Classification of Organizations
Cornell has three classifications of student organizations. You can review all three on the Universal Recognition Policy for Student Organizations website. Campus Activities oversees General Student Organizations (GSOs) and University Student Organizations (USOs).
Please see the table below for a simplified general comparison between the two categories.
| Aspect | General Student Organizations (GSO) | University Student Organizations (USO) |
|---|---|---|
| Formation | Formed by students based on shared interests or activities. | Affiliated with a university department or unit. |
| Advisor | Advised by volunteer staff or faculty on their own time. | Assigned an employee or graduate student who approves and oversees activities. |
| Use of Cornell Name | Eligible to use Cornell University name with permission and subject to brand guidelines. | Eligible to use Cornell University name with permission and subject to brand guidelines. |
| Membership | Open to all Cornell students. | Open to all Cornell students. |
| Insurance Coverage | Qualify for Club Insurance coverage through payment of the Student Activity fee. | Insurance coverage and liability responsibility may vary by department or unit affiliation. |
| Advisor Attestation (Starting 2021) | Not applicable. | Advisors agree to oversee and take responsibility for the organization's activities. |
| Financial Support | Financially independent from the university, via SAF (student activity fee). | Receives SAF (student activity fee). Additionally, may receive additional funding from university departments, units, etc. |
| Annual Training Requirement | There is no specific annual training requirement beyond the re-registration process, though some categories of organizations may have additional training requirements. | In addition to the re-registration process, some categories of organizations may have additional training requirements. Advisors must attend the annual Campus Activities advisor training for university organizations. |
General Student Organizations (GSOs)
GSOs are formed by students based on a shared interest or activity. GSOs are independent legal entities responsible for their own actions and meeting their own legal duties and obligations. The members of each organization adopt a constitution, select officers, and establish a meeting schedule suitable to meet the goals of the organization, as determined by its members and consistent with applicable university policies. Each GSO is advised by a volunteer staff or faculty member whose duties and responsibilities, and/or university job description, do not require service as an advisor to that organization. Advisors work with organizations on their own time. GSOs qualify for Club Insurance coverage through the payment of the Student Activity Fee.
University Student Organizations (USOs)
USOs are affiliated with and sponsored by a university department or unit. USO activities fully relate to the educational, research, and/or community-service missions of the university and to the goals or objectives of the university department or unit with which they are affiliated. The department or unit acknowledges the organization as part of its operations, approves and oversees the organization’s activities, and has assigned a staff or faculty member to advise the group as a part of their job responsibilities.