LIBERAL ARTS AFFILIATED STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

The LAASO Program stands as a designation providing admitted student groups with the opportunity to receive higher tier funding from the College of Liberal Arts. Eligible organizations must strengthen the cultural, professional, and/or academic environment of the college and its students to earn and maintain the distinction. The resulting connections further the mission of a well-rounded liberal arts education that starts here and changes the world

Applications 2023-2024

The Liberal Arts Council (LAC) invites you to apply to become a Liberal Arts Affiliated Student Organization or LAASO!  Being a LAASO allows you access to additional funding, event support, and promotion on a tier-operated system. To be eligible, your organization must be registered with the Dean of Students and either maintain a membership rate of 60% liberal arts majors or have an organization mission clearly rooted in Liberal Arts topics. Applications are reviewed in a rolling admission format throughout the academic year, so apply today! Please direct any questions about LAASOs or the application process to LAC's Administrative Director, Riley Galligher, at admndirector.utlac@gmail.com.

LAASO Tier System

LAC has unveiled a new LAASO structure for this year! All LAASOs begin within Tier 1 and can apply to upgrade this designation after one semester operating as a LAASO. Each Tier has its own additional benefits and requirements, which are cumulative, so LAASOs will maintain the same benefits and requirements of lower tiers.

TIER 1 SAMPLE BENEFITS

Increased Funding

  • Apply for operations funding through Liberal Arts Council’s LAASO Fund (event-by-event funding)

  • The LAASO Funding Policy can be found here

Input on Legislation

  • Opportunity to vote on legislation during the Liberal Arts Council’s General Assembly

  • Support from Liberal Arts Council’s to write legislation pertinent to your organization’s goals and purpose

Promotional and Networking Opportunities

  • Exposure through LAC events, initiatives, and The Liberator coverage; connection to relevant departments for event advertising, name on LAC and COLA websites

  • Opportunities to interact with alumni, faculty, the Liberal Arts Council, and other LAASOs

TIER 2 SAMPLE BENEFITS

  • LAASOs have the opportunity to receive funding through a yearly budget or continue to request funds on an event-by-event basis

  • Priority booking for the DIES Student Center’s Wagner Student Workroom in RLP for events and meetings

TIER 3 SAMPLE BENEFITS

  • Lunch with the Dean and the organization up to twice per year. Note: This is subject to availability and membership size

  • Tier 3 LAASOs have the option of adding additional delegates per every 30 members within the LAASO

HOW TO APPLY

Applications will be reviewed by the Liberal Arts Council on a rolling admission format throughout the academic year. To apply, please complete the application on this page and send to Administrative Director Riley Galligher at admndirector.utlac@gmail.com. If you have any questions about becoming a LAASO, send us an email, or come to one of our General Assembly meetings to find out what we're all about.