- What
are RIOs?
They
are Registered Independent Organizations at the University of Hawaii
at Manoa. RIOs are allowed to conduct activities on the UHM campus.
- Is
there a minimum number of people needed to start an RIO?
Yes,
six (6) affiliated members of the UHM community: currently registered
students and/or faculty and staff who are currently employed at (or
retired from) UHM.
- Any
other requirements?
In addition
to a completed RIO registration/agreement form, the RIO needs to include
a constitution or mission statement and a membership roster and have
a designated member attend an orientation session.
- Who
can join an RIO?
Anyone
really.
- How
long is the registration good for?
From
September of the new school year to the following September (September
30, to be exact). RIOs must re-register each year.
- Are
all RIOs non-profit organizations?
No, only
if they apply with the Hawaii Department of Taxation and the Internal
Revenue Service for an exemption. Otherwise your RIO might be taxed
on income generated by the group.
- What
is a Tax ID and where does an RIO get one?
The government
uses a Tax ID to assess your organization's tax status. Most banks
will help you establish your Tax ID or you can contact the Internal
Revenue Service directly. The formal name is the Federal Employee's
Identification Number (FEIN). At the Internal Revenue Service, ask
for Form SS-4.
- Can
an RIO fundraise on campus?
Yes,
and you must fill out a "RIO Fundraising Application" form
at the Co-Curricular Activities, Programs & Services (CAPS) office
in Campus Center 209. You will also need to obtain a Hawaii Federal
Excise Tax Form at the Department of Taxation. Ask for Form BB-1.
- How
about selling food products?
Yes,
and you must obtain a "Request to Serve/Sell Food on Campus"
form at CC 209.
- Can
an RIO conduct pledge and initiation activities?
Yes,
but only after filling out an agreement to comply with University
guidelines. Go to CC 208.
- What
about hazing?
Hazing
is strictly prohibited by University policy.
- Can
an RIO seek funding from other organizations?
Yes,
two Chartered Student Organizations (CSOs) offer grants to organizations:
the Student Activity & Program Fee Board (SAPFB) and the Associated
Students of the University of Hawaii (ASUH). Information about these
CSOs can be found at the CAPS website: www.hawaii.edu/caps/cso/cso.htm.
Also, watch for announcements of funding deadlines in Ka Leo.
- What if I have more questions?
Get
in touch with one of the advisors in the CAPS office at Campus Center
208, 956-8178.
