Sample Constitution for Student Organizations

Purpose

An introductory statement or objective, no longer than two or three sentences. This should state the reason for, and intent of the organization.

Article I: Name

The name of this organization shall be (full name of organization), hereinafter referred to as (shortened name of the organization as it will appear throughout the Constitution).

Section 1 – Eligibility

State, in complete sentences, the qualifications for membership.

Section 2 – Active Membership

State, in complete sentences, the qualifications for “Acting” or “Voting” Membership in the organization.

Section 3

If necessary, describe another class of membership, such as “inactive.” Keep the structure as clear and simple as possible.

Article II: Officers

Section 1 – Numbers and Methods of Elections

The (name of organization) shall elect from the active membership a President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer at the (for example the 2nd to last) meeting of the semester/academic year. (Indicate further if any special nominating procedure is used and who is eligible to hold office).

Section 2 – Duties of Officers

The President Shall:

1.  Preside over all meeting for (name of organization.
2. Etc.
3. Etc.

Continue list for each Officer of the organization, with a list of duties under each title.

Section 3 –Terms of Office

Indicate, in complete sentences, how long each officer is to serve. (Include whether officers may be re-elected to the same office position, etc.)

Section 4 – Impeachment of Officers

Indicate, in complete sentences, whether officers may be impeached, grounds for impeachment and the procedure for impeachment.

Article III: Committees

Section 1 – Standing Committees

State, in one sentence, the standing committees of the organization

Section 2 – Duties of the Standing Committee

For example:

The Constitution Committee shall:
Review the Constitution each semester.

Article IV: Faculty Advisors

Section 1 – Numbers and Terms of Office

Indicate, in complete sentences, the number of Advisors the organization is to have and how long each will be asked to serve.

Section 2 – Method of Appointment

State, in complete sentences, how the Advisor is selected by the organization.

Section 3 – Duties

Indicate, in complete sentences, what responsibilities the Advisor is expected to fulfill.

Article V: Meetings

Section 1 – Regular Meetings

Indicate, in complete sentences, how often and approximately when regular meetings are held.

Section 2 – Special Meetings

Indicate, in complete sentences, when special or “emergency meetings” are to be called, by whom and how members are notified.

Section 3 – Parliamentary Procedure

All regular and special meetings of the organization shall be run under the rules of parliamentary procedures with “Roberts Rules of Order” revised as reference.

Section 4 – Quorum:

(This is up to the individual organization) A quorum usually consists of more than half the total active membership.

Section 5 – (Optional)

Indicate the required attendance at each meeting, if necessary.

Article VI: Amendments

Section 1 – Procedure of Amendment

Indicate, in complete sentences, the procedure for offering an amendment to the Constitution. As a general rule, amendments are submitted in writing and are read at the meeting before the vote is taken.

Section 2 – Ratification

Indicate the vote necessary to ratify the amendment. Ratification is usually accomplished through either a two-thirds or three-fourths vote of the active membership. In all cases, an amendment must be submitted to the Center for Student and Community Engagement for approval before it becomes official.