Writing a Constitution
Writing or reviewing your group's constitution is a great time to refine your mission, officer responsibilities, meeting rules, and membership requirements. Much like government constitutions or laws a student organization's constitution is important when questions arise about the activities or mission of the group.
Typical components of a student organization constitution:
1. Official name of group
2. The recognition source of the group
3. The mission or purpose statement of the group
4. The requirements for membership of the group
5. The roles and responsibilities of the officers of the group
6. The requirements for voting on group issues
7. The structure and timing for officer elections
8. The requirements for amending the constitution
9. A list of amendment dates and other important certifications or milestones for the group
Examples of constitutions:
Sample fictitious student organization constitution: annotated guide | template
Union Institute Society (predecessor to Duke University)
Tips for holding a constitution review meeting:
1. Bring all stakeholders together, including organization advisor
2. Start with creating a mission statement that describes the purpose of the group along with a list of activities that will acomplish the purpose.
3. Identify who your membership will be composed of and the requirements for admission into the group
4. Write officer descriptions in third person using position titles instead of pronouns "The President will..."
5. Keep the document in an editable digital format (.doc), a permanent digital format (.pdf), and in print