Skeleton Constitution and Bylaws
Skeleton Constitution and Bylaws
Skeleton Constitution and Bylaws
www.ohio.edu/campuslife/sorgs/starting/upload/Sample%20Const%20and%20Bylaws%20051308-2.doc
A constitution and bylaws are written to govern a student organization in its operations and activities. These
documents should be clearly worded, intentionally structured, and kept up-to-date to meet the needs of the
student organization. Additionally, the constitution should be written your student organization – groups
affiliated with a national/international organization can also attach that constitution during recognition via
CollegiateLink.
The constitution:
Establishes the broad structure and fundamental principles of an organization
Should be straightforward and comprehensive
Should be difficult to amend
The bylaws:
Outline the rules and procedures of the organization
Should be consistent with the constitution
Tend to be easier to amend than the constitution
The following format has been developed as a guide in the effective creation or revision of a student
organization constitution. It is not necessary to follow this template exactly, but it is important to include all
areas that apply to your organization. Statements and areas highlighted in yellow are required.
Should you have any questions, please contact the Office of Campus Activities (OCA) at askOCA@drexel.edu.
SAMPLE CONSTITUTION:
Article I: Name
Section 1: The official name of this organization shall be (Student Volunteering Network), hereafter
referred to as … (SVN)
Section 1: Membership of this organization shall consist of youths from ages 18 to35 years and should be a
undergraduate or college students who had completed three semesters (sophomore student) and
graduate students University.
Section 2: Membership in this organization shall not discriminate against any individuals regardless of race,
national origin, color, religion, sex, age, veteran status, sexual orientation, and/or ability.
Section 3: Membership in this group shall be open to all youths who are interested for membership to the
organization.
Section 4: Other classifications of students, faculty, staff, alumni, and/or community members may
participate in the organization, but are not considered members, and may not receive privileges
of membership, may not vote, nor may they benefit from funding.
Article V: Officers
Section 1: Officers of the organization shall consist of … (state all officer titles and duties)
A. President – The President shall…
B. Vice President – The Vice President shall…
C. Secretary – The Secretary shall…
D. Treasurer – The Treasurer shall…
E. Etc.
Section 2: The organization President and Treasurer must be full-time, enrolled undergraduate students.
For undergraduate-only groups, other classifications should specify based on requirements
Section 3: The qualifications for each office, interested candidates should be a youth between the ages of 18
to 35 years and should be willing to delicate his/her time to the office which occupying.
Section 4: The term of each office shall be two years from the first day of office to the term expires, ensure
elections are held before the term expires.
Section 5: Should an officer position become vacant during his/her term, the following will take place, the
will be an announcement made available on the website (www.studentvolnet.ga ) or a written
advertisement.
Article VI: Advisor
Section 1: The organization advisor must be a full-time member of the faculty, administration, or
professional staff of a College or University.
Section 1: Regular meetings of the organization shall be held … (consider how often the group will meet,
when, where, how many, and who calls the meeting, etc.)
Section 2: Special meetings of the organization shall be held … (consider who has authority to call these
meetings, how much notice is required, reasons, etc.)
Section 3: For the transaction of business and voting, a quorum must be obtained. Quorum is defined as the
minimum percentage of members required to be present. The organization requires XXX (# or
%) for the transaction of business.
Specify any information to the management of finances including, but not limited to dues, funding process,
fundraising, voting, budgets, etc.
Membership should be a valuable and beneficial experience for all students. Leadership of this organization
shall provide its new and current members with an experience that is positive, informative and consistent with f
state, and local laws, and the policies and procedures of the College or University. Activities which detract
from the goal of fostering personal and intellectual development have no place in this organization. Hazing will
not be tolerated by or of any member. It is the responsibility of the organization, its leadership and members to
report hazing of any kind by members to the proper authority.
Article X: Amendments
Section 1: This constitution shall be amended by a vote of (2/3, 3/4, etc.) majority of the membership at any
regular or special meeting. (the constitution should not be amended easily or frequently)
Section 2: Provisions for amendments shall be … (explain how amendments can be offered/proposed, how
eligible voting members will be informed of the proposed, etc.)
Specify the manner in which such a proposal of voluntary dissolution of the organization must be submitted.
State the notice required and vote required for adoption (not less than that specified for adoption of an
amendment). It should be noted also that dissolution of the organization may, for cause, be ordered by the
Office of Campus Activities.
Date Ratified (Insert date the constitution is initially ratified and voted into action)
SAMPLE BYLAWS
Article I: Membership
Section 2: Dues for this organization shall be (if applicable)… (indicate amount, how often paid, etc.)
Section 1: The selection/election of officers shall be done by … (clearly state selection/election rules and
voting procedures, eligibility for each office, and when the elections take place)
Section 1: All permanent committees shall be formed by … (list each committee, function and specific
duties of each, how additional can be formed)
Section 2: All ad-hoc committees shall be formed by … (list how to be formed, duration, etc.)
Section 1: This organization shall be governed by (if applicable) … (specify any rules of order of
parliamentary procedure, including the use “Robert’s Rules of Order”)