The RSO Accreditation Process provides structure and encourages registered student organizations at UW-Madison to intentionally invest in their members’ experience and growth. Accreditation is an acknowledgement of the ways they are creating an excellent student organization experience.
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Accreditation Process
Register
Complete your typical RSO registration process. During the registration forms, your organization (via the person completing the form) will be able to opt into joining this program.
Some dual registration partners may have many accreditation requirements already built into their dual affiliation process, and/or require you to participate in SOLI's accreditation process. Speak to your dual registration representative for specific information.
Complete
Using the link the registration form join to Canvas course and add other members of your organization. Together, you will be collectively asked to contribute towards assignments and requirements.
Your organization must complete all Canvas assignments by accreditation day in November. Accreditation only occurs once a year. New organizations, or ones that did not meet all of the requirements will need to wait until next academic year.
Continue
Following accreditation day, your organization will be able to access your benefits as an accredited organization! In order to continue your accreditation status, your organization will need to continue to be in compliance with the RSO Code of Conduct, SOLI procedures, and continue to participate in accreditation workshops and requirements.
Requirements
Requirements 1-4 must be completed prior to Accreditation Day. Ongoing participation in approved trainings and requirements 5 – 8 must be completed following accreditation to be eligible for accreditation the following year.
More details about the specifics of these requirements and methods for providing documentation can be found in the Canvas course once an organization opts into this program.
- Completion of additional Canvas training modules
- Participation in the approved workshops and trainings
- Attendance at the fall RSO Open House
- Updated WIN membership roster and acknowledgement of participation by 50% of members
- Internal leadership development program for members
- Participation in an event hosted by another RSO
- Completion of the end-of-year reflection form
- Completion of an officer transition activity
Benefits
Following Accreditation, RSOs have access to these benefits:
- Discounted rentals from the RSO Print and Resource Center
- Support in advertising your organization and events
- Option for Priority Organization Fair table location
- Ability to send an additional mass email each semester
- RSO Leader Networking Events
- RSO acknowledgement at Spring Semester Event
Important Dates & FAQs
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How much work is Accreditation?
The initial process for accreditation may be quite simple for some very established organizations. It would depend on the processes and programs already in place within your organization. Review the requirements with your leadership team and advisor before determining if it is a good fit for your organization.
Who needs to participate in Accreditation?
While becoming an accredited organization engages RSO leadership most directly, it is a collaborative effort that requires many members of the organization to work together to achieve. As such, during the accreditation process, we will ask organizations to provide a variety of different materials and reflections for different members of the organization. If only one or two members of the organization are interested in accreditation, we suggest they pivot towards working towards the individual leadership certificate.
Does what my organization already do count?
Yes! Your organization is not expected to recreate programs you already have in place. We will provide examples of ways your organization could meet many of the Accreditation requirements, but if you have something that you think might meet requirements, reach out to our team. We’re happy to review the activity and are always looking for additional programs and partners that support RSOs.
Is Accreditation required?
No, it is generally a process that allows organizations that want to intentionally invest in creating an excellent student organization experience can opt in to joining. Some Dual Registration partners may require their organizations to be Accredited, or may be automatically Accredited by the requirement of the Dual Registration partner.
I am in multiple organizations, can I double count things?
It would depend on the requirement. For example, attending another organization’s event or program, it cannot be for another organization you are a part of. More guidelines are provided in the Canvas course.
Can Accreditation work count towards my Leadership Certificate?
Absolutely! Many students who receive the Leadership Certificate use the time they spend in their student organizations to meet the requirements. During your Leadership Advising meeting be your peer advisor can support you making connecting the Accreditation requirements to the Certificate requirements.
Can we become Accredited in the spring?
Accreditation only happens once a year. If you are a new organization, did not complete your registration on time, or missed some accreditation requirements, your organization will need to wait until the following academic year to become accredited.
Important Dates
- July 7th, 2025: Registration and Accreditation Process opens for Dual Registered RSOs
- August 4th, 2025: Registration and Accreditation Process opens for all other RSOs
- October 10th, 2025: Freeze Day and last day to “opt in” to starting the Accreditation process
- November 11th, 2025: Accreditation Day – all materials for requirements 1-4 must be submitted
- May 1st, 2026: Last day to submit materials for requirements 5-7 to be eligible for accreditation next academic year