Writing a Constitution
Writing or reviewing your organization's constitution allows your organization to refine your mission, officer roles and responsibilities, meeting rules, and membership requirements. A student organization's constitution is important when questions arise about the activities or mission of the group. All Northwestern registered student organizations are required to have up-to-date constitutions.
Components of a Student Organization Constitution
- Official group name/introduction
- Organizational structure
- Membership
- Executive Board election/selection process
- Meetings
- Handling of funds
- Constitutional amendments
- Constitutional review
- Not-for-profit statement
- Statement of non-discrimination
- Statement of non-hazing
- Statement of compliance with campus regulations
- Northwestern University Constitution Writing Guide (Revised Spring 2024)
Tips for Holding a Constitution Review Meeting
- Bring all stakeholders together, including organization advisor
- Start by creating/reviewing mission statement that describes the purpose of the group, along with a list of activities that will accomplish the purpose.
- Define the composition your membership and the requirements for admission into the group
- Write officer descriptions in third person using position titles instead of pronouns, i.e., "The President will."
- Keep the document in an editable digital format (.doc), a permanent digital format (.pdf), and in print
Adapted from University Center Activities and Events at Duke University