Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) are a key part of the Montana State University experience. These resources provide student leaders with guidance, tools, and access to platforms that support effective organization management, event planning, leadership development, and communication.

Many detailed policies and procedures are included in the RSO Handbook, while this page highlights the most-used tools and quick-access resources.

RSO Handbook

The RSO Handbook is the comprehensive guide for student leaders at MSU. It includes:

  • Organization registration and officer responsibilities

  • Event planning and university procedures

  • Marketing, advertising, and communications resources

  • Financial and funding information

  • Risk management and policy expectations

  • Leadership guidance and best practices

All student organization officers are encouraged to review the handbook annually.

View and download the RSO Handbook!

Click Each Icon Below to Learn More!

Platforms and Tools: 

CatsConnect

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CatsConnect is the primary platform for managing your organization.  Through CatsConnect organizations can: manage membership and officer roles, submit and promote events, track engagement and participation, and maintain organization records.

CatServe

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CatServe supports organizations involved in community service and volunteer initiatives by helping track hours, coordinate projects, and promote service opportunities.                                                                                                                                              

Leadership Support: 

Officer and Advisor Training

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All student organization officers and advisors are required to complete the annual officer training, which provides essential information to help organizations effectively manage leadership responsibilities, planning, and organizational operations.

RSO Finances

Finance

Find guidance on securing financial support for your organization’s events and initiatives, including funding opportunities and budgeting considerations.                                                                                                                                                                          

RSO Policies

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Policies outline the guidelines and expectations for student organizations, providing a clear framework for operations, activities, and conduct within the campus community.                                                                                                                        

Promotion and Communication:

Marketing and Advertising

Ad

Explore tools and opportunities available to student organizations to promote events, recruit members, and share information with the campus community.

RSO Monthly Newsletter

News

The monthly RSO newsletter provides important updates, deadlines, reminders, and helpful resources to help organizations stay informed and engaged.

 

General Resources
Frequently Asked Questions

If your group has a specific interest area, start looking in departments that may align with that interest (such as a food club, look in the Nutrition program). You can also ask your professors and any staff you already have connections with about their interest in advising your group. If they don’t want to be your advisor, they may know of someone who does. You can also email engagement@montana.edu and we can post an annoucement to MSU Today.

The name, logos, and team name (“Bobcats”) are registered and protected trademarks of Montana State University which may not be used without the express permission of Montana State University. This policy helps to ensure immediate recognition, the maintenance of appropriateness, and the prevention of commercial use without compensation to the University. Student Organizations are not official groups endorsed by MSU and therefore are not able to use the name. If you want more detailed information, please refer to official policy found on the Use of University Name and Logos page.

Poster distribution happens every Thursday. RSOs can have 21 posters (8.5x11 or 11x17) printed and distributed 2x a semester by OSE. Email your poster to engagement@montana.edu for approval.

Lockers for club storage are located on the 3rd floor landing of the SUB on the north and south side of the building. The locker dimensions are 12” x 15” x 36”.  If your club is interested in a locker please email engagement@montana.edu 

There are a variety of ways to recruit new members.  Here are a few ways:

  • Participate in Catapalooza and the Involvement Fair
  • Start social media pages! 
  • Host information tabling in the SUB or outside on campus. Review the space reservation procedures to do so.
  • Print posters!
  • Hold an “interest” meeting.
  • Have a “bring a friend” meeting and a reward for those who do.
  • Have food at your meetings and advertise you are doing so.
  • Ask your professors if you can speak in your classes about your organization and how to join.
  • Keep talking about your club! Word of mouth is one of the most powerful marketing tools around!

  1. Send an email to engagement@montana.edu to let us know. This will take you off our club directory and listservs.
  2. You will need to close your bank account. Please discuss with them how to do that.  If there is money in there, you have two options:
    1. Donate to another club.
    2. Give to the Office of Student Engagement and we will put in the club funding pool.
  3. If you have any social media or websites, please take them down.