Dalton State College values student organizations and the impact they have on campus life. Starting a new Registered Student Organization (RSO) gives students opportunities to build community, develop leadership skills, serve others, and connect around shared interests and passions.
The Office of Student Engagement and Belonging encourages organizations that help create a welcoming, engaged, and vibrant campus community while supporting the mission and values of Dalton State College.
Steps to Start a Registered Student Organization (RSO)
Make sure to check out our guide to submitting your new RSO registration, here.
1. Review the RSO Handbook
Become familiar with Dalton State policies related to student organizations, including expectations for officers, advisors, events, and campus activities.
2. Recruit Members and Officers
Organizations must have:
- 10 student members with valid Roadrunner ID numbers
- A President and Vice President
- Groups may recruit members before being officially recognized. Be sure to follow the General Advertising Policy when advertising.
3. Secure and Advisor
- Your organization must have a Dalton State faculty or staff advisor. Advisors are required to complete and sign an Advisor Agreement form.
4. Create a constitution
- Work with the members, officers, AND advisors to create a constitution and by laws.
5. Register in DS Connect
Submit your New RSO Registration through DS Connect and upload:
- Constitution and bylaws
- Advisor Agreement
- Member roster with at least 10 members
Naming Note: Organization names should clearly distinguish the group as a student organization. If using the institution’s name, organizations are expected to use the format “Organization Name at Dalton State” (example: Chess Club at Dalton State).
To help students easily identify organizations in campus systems, names should avoid beginning with broad institutional identifiers such as “Roadrunner” or similar terms.
Review Process:
The Student Organization Committee (SOC) will review your application at their next scheduled meeting. Two student representatives from the organization must attend to present and propose the addition of a new club and answer questions about the request for recognition.
The SOC may:
- Approve the organization
- Approve with revisions
- Request additional edits and resubmission
- Deny recognition
If revisions are requested, organizations will have 14 days to resubmit materials.
After Approval
Once approved, your organization becomes an officially recognized Registered Student Organization (RSO) and gains access to the rights, privileges, and opportunities available to student organizations at Dalton State. New organizations may request up to $250 in starter funding during their first semester. Organizations become eligible for additional funding after being registered for two full semesters.
Note: Processing time may vary based on the number of applications under review. Organizations may contact the Office of Student Engagement and Belonging at any time for application updates.