Student groups that register with the Kirby Student Center are classified as either Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) or Campus Life Programs (CLPs) and are subject to the following guidelines and policies.
Registered Student Organization (RSO)
| Definition: A voluntary association primarily composed of students that operates independently from the University. Upon completion of the registration process, Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) may conduct activities at the University of Minnesota Duluth. |
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| Registered Student Organizations are independent and autonomous from the University and are responsible for managing their own affairs. Registered Student Organizations should not present themselves or operate as units or agents of the University. Events and activities conducted by Registered Student Organizations are not considered University-sponsored unless the group is collaborating with a co-sponsoring University department. Registered Student Organizations must comply with all policies and procedures for RSOs as detailed in the Student Org Policies, Student Conduct Code, and University policies. |
| Registered Student Organizations may be affiliated or act in accordance with a national or parent organization. However, students are responsible for all of the RSO’s operations and actions independent from that organization. The national or parent organization, sometimes through a designated advisor, may provide additional guidance for the group’s operations, but these recommendations may not supersede the regulations or policies of the University. |
Campus Life Program (CLP)
| Definition: A student-led, voluntary association primarily composed of students whose activities, operations, and decision-making processes are ultimately governed by and are the responsibility of University academic or administrative departments. Upon completion of the established registration process, CLPs have the ability to conduct activities at the University of Minnesota Duluth. Campus Life Programs are eligible for certain privileges and services that are unavailable to Registered Student Organizations |
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| A group registered as a CLP must be sponsored by a UMD academic or administrative department and have a designated University faculty or staff advisor. The CLP and its advisor must be approved annually by the dean or department head and comply with all policies and procedures for CLPs contained within Kirby Student Center and University policies. All CLP operations and activities are subject to the oversight of the sponsoring or affiliated department. An updated CLP Form is required for annual group registration |
| Campus Life Programs need to operate in the best interests of the University in all aspects of their operations and activities. The sponsoring or affiliated department, through the designated staff or faculty advisor, is responsible for ensuring that the group’s actions and operations align with the University’s policies and interests. |
CLP Vs RSO
CLP Vs RSO
Who can do what?
| Campus Privilege | Campus Life Program | Registered Student Organization |
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| Use of University of Minnesota Duluth name, wordmarks, logos, or other symbols | ✅ University standards and trademark requirements must be followed. For more information, see umpr.d.umn.edu | ❌ RSOs may not use any University marks. See classification definitions for more information. |
| Use of University of Minnesota Duluth letterhead and stationery | ✅ CLPs may represent themselves as authorized to conduct official University business | ❌ RSOs are not officially tied to the University. See classification definitions for more information |
| Benefits and salary as employees of the University of Minnesota | ✅ Persons employed by CLPs are considered University employees and therefore eligible for benefits and compensation from UMN. CLPs must use University payroll systems and reporting structures | ❌ RSOs may have employees, but responsibility for their pay and benefits does not rest with the University |
| Coverage under University of Minnesota liability insurance policy | ✅ Members and employees are covered by University liability insurance | ❌ RSOs must provide their own liability insurance if required |
| Staff/Faculty advisor | ✅ CLPs are required to have a department-approved faculty or staff advisor approved by the sponsoring department | ⚠️ RSOs are not required to have a faculty or staff advisor, but it is highly encouraged |
| Accept donations | ✅ CLPs may accept donations from external sources. The gifts must be processed through the UMD Advancement Office in order for the donor to receive tax documentation | ⚠️ RSOs may accept donations, but they are not considered gifts to the University and therefore are not eligible for tax deduction |
| Use of University of Minnesota tax-exempt status | ✅ CLPs are eligible for sales tax exemptions in the same manner as other University entities. More information HERE | ⚠️ RSOs may not use the University's tax exemption. However, RSOs are able to apply for their own non-profit status and related tax exemptions. There are tax-related ramifications to this; see Taxes for more information |