1. Office of Student Engagement & Leadership
  2. Student Organizations
  3. Start a New Organization
  4. Develop Your Constitution

Develop Your Constitution

A constitution is the basic framework of an organization. It should state the purpose, the number of officers, the method of their selection requirements for membership, and other general operating procedures that might be subject to frequent change. 

Detailed methods of doing business and specific rules belong in a document called by-laws. For example, the constitution would establish the fact that dues are a requirement for membership and would outline the method of determining the amount of the dues. The by-laws would then state the specific dues structure. To aid your planning group, a sample constitution and explanation of each section of a constitution has been prepared for your use. The sample constitution is only an example and should not be used as a “fill-in” form. Should you require further assistance in the preparation of your constitution; contact the Office of Student Engagement & Leadership.

Statements MUST be included in the appropriate sections of the constitution. They can not be placed together in one section in the constitution. These statements, listed below, must be included in your constitution word for word.

  • Activities that result in undue physical stress or any subtle or covert technique that will impair, make captive, or destroy an individual’s freedom or thought will not be tolerated.
  • This organization will adhere to all policies and regulations of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and the University of Louisiana System.
    • Specifically, this organization will adhere to all policies and regulations set forth by the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, University of Louisiana System, and State legislature regarding Hazing. Review the policy regarding Hazing. (Must list link in your Constitution.)
  • All fund raising activities shall be carried out in accordance with the rules and policies of the Office of Student Engagement and Leadership.
  • Membership shall not be denied on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sexual identity or disability.
  • Any major amendments shall be submitted to the UL Lafayette Organizations Committee for final approval.

You may also submit by-laws, but these are not required.

Need Help with Governing Documents?

Constitution Overview

Article I. Name

  • The name of the organization should reflect the nature of the organization. Include any acronyms that may be used to refer to the group on and off campus.

Article II. Purpose

  • Section 1. This section should state the purpose, aims and functions of the organizations.
  • Section 2. This section should state that the organization is willing to abide by all policies and procedures established by the University.

Article III. Membership and Dues

  • Section 1. This section should state who membership is open to, the requirements and size limitations of the membership.
  • Section 2. This section should outline the method of determining the amount of dues, if any.
  • Section 3. This section should illustrate that organization does not discriminate on the basis of race, color religion, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, and physical or mental ability or disability.

Article IV. Officers

  • Section 1. This section should be a list of the officer positions and the duration of terms. Also provisions should be made for vacancies of office. Names should not appear in the constitution, only the positions.
  • Section 2. List the duties and powers of each officer.

Article V. Function and Operation

  • Section 1. This section should state how officers shall be elected and if nominations shall be held. Also include any qualifications necessary to hold office (i.e. GPA requirement) and what members are eligible to make nominations.
  • Section 2. Determine how candidates shall be nominated (i.e. secret ballot,nominations from the floor, nomination committee).
  • Section 3. Illustrate how voting will take place (i.e. ballot, standing vote, show of hands). Also, determine what constitutes a majority vote.
  • Section 4. Specify when elections will be held, but keep it general.
  • Section 5. Determine the impeachment process of officers.

Article VI. Advisor

  • Section 1. This section should state role of the advisor.

Article VII. Finances

  • Section 1. This section should state the organization’s plans to finance its activities.

Article VIII. Meetings

  • Section 1. This section should state the provisions for setting up a regular meeting time, as well as any provisions to be made for calling special meetings.

Article IX. Quorum

  • Section 1. This section should state the rules pertaining to the number of members, or the percentage of membership, required to be present at a meeting to transact business.

Article X. Amendments

  • Section 1. Amending the constitution should not be too simple a process for the sake of the stability of the organization. All amendments are subject for final approval by the appropriate governing body.
  • Section 2. This section should state the process of how proposed amendments shall be submitted and voted upon.

Download a sample constitution document (Archived)

The by-laws are rules governing the internal workings of the organization and
can include:

  • Standing committees of the organization;
  • Ad-hoc committees and how they are determined;
  • Policies related to the time and location of the organization meetings;
  • Election procedures, dates, terms of offices;
  • Structure and purposes of committees;
  • Statement that Robert’s Rules of Order will be followed;
  • Provisions for membership fee, dues and assessments;
  • Detailed material concerning members, rights, duties, expulsion and
    resignation procedure; and,
  • A method to amend the by-laws.

Download a sample by-laws document (Archived)

If you need further assistance, please contact our office