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FAQs

Page address: http://www.mnsu.edu/activities/rso/faqs.html

RSOs Frequently Asked Questions

What are the Student Activities office hours?

During the fall and spring semesters, Student Activities office hours are from 8am-6pm Monday-Thursday.  Friday it is open from 8am-4:30pm.  Staff are available from 8am-4:30pm during the week.

How does my RSO obtain an email address?  How do necessary officers gain access?

Once an organization becomes recognized, they may obtain an MSU email account for thier organization(i.e. mystudentgroup@mnsu.edu).  This is a shared folder that officers with permission can access after they log into thier Mav Mail.   To find the folder, go to Folders, Public Folders, Student Groups, and then select your type of group and if you have access, you should see your groups' folder. For officers to gain access to the folder, they need to be listed in the address book (so anyone who opted not to be listed either need to become listed or will not be able to access the folder).  To request an email account or allow officers to access the folder, contact Bridget Kelley in the Student Activities office (CSU 173) or by email (bridget.kelley@mnsu.edu).

How does my RSO reserve rooms for meetings or events?

Contact University Scheduling & Conference Services to reserve rooms.  The office is located in CSU room 219.  Phone:  507-389-2223; E-mail:  university.scheduling@mnsu.edu; Web site:  www.mnsu.edu/scheduling.

How does my RSO obtain an account or funding?

The first step in setting up your RSO for financial activity is obtaining a '9 account.  You will need to obtain an account if your RSO deals with money.  To do this, see Helen Wenner in the Office of Business Affairs in 236 Wigley Administration or by phone at (507)389-2269.

  • The purpose of SOAFC (Student Organization Activity Funding Committee) is to provide funds for student programming to eligible RSOs.  If you are interested in finding out more information, please contact  the Student Activities office (CSU 173) or ask the front desk for an application packet.
  • SAC funds are available to Independent or Departmentally funded (receiving less than $500.00 from their department) RSOs wishing to travel for various events and conferences. Visit Michael Hodapp in the Centennial Student Union office (CSU 220) for details on the criteria used to determine funding and the funding policies.
  • RSOs have the unique privilege to fundraise on MSU property. They are limited to three permits per semester. Permits for fundraising are avialable in the Scheduling and Conference Services office (CSU 246, tel: 389-2223).
  • Bake sales fall under the fundraising component (see above).

How do I apply for a TIN/EIN #?  (you need this for fundraising)

To apply for a TIN/EIN:  The direct address to the PDF of the application is http://www.irs.gov/pub/irs-pdf/fss4.pdf  It says employer ID number app, but there is a spot on the app to indicate “Non Profit”. 

 How do I register my RSO?

 For information and step-by-step instructions on registering your RSO on the new online system, go to http://www.mnsu.edu/activities/rso/how_to_register.html.  If you are having trouble with any of the online registration components, see Bridget Kelley or Ryan Yunkers in the Student Activities office (CSU 173) or call 389-6076.

Who should I contact when planning a larger event?

Please contact the Student Activities office (CSU 173) in addition to Scheduling and Conference Services if your event has any of the following components:  if you are planning an event expecting a large number of people, special parking arrangements, have off-campus vendors, present potential risks, may need security, draw media attention, or you are planning on allowing underage people to come, please see us for assistance.  We would like to help make your event successful and safe.  See Ryan Yunkers or Bridget Kelley for assistance in planning.

How do I obtain a new web space for my RSO or re-set the current password for an existing web page?

Please contact Bridget Kelley in the Student Activities office if you would like to request a new web page for your group or get the password re-set.  E-mail:  bridget.kelley@mnsu.edu

 How does my RSO request balloons for an event?

Each RSO is allowed 21 balloons per academic year free of charge, after that the fee is $1 per balloon.  To get balloons for an event, fill out the Balloon Request Form at the Student Activities front desk.  The office is able to accommadate most requests if they receive them 1 week in advance.  Since the office is closed on Saturday and Sunday and helium in the balloon only lasts a maximum of 6-8 hours, RSO's needing balloons for weekend events may want to contact Paper Service Plus at (507)345-7277 or Factory Card & Party Outlet at (507)388-6381 as we will not be able to provide them during that time.

 Where and how many flyers can my RSO post on campus?

Only RSOs, University departments, non-profit community organizations, and colleges may be given permission to post on University information boards. Bring your flyers to the Student Activities (CSU 173) front desk to be stamped before posting them. For the six posters being hung up in the CSU, take them to Student Union office (CSU 220). They will stamp and hang your posters for you.

  • POSTING: 
    • Centennial Student Union 6 (give to Sue in CSU 220)
    • Performing Arts Center 4
    • Memorial Library 6
    • Morris Hall 7
    • Armstrong Hall 10
    • Nelson Hall 5
    • Trafton Halls 10
    • Residential Life 6 (give to Res Life office CC111)
    • Wiecking Center 2
    • Highland 2
    • Health Services 3 (give to main office CC21)
    • Student Activities 1
  • Total of 62 posters
  • If you would like a list to take with you when posting, ask for one when you stop in the Student Activities office.

What are the vehicle use guidelines for RSOs that would like to use University vehicles?

RSOs may rent University vehicles for travel on MSU functions. They must obtain the signature of their Faculty/Staff advisor and know that he/she is then responsible for any misuse of the vehicle. For complete regulations call Helen Walters at 389-5649.   Make sure review the newly updated guidelines for using state vehicles at www.mnsu.edu/vehicles.

 How do I know if my organization has been recognized?

If your organization is "recognized," it will be listed in the RSO Directory found at http://www.mnsu.edu/supersite/directories/rso/.  If you think your RSO should be approved, but do not see it in the Directory, please contact Bridget Kelley (bridget.kelley@mnsu.edu) to see where it is in the process.  There are many steps to becomming recognized including officer approval, advisor approval, MSSA approval, and finally Student Activities approval.  Bridget can tell you where your RSO is in the process so that you can move it to the next step.

What are the Student Activities office summer hours?

During the summer, our office is open from 7:30am-4pm Monday-Friday.

 

 Questions or comments that are not answered on this page? 

Just ask.  Go to http://www.mnsu.edu/activities/rso/contact.php to ask a question or leave a comment.