Recognized Student Organization Constitutions

A constitution is a document outlining the basic principles agreed to by members. A constitution demonstrates the mission and purpose of a Recognized Student Organization (RSO) as well as establishes how the organization will run.

Generally speaking, a good constitution establishes the structure and purposes of the organization, the methods of selecting members and officers, and the powers and responsibilities of each.

Basic components of a constitution include:

A statement of purpose that is consistent and compatible with the mission and goals of Cabrini and its Catholic ideals
Criteria for membership in the organization
A description of the relationship between the organization and any off-campus, national, or international organizations, if any.
New sororities and fraternities are not permitted at Cabrini and are not eligible for institutional registration.
The purpose, aims, and functions of the organization
A list of all officer positions, committee chairs, committees, and their responsibilities
The procedures and annual schedule for election/appointments of officers
The procedures for amending the organization’s constitution
Voting requirements and quorum to conduct business
An agreement to abide by all institutional policies in the functioning of the organization
An acknowledgement that the group will not discriminate on basis of race, religion, age, sexual orientation, disabilities, ethnicity, and national origin
A description of how the organization advisor shall be selected and the responsibilities that person will have to the organization

Sample Constitution Format

Article I: Introduction

Section I: Name of Organization
Section II: General Purpose/Goal of the Organization

Article II: Membership

Section I: Who is eligible to be a member of your organization?
Section II: How are the members selected (open to all, application, ballot)?
Section III: Qualifications and Responsibilities of the Members

Article III: Executive Board/ Officers

Section I: What are the different positions?
Section II: Who is eligible for each position?
Section III: Qualifications and responsibilities of each position.
Section IV: What is the process for selecting the officers (election, application, appointment, etc.)?
Section V: How are the officers removed from office if necessary?
Section VI: How are vacant positions filled if necessary?

Article IV: Advisor

Section I: What is an advisor?
Section II: How is the advisor chosen?
Selection III: Qualifications and Responsibilities of the Advisor

Article V: Meetings

Section I: How often does the organization meet?
Section II: Who presides over the meeting/what happens?
Section III: Who must attend?

Article VI: Amendments to the Constitution

Section I: What is the process for offering an amendment?
Section II: How is the amendment ratified? 2/3 majority?

Your constitution may be more elaborate or simple, depending on your organization. It should reflect the reality of your organization, but it should not encompass every possible occurrence that you can imagine.