Leading a student organization is a great way to build leadership skills, make friends, and create meaningful experiences for fellow Hawkeyes. Whether you’re new to an executive board position or a returning leader, there’s a lot to learn about managing budgets, planning events, navigating university policies, and promoting your organization.

To help you get started, here are 10 things you need to know to lead your organization with confidence and set your team up for success.

1. Understand your organization’s tier

Student organizations fall into one of two tiers: Campus Life Organizations (CLOs) or Registered Student Organizations (RSOs). 

Campus Life Organizations (CLOs) work closely with a university department and support the student experience while aligning with the university’s mission and the goals of their overseeing department.

Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) are student-led elective organizations and fall into one of three categories:

• Supported Student Organization (SSO): Has a formal relationship with a college, academic department, university office, or entity.
• Affiliated Student Organization (ASO): Has a formal relationship with an external local, regional, national, or international organization.
• General Student Organization (GSO): Is typically a social or interest-based group that operates independently.

2. Know the policies before you need them

Review the Student Organization Registration Policy and Code of Student Life. Understanding these expectations ahead of time can help your organization avoid unnecessary roadblocks and create a positive experience for members and event attendees.

3. Keep finances organized

How your organization handles money depends on its tier. CLOs and SSOs must keep their finances on campus, either through their supporting department or through the Student Organization Business Office (SOBO). ASOs and GSOs manage their funds through an external, off-campus bank account.

4. Take advantage of funding opportunities

Undergraduate Student Government (USG), Graduate and Professional Student Government (GPSG), and Campus Events Funding can help support your organization’s ideas and events.

Apply for funding from student government and Campus Events funding through the Engage website.

5. Plan ahead for a successful event

Whether you’re hosting a general meeting, volunteer opportunity, guest speaker, or campus-wide program, planning ahead can make the process easier.

Submit your events for approval through Engage when:

• Your organization is hosting an open meeting and actively seeking participation from current or prospective members.
• Your organization is requesting university resources, including some promotional opportunities or spaces.
• Using on-campus funds, including SOBO/self-generated funds, student government funding, or Campus Events Funding.
• Alcohol will be present at a student organization social event.

Submit events for review four weeks before the event or two weeks before a meeting. The process may vary by your organization’s tier.

Marketing materials for your event should also include the student organization badge and nonendorsement and accessibility statement, available here.

6. Know the marketing guidelines

Marketing can help more students find your organization, but there are university guidelines to follow.

Student organizations follow university trademark and copyright policies when using names, logos, and images. Organizations may not use copyrighted university marks, including:

• Herky
• The Tigerhawk
• University seal
• Block IOWA logo
• An Iowa lockup logo

These policies also apply to modified versions, illustrations, and similar image renditions. 

Student organizations must also use required nonendorsement and accessibility statements when applicable and follow posting policies for individual campus buildings.

Review the full student organization brand guidelines here.

7. Know your audience

You don’t need a huge budget to promote your organization effectively. 

Ask yourself:

• Who are you trying to reach?
• Why should they care?
• What’s the next step you want them to take?

The most effective promotion clearly explains:

• What’s happening
• Why it matters
• When and where it takes place
• What students should do next 

8. Prepare for leadership transitions
Strong leadership transitions help you stay organized and sets future leaders up for success. Starting the transition process early and creating time for outgoing and incoming leaders to work together can help your organization maintain momentum and plan confidently for the future.

9. Maintain yearly student organization registration
Maintaining yearly student organization registration with the Division of Student Life (DSL) allows you to access funding opportunities and university resources. Membership and leadership positions must be open to all currently enrolled students in accordance with the university’s policy on human rights. 

10. Reach out when you need help

You don’t have to figure everything out on your own. The LSCE staff is here to help. Email dsl-leadandserve@uiowa.edu or schedule an appointment with the team here.

Ian Van Anden, associate director
Complex problem-solving and decision appeals.

Sam Jacobs, student organization development coordinator
Event planning, complex event support, and event approval process.

Isabelle Ireland, student leader learning and development coordinator
New student organizations, re-registration, and policy-related concerns.

Cameron Opkis, LSCE graduate student
Storage, leadership and development seminars.