August 17, 2017
Center for Student Involvement launches in fall semester
Submitted by Center for Student Involvement
The role of student leadership and student organizations is essential to student success at Kansas State University. Interest in clubs and organizations is at an all-time high with more than 475 registered with the university, including fraternities and sororities. Many of these student groups have been recognized among the best in America.
Following a merger of two departments, the Center for Student Involvement is now the university's point of contact for student organizations. The center incorporates staff from the former offices of Student Activities and Services and Fraternity and Sorority Life, and will assist with registration of student organizations.
As part of K-State's commitment to increasing opportunities for students, the Center for Student Involvement, functioning according to a newly developed policy, will allow the university to communicate with and connect all groups to resources in a consistent way. The center will provide information to students and offer programming on topics such as leadership development to all registered student organizations.
In addition, as groups become increasingly specialized and serve a variety of purposes and goals, this merger and policy clarifies the university's role and distinguishes between organizations that are sponsored by university departments — referred to as Departmental Student Organizations, or DSOs — and those that operate independently — referred to as Independent Student Organizations, or ISOs.
"This reorganization will improve services and support to students by removing silos," said Vice President and Dean of Students Pat Bosco. "We have the opportunity to significantly improve cross-training and collaboration among groups in new and intentional ways. We are committed to continuing to provide support for student involvement and leadership opportunities."
The reorganization aims to clarify the university's role and obligations, including risk management, in overseeing Departmental Student Organizations, while respecting the independence and autonomy of Independent Student Organizations, including their responsibility for their own risk management.
If you have questions, stop by the center at 114 K-State Student Union or read the FAQ on the center's website.