Requirements for Registered Status

The following requirements must be met in order for student organizations to register at the University of Washington through the Student Activities Office:

  1. Maintain at least 5, but no more than 10, currently enrolled UW-Seattle students as Group Administrators/Leads for your RSO. 
  2. The organization cannot replicate existing University departments, programs, or services. 
  3. Participate in an audit every 3 calendar years of their constitutions and affiliate documents, beginning 2018. 
  4. Provide documentation verifying the status of an affiliate or chapter of an off-campus organization. Documents should be either: 
    1. A copy of the parent organization’s governing documents (constitution or bylaws) dated within the last three calendar years. 
    2. A letter on the parent organization’s letterhead with contact information from their official representative, verifying the group’s chapter/affiliation status. 
  5. The stated purpose of the student organization must be consistent with the mission and non-discrimination clauses of the University, and the organization must primarily serve the needs and interests of students at the University of Washington-Seattle. 
  6. The organization must be created and controlled by currently enrolled University of Washington-Seattle students. 
  7. All active (voting) membership and officers of the organization must be currently enrolled UW-Seattle students. Non-students, UW Extension and UW Branch campus students are not eligible to be active (voting) members of Seattle campus student organizations. 
  8. The number of UW-Seattle student members shall always exceed the number of non-student members at meetings and programs not open to the general public. 
  9. As registered student organizations are not agencies or departments of the University of Washington, organizations may only use the University of Washington name at the end of their organization name. Organizations may use the phrase “at University of Washington,” or “UW Chapter” at the end of the organization name if the group is affiliated with an off-campus national or regional organization. 
  10. Registered Student Organizations may not use the University of Washington brand or logos, except as permitted by the Office of Trademarks and Licensing. 
  11. A student organization may not restrict membership based on protected classes outlined in the Washington state constitution, including race, color, creed, religion, national origin, citizenship, sex, pregnancy, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.  An exception is made for social fraternities and sororities that are single-sex organizations, as defined in Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. 
  12. Organizations will not be registered if their primary purpose is to sell, distribute, market, or advertise goods and services on behalf of any off-campus business, commercial entity, organization, or affiliate. This is in compliance with the Washington Administrative Code regarding Use of University Facilities. 

Policy updated 6.6.25 

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Updated: June 9, 2025
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