University Updates: Student Organization Applications Under Review—What You Need to Know!

Applications for recognized student organizations (RSOs) for Fall 2025 are still being processed at USC, according to a statement released to the Daily Trojan. Without this recognition, student organizations can’t access campus facilities, receive funding, or even participate in the semester involvement fair.

The university shared that most applications have been approved, but some are still under review as of November 20. They encourage organizations with questions to seek help through available resources like information sessions and toolkit guides.

Applications opened on October 13 and closed on November 17. Each activity group must reapply yearly, submitting vital documents as part of their application.

Harley Chen, a senior in international relations and a member of the Chinese Student and Scholar Association (CSSA), expressed frustration over delays in their recognition. He mentioned issues with communication between RSO officers and their advisor contributed to the hold-up.

“We were reaching out every week,” Chen said, noting they often received no responses. He added that a prior violation from the summer, connected to a member not being in the student directory, halted their application process.

“We’re working to improve communication, but it seems to be lacking,” Chen observed.

Jennifer Nehrer, a senior majoring in journalism and vice president of Chavurah, a Jewish student group, echoed similar experiences. She said their registration for recognition, initiated on August 21, wasn’t confirmed until nearly three months later. The delay stemmed from technical issues on the EngageSC messaging platform, which hindered effective communication with their faculty advisor.

“It took weeks to organize a meeting due to this glitch,” Nehrer explained. She expressed disappointment that the delays prevented the organization from welcoming new students, particularly freshmen seeking connections in their first year.

These communication challenges highlight a broader concern about how university systems can impact student engagement. A recent survey conducted by the National Student Association found that 68% of students feel more connected to campus life when involved in student organizations. This suggests that timely recognition and support for student groups are crucial for fostering community and engagement.

In today’s fast-paced educational environment, ensuring seamless communication between students and administration could greatly enhance the college experience. As Chen and Nehrer’s situations show, timely recognition of student organizations can help create spaces where students feel welcomed and connected.

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