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Creating a Student Organization Constitution

Creating a Student Organization Constitution. The Framework for your New Organization. What is a Constitution?. Lays the fundamental groundwork that will support the organization for years to come- establishes membership expectations

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Creating a Student Organization Constitution

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  1. Creating a Student Organization Constitution The Framework for your New Organization

  2. What is a Constitution? • Lays the fundamental groundwork that will support the organization for years to come- establishes membership expectations • Living document- will change throughout the years as the organization grows and changes • Important to be intentional and detailed • Will need to be applicable beyond the current year

  3. Constitution Requirements • Article I: Name • Article II: Purpose • Article III: Membership • Article IV: Officers • Article V: Advisor • Article VI: Meetings • Article VII: Finances • Article VIII: Committees • Article IX: Hazing • Article X: Amendments • Article XI: Ratification *Items in BOLD print are required clauses that MUST be included in all ECU student organization constitutions.

  4. Constitution Heading Updated: February 2014 Constitution (Full name of organization) Founded: 2014

  5. Name of Organization • Spell out the entire name of your organization (remember: ECU, East Carolina, and East Carolina University cannot be placed at the beginning) • Include all nicknames, acronyms, and Greek Letters • Identify any affiliations with national, regional, etc. groups and specify relationship

  6. Purpose of Organization This should establish the goals and/or objectives among members of your group. This same statement should be used on your OrgSync page and in other publications to advertise your group

  7. Membership • First section MUST be non-discrimination clause • There are 2 clauses listed • For those organizations that select members on the basis of a commitment to a set of beliefs (e.g. religious and political organizations) the second clause may be used • Outline membership requirements (GPA, participation, student classification, dues, etc.) • Include associate member or non-voting member status, if applicable (faculty/staff or non-student members) • Associate members may not make up more than 25% of membership • May not vote or hold office • Outline how you will revoke membership

  8. Officers • Outline requirements: ECU minimum requirement 2.5 GPA and enrollment in 6 credit hours at ECU • Outline nomination and election procedure • Include duration of office and when to when (i.e. one year from April to following March) • Can officers hold office for more than one term? • Outline specific requirement of each officer • Include the process of removing an officer and how you will fill the vacant office

  9. Advisor • Include required clause: must be a full-time ECU faculty/staff member • Outline organization-specific requirements for your advisor • Must include “sign any contracts by the organization with an off-campus entity” • Detail how you will go about choosing an advisor • Include how and why you will remove an advisor

  10. Meetings • Outline how often your meetings will be held • Outline how you will determine the day and time of your meetings • Include protocol for calling additional meetings • Outline an attendance policy • How will your run your meetings? Will you follow a system of order? (i.e. Robert’s Rules of Order)

  11. Finances • Outline any dues that must be paid by members • Are there national and local dues? • When are they due • What happens if a member does not pay or pays late? • Can payment plans be arranged? • Are dues still owed if members are inactive or if they quit before due date? • How will the Treasurer share financial details with members?

  12. Committees Name and describe any standing committees or the process for creating a new committee.

  13. Hazing The anti-hazing clause must be included in your organization’s constitution. The outlines university and state policies regarding hazing.

  14. Amendments How will your organization go about making changes to this constitution? • Submit in writing? • How and when will changes be voted on? • Requirements for the vote to pass

  15. Ratifications A constitution has been ratified once it is voted on by membership. This happens after it has been initially created or any time an amendment is introduced. Once it has been ratified, a copy must be submitted to Student Activities & Organizations within 10 days for final approval. (This clause must also be included in your constitution)

  16. Reminders • All clauses in BOLD print must be included in your constitution • Items in italics are tips for what should be included • Items in standard print outline what each section should address, but not specifically what your policies should be. • Be specific and put thought into your Constitution. It is the framework for your entire organization.

  17. Questions? Next Workshop: Monday, February 10th @ 5p.m. MSC Great Room 1

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