-2021)

  • https://rise.articulate.com/share/W7MKrMAp3E54zSbDMyrFApTL3c4R3_KS

  RSO 25Live Pro Training (2020-2021)

  • https://rise.articulate.com/share/4Kgsy-h4p9qVsdPX2ECvDLJhYS64VGts

**These links do NOT give access. Access is only given to President, Treasurer, and/or 25Live Representative upon completion of trainings. Trainings for Fall 2020 are OPEN as of March 1, 2020. Fall 2020 Trainings will open in April, 2020.**

Membership Management

• Mason360 Officer Toolkit
  • Adding and Managing your members
• Officer Transitions/Changes (CLOSED during Re-Registration Process)
  • Please fill out our Mason360 Form: http://cglink.me/s24276
  • Post-Registration RSO Officer Switches
    • Fiscal: The Organization keeps the same amount of SFB availability from their Academic Year Registration.
      • New President and/or Treasurer MUST complete Fiscal training and 100% in Quiz in order to fill out an application for their RSO.
    • 25 Live: Student President and/or 25Live Representative MUST complete training and 100% in Quiz to have access to 25Live.
• Every time you have an officer leave and a new officer gets access, make sure all RSO events are transferred within 25live (email gmuevent@gmu.edu with both officer information and the request)
  • We also suggest Outgoing Officers to reserve the spaces for early Fall events, due to the Incoming Officers needing to wait until August for account activations.

GMU RSO E-Mail Address

• A student may not apply for an RSO gmu email. However, the advisor of the organization can apply and would be responsible for the upkeep (ie password changes) if they apply on behalf of the RSO.
• The advisor must apply through the George Mason University Information Technology Services website

RSO Responsibilities & Expectations

As an organization registered at George Mason University, your student organization is afforded privileges and resources at Mason. In exchange, organizations and its members are expected and required to adhere to and fulfill the following expectations:

• Complete the annual registration process with Student Involvement at the end of each Spring semester by submitting all required information, completing all required trainings and quizzes, and making timely updates to organization’s information (officers, constitution, etc) as changes occur.
• Understand and adhere to all University Policies, Rules, and Guidelines as outlined in RSO Trainings, Student Code of Conduct, and this handbook.
• Follow and abide by all federal, state, and local laws and regulations, and all policies and procedures of George Mason University, including the George Mason University Student Code of Conduct and the Student Organization Handbook.
• Remain in good standing with all departments at George Mason University and behave in a manner that is consistent with the mission of the University.
• Adhere to the rules and procedures set forth in the organization’s constitution, including the non-discrimination requirements for membership.
• Meet all fiscal obligations, including completing required Fiscal Management trainings and abide by the Student Funding Board guidelines when using SFB funds.
• Ensure proper planning and execution of organization events, and consult with Student Involvement staff for help with event policies and contract management.
• Provide adequate training during the officer transition process.
• Establish consistent communication with the organization advisor, and keep advisor informed of organization activities and decisions.
• Ensure proper use of campus resources, including meeting and event space, office space, and other benefits afforded to the organization.

(Adapted from Florida State University Student Organization Handbook)

 RSOs & University Representation

It is important to recognize that as a registered student organization at Mason, your organization and all members are representatives of the University and, thus, expected to conduct themselves in a way that is consistent with the mission of George Mason University. However, when speaking about political, religious, and philosophical views, members must differentiate between their personal views and those of the University to the audience with which they are engaging.

Students are encouraged to engage their elected representatives at the local, State, and Federal level.  When doing so, students must ensure that they distinguish between their views and the views of the university.  Official positions of the university are authorized by the president.  Students should consult their advisors before communicating with elected officials to clarify what constitutes an official Mason position.  The use of student organization names, logo, or any Mason identification is prohibited unless authorized by in advance by University Life.  In conversations where the students identify themselves as attending Mason, they must state that “these are my views and not those of the university,” unless authorized.

Advisor form for acknowledging position is currently in revision stages – all advisors will be contacted when the form is ready.

RSO Advisor 101

What is an advisor?

An RSO advisor is a faculty or staff member who provides support and guidance to officers and members of a student organization. The advisor not only serves as a representative of the group in an official capacity, but also as a student advocate. An advisor is one who gives ideas, shares insight, provides a different perspective, and encourages organization members.

Why become an advisor?

Advising a student organization means acting as a resource and mentor to the students of the organization. It is a chance to engage students outside of a classroom setting and assist them in pursuing their goals and interests. You may have been asked to advise a student organization whose purpose fits your own interests or expertise. This can be a great opportunity to participate and connect with students that will look to you to share your knowledge.

Conversely, you may have been approached by students whose organizational purpose is a completely foreign concept or something you know nothing about. Do not be worried by this! Take this as an opportunity to expand your horizons and learn more about a specific student culture. Students will not expect you to have all of the answers. If you tell them up front that you are not knowledgeable about their specific purpose, but express interest and a willingness to learn about their organization, students will eagerly teach you about the organization’s culture.

In either situation, this is a great way to develop personal relationships with students and observe students as they grow and develop. When in doubt of your ability to advise a student organization, remember, the students chose to ask you! Even if you are unfamiliar with the student organization, as long as you are willing to learn and commit to providing a positive role-model for the students, the students would not have asked you if they did not believe that you were capable.

Who is allowed to advise?

In order to advise a Mason student organization, you must be a Must be a staff/faculty member at Mason and sign and acknowledge a “Faculty Advisors Expectations Sheet.”

Working With your Organization

An advisor can be a valuable resource if you know what to expect and how to communicate with your organization.  Below is a list of roles that you may take in working with your organization.

• Problem Solving Agent: The advisor may be the impartial third party that helps the organization work through problems and conflict.
• Counselor: The organization members may find that the advisor is the type of person they can go to with personal concerns.
• Information Resource Person: Hopefully, the advisor has been around long enough to know some of the ins and outs of getting things done at Mason. The organization should use your experience and expertise!
• Idea Resource Person: The advisor should help discover new ideas when the organization’s creative juices dry up.
• Sounding Board: If the organization wants to try out a new idea on an impartial party before proposing it to the entire group, they should try it out on the advisor.
• Administration Liaison: The organization will rely on the advisor for advice on who in the administration can help with projects.
• Interpreter of University Policies and Procedures: The organization will rely on the advisor’s expertise.
• Analyzer of the Group Process: The organization will use the advisor as an observer if the organization is not accomplishing its goals.
• Role Model: A positive one, of course!
• Attendee/Participant at Events: The organization should be sure to keep you informed so that you can at least make an appearance to show support.
• Continuity Provider: Since the advisor is there from year to year, as the student leaders change the advisor can provide a sense of the group’s history.
• Educator Regarding Organizational Philosophy: The advisor can help the organization leaders plan the training that the group needs to successfully understand its mission.
• Educator/Trainer of Student Members: The advisor can help the organization leaders plan the training that the group needs to successfully accomplish its mission.
• Conflict Resolution Assistant: The organization should use the advisor as an impartial mediator.
• Financial Supervisor: The organization should use your experience with University procedures to help stay on top of the organization’s finances.
• Meeting Attender: The organization should be sure to inform the advisor of all meetings so that you can attend.
• Assistant in Evaluating the Organization: The organization should use the advisor as a resource to determine what the organization leaders should be evaluating and when.
• Empowers Students: The advisor should be a valuable resource who helps the organization reach good decisions.

Advisee/Advisor Relationships

The responsibility for building the relationship must be shared between advisor and student.

• View this relationship as a partnership.
• The relationship must be based upon open, direct communication.
• Share needs, responsibilities, and expectations with each other.
• Be prepared to negotiate.
• Both must recognize the other’s various roles and responsibilities in/outside of their activities position.
• Know each other’s commitments and let each other know their impact.
• Both advisor/student are human beings who make mistakes, follow their own value systems, and work in individual, professional and personal styles.
• Accept, discuss, and learn from mistakes – then move on.
• Both advisor / student are continually growing, changing, and learning: each within their own unique stages of development.
• Challenge and support each other.

Being a RSO Advisor at Mason

In order to be a recognized club or organization at George Mason University, all Tier 2 Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) must have a faculty/staff advisor. This individual must be a full-time employee of the faculty or staff at Mason on any of the three campuses who is sincerely dedicated to assisting the organization in reaching its desired goals. Tier 1 RSOs are not required to have an advisor, but definitely welcomed.

The role of an advisor is critical to the success of the organization. An advisor serves the group in a number of ways including, but not limited to, the following:

• Giving direction to the organization when needed
• Assisting in the personal development of the organization’s members
• Offering ideas and input as another option to consider
• Serving as a point of reference and resource
• Playing devil’s advocate to help members see both points of view
• Making recommendations based on past experiences, expertise and facts
• Being a motivator and cheerleader
• Serving as a role model for the students

Advisors generally have ten main responsibilities to the organization. These responsibilities will vary from group to group and from advisor to advisor.

• Leadership development
• Consultation with officers and chairpersons
• Continuity during changes in leadership
• Personal assistance for members
• Interpretation of policy
• Supervision to adhere to public and institutional policy
• Financial supervision with records and budgets
• Assistance with the maintenance of organizational records
• Social activity support and guidance
• Regular meeting attendance

The relationship between the student organization members and the advisor, and their expectations of each other should be discussed periodically.  Although advisory relationships are unique from organization to organization, all advisors and organizations should abide by the Student Involvement Advising Philosophy.

The Student Involvement Advising Philosophy

The advisor’s primary role is to educate, advocate and coach. Educators make involvement a learning experience. Advocates provide a link between students and the University administration. Coaches provide guidance and support. Advisors have the authority to intervene when an organization is breaking federal and local laws, University policies or the organization’s own constitution. However, organization members assume responsibility for their decisions and actions.

Being involved in a student organization helps students gain additional skills not acquired in the classroom.  If the advisor tries to run the organization, the students in that organization miss out on such skills.  Therefore, advisors do not dictate or determine the mission, direction, or programs of the organization and advisors don’t initiate or complete the work for the student organizations.  Remember, although the advisor plays an important role, the organization should ultimately be run by the students, not by the advisor.

Advisor Checklist*

This checklist will help you remember the most important aspects of advising. Reference this list often and check things off as they are completed.

• I know what the organization expects of me this year.
• The organization I advise has re-registered for the upcoming academic year. Organizations can re-register by completing the appropriate re-registration forms on Mason360. Please be sure they this is done by the re-registration date, which can be found on the RSO website at http://si.gmu.edu.
• The organization I advise has a working copy of their constitution. If any changes are made, a new copy must be turned in to the Office of Student Involvement each academic year by the re-registration date.
• The organization I advise has reviewed and updated their bylaws/guidelines. It is important that all internal rules and regulations are reviewed and reflect the mission of the organization. All members should have a clear understanding of the organization’s bylaws.
• The organization officers have attended all required trainings. Required trainings are dependent on the organization’s registration.
• I have provided the officers my contact information and discussed proper use of such
• The organization I advise has selected dates and times for executive board meetings
  • Meetings will be held________________.
• The organization I advise has selected dates and times for general body meetings this year.
  • Meetings will be held________________.
• I know where Student Involvement is located, as well as important contacts within the office.
• I have worked with the organization on a budget for the upcoming year and have helped with funding requests from SFB.
• I have an up-to-date roster of the organization’s members and ensure I am listed on Mason360.
• I know the goals, events, and plans of the organization for the academic year and have signed any necessary documentation for the organization to facilitate events.
• The organization knows what to expect from me.

RSO Advisor Best Practices and Tips

The role of a RSO advisor can vary, depending on the organization, the student leadership and the amount of time the advisor dedicates to the organization. Below are some best practices for a RSO advisor.

Attending Meetings: Level of Involvement

The level of involvement of an advisor depends upon the nature of the organization, its leaders, and its activities. It is not necessary to attend every meeting and event. However, advisors should stay informed of the organization’s activities and might want to attend some meetings from time to time in order to offer helpful points of view and encouragement to the organization. It may also be useful to establish weekly or bi- weekly meetings with student leaders to discuss issues and assist by reviewing agenda items for executive and general meetings.

Decision Making

Consistent with the development of responsible student leaders, Advisors of an organization do not have the authority to represent the views of the organization. This remains the responsibility of the students. Additionally, Advisors may not serve as a voting member of the organization’s board of directors, executive council, or similar governing body.

Event Attendance

Advisor attendance at events sponsored by student organizations is not required, however, where advisors are able and feel comfortable, event attendance is not prohibited. This can be another way to demonstrate support for the organization.

RSO Constitution Requirements

Required clauses:

• “Membership in this organization will not be restricted on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, gender, or age”
• “The primary advisor shall be a full time member of the faculty or staff of George Mason University”
• “The Student Involvement Office must review all amendments in the same member as a completely new constitution”
• “This constitution shall become effective upon a ¾ vote of the membership, and a staff member of Student Involvement”
• “Membership in this organization will not be restricted on the basis of race, color, religion, ethnicity, national origin, sex, or age”

If your org is single gender, religion, etc., you may remove that aspect from the clause. Ex: If your organization is gender based you may remove “gender” from the aforementioned clause.

Transition – When/If an Advisor Leaves

If, for whatever reason, you decide to leave your role as the organization’s advisor we recommend the following:

• Inform both the leaders of the student organizations and the Student Involvement office of the date on which your role as Advisor officially ends. Please try to give the organization leaders as much advanced notice as possible.
• Advisors should try to leave only at the end of the academic year so the organization can submit the Registration Form with the new advisor information in March/April.
• If an advisor is going on sabbatical or taking a leave of absence, the best practice is to inform the organization as soon as possible to allow them to find an interim advisor. This process should be discussed and solidified with the organization at the beginning of the academic year so if this situation occurs, there will be a plan in place for the organization executive board to follow. All advisor changes or interim advisor additions should be submitted to Student Involvement to RSO@gmu.edu.

JOIN AN ORGANIZATION

• Browse through the Mason360 Listing of Registered Student Organizations (RSOs), Fraternities and Sorority Life (FSL), or Sports Clubs
• If you still can’t find an opportunity right for you, drop in at the RSO Team Office in the HUB, Student Involvement Office and we can help you one on one!

• All RSOs have a page on Mason360
  • Check out the RSO’s Mission Statement and their Officer and Member List
• Find an RSO Event on Mason360
• Chat with students and staff

*Dates and times subject to change

SPRING 2020

• New Spring 2020 Application
  • CLOSED on February 19, 2020 at 11:55pm
  • Officer Trainings are due by March 1, 2020 at 11:55pm (for any access points in Spring 2020)
    • RSO will not be registered for Spring 2020 unless all trainings completed
• Fall 2020 Re-Registration & New Fall 2020 Registration
  • Re-registration opens March 2, 2020 (~10am) – Closes May 1, 2020 (~10am)
  • Trainings open in April and due by Wednesday, June 10, 2020 (~ 10am)
    • RSO will not be registered for Fall 2020 unless all trainings completed
    • If Re-registration not completed, RSO is deactivated on May 18th at 10am

FALL 2020

• New Fall 2020 Application
  • Application open September 2, 2020 – October 7, 2020 at 11:55pm
  • Trainings open September 2, 2020 and due by October 14, 2020 at 11:55pm

SPRING 2020

• New Spring 2021 Application
  • Application open January 27, 2021 – February 24, 2021 at 11:55pm
  • Trainings open January 27, 2021 and due by March 3, 2020 at 11:55pm
• Fall 2021 Re-Registration & New Fall 2021 Registration
  • Application open March 31, 2021 – April 30, 2021 at 11:55pm
  • Trainings must be done by June 9, 2021 at 11:55pm

Fall 2021

• New Fall 2021 Application
  • Application open September 1, 2021 – October 6, 2021 at 11:55pm
  • Trainings open September 1, 2021 and due by October 13, 2021 at 11:55pm

Welcome2Mason 2019 (welcome.gmu.edu)
August 25th through September 21st, 2019
Organizations are invited to be a part of Welcome2Mason 2019!! Organizations can be involved in the following ways:

• Submit an event to be listed on the website as a part of the festivities! Reminder that organizations need to have obtained their own funding and requested their own space. Submit your event here: https://welcome2mason.gmu.edu/submit/
• Volunteer for to help with first-year move-in: https://welcome2mason.gmu.edu/housing-move-in-crew/
• Volunteer to help with Ask me booths and events throughout Welcome2Mason: https://welcome2mason.gmu.edu/volunteer/

GetConnected Fair 2019 Information (a part of Welcome2Mason- welcome.gmu.edu)
September 4th, 2019, 11:00am-2:00pm (Raindate, September 11th) – Sub1 and Finley Quads
GetConnected Fair is the largest involvement fair on the Fairfax campus that includes registered student organizations, campus partners, and a variety of on-campus departments! This provides the opportunity for your organization to engage with incoming and returning students. Registration is now available and all RSOs can register today!

9/11 Day of Service (a part of Welcome2Mason- welcome.gmu.edu)
Monday September 10th and Tuesday, September 11th – various locations
Organizations are invited to be apart of the academic year’s first service opportunity!! There are a variety of ways to be involved whether attending the Evening of Reflection (JC Bistro 5:00pm 9/10), coordinating and submitting a service project for Tuesday, September 11th, serving as a project lead, or getting your organization to participate in a project . Being a part the 9/11 Day of Service will give your organization an opportunity to be together and reflect during the first service opportunity of the year! For more information visit the website: https://911day.gmu.edu/
For questions: email welcome@gmu.edu

Fall Premiere: YardFest 2018
TBD – SUB I Quad
The Office of Admissions has invited over 3000 prospective students to a George Mason admission’s open house event! Your registered student organization will have the chance to interact with these guest through an outdoor tabling event on the SUB I Quad. Email questions to Event Coordinator in the Office of Admissions, Michael Latimer (mlatime2@gmu.edu)

RSO Winter Fair 2019
Early Spring Semester – Dewberry Hall
The RSO Winter Fair allows registered student organizations to engage with the George Mason community through an indoor tabling event. This is the best chance to impress the new incoming and transfer students as they embark on their journey at our university! More information regarding this event coming soon.

iWeek 2020 (iweek.gmu.edu)
Friday, March 27th through Sunday, April 5th
Organizations are invited to be a part of iWeek 2019!! Organizations can be involved in the following ways:

• Organizations can request a space that has been previously booked iWeek committee to contribute to the International Week calendar: https://iweek.gmu.edu/culture-nights/.
• Organizations can participate in the annual dance competition on Thursday, April 11th, 2019! Any and all size teams are welcome! https://iweek.gmu.edu/dance-competition/
• Carry a flag in the annual parade: https://iweek.gmu.edu/opening/

YardFest Spring 2019
TBD – SUB I Quad
The Office of Admissions has invited over 3000 prospective students to George Mason’s second largest open house event! Your registered student organization will have the chance to interact with these guest through an outdoor tabling event on the SUB I Quad. Email questions to Event Coordinator in the Office of Admissions, Michael Latimer (mlatime2@gmu.edu)

Distinguished Quill Awards
April – Center for the Arts
The Distinguished Quill Awards is an opportunity for members of the Mason community to recognize our hard working student leaders, organizations, and their advisors. This award ceremony honors the nominated students and recognizes their achievements from the academic year. Awards are available to individual registered student organizations, individual student leaders, advisors, and many other categories. To learn more about the Distinguished Quill Awards, go to si.gmu.edu/distinguished-quill-awards/

Bench Painting
May 5, 2020 (Raindate, May 6th) – SUB I Quad
Bench Painting is both a tradition and a way of honoring outstanding organizations here at George Mason University. Each year, Student Involvement allocates the benches that are in the SUB I Quad to the organizations that apply for this opportunity. Applications are reviewed based on the registered student organization’s impact on the surrounding community and the timeliness of the submission. Applications will be available in late spring. To learn more about Bench Painting, go to si.gmu.edu/bench-painting/

Fall 2020 New RSO Registration Timeline (RSO & FSL)

MARCH

• Monday, March 2 : New RSO Registration Opens
• Tuesday, March 31 : Required Mason360 RSO Leadership Trainings and Quizzes available on Mason360

MAY

• Friday, May 1: Registration Closes
• Monday, May 4, 2020 : Deadline for Officer Acceptance of Positions
  • Application will be rejected if not complete

JUNE

• Wednesday, June 10 : Required Mason360 RSO Leadership Trainings and Quizzes Due
  • http://cglink.me/s29231
  • Required Quiz for President, Treasurer and/or 25Live Representative of RSO
  • Application will be rejected if not completed
• TBD: GPA Checks Completed for Spring 2020
  • Communications will go to the Officer and President if there is a “no Pass” to the 2.0 cumulative GPA check. Officer changes must be completed within 1 week of communication.
• TBD: Registration is approved for the RSO/FSL when all GPAs “Pass”
• TBD: ORG Codes distributed by the SI Budget Team to RSO/FSL President and Treasurer

AUGUST

• 2020-2021 25Live Accounts created

Fall 2020 Instructions:

Incoming Fall students may wish to begin a new RSO. meet with the RSO lead Team if you would like to discuss how to start a club!

• Incoming Fall 2020 President will Log into Mason360 and fill out New RSO Registration Application
  • https://mason360.gmu.edu/club_signup
  • Before you begin the Registration Application, please prepare the following items in collaboration with your Fall 2020 executive board members:
    • Review the “Tier Model” handout  and select your preferred tier (Tier 1 or Tier 2) : https://si.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Tier-Model.pdf
      • Organizations that fall under Fraternity and Sorority Life must select Tier 2
      • Club Sports that fall under the Mason Recreation Department must apply through the George Mason University Recreation Application: https://recreation.gmu.edu/club-sports/
    • Draft your organization mission (max. 2-4 sentences)
      • As you craft your Mission, make sure it reflects your RSO and helps a student choose to join your group!
      • Any new RSOs must be unique. The RSO Leadership Committee will meet to look over all materials during the process (mission statement, constitution, etc)
    • Select your organization profile image and save it as an image (JPEG, JPG or PNG)
    • Gather the names and roles of your Fall 2020 executive board members (Tier 1: 2 Officers, Tier 2: 4 Officers)
    • Gather the name of your Fall 2020 25Live Representative (Any officer other than the President – President is automatically a 25Live Representative).
    • Gather the names of your four (4) founding members
    • Tier 2 Only: Gather the information for your advisor. Must be a GMU Faculty or Staff member.
    • Draft your constitution (recommend a pdf for upload)
      • Constitution guide: https://si.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/RSO-Constitution-Guide.pdf
  • President, Treasurer and/or 25Live Representative must take the Mason360 RSO Leadership Trainings by June 10, 2020 at 5pm (http://cglink.me/s29231)
    • Must PASS with a 100% on quiz (RSO will not be registered if this isn’t completed)
  • All Officers and Members listed in the Registration Application must “Accept” their position by May 4 to be a complete application
    • RSO will not be registered if this isn’t completed

Re-Registration Instructions and Timeline

• Fall 2020 Re-Registration Instructions:

  Before you begin Re-registration, please prepare the following items in collaboration with your Fall 2020 executive board members:

  • Review the “Tier Model” pdf and select your preferred 2020-2021 Tier (Tier 1 or Tier 2) : https://si.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/Tier-Model.pdf
    • Organizations that fall under Fraternity and Sorority Life must select Tier 2
    • Club Sports have a separate re-registration (communications will come from the Mason Recreation Team)
  • Re-visit your organization mission (max. 2-4 sentences)
    • As you re-visit your Mission, make sure it reflects your RSO and helps a student choose to join your group!
  • Gather the names and positions of your Fall 2020 executive board members (Tier 1: 2 Officers, Tier 2: 4 Officers).
    • MUST be Registered for Fall 2020 Classes
  • Gather the name of your Fall 2020 25Live Representative (if applicable – read below “25Live Account Information”).
  • Tier 2 Only: Gather the information for your advisor. Must be a GMU Faculty or Staff member.
  • Re-visit your constitution if needed
    • Constitution guide: https://si.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/RSO-Constitution-Guide.pdf
      • Upload a new copy if any changes have been made (not mandatory)
  • All Officers listed in the Mason360 Re-Registration must “Accept” their position by May 4 to be a completed application
  • President, Treasurer and/or 25Live Representative must complete to 100% the Mason360 RSO Leadership Trainings by June 10^th (Trainings will be made available in April)

  25 Live Account Information:

  • A student may NOT have a 25Live account for more than ONE (1) RSO.
    • Make sure each Officer listed as President, Treasurer and/or 25Live Representative is aware they can have access to only ONE RSO in 25Live
      • This will cause delays in re-registration and account creation if an RSO registers an officer for trainings who has already been requested for another RSO.
  • ONLY TWO (2) students may have a 25Live account for a single RSO.
    • If a 25Live Representative is listed in the re-registration application, the Treasurer will not be given a 25Live Account
      • ie: President has access to ORG Code, & 25 Live. Treasurer has access to ORG Code. 25Live Representative has access to ORG Code and 25Live
      • If the RSO does not list a 25Live Representative, the Treasurer will receive the 25Live Account as well as the President.

  Fall 2020 Re-Registration Timeline (RSO & FSL)

  MARCH

  • Monday, March 2 : Re-Registration Opens

  APRIL

  • By the end of April : Exec Board Elections Should be Completed
    • Add incoming president to Mason360 page as an officer so they may begin Re-registration
  • President, Treasurer and/or 25Live Representative must take the Mason360 RSO Leadership Trainings by June 10, 2020 at 5pm (http://cglink.me/s26236)

  MAY

  • Friday, May 1: Re-registration Closes
  • Monday, May 4, 2020 : Deadline for Officer Acceptance of Positions
    • Application will be rejected if not complete
  • TBD May: Advisors will be confirmed as Mason Employees
    • No Advisor Acknowledgement Form is available at this time(subject to change).
  • Monday, May 18, 2020: Rejected/Non-Registered Organizations (RSO and FSL) will be De-Activated (Any who did not submit their re-registration)
    • De-activation will wipe all events and the RSO off the Mason360 Page. However, at the next Re-registration period, it can be brought back.

  JUNE

  • Wednesday, June 10, 2020 at 5pm : Required Mason360 RSO Leadership Trainings and Quizzes Due
    • Application will be rejected if not completed
  • TBD: GPA Checks Completed for Spring 2020
    • Communications will go to the Officer and President if there is a “no Pass” to the 2.0 cumulative GPA check. Officer changes must be completed within 1 week of communication.
  • TBD: Re-registration is approved on Mason360 when all Spring 2020 GPAs “Pass” for the RSO Officers
  • TBD: ORG Codes distributed by the SI Budget Team to RSO President and Treasurer

  JULY

  • 2019-2020 25Live Accounts deleted

  AUGUST

  • 2020-2021 25Live Accounts created
    • Past Exec Board Members should ensure all future events in 25Live are transferred to the new officer(s) (gmuevent@gmu.edu)

   

PDF Version of 2020-2021 Re-Registration Instructions and Timeline:
https://si.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/ReRegistration_2020_2021.pdf

Event Management

Large Event Checklist

• 25Live Request
• • Plan ahead and transfer events when there are officer changes
• Add Event to Mason360
  • Approval by RSO Lead Team
• Gather all Vendor Information and Amounts
• SFB Request
  • Submitted 45 days before event
  • SFB Committee Approvals
• Hand-Signed/Completed Contracts/COIs
  • Submitted 20 days before event/3 wks
  • RSO Lead Team
• Fully-signed Checklist
  • Don’t wait until last minute – get this done in a timely manner
  • Submitted 10 business days before event
  • Multiple offices, ultimately handed into 25Live Office. Will meet with me near end.
• Signed Guest Lecturer Agreement
  • Turned in 2 days before event
  • RSO Lead Team

25Live Tips

• Enter in a reliable head count
  • This affects many areas of your event
• Event Description
  • List off a brief description, add in any extras- vendors, catering, decorators, DJs, performers, Guests, etc
• Event Date and Time: Additional Time.
  • Be realistic on set-up (Pre-Event Time) and Take-Down (Post-Event Time)
    • They will be hiring staff to clean and set-up for the next events based on YOUR times listed.
• Locations
  • Make sure you chose appropriate locations
    • Paint – outside or art studio only
    • Kiosk vs outside spaces
      • KIOSK is just table with no activity (giveaways and selling)
      • Outside space (Quads) is for the activities, such as speakers, pie in the faces, etc
  • Changing rooms
    • Restrooms are not for using as changing rooms
• Event Resources
  • Use this like a wish list, you can always take away- harder to add on
    • Microphones, TVs, tables, projectors, furniture, sound, lighting etc
  • Event Site contact with Cell #
• Event Comments
  • Be as specific as possible – they will work on a drawn out room plan for you as well when you meet. Explain the nature of the event.
    • Explain set up times, door open time, event start time, door close time, event end time, clean up time
    • Telling them more info can help with their planning.

It is up to your Org to Cancel ALL areas of an event (25Live, Event services, contracts, Police, etc)

Registered Student Organizations  are responsible for knowing and complying with all Policies listed in the Code of Student Conduct as well all supplemental procedures, processes, guidelines, etc. from the departments or organizations they are associated with.  Registered Student Organizations, like individual students, are responsible for the conduct of their members both on and off George Mason University campuses.

• Student Involvement Policies
  • RSO Debt: RSOs who have been notified of incurring debt by Student Involvement’s Business Manager will not be able to re-register until that debt has been paid off.
• University Policies
  • Student Rights and Responsibilities
  • Current Code of Student Conduct
    • Hazing Policy
      • APPENDIX I: ACTS OF MISCONDUCT
      • # 15
  • Title IX at George Mason University
  • Free Speech at Mason
  • University Policy 1103: Space Utilization and Scheduling
  • University Policy 1110: Vending Sales and Solicitation