Student Organization Registration
Student Organization Annual Registration
Whether you're looking to re-register your organization, create a new organization, or explore what it takes to become a Sponsored Student Organization, you've come to the right place!
The University of Michigan - Dearborn has two types of student organizations, sponsored (SSO) and registered (RSO). All student organizations must be registered and recognized by the Office of Student Life (OSL). Organizations must be re-registered annually and go through an annual constitution review.
To re-register an existing organization, please complete the re-affiliation process in VictorsLink. Module two of the Student Organization Essentials Training outlines how to complete registration for your organization type.
Please note that the re-registration window will open August 1 and close November 1, 2026, and then reopen from January 4 to April 4, 2027.
Becoming an Organization
So, you've explored the organizations UM-Dearborn has to offer and discovered that what you were hoping to find does not yet exist. Creating a new organization does not have to be scary or difficult. We have compiled a number of resources to help you along the way.
Please note that the application window for new student organizations opens August 1 and closes November 1, 2026, and then will reopen January 4 to April 4, 2027.
All materials will be reviewed in the order they were received.
To apply to become a new student organization, please complete the affiliation process in VictorsLink. Module two of the Student Organization Essentials Training outlines how to complete new student organization registration.
A constitution provides an organization with a framework through which it can operate year after year. It provides guidance on elections, finances and more. For new organizations, you will go through a process with our Student Organization Consultants to create your constitution; for continuing organizations you will want to annually review your constitution to make updates and ensure it still is appropriate for the organization and that it follows the constitution requirements of the Office of Student Life.
To help you prepare your constitution, please view this constitution check list and sample constitution.
All RSOs must inform the Office of Student Life of their President, Treasurer, and Advisor during the registration process. Additionally, if the holder of these roles changes throughout the year the organization is responsible for informing the Office of Student Life of the change via the Organization Officer/Advisor Update Form.
In order to be considered in good standing with the Office of Student Life, all student organizations are required to have a minimum of one and a maximum of three authorized signers, all of whom must be currently enrolled students. The Treasurer (or the organization chief financial officer) is required to be one of the authorized signers. The other authorized signer(s) can be any executive board member. Each Authorized Signer must fill out the Authorized Signer Agreement Form and receive necessary financial training from the Office of Student Life. Individuals may serve as an authorized signer for up to 3 organizations.
Please consult the full Authorized Signers Policy for additional information.
While registering, you will be required to submit a roster of at least five members. These members must be enrolled, UM-Dearborn students. Five members is the minimum number required to maintain good standing, though we recommend that organizations maintain their full rosters in VictorsLink to enhance their ability to communicate with and maintain their organization membership.
Each organization president and treasurer are required to complete FUEL Student Organization Training. The FUEL Student Organization Training is completely asynchronous and made up of a variety of helpful modules to set your organization up for success.
Other members are welcome to participate as well, though it will not be required. Additionally, Advisors are encouraged to complete training modules, but are not required to do so.
Training for the 2026-2027 academic year have not yet been published, but please check back here in August for an update!
Registered Student Organization (RSO): Registered Student Organizations are organizations that are not sponsored by the University, and are recognized by the Office of Student Life. RSOs are formed by a minimum of five enrolled students who share a common purpose. RSOs are classified as one of the following categories: Hobbies & recreation; Social Activism & Civic Engagement; Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion; Academic; Fraternity & Sorority; Professional & Honorary; Health & Wellness.
RSOs are...
- Able to obtain funding from the Student Organization Advisory Council (SOAC) -- at the SOAC’s discretion.
- Access to an organization-specific page in the Office of Student Life’s organization platform.
- Access to a University agency account (project grant) and shortcode to be used for organization finances.
- Ability to reserve university meeting/event spaces through University Unions & Events.
- Receive special pricing through Picasso Restaurant Group for event catering.
- Ability to participate in university-wide programs (e.g., the Go Blue Bash, Winter Involvement Fair).
Sponsored Student Organizations (SSOs) - Sponsored Student Organizations are student organizations that have a substantial relationship with a sponsoring University department. In order to be considered an SSO, the sponsoring unit must provide the organization with one or more of the following:
- operating budget/financial sponsorship via a University account
- office space
- logo use
- staff advisor
These benefits will vary by organization and by the sponsoring department, and will be defined through the Sponsored Organization Agreement.
Being an SSO indicates that a University department views the organization as tied so closely with the sponsor’s mission that the organization is essentially a part of the office. Receiving this classification requires a formal agreement between the sponsoring department and student organization.