RSO Re-Recognition Reminder & Announcements

Hello Org leaders!

Please read this entire email, as it contains important information about organization Recognition and resources.

But first we are thrilled to announce that we have an addition to our office: Tasia Clemons is our new Associate Director for Orientation & Transition Programs. Tasia will work predominantly with new students but will also serve as a functional advisor to some of our RSO cohorts, which we’ll explain in a subsequent email. Welcome, Tasia!

Here are reminders about for upcoming Annual Re-Recognition deadlines and training.

Re-Recognition Minimum Requirements

Visit our Re-Recognition website for details and our Training page for links to training modules. Due dates are also listed in the right-hand column of this email. All groups must complete the following:

• Complete your Re-Registration form (due September 8th at 11:55pm)
  • You will be prompted to complete it when you enter your Embark group.
• RSO training (2 modules: RSO 101 & RSO Policies) Training & quiz (both are due September 15th at 11:55pm). These training modules open on August 23rd.
  • Two officers will have to pass the quizzes with 100% score
• Update your member roster & officers in Embark
  • Communicate to all members to log in to your group so that they can sign the Anti-Hazing Agreement when prompted

After we process the requirements for re-recognition, your organization / group will receive access to the following privileges: Ability to request use of available campus facilities and services, MHC and Embark web page, eligibility to apply for available SGA funds, etc.

Here is our Recognition tracking sheet. Please note that while the tracking sheet is updated regularly, it is updated manually and may not reflect recent submissions, forms, and quizzes. 

If you use the following resources, here are additional requirements

Office Space & Storage

If you have an office or storage on campus, regardless of its location, complete the Storage Space Agreement. Signing the agreement indicates that you understand and will abide by the RSO policies. If you currently have storage in Blanchard 108 once your form is approved, your group will receive your cabinet assignment and locker combination (this will happen the first week of classes). 

If you request or use funding: complete the Financial training: groups planning to request Ways & Means funding and use the Business Office are required to take both trainings; the Treasurer and a second Authorized Signer should complete them.

Events
In-person event training sessions for basic events will be offered at the beginning of each semester. Two members should attend one of these sessions. Groups that plan to host complex events (conferences, cultural shows, parties, concerts) will receive additional support and guidance  specific to their proposed event. In-person sessions:

• Events 101: Wed. Sep 11, 6pm, New York Room
• Events 101: Thur, Sep 12, 6pm, New York Room

Travel
Travel training and documentation are required for Club Sports and RSOs (including Class Boards & SGA/Committees) traveling over 50 miles and/or overnight. Groups must have the required number of officers take the training once per year.
Documentation and waivers:

• Club Sports, at the beginning of each semester
• All other RSOs, for every trip (over 50 miles away and/or overnight)

Travel Policy change this year: groups that plan to apply for (or use) funding for travel expenses cannot do so until they submit the Intent to Travel form (Competition Checklist for Club Sports) and are pre-approved by OSI. Be aware of the travel registration deadlines and leave yourself enough time to apply for Ways & Means funding. 

Live training sessions will be held via Zoom on:

• Thu, Sep 5, 2024, 4 pm
• Fri, Sep 6, 2024, 11 am
• Fri, Sep 13, 2024, 2 pm

Audition Criteria
Audition criteria is required for groups that hold auditions for membership or participation in event performances. This document can live in your group’s constitution but should also be available to share with students auditioning with your group.

We are partnering with Community & Belonging to provide DEI training for with the intention for groups to create their Anti-Racism Action Plan. Constitution updates will be rolled into that process. We will share more information this fall.

Our entire staff in the Office of Student Involvement wants to support you. Please be in touch with questions, ideas, feedback - student-involvement@mtholyoke.edu or contact the Student Involvement Consultants at involvement-consultants@mtholyoke.edu.

Best,
Office of Student Involvement

Involvement Fair!

Don't forget to sign up for the Involvement Fair on Sunday, September 8, from 2 PM - 4 PM on Abbey/Buck Green. Rain Location: Chapin Auditorium