Steps to Success Program

The purpose of the Steps to Success Program is to encourage growth and maturity within student organizations and student leaders. As an organization successfully meets new challenges, new doors are opened. These steps, or levels, build upon themselves and progression to the next level is a sign of organizational maturity and continued development of the student leadership.

The goals of this program are to:

  • Ensure organizations maintain active status,
  • Increase the overall success of organizations by encouraging participation in training and development activities,
  • Provide the Stetson community with an increased number of social and educational programs,
  • Promote effective management and use of resources, including both fiscal and human resources, and
  • Continue growth within organizations.

The program is comprised of four levels. All Registered Student Organizations are assessed through the annual re-registration process during the spring semester and assigned a level. Read more about the requirements and opportunities for each level below.

All newly recognized student organizations (RSO) will begin at level one (1). As a new organization, the focus should be on building sustainable operations and ensuring compliance with all University policies and procedures. This includes maintaining an advisor and accurate records in the Engage organization, completing the annual renewal process, and attending annual training.

Level 1 Requirements:

  • Complete annual renewal process
  • Maintain a primary advisor
  • Maintain primary contact and roster through Engage
  • Participate in annual organization training (one organization leader must be present)

Level 1 Eligible Benefits:

  • Participate in the annual Involvement Fair
  • Table on campus
  • Reserve space
  • Host events and meetings
  • $250 startup funds

A level two (2) organization has successfully met the requirements to maintain active status and should be considered the baseline. Many organizations at this level will be focused on building a solid foundation, maintaining basic operations, meeting deadlines, and staying in compliance with policies, procedures, and protocol.

Level 2 Requirements:

  • All level 1 requirements
  • Maintain eight (8) active members
  • Participate in annual organization training (at least 50% of organization leaders must be present)
  • Host an event (one per academic year)

Level 2 Eligible Benefits:

  • Student activity fee eligibility (up to $1,000 combined budget and/or funding)
  • Local travel less than five (5) miles from campus

As the name implies, level three (3) is the ideal, or goal, level for the majority of all RSOs. As such, there are many new benefits for these groups and their members. Here, an organization does more than the bare minimum and shifts focus to effective officer transitions, has learned from previous mistakes, and begins to think in a proactive manner. These organizations use their constitution and mission as a filter for making decisions and show a commitment to members.

Level 3 Requirements:

  • Attend a Student Organization Training & Development session (one (1) per semester with at least 50% of organization leaders present)
  • Host events (one per semester, advertised and open to campus)
  • Host an educational program (one per academic year)

Level 3 Eligible Benefits:

  • Student activity fee eligibility (up to $5,000 combined budget and/or funding)
    • Includes option to purchase promotional items
  • Eligible to receive a Top Hatter Award
  • Opportunity to participate in open houses and Hatter Saturday
  • Ability to request events with alcohol and tailgating
  • Travel more than five (5) miles from campus

Level four (4) organizations nimbly and successfully navigate challenges, thoughtfully plan ahead, listen to and meet the expectations of members, take time to pause and reflect, and seek feedback in an effort to continue to ensure continued success. These organizations pave the way to new heights and are an example of success to others. With this success comes the ability to manage greater resources.

Level 4 Requirements:

  • Host events (one per semester, advertised and open to the campus, with an assessment plan and documented reflection)
  • Host educational programs (one per semester, advertised and open to campus)
  • Maintain an active social media platform

Level 4 Eligible Benefits:

  • Student activity fee eligibility (no limits)
    • Includes option to purchase promotional items
  • Polo and name tag for organization leaders (up to $250 per organization)