Your  Account:

Annual Recognition

This page outlines the annual recognition process for currently recognized student organizations. The recognition process occurs annually during the spring semester for recognition the following academic year. 

New Organizations: The instructions on this page are for already-existing, currently recognized student organizations. New organizations must first complete the process to Start a New Org.

Annual Recognition Steps

Student organizations seeking re-recognition must complete the following steps during the Spring semester for recognition the following academic year. See the Recognition Timeline on this page for specific dates and deadlines.


Annual Recognition Workshops

If you'd like to learn more about the Annual Recognition process or get direct support from a SLIC staff member, you can attend any of the following optional workshops. Light snacks and beverages will be provided at all workshops.

Annual Recognition Workshop RSVP

  • Thursday, April 6th: Annual Recognition Overview

    Attend this workshop for a general overview of the Annual Recognition process and tips for submitting the required forms. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop to follow along with the presenter. 

    12-1 PM, SLIC Office (USU 3600)

    Annual Recognition Overview slides

  • Wednesday, April 12th: Annual Recognition Overview

    Attend this workshop for a general overview of the Annual Recognition process and tips for submitting the required forms. Participants are encouraged to bring a laptop to follow along with the presenter. 

    9-10 AM, Zoom (RSVP at the link above to receive the Zoom link for the meeting. The Zoom link will be sent via email before the workshop.)

    Annual Recognition Overview slides

  • Tuesday, April 25th: Preparing for a Smooth Handoff

    Attend this workshop for tips on how to make sure you're effectively preparing your org's incoming officers to take over running the organization. 

    12-1 PM, SLIC Office (USU 3600)

  • Tuesday, April 25th: Transition Form Office Hours

    Stop by the SLIC office during this time to ask questions and get support with submitting your transition form. You can even sit down and submit it on the spot! Make sure to bring a laptop to work on your transition form.

    1-3 PM, SLIC Office (USU 3600)

  • Friday, May 5th: Transition Form Office Hours

    Stop by the SLIC office during this time to ask questions and get support with submitting your transition form. You can even sit down and submit it on the spot! Make sure to bring a laptop to work on your transition form.

    10 AM - 12 PM, SLIC Office (USU 3600)


Key Policies

The recognition of student organizations at CSUSM is governed by policies and procedures established by the California State University and Board of Trustees, and the President of CSUSM. University policy requires that all campus student organizations be recognized through the Student Leadership & Involvement Center in order to associate the student organization with the name of California State University San Marcos and receive privileges afforded to recognized organizations. In order to maintain recognition, organizations must complete the annual recognition process and abide by all relevant Student Organization policies and procedures, including, but not limited to:

  • Open Membership

    CSU policy requires that all recognized student organizations abide by an open membership policy

    "No campus shall recognize any fraternity, sorority, honor society, or other student organization that discriminates on the basis of race or ethnicity (including color, caste, and ancestry), religion (or religious creed), nationality, citizenship, age, medical condition, genetic information, gender (or sex), gender identity (including nonbinary or transgender), gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran or military status, or disability (physical or mental)...No campus shall recognize any student organization unless its membership and leadership are open to all currently enrolled students at that campus, with the limited exception that a social fraternity or sorority may impose a gender limitation as permitted by Education Code Section 66273."

  • University Advisor
    All student organizations must have a university advisor who is either a faculty member or professional staff member of CSUSM or one of its auxiliaries. Part-time faculty and professional staff are permitted serve as advisors.
  • Minimum number of students
    All student organizations must maintain a roster of at least five students who are currently enrolled in at least one class at CSUSM. The organization must designate one member to serve as President, and another to serve as Treasurer.
  • Officer Requirements

    Per CSU Chancellor's Executive Order 1068, all Presidents and Treasurers of recognized Student Organizations are considered Minor Student Officers.  Failure to meet the requirements below will result in removal from office and will risk the recognition status of the organization.  SLIC will verify that each officer:

    1. Is matriculated and enrolled at CSUSM.
    2. Maintains a minimum on-campus grade point average of 2.0 each term.
    3. Is in good standing with the University and not on probation of any kind.
    4. If an undergraduate student: is earning at least six semester units while holding office. If a Graduate or Credential student: is earning at least 3 semester units while holding office.
    5. If an undergraduate student: Has not exceeded 150 total units or 125 percent of the units required for a specific baccalaureate degree objective, whichever is greater. If a Graduate or Credential student: has not exceeded 50 total units or 167 percent of the units required for the graduate or credential objective, whichever is greater. 
    6. Submits mandatory agreements and attends mandatory officer trainings conducted by SLIC.

Benefits of Recognition

Recognized student organizations are afforded a variety of privileges, including but not limited to the following:

  • Use of university facilities for meetings and events.  
  • Fundraising opportunities on campus within established guidelines.
  • Organization name listed in the student organization directory.
  • Use of ASI Banking and Accounting services.
  • Ability to receive full or partial funding for specific events through ASI.
  • Use of the CSUSM name in organization correspondence and publicity.
  • Use of designated bulletin boards for publicity.  
  • Ability to recruit members on campus.

Organizations must successfully complete the annual recognition process to access these benefits.