Join an Organization

Join a Registered Student Organization

overhead photo of ballroom filled with RSO's tabling for a student org fair

Benefits of Joining a Registered Student Organization

Co-curricular experiences enhance the learning and development of the individual student and help create a sense of belonging. 

A Cal State Sacramento study found that students who got involved on campus had higher rates of retention and graduation as well as higher GPAs. Another study at Purdue showed that, among students with a GPA of 3.0 or higher, the GPAs of campus organization officers tended to be even higher. 

The 2016 Project CEO survey of more than 15,000 students from 40 schools found that co-curricular activities have a larger impact than any other opportunity outside the classroom on building eight essential work skills valued by employers.

In addition, Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) are afforded access to campus resources, and in turn agree to comply with regulation and procedures established for the governance of all student groups (SA/PPS No. 05.04).

Types of Registered Student Organizations (RSOs)

Some RSOs are organized to meet the interest of a few students, while others are established to fulfill a long term role with the university. Each organization is categorized into one of 13 groups, which are listed below. Click on each one to learn more about it!

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  • Organizations seeking to further study, discuss, or experience an academic interest, major, or field through lectures, field trips, meetings, or other related activity.

  • Also a registered student organization, Chartered Student Organizations are groups which have been organized to support ongoing interests of the university. Such organizations serve to coordinate programs and services or serve as umbrella organizations for a large number of constituencies.

  • Social Greek-lettered organizations organized under one of the four Greek governing councils:

    • Interfraternity Council (IFC)
    • Multicultural Greek Council (MGC)
    • National Pan-Hellenic Council, Inc. (NPHC)
    • Panhellenic Council (PC)

  • Nationally recognized honors organizations are typically affiliated with a specific academic major, department or campus activity.

  • Students organize to celebrate and support the interests of one or many different cultures, races, or ethnicities.

  • Students organized to promote affiliation with a political party or support of one or more political views.

  • Organizations comprised of students pursuing similar goals and prepare for the professional world.

  • Organizations participating informally or through competition in one or more recreational activities.

  • Organizations celebrating and supporting the interests of one or many different religions or religious studies.

  • Representative boards of student leaders for Texas State residence halls are recognized by the Department of Housing and Residential Life.

  • These organizations contribute to the campus, San Marcos community, national or global inicitatives though  community service and philanthropy.

  • Organizations pursuing special interests pertaining to lifestyle, social or societal issues.

  • Sports Clubs involve a specific sport, are recognized by the Office of Campus Recreation, and are organized under the Sports Clubs Advisory Council. Sports Clubs which compete with clubs from other colleges and universities must belong to the Sports Clubs Advisory Council.