About RSOs COVID-19 Updates Trainings & Quizzes RSO Tiers RSO Resources Officer Resources Advisor Resources Mason360 Important Dates Register a New Organization Re-Registration Event Management Marketing RSO & University Policies

About RSOs

Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) offer a wide range of opportunities for students to get involved!  RSOs provide learning environments for students, preparing them to live in a multicultural society and work in a global community.  Our student organizations are also responsible for many of the programs and events held on campus each year including social events, lectures, special events, cultural events, and conferences. Our RSOs help create a welcoming, vibrant campus environment. And, most importantly, they offer you an opportunity to get involved. 

Benefits of Registration

By registering as a Registered Student Organization, you and your organization will have access to benefits from Student Involvement and Mason that other students on campus do not have access to.

General Benefits of being an RSO

Eligibility for startup funding for campus-wide events serving the entire student body from Student Funding Board
Eligible to receive a Bench (on Sub 1 Quad) 
Eligible to receive a Distinguished Quill Award
Ability to participate in organization fairs throughout the academic year
Access to space on campus at discounted or no cost (dependent on Tier) on 25live.
Access to use kiosks, table tents etc.
- Use of George Mason University’s brand / logo and name (only for internal organization use)
- Training and guidance on how to use campus resources
- University Organization account to use
- Financial and budget support

RSO Fairs:
- Get Connected Fair: This is Mason’s largest organization fair of the year! Join Academic Departments, Club Sports, Service Offices, Fraternities and Sororities and a large portion of the Registered Student Organizations to tell new students about your organization and how they are able to join!
- Fall Premiere: Yardfest: In partnership with Admissions, registered student organizations are invited to greet and talk to possible students during Fall Preview. This event is in the middle of October and the perfect opportunity to show others what your organization is doing and encourage them to come to Mason!
- RSO Spring Get Connected Fair: This event is the in the first week of the Spring Semester! Held in the Johnson Center, organizations talk to new students about their organizations and how they can join during this new semester
- Spring Preview: The last organization fair of the year, similar to Fall Premiere, this event is in partnership with Admissions for prospective Mason students! 
Distinguished Quill Awards:
- The Distinguished Quill Awards is an opportunity for members of the Mason community, including students, faculty, and staff, to recognize our hard working student leaders, organizations, and their advisors.  This event is hosted by the Student Involvement and the RSO Leadership Team.
Bench Painting:
- Bench painting is a both a tradition and also a way of honor and market organizations here at George Mason University. Each year, the RSO department allocates the available benches to the organizations that apply and are reviewed on the timeliness of their application, completion as well as academic and leadership-based merits. Typically held in the Spring.

RSO Categories & Expectations

Academic
- A community of organizations centered around a class, special interest, as well as for almost all of the academic disciplines.
Arlington Campus
- This community of organizations are based in the Arlington Campus can indicate this as one of their RSO Categories.
Campus Spirit
- This community of organizations promote a sense of identity and community shared by members of the George Mason University campus.
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.
Computer/Technology
- This community of organizations explore the hardware, software and gaming aspect of computers and technology.
Fairfax Campus
- This community of organizations are based in the Fairfax Campus can indicate this as one of their RSO Categories.
Graduate Student Organization
- This community of organizations promote professional development and personal development for Graduate Students.
- For more assistance, please contact the Office of Graduate Student Life: https://gradlife.gmu.edu/.
Health/Wellness
- This community of organizations seek to achieve awareness through choices toward a healthy and fulfilling life through physical, mental, and social well-being.
Honor Society
- 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.
Mason Korea Campus
- This community of organizations are based in the Mason Korea Campus can indicate this as one of their RSO Categories.
Performing/Visual Arts
- This community of organizations primary purpose is to use their voices, bodies and creative outlets as a message to express feeling, emotion, opinion or taste. Can include dance, vocal expression, photography, painting, etc.
Political/Activist
- Mission is to further the interest of a particular political group or issue.
Religious/Spiritual
- 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, national origin, sex, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, marital status, pregnancy status or genetic information).
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.
Special Interest
- This community of organizations offers students opportunities to get involved in a variety of activities not generally offered in any other category.
Sports
- This community of organizations offers an opportunity to get involved with a sports activity, however, these groups are not considered as affiliated teams of George Mason University for competitions.
STEM
- This community of organizations offer opportunities to get involved in academic disciplines within Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
Volunteer/Service
- This community of organizations provide learning opportunities for students in the areas of community service and volunteering – locally, regionally, and nationally.

Mason Accessibility Statement

George Mason University is committed to providing access to all programs and services to people with disabilities. This includes access to electronic information and services. All official Mason web sites must meet Mason’s web accessibility standards. These standards are based on the Web Accessibility Standards specified in Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act. We are actively working towards this goal. If at any time you have trouble accessing any information or service on this site, please contact rso@gmu.edu. We will address the accessibility issue in a timely manner and provide reasonable accommodations to ensure access to these services or materials in an alternative format. For more information about our commitment to accessibility at Mason please visit http://www.gmu.edu/accessibility/

https://si.gmu.edu/rso/#about

COVID-19 Updates

Mason Spring 2021 Event Guidelines and Processes

Key Points

On campus space use must be reserved through The Office of University Events with an RSO 25Live Account.
On Campus Events must use the Mason360 Event Submission and include Registration
Large and High-Risk Events will require a meeting with a Student Involvement Staff Member
Participants must complete Mason COVID Health✓™ and receive a “green light” status on the day of the event. Event organizers must confirm status during check-in prior to event entry.
Organizers, event staff, and attendees must comply with the public health and safety requirements (including the use of face coverings) outlined in the Safe Return to Campus Plan.
- Face Coverings:
  - FAQs: Face Coverings

Safe Return to Campus

The University recently released a set of guidelines, outlining the measures that need to be in place in order to host in-person events once we move into the next phase of the Safe Return to Campus Plan. You can read the full guidelines here, but we have included highlights of the official plan below and provided some additional explanation, so you can hit the ground running and start planning fun, creative events for the fall!

Safe Return to Campus Plan:
https://www2.gmu.edu/Safe-Return-Campus

What does this mean for RSO events?

Plan your events according to the current guidelines and be ready to pivot as needed.

For reservations made in 25Live prior to the release of current guidelines:

The Office of University Events will review existing reservations in 25Live and contact the organizations about any changes or edits needed.

Planning an In-Person Event

These guidelines must be followed for all on-campus events sponsored by Mason RSOs.
Each venue (indoor and outdoor) has an approved setup that is determined to allow the maximum number of attendees while maintaining safety of the event volunteers and guests. Layouts will accompany your 25Live reservation requests. Please be patient with all offices as we all pivot the maximum numbers in each space across campus.
The guidelines apply to everyone at your event, not just your attendees, so make sure you are accounting for that in your event plan! For example, an event in Dewberry Hall with two performers on the stage will count towards the space capacity limit.
With the new guidelines, the largest available spaces will be some of the outdoor locations. You can rent AV equipment and furniture for those spaces from Event Services, who will make sure items are placed appropriately for social distancing. https://studentcenters.gmu.edu/events/request-form/
If food is being served, a university-approved caterer must be used. Pre-packaged food and drink are allowed. Self-service of any kind is prohibited (for example, no buffet or coffee service). Served beverages and plated meals are allowed in accordance with policy. Event participants can’t bring their own food or drink to organized events.

Planning a Virtual Event

You are encouraged to host your event virtually if possible, and there are a lot of resources available to help! Please visit https://events.gmu.edu/virtualevents/ for virtual event resources, best practices, and FAQs.
At this time, Zoom is our preferred platform for virtual events. All students currently have access to a basic Zoom account, which allows users to host meetings for up to 100 attendees for a maximum of 40 minutes. In order to host meetings with a larger attendance number or longer duration, you can request an account upgrade through ITS. For more information on Zoom services and access, please visit https://its.gmu.edu/service/zoom/.
Virtual events should still be requested via 25Live so that they can be tracked as part of University Operations, added to the Today@Mason calendar, and flagged as potentially needing additional ITS support. When selecting the location on the event form, please make sure the “hide conflicts” box is not checked and run a location keyword search with the word “virtual.” Select the one that best fits your event (or choose “Virtual Event” if you’re not sure) and fill out the rest of the form as usual. Don’t forget to put links to your main event page in the description, so your attendees will know how to register!
If you currently have a space reservation in 25Live that you would like to switch to a virtual event, email your event scheduler or gmuevent@gmu.edu with the event reference ID, and they can make that change for you.

MASON360

Mason360 RSO Group Pages have an amazing amount of virtual opportunities. https://mason360.gmu.edu/

To get started, check out these videos:

https://mason360.gmu.edu/mason360/how-to-videos/

Mason360 Training Webinars

Student Funding Board (SFB)

The Student Funding Board will continue to accept applications (via Mason360) based on the deadlines listed on their website si.gmu.edu/sfb.
Funds will not be approved until your event has been reviewed by a University Events scheduler and determined to be compliant with current guidelines.
Funds are only approved for Student Organizations who have their 2021-2022 registration application approved by Student Involvement.
The Student Funding Board will only fund requests that comply with current GMU event and travel guidelines.

Student Involvement, University Events, and Event Services are available to help!

As part of the University’s Safe Return to Campus Plan, most staffs will continue teleworking with limits to how often they will be on campus. However, we are all still available by email and happy to meet virtually to answer questions and discuss your event ideas in more detail. We are working on finding more ways to stay connected, so keep an eye out for future updates on all the ways we can be reached!
We appreciate your flexibility and patience while we work together to prepare for the upcoming semester. We are also grateful for all you are doing to keep your Mason Nation safe! Please note that these guidelines are subject to change and Student Involvement will notify accordingly.

For further guidance and questions please contact the RSO Lead Team at rso@gmu.edu

Safe Return to Campus

https://si.gmu.edu/rso/#covidupdates

Trainings & Quizzes

The Required 2021-2022 RSO Training & Quiz

Required training for President, Treasurer, and the two (2) 25Live representatives for an RSO.
Other officers, members and advisors are more than welcome to view the modules or even take the quiz.

2021-2022 RSO Training Modules

RSO Resources (2021-2022)
- https://rise.articulate.com/share/X-o2NlEhrG8Wxu99zzHRP6Oe7QyZzljE
RSO Event Management (2021-2022)
- https://rise.articulate.com/share/5nf2-drypvQVjrEtsXD51TD7Oq6L7XFA
RSO Fiscal Management (2021-2022)
- https://rise.articulate.com/share/_xB7rDNXwGvc1Szi_nEh_KBtpPQZdmr6
RSO 25Live Pro Training (2021-2022)
- https://rise.articulate.com/share/bRmx5xWp0BFuv2z5jPWkMBOQSEzr6IXN

Sign into Mason360: https://mason360.gmu.edu/

- Review all four (4) Training Modules and complete all accompanying Quiz Questions.
  - Re-Registering and New RSO Officer Click Here: http://cglink.me/2d7/s48014
  - Cannot Access Mason360? E-mail the Student Involvement Office for the link (sa@gmu.edu)

https://si.gmu.edu/rso/#trainings

RSO Tiers

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
- Treasurer
- 25Live Representatives (Choose 2 of the Officers to hold this title)
- Minimum of four other Members

Tier 2 Leadership Requirements

Minimum of four (4) officers:
- President
- Treasurer
- 2 Other Officers
- 25Live Representatives (Choose 2 of the Officers to hold this title)
- Minimum of four other Members
- RSO Advisor

**Fraternity and Sorority Life may have requirements for Officers and Members that may differ from these instructions. Please contact their office for guidance: https://si.gmu.edu/fsl/

Tier 1 Access

Basic Meeting Rooms
Standard Setup of Space
Basic Outdoor Space Requests (i.e. Table on North Plaza/SUB I Quad, etc.)
Events Production limited to equipment that is provided free of charge (ex. wired microphone)
RSO Tier 1 Space Listing* from 25Live: https://si.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/RSO-Tier-1-Space-Listing.pdf

Tier 2 Access

Basic Meeting Rooms
Large Scale, Outdoor Space Requests
JC Cinema, Corner Pocket, JC Dance Studio and Technology Classrooms
ACCESS to Major Programming Spaces: Dewberry Hall, HUB Ballroom, JC Bistro, CFA, Harris Theater, and all special space requests, case by case.
Complex/Non Standard Setup of Space
Advanced, Complex Events Production requests
RSO Tier 2 Space Listing* from 25Live: https://si.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/RSO-Tier-2-Space-Listing.pdf

https://si.gmu.edu/rso/#tiers

Resources to All Organizations

Registered Student Organizations have access to the following:

Booking spaces on campus via 25live
ORG Code Access
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
Distinguished Quill Awards
Get Connected Fairs
Voice Wall Painting (previously known as Cubes)
Reserving George Statue to Decorate

Student Involvement Office

Imagination Station
Lockers
Mailboxes
Open Space

https://si.gmu.edu/rso/#rsoresources

RSO Trainings Modules: https://si.gmu.edu/rso/#trainings

Membership Management

Mason360 Officer Toolkit
- Adding and Managing your members
Officer Transitions/Changes (CLOSED during Re-Registration Process)
- Please email our RSO Lead Team with outgoing and incoming Officer info: full name, Mason e-mails, and position titles (President, Treasurer and/or 25Live representative info only). Any other officer changes can be made internally and updated on the Group’s Mason360 Page.
- 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 SFB application for their RSO.
  - 25 Live: Student President and/or 25Live Representative MUST complete training and 100% in Quiz to gain 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 mason 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

Selecting an Advisor for Your RSO

Tier 2 organizations are required to have a Faculty/Staff advisor to register and be officially recognized by the University. The advisor must be a faculty or staff university employee. The ideal relationship between the advisor and the student organization would be a partnership providing the basis for good decision-making and leadership of the organization. The following information will help you select an advisor as well as understand the advisor‘s role in your organization:

Sit down and talk as an organization about your expectations of an advisor.
Before making a selection, consider the following:

Finding someone who will have the time to devote to your organization

Finding someone who will take the role willingly and seriously

If possible, choose someone who shares some of the same interests of your organization and someone with whom you are in contact.
If your organization is linked to a department, try to find someone in that department to be your advisor.
When approaching your potential advisor for the first time, make certain that they have a clear understanding of your organization‘s purpose as well as what will be required of him/her in their role, duties and time commitment as advisor.
Allow the person a reasonable length of time to consider the decision.

Once a Faculty/Staff member has agreed to be your advisor, they must complete an Advisor Acknowledgement Form.

Working With Your Advisor

At the beginning of their tenure, the organization‘s executive officers should meet with the advisor to determine their roles and expectations for each other. It is helpful for the advisor to work with the executive officers to develop realistic goals for the upcoming academic year. Keep in mind the following when working with your advisor:

Learn from your advisor. The most important reason for having an advisor is to enhance the learning opportunities associated with student involvement. Any consultation with your advisor can be useful whether it is in regards to organization matters or otherwise.

Include your advisor in the group. Relations with your advisor can remain positive by introducing them to the group and by providing the advisor time to address the organization.
Communicate its needs to the advisor. Advisors should be willing to get involved with the organization, but don‘t make them guess what you need.
Maintain contact with your advisor. Establish and maintain lines of communication with your advisor. Consider meeting with your advisor prior to scheduled meetings to discuss agenda items or how to effectively conduct the meeting. If the advisor is unable to attend an organization meeting, the chief student officer or another officer should brief the advisor soon after the meeting.
Provide important documents for your advisor. Make sure that you give your advisor copies of all important documents so they can be kept on file.
Use your advisor as an observer. If things in your organization seem to be stuck, let your advisor observe what you are doing so they can provide useful input to help your organization adapt and adjust and run smoothly once again.

Roles of advisor: Can be found on the RSO website.

Officer Roles

Each RSO drafts its own constitution detailing the roles and responsibilities of each officer in the organization. Below is an example of organizational positions and corresponding responsibilities. These may be changed and adapted to suit the needs of your organization.

President

Preside over all Executive Board and general body meetings
Appoint, with the approval of the Executive Board, additional secondary positions (e.g. Sub-committee chairs)
Meet regularly with the faculty/staff advisor
Serve as a liaison between the RSO Lead Team and Student Involvement
Oversee the implementation of initiatives and delegate tasks

Oversee all organizational events
Oversee the training of new members of the organization
Complete the re-registration application in order to maintain RSO status at Mason
Complete all necessary trainings and corresponding quiz
Manage access to 25Live and booking spaces

Update roster on Mason360 as often as needed
Required

Treasurer

Oversee all of the organization’s financial matters
Collect and manage all membership dues

Apply for funding from the Student Funding Board when necessary and in a timely manner
Report to the president and the Executive Board about the state of the organization’s finances
Serve as the liaison between the organization and the Student Involvement Budget Manager
Complete all necessary trainings and corresponding quiz
Assist President in managing access to 25Live and booking spackes

Fulfill the responsibilities of the vice president in the event that the vice president is absent, removed, or is no longer able to perform the responsibilities of the office
Required

25Live Representative

The President and Treasurer have typically held the 25Live Accounts for the RSO. However, we listened to feedback and are now allowing the RSO to choose another Officer (with GPA check and completion of trainings) to be a 25Live account holder. Only TWO accounts can be made for an RSO. And only ONE account is allowed per student.

Vice President

Preside over all Executive Board and general body meetings in the absence of the president
Assist in appointing additional secondary positions (e.g. Sub-committee chairs)
Oversee all sub-committee initiatives
Report the state of the organizations and sub-committees to the president
Fulfill the responsibilities of the president in the event that the president is absent, removed, or is no longer able to perform the responsibilities of the office

Secretary

The Secretary of the RSO Lead Team must be able to perform the following responsibilities:
Record meeting minutes for all Executive Board and general body meetings.
Send all general body meeting minutes to all members within 24 hours following the meeting.
Record member attendance at meetings and events.
Fulfill the responsibilities of the treasurer in the event that the treasurer is absent, removed, or is no longer able to perform the responsibilities of the office

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.

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.

https://si.gmu.edu/rso/#officerresources

Advisor Resources

Mason Spring 2021 Event Guidelines and Processes

This link brings you to the COVID-19 Updates section of the RSO website. This is where the most up to date information will be placed regarding RSO Event Management. We are committed to ensuring our RSOs plan and execute the safest events possible.

RSO Advisor Appointment Letter

Every year Student Involvement requires RSO advisors to complete a form acknowledging their role as an advisor. This form has been moved online to the Mason360 platform which will require you to log in with your Mason user ID and password. If you have any challenges accessing the platform please let me know and we will add you to the system.

RSO Advisor Zoom Meetings:

All RSO advisors are invited to join us for virtual meetings. This is an opportunity to connect with the RSO staff team and fellow advisors on topics of shared interest. These meetings will have a fairly informal agenda including brief presentation of content and general updates, with most of the time open for sharing questions and ideas. These meetings will be recorded and shared after each session. Below you will find the meeting times and links to register via Mason360. We hope that you are able to join us on either day.

Fall 2021 Links Coming Soon

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.

Being an 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 an employee of the faculty or staff at Mason on any of the 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.

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 staff/faculty member at Mason. A confirmation form will be sent to each advisor as it is available (currently in editing stages). Each advisor is also listed on the Mason360 Group Page for the group they advise.

Working with Your RSO

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 Relationship

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.

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.

Transition-If/When 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.

Any Questions? Please reach out to Sara Heming, Associate Director for Student Involvement at smorrisr@gmu.edu

https://si.gmu.edu/rso/#advisorreources

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

2021-2022 Re-Registration & New 2021-2022 Registration
- Application opens March 31, 2021 and closes May 16, 2021 at 11:55pm
- Trainings open May 3, 2021
- Trainings must be done by June 16, 2021 at 11:55pm
- All Roles in the application must be “Accepted” by June 16, 2021 at 11:55pm.
  - An email will have been sent upon application submission to each member and officer from mailer@campusgroups.com
- July 23, 2021: RSO’s who have not actively communicated/completed their RSO Re-registration requirements are deactivated on Mason360
  - A group may contact Student Involvement at sa@gmu.edu to re-activate their group to continue/begin re-registration. The RSO will only have one(1) full week to complete all requirements. If that deadline is not met, they will need to take the Fall semester to regroup and may request to be activate again in December to be registered for Spring 2022.
- September 15, 2021: Advisors for Tier 2s must complete their Advisor Acknowledgement form, otherwise, the RSO will lose their Tier 2 Status.
Our Office will accept New RSO and ‘Late’ Re-registration applications throughout the year, however they will be reviewed case by case at the beginning of each month. Start date will vary on holidays, peak busy times, etc. The final date for a 2021-2022 new or re-registering RSO application must be submitted by February 1, 2022.

Upcoming Events (Dates subject to change as we move forward into Fall 2021)

September 1, 2021: In-person Fall Get Connected Fair
September 2, 2021: Virtual Mason360 Get Connected Fair
September 24, 2021 (subject to change): Bench Painting (Plans will be announced as we move forward)

https://si.gmu.edu/rso/#importantdates

*Dates and times subject to change

SPRING 2021

2021-2022 Re-Registration & New 2021-2022 Registration
- Application open March 31, 2021 and closes May 16, 2021 at 11:55pm
- Trainings open May 3, 2021
- Trainings must be done by June 16, 2021 at 11:55pm
Our Office will accept New RSO and Re-registration Applications throughout the year, however they will be reviewed at the beginning of each month. Final date for a 2021-2022 New RSO application to be submitted is February 5, 2022.

https://si.gmu.edu/rso/#importantdates

New RSO Registration 2021-2022
March 31, 2021 – May 16, 2021*

*guaranteed Fall Start-Up Deadline

New RSO Applications are open throughout the 2020-2021 academic year, however the applications will be reviewed at the beginning of each month. The final due date for a 2021-2022 New RSO application is February 1, 2022.

Before you begin Registration, please prepare the following items in collaboration with your executive board members:

- Choose your RSO Tier
  Review the “New RSO Tier Model” pdf and select your preferred Tier (Tier 1 or Tier 2) : https://si.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/New-Registration_Tier_Models.pdf
  - Organizations that fall under Fraternity and Sorority Life must select Tier 2
  - Club Sports have a separate re-registration (please contact the Mason Recreation Team)
- Choose your organization name
  - RSOs cannot have “GMU” in their name (please refer to the Mason Brand Website).
  - RSOs cannot have “Mason”, “George Mason University”, etc. as part of their name unless it is “…at George Mason University” or “…at Mason”, etc.
  - Student organizations that are registered are independent of the University and are not part of or agents of the University. Registering a Student Organization with George Mason University provides your organization access to University resources. It also obligates the organization to meet all University policies, procedures, as well as expectations set forth within the Code of Student Conduct.
- Craft your organization mission (max. 2-4 sentences)
  - 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)

- Craft your organization profile image/logo
  - Save it as an image (JPEG, JPG or PNG)
  - May not use the George Mason University Logos in the design

- Gather the names and positions of your Fall 2021 executive board members (Tier 1: 2 Officers, Tier 2: 4 Officers).
  - Students listed MUST be Registered for the semester they are being appointed
  - Advisors are NOT added to this section
- Gather the names of two 25Live Representatives
  - A student may NOT have a 25Live account for more than ONE (1) RSO.
  - ONLY TWO (2) students may have a 25Live account for a single RSO.
  - Delays in re-registration will occur if an RSO lists an officer for trainings who has already been requested access by another RSO.
  - You will choose the two officers in your application. You may choose any 2 officers as long as they have been listed in the re-registration application in the Officers section.

- Gather the names of your four founding members
  - Must be unique from your officer names
- Tier 2 Only: Gather the information for your advisor. Must be a GMU Faculty or Staff member.
- Craft your constitution using the guide
  https://si.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/RSO-Constitution-Guide.pdf

READY TO REGISTER?
2021-2022 New RSO Registration Instructions

https://si.gmu.edu/rso/#registernew

Re-Registration 2021-2022
March 31, 2021 – May 16, 2021

The re-registration ‘guaranteed Fall Start-Up’ deadline has passed. RSOs who did not complete a re-registration application have been deactivated on Mason360. If your group is interested in submitting a ‘late re-registration’ application, please contact Student Involvement at sa@gmu.edu. Please do not fill out a New RSO registration form as this will not be accepted.

Re-Registration Instructions

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

- Choose your RSO Tier
  Review the “Tier Model” pdf and select your preferred Tier (Tier 1 or Tier 2) : https://si.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Re-Registration_Tier_Models.pdf
  - Organizations that fall under Fraternity and Sorority Life must select Tier 2
  - Club Sports have a separate re-registration (please contact the Mason Recreation Team)
- Re-Visit your organization name
  - RSOs can no longer have “GMU” in their name (please refer to the Mason Brand Website).
  - RSOs can no longer have “Mason”, “George Mason University”, etc. as part of their name unless it is “…at George Mason University” or “…at Mason”, etc.
  - Student organizations that are registered are independent of the University and are not part of or agents of the University. Registering a Student Organization with George Mason University provides your organization access to University resources. It also obligates the organization to meet all University policies, procedures, as well as expectations set forth within the Code of Student Conduct.
    Social media accounts and emails must be switched to the new RSO name by the end of the 2021-2022 Academic year for consistency.

- 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 2021 executive board members (Tier 1: 2 Officers, Tier 2: 4 Officers).
  - Students listed MUST be Registered for the semester they are being appointed
- Gather the names of two 25Live Representatives
  - A student may NOT have a 25Live account for more than ONE (1) RSO.
    ONLY TWO (2) students may have a 25Live account for a single RSO.
    Delays in re-registration will occur if an RSO lists an officer for trainings who has already been requested access by another RSO.
    - You will choose the two officers in your application. You may choose any 2 officers as long as they have been listed in the re-registration application in the Officers section.
- Tier 2 Only: Gather the information for your advisor. Must be a GMU Faculty or Staff member.
- Re-visit your constitution as needed
  - Changes have been made to the constitution requirements. Please review your constitution and make sure it has been updated to include any new language (please see Page 1: Article Three MEMBERSHIP)
    https://si.gmu.edu/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/RSO-Constitution-Guide.pdf

READY TO RE-REGISTER?

The incoming President must contact the Student Involvement Team at sa@gmu.edu to re-activate the Mason360 Group to access the RSO Re-registration form.

2021-2021 Re-Registration Instructions*
Newsletter Sent to Current RSO Officers listed on Mason360: https://t.e2ma.net/click/3kzcfe/r7w83cb/3omhhk*
- *The above links have needed information, however, due dates will not be valid for late re-registrations. We review late submissions monthly and it depends on the RSO Officer’s completion of tasks on how quickly a registration is completed.

https://si.gmu.edu/rso/#reregistration

Event Management

Review the Training Modules as Needed: https://si.gmu.edu/rso/#trainings
Contact the RSO Lead Team with your questions and concerns! We will help you with your event plans!

Event Resources EVENT MANAGEMENT

GMU Catering: https://masoncatering.catertrax.com/
Approved Caterers: http://approvedcatering.gmu.edu/approvedcaterers.html
Student Center Plan an Event: http://studentcenters.gmu.edu/eventguidelines/
Promotion and Publicity: http://studentcenters.gmu.edu/advertising/
Today@Mason: https://today.gmu.edu/

Risk Management

As defined on the Office of Risk Management website (risk.gmu.edu), “the practice of Risk Management is identifying and analyzing loss exposures other than business risks and taking steps to minimize the financial impact of those risks”.
When planning an event or hosting a program, it is important to balance the risks of the activity versus what you expect to gain. In doing this, you will want to look at whether your activity has risks, determine whether those risks outweigh the benefits, identify what measures you have taken to prevent problems at the activity, and examine what procedures you have in place if problems occur. You must exercise reasonable care in managing your event and work to avoid harm to your members and others.

ONE IMPORTANT ITEM TO NOTE: STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS ARE NOT COVERED UNDER MASON INSURANCE.

Therefore, if you can prevent a problem from occurring, it is important to do so. Training, taking precautions, and evaluating risk will help your organization remain a part of the Mason community.

https://si.gmu.edu/rso/#eventmanagement

Marketing

Student Centers Advertising : https://studentcenters.gmu.edu/advertising/

Kiosks
Banners
Easels
Flyers
Leafletting
Procedures

The paint cart can be checked outat the Student Involvement Desk in Fall2021
- Contact: sa@gmu.edu
The Voice Walls are first come first serve
- Only paint over past events
One (1) Side can be painted, EVENTS only (not advertising an org)
Must be an event within 10 days
Paints, Brushes, and rollers are provided
- Must use the given products
- It will be considered vandalism if non-authorized types of paints are used
Your Mason ID will be held during the scheduled Paint Time
Cart and area must be cleaned and all disposables thrown away

Other Opportunities for RSOs

Get Connected Fair (Fall and Spring, RSO lead Team)
Bench Painting (End of Spring Semester, RSO Lead Team)
Yard Fest/Spring Previews (Fall & Spring fairs for incoming students, Admissions)
Decorating the George Statue (University Life): https://ulife.gmu.edu/students/mason-statue-decoration-form/*

Event Promotion & Publicity

There are many opportunities and resources available to organizations to help them promote their events and their organization as a whole.Organizations have free access to book kiosks, chalk around campus, and to certain advertising tools including Today@Mason (https://today.gmu.edu/).Organizations can use the Imagination Station for free located in Student Involvement, which contains crafts and materials useful for marketing strategies.

For detailed information about advertising opportunities and guidelines, please visit: http://studentcenters.gmu.edu/advertising/

For policies on trademarks, visit: http://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/policies/use-of-the-universitys-trademarks/

https://si.gmu.edu/rso/#marketing

RSO & University Policies

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.

RSO Resolution Process RSO & University Policies

RSOs are responsible and accountable for the individual and collective conduct of its members in the course of the organization’s operations and activities. A violation of University polices/procedures will be addressed through a formalized resolution process. Depending of the nature of the violation the case may be addressed through the Student Involvement office or referred to the Office of Student Conduct. The Code of Student, Student Centers Policies and Procedures, and this manual provide examples of expectations for RSO’s. Violations of the Code of Student Conduct will be referred to the Office of Student Conduct. The Student Involvement office and any employee, student or guest may refer any student or RSO directly to the Student Conduct office.

Offenses include but are not limited to:

- Use of another student’s authorized login information for 25Live.
- The refusal of an organization’s members, guests and/or participants of an event to leave a space at the conclusion of the reservation.
- Failure to remove any item or property from a space at the conclusion of the reservation.
- Breaking or damaging property.
- Failure to comply with any university policies, procedures, guidelines, etc.
- Misrepresentation of details prior, during or after the event
- The accurate number of attendees
- Not including all participating organizations
- A student organization failing to reserve their own space

The Resolution Process:

Notification of alleged violations and meeting date.
Meeting with RSO Lead Team member or a full-time Student Involvement staff member
Email summarizing meeting and required next steps or referral to the Office of Student Conduct.

If an organization is found responsible for violating a university policy, procedures, guidelines, etc.the following resolutions but are not limited to:

Warning
Loss of Space reservation for an academic semester or more
Loss of funding from Student Funding Board
Loss of status as an RSO or Tier change
Referral to the Student Conduct office

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.
- Registered Student Organization name
  - RSOs cannot have “GMU” in their name (please refer to the Mason Brand Website).
  - RSOs cannot have “Mason”, “George Mason University”, etc. as part of their name unless it is “…at George Mason University” or “…at Mason”, etc.
  - Student organizations that are registered are independent of the University and are not part of or agents of the University. Registering a Student Organization with George Mason University provides your organization access to University resources. It also obligates the organization to meet all University policies, procedures, as well as expectations set forth within the Code of Student Conduct.

University Policies

Student Rights and Responsibilities
Current Code of Student Conduct
- Hazing Policy
  - APPENDIX I: ACTS OF MISCONDUCT
    - # 15
- Hazing Prevention
  - Hazing is a broad term that encompasses a multitude of actions or activities. The term hazing refers to any actions or activities that do not contribute to the positive development of a person or an organization; which cause mental or physical harm; or which subject individuals to harassment, embarrassment, ridicule, or distress. Examples of situations that are considered hazing include but are not limited to tests of endurance, physical abuse, psychological abuse, morally degrading or humiliating activities, forced ingestion of any substance, activities which interfere with academic pursuits, and servitude. Hazing is typically associated with membership selection and initiation into an organization. It is possible for hazing to occur before, during and after membership selection and initiation.
  - Hazing in any form is strictly prohibited. George Mason University will investigate all hazing allegations. Individuals and organizations found in violation of the GMU hazing policy will be sanctioned and turned over to the proper law enforcement agency. If you believe you have been a victim of hazing or know someone who has been a victim, contact the Student Involvement Office at (703) 993-2909.
  - http://hazingprevention.org/
- Non-Discrimination Policy
  - Compliance, Diversity and Ethics
- Title IX at George Mason University
- Free Speech at Mason
- University Policy 1103: Space Utilization and Scheduling
- University Policy 1110: Vending Sales and Solicitation
- Environmental Health and Safety
- Outside Banner (and/or other materials) Policy
- Poster Posting
- Reporting of Crimes, Accidents, Fires and Other Emergencies
- Responding to Virginia Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) Requests for Records
- Sexual Harassment and Misconduct
- University Affiliated Social Media Sites
- Use and Reproduction of Copyrighted Materials
- Use of Amplified Sound in Outdoor Spaces

For a full list of all University Policies, please visit http://universitypolicy.gmu.edu/all-policies/

Other policies

Copyrights and Trademarks

Movie Showing Rights – Copyright Law

If you are showing a movie for an event or to your organization members, the movie rights must be purchased, as stated in § 110. Limitations on exclusive rights: Exemption of certain performances and displays (43), unless it falls under the exception below.
Notwithstanding the provisions of section 106, the following is not infringement of copyright: Performance or display of a work by instructors or pupils in the course of face-to-face teaching activities of a nonprofit educational institution, in a classroom or similar place devoted to instruction, unless, in the case of a motion picture or other audiovisual work, the performance, or the display of individual images, is given by means of a copy that was not lawfully made under this title, and that the person responsible for the performance knew or had reason to believe was not lawfully made.
In summary, key points for exemption are:
- Instructors or pupils
- Face-to-face teaching
- Nonprofit educational institution
- Lawfully made copy

https://si.gmu.edu/rso/#policies