Looking to level up your nursing school experience? Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) are a great way to meet people, build skills, and explore your interests beyond the classroom.
Whether you’re interested in community building, professional development, service, advocacy, or shared interests, student-led organizations offer meaningful ways to connect and get involved.
The University of Washington School of Nursing encourages students to participate in campus activities and organizations as a way to grow personally, build leadership skills, and engage in experiences outside of academics.
RSOs create opportunities to connect with peers, faculty, and staff, collaborate on initiatives you care about, and take a refreshing break from coursework while staying engaged in the School of Nursing community.
RSOs are open to all, and many organizations focus on learning from diverse experiences, perspectives, and communities while remaining inclusive and accessible to everyone.
What Is a Registered Student Organization (RSO)?
A Registered Student Organization is a student-initiated and student-governed group that has completed the University’s registration process through HuskyLink and the Student Activities Office.
RSOs:
- Are led and managed by enrolled UW students
- Maintain open and inclusive membership practices
- Follow University policies related to civil rights, nondiscrimination, and accessibility
- May request funding, reserve space, and host events through SAO processes
For more information about University-wide RSO policies and requirements, visit the Student Activities Office website.
Joining or Starting an RSO
All School of Nursing students are encouraged to explore and participate in RSOs that align with their interests.
- To join an existing RSO, connect directly with the organization through its listed contact or HuskyLink page.
- To start a new RSO, complete the University’s registration process through HuskyLink and meet SAO requirements.
Guidance on registering a new RSO, maintaining good standing, and accessing University resources is provided by the Student Activities Office.
SoN RSO Affiliation Guidelines
Department-Affiliated Student Organizations
If your group wants to be officially recognized by the department, you must register as a UW RSO through SAO and then complete the SoN RSO Affiliation form.
SoN-affiliated RSOs receive visibility through the department’s website and outreach materials, may participate in Connections Fairs, and can request support such as space, equipment, and supplies. UW registration and SoN affiliation do not guarantee resources but are required to be eligible.
Keeping Your Affiliation
Once your group is a registered UW RSO and affiliated with the School of Nursing, you must check in each academic year to confirm continued eligibility.
If requirements are not met, SoN affiliation—and access to associated resources—may be removed. Be sure to keep your annual registration up to date. More information is available here: RSO Registration | The HUB.
Guidelines for Department Affiliation with Student Organizations
- The organization’s purpose must have direct relevance to the field of nursing. This may include research, access, equity, innovation, education, outreach, or professional development.
- The organization must maintain formal status as a UW Registered Student Organization and complete the SoN Student Leadership RSO Affiliation form, including a roster of students.
- The organization must have an approved School of Nursing faculty or staff adviser. Affiliate faculty may serve in this role.
- Student leadership must include a Treasurer or Accountant responsible for managing finances, including purchasing.
- Each year, affiliated RSOs submit information to Student Leadership Board (SLB), which compiles and shares student impact and recognizes leadership and advocacy.
- Affiliated groups must represent the department professionally and comply with all department and University policies, including civil rights laws, student conduct guidelines, and safety procedures.
Commitment to Inclusion and Belonging
The School of Nursing is committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all students. RSOs are expected to uphold University policies related to civil rights, nondiscrimination, and accessibility and to create spaces that are respectful, inclusive, and open to participation.
Questions about RSOs within the School of Nursing may be directed to the Office of Student & Academic Affairs.