Sample Student Organization Constitution
Below is a sample constitution that your organization can use. Please note the hyperlinks throughout the document, which are linked to comments listed at the end. You may also download and modify the original file: Template Constitution for Student Organizations.
Constitution of "Name of Organization" [1]
Preamble
We, the members of "Name of Organization" do hereby establish this Constitution in order that our purpose (stated below in Article II) be realized to its fullest extent.
Date approved
Article I. Name
The complete name of the organization is "Name of Organization."
Article II. Purpose
Section 1[2]
"Name of Organization" is established to:
- Introduce and advocate for libertarian principles and philosophy.
- Gather support for libertarian ideas.
- Have an active and visible presence on campus and in the community.
- Develop members' leadership skills and work to ensure they are effective communicators of liberty.
Section 2
"Name of Organization" understands and commits to abide by the policies and regulations of SCHOOL NAME and all local, state, and federal laws.
Article III. Membership
Section 1. Eligibility[3]
Per SCHOOL NAME official recognition requirements that student organizations have a minimum of five (5) students who are currently enrolled in at least one class, "Name of Organization" will submit a list of member names and contact information.
Section 2. Voting
Only members of "Name of Organization" may vote on issues that come before the organization.
Section 3. Nondiscrimination Clause
"Name of Organization" does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, national origin, ethnicity, color, age, gender, marital status, political affiliation, citizenship, sexual orientation, veteran status or disability or on the basis of rights secured by the First Amendment of the United States Constitution.
Section 4. Membership Termination[4]
Members of "Name of Organization" may voluntarily withdrawal from activity and thus be no longer subject to dues requirements, if any exist.
Article IV. Officers
The "Name of Organization" will be governed by the following means:
Section 1. Roles and Duties[5]
Members of "Name of Organization" will vote in individuals to the role of the following officers:
- President: The President shall preside at all meetings of "Name of Organization," represent the club to the University and others, and convene a meeting at least monthly when school is in session.
- Vice President: The Vice President shall assume the duties of the President in his/her absence.
- Secretary: The Secretary shall keep all records of official business, new members, and the minutes of all meetings.
- Treasurer: The Treasurer shall keep a current record of all financial transactions for the organization, including dues, if any, and make reports at regularly scheduled intervals agreed upon by the officers.[6]
- Publicity Chair: The Publicity Chair makes and distributes flyers, organizes others to help put up flyers, and posts events on group and university websites and other communication platforms, such as Facebook.
- Group Liaison: The Group Liaison maintains contact with like-minded groups, other political groups, and the university.
- Faculty Advisor: The Faculty Advisor shall be an active faculty or staff member of SCHOOL NAME and shall provide feedback to the "Name of Organization" regarding its operation and functioning, serve as a resource for decision making or ideas, and generally provide counsel, such as knowledge, expertise, and experience.[7]
Section 2. Election and Removal
Officers shall be elected by a simple majority vote of the members present at the first meeting of the spring semester. The nominated parties will be allowed to vote. All voting shall be done by secret ballot to be collected and tabulated by the Secretary.
The individual receiving the most votes will be the new officer. If there are two or more winners by tie, another vote shall be taken, with only the winners who received the same number of votes listed as choices. In the event of another tie, the faculty advisor shall be allowed to choose the new officer from among the top vote-getters.
Removing an officer first necessitates a motion by a member of "Name of Organization" and support of 2/3 majority vote of the total voting membership.[8]
If there is a vacancy during the year, nominations will be taken and a special election will be held.[9]
Article V. Operations and Meetings
Section 1. Meetings
Meetings shall be held at a regular basis at a frequency decided upon by members of "Name of Organization." Special meetings can be called by motion of a member and approval of the majority of members present.[10]
Section 2. Alcohol and Drug Policy
"Name of Organization" will adhere to all policies, regulations, and laws regarding alcohol and drug use set forth by the SCHOOL NAME and local, state, and federal jurisdictions.
Article VI. Finances
"Name of Organization" will finance its activities by receiving student activity funds from SCHOOL NAME, dues, if any, and any fundraising events the members decide to partake in.
Article VII. Amendment Process[11]
Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed in writing by any voting member of "Name of Organization" at any meeting. Proposed amendments will become effective following approval of two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of active members.
Article VIII. Registration Renewal
"Name of Organization" will apply to the Office of Campus Programs for registration on an annual basis one month after "Name of Organization's" new officer elections.
Footnotes
[1] Since every organization is different, constitutions will vary in their content. This sample constitution contains provisions typically addressed in such documents. However, each organization should ensure that its constitution meets the requirements of that specific organization as well as the requirements set by the university.
[2] Outline the reasons for the existence of the organization.
[3] Determine the minimum number of members required to form an organization per school policy. Address eligibility for membership (minimum number of credits, etc.). Determine if members have to pay dues and if so, the rate and schedule. Do members have to attend a certain percentage of meetings/events?
[4] Consider including language on the process of membership termination.
[5] Consider other structures, such as an executive committee or, for smaller groups, an organization with only one officer role: the presidency.
[6] The Secretary and Treasurer roles are sometimes assumed by the same individual. Also, the roles of the Publicity Chair and Group Liaison can be tasked to other officers if needed.
[7] Some schools allow part-time faculty and professional staff to serve in the role of faculty advisor. Also, your organization may want to formally outline the process for selecting and removing your faculty advisor.
[8] Also, removal could require the written statements of a set number of individuals prior to voting.
[9] Conversely, a vacancy can be filled by appointment from the President.
[10] You may want to send a typical meeting agenda that inlcudes these sections: Attendance, Report by the President, Committee Reports, All Other Motions, All Other Business.
[11] Who can propose amendments? Should there be a built-in delay between the proposition of a new amendment and the vote on it?
