Lone Star College-CyFair

When referring to Lone Star College-CyFair in this handbook, we are inclusive of the centers associated with LSC-CyFair: Cypress Center and the Westway Park Technology Center.

LSC Policy for RSOs

The LSC policy for RSOs can be found here.

What is an RSO?

RSO stands for Registered Student Organization. RSOs are recognized at Lone Star College as a means for students with similar interests to join together to share their time and talents with one another. Being involved in an RSO as a member, officer, or advisor is an excellent way to connect with others outside of the classroom. You may want to know what you can get out of your involvement in an RSO. The short answer is that you get out of it what you put into it. Through active involvement, you can learn a great deal about yourself and others around you.

Web Pages

Student Life maintains the RSO web page with all RSO names, brief descriptions, and advisors. Each RSO listing will include a link to the group’s constitution and advisor email(s). Student Life has also created an RSO Forms & Resources page on our website. You will be able to find nearly any form you need in one convenient location.

Constitutions

Your RSO constitution is the organization’s guiding document. Make sure you follow it! Over time, you will likely find that certain topics may not have been included with your constitution and you will need to amend your constitution. When that time comes, you’ll need to follow the amendment process laid out in your current constitution. RSO constitutional amendments require approval from the RSO Advisor(s) and the Director of Student Life before any amendments become officially adopted. Each organization’s constitution is posted on the RSO web page.

Officers

Each RSO is obligated to elect/select/appoint officers using the process laid out in their constitution. LSC policy also refers to officers as “Student Organization Representatives.” Any RSO that does not identify at least one officer for a period longer than 7 calendar days automatically ceases to be an RSO. Officers need to be currently enrolled at Lone Star College-CyFair. You will need to get the email addresses and phone numbers from your officers, as this information will be required for the RSO Annual Registration Form and for enrollment in the Risk Management Training.

Officers must be in good academic standing, meaning that they need to have a minimum cumulative GPA of at least 2.0, which needs to be maintained throughout the term of office. Due to limited staffing, Student Life does not verify eligibility, unless specifically asked by an RSO to do so. Advisors may request officers to submit their grade records for verification purposes. Officers must complete the RSO Officer Agreement form when they take office and again annually if they remain officers for more than one academic year.

Advisors

Per LSC policy, a “Student Organization Advisor means a person who (1) serves in an advisory capacity to a student organization and its members, (2) has aged at least 21 years, (3) is not a student at the College, and (4) is the College’s full-time employee or a part-time employee expressly authorized by a college president to serve in the appointed, volunteer capacity.” RSO Advisors are instrumental in assisting student leaders in navigating LSC processes and guiding the RSO toward success. RSO Advisors must be selected or appointed following the process in each RSO’s
constitution.

Advisors should be aware of the business, activities, and actions of the RSO. An Advisor must be present for all RSO meetings and events not hosted in the Student Life wing of CASE (Building 7, The Nest). Whenever corresponding with Student Life through email, RSO leaders should CC their Advisor(s). Each RSO isrequired to have at least one Advisor. If an RSO is not able to secure an advisor, one will be appointed by the Office of Student Life through the RSO Group Advisor Program. RSO Advisors sign an RSO Advisor Agreement annually and must understand that advising an RSO is done voluntarily and is not compensable. Part time employees (including adjunct faculty) must be approved by the LSC-CyFair President to serve as an RSO Advisor.

Resources

RSOs have access to a variety of resources through Student Life. In the Student Life office (CASE 102), there are computers that can be used by RSO officers, for RSO business only. There are lockers on the second floor of CASE for RSOs to store their supplies. To use a locker, an RSO officer or advisor must submit a CASE Locker Application form. The following items may not be stored in these lockers: perishable items, alcohol, weapons, and personal belongings. Items in locked cabinets are subject to inspection. Student Life also has a kitchenette/pantry area where RSOs may access the following:

• Commercial sink for preparing for/cleaning up from events
• Coolers (when used, they must be returned cleaned and dried out so that they don’t develop mold/mildew.)
• Plates/cups/napkins/utensils/paper towels (these items should not be purchased by RSOs and stored individually, as that takes up too much space)
• Popcorn machine
• Refrigerators/Freezer

These resources are available unless otherwise needed for Student Life departmental events for the student body.

Training

Student Life provides annual training for RSO officers and advisors. Advisor and officer training/meetings are held within the first weeks of fall semester and spring semester classes. Risk Management Training is required by Texas State Law of all Advisors and Officers and must be updated annually. This training is available “at-will” on the D2L portal. Advisors and Officers will be enrolled in the training after submitting the Advisor or Officer Agreement forms.

Student Excellence Awards

Every April Student Life hosts a special event to recognize and celebrate student achievements both in and outside of class. Many RSOs choose to participate by selecting their top leaders to recognize at the banquet. Nomination forms are sent out by Student Life in January/February, and advisors are encouraged to nominate students. Advisors frequently work with the officers to select award recipients, but they are not required to do so. Student Life also presents the grade cup for the previous 2 semesters, as well as selected special RSO awards. We hope that your RSO will take the time to recognize your outstanding leaders and members (and don’t forget your advisors! They volunteer to support your organization!) Please fill out the Student Excellence Awards Nomination Form to recognize your RSO and/or its members, officers, and advisors!