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.