What is Considered a RSO Event?

RSOs host many events throughout the year. The University defines a RSO event as an event in which a reasonable observer would associate a specific RSO with that event. However, we know that many RSO members choose to hang out outside of RSO events and that may create confusion about what events are truly hosted by the RSO. The questions below help clarify how the University interprets what is or is not a RSO event.

Conclusive Organization Events

Answering yes to any of the questions below indicates the event is definitely affiliated with the RSO.

  • Is the event being hosted in a University space that was reserved by the RSO?
  • Is any aspect of the event financially sponsored by the RSO?
  • Is the event advertised by the RSO to non-members using flyers, social media, or other public marketing methods?
  • Is the event listed on the RSO's calendar (either private or public) and not registered by another RSO?
  • Is the event noted in the RSO's meeting minutes and not registered by another RSO?

Applying the Reasonable Observer Standard

Answering yes to 4 or more of the questions below indicates the event is likely affiliated with the RSO

  • Is the event being hosted in an off-campus location where the RSO traditionally holds events?
  • Do a majority of the RSO's executive board members have prior knowledge of the event?
  • Is the event announced at a meeting of the RSO's members and/or is it marketed to RSO members using an email listserv, group chat, or other RSO communication method?
  • Is the event actively or passively endorsed by a majority of the RSO's members as an RSO event?
  • Are apparel or other items associated with the RSO prominently visible at the event (i.e. shirts, banners)?
  • Are members attempting to rename the event in order to give the appearance that it isn't associated with the RSO?
  • If guests were stopped on the way to the event, would they say they were going to an event associated with the RSO?
  • Have members of the RSO lied or intentionally withheld details about this event from campus staff?