Campus Life Organizations (CLOs) focus on serving and supporting the student experience in full alignment with the university’s mission and a sponsoring unit’s academic or co-curricular goals and objectives. CLO activities, operations, and decision-making processes are subject to direct university oversight, whether by the Division of Student Life, academic college, administrative division, department, or unit. CLOs include student leadership and professional development opportunities that guide the program’s activities and objectives. They are comprised of enrolled students and have an administrative advisor who is a full-time university faculty or staff member. Advising the CLO is listed in the faculty or staff member’s university local job description. 

Supported Student Organizations (SSOs) are registered voluntary associations of enrolled students that have goals consistent with the university’s mission and the academic goals and objectives of the supporting university college, division, department, or unit. The supporting campus unit shall provide the SSO with operational oversight and may provide SSOs with funding or financial and account oversight.

Affiliated Student Organizations (ASOs) are registered voluntary associations of enrolled students that are affiliated with or related to an external, non-university entity, whether local, national, and/or international, that imposes its own requirements, rules, or regulations on the organization and often provides an advisor or oversees some degree of organization operations. ASOs are eligible for specific but limited benefits.

General Student Organizations (GSOs) are registered voluntary associations of enrolled students organized around shared and specific educational, social, political, religious, or recreational interests or experiences. GSOs include interest-only student organizations, which focus on a shared passion or interest that lies beyond the traditional scope of student organizations, such as niche hobbies, unique fields of study, or uncommon activities, some of which may be considered moderate to high-risk. GSOs provide opportunities for students to find and develop their own university community, connect with like-minded peers, enhance their knowledge in a particular area or topic, and foster a supportive environment. GSOs are eligible for specific but limited benefits.