Student clubs can now interact with one another Facebook-style using the new registered student organization portal launched this fall.

Alexandra Hayes, a student organization advisor, said the portal is user-friendly and geared toward student interests.

“It’s designed like Facebook with different tabs,” she said. “You can communicate between groups, upload photos and showcase your group as you like. It’s a really effective communication tool for groups and its members.” By becoming an RSO, Hayes emphasized that students can take advantage of a number of benefits the service has to offer.

Groups gain access to a workroom with six computers, printing and 200 free black-and-white copies from Cougar Copies, she said.

They are also entitled to a one-time free use of the CUB Junior or Senior Ballroom and receive free mailboxes, storage space, Web site design and maintenance perks. Additionally, the RSOs can use any meeting room location in the CUB once a week for two hours, she said in a news release last week.

Student organizations are provided with a variety of funding opportunities, Hayes said.

For instance, students can apply for the Student Programming Grant, which gives out $50,000 per year to student organizations.

Groups can also apply to receive free Coke products through the Coke Activation Fund if they are hosting an event that is open to all students, she said.

Tim Richel, a student organization advisor, said RSOs can take advantage of event specialist services.

“When you register an event with more than 50 people, or an event with a potentially controversial topic, we can send event specialists out for free,” he said. “They are trained in CPR and can handle conflicts.” Richel said all groups are liable for any damage that occur at the events they plan. By becoming an RSO, they can reduce liabilities and get trainedon risk management.

To register, students must build a profile online and meet three requirements, Hayes said A group must have four of its students complete an online officer training session that covers the policies and procedures of holding events on campus, and it also describes handling the finances of the groups, she said. It also must have a constitution as well as an advisor.