Constitutions and Governing Documents

The role of a constitution

A student group’s constitution is a foundational document that outlines the rules and principles of the organization. It serves as a guiding framework for the group’s operations, ensuring clarity and consistency in its activities. The constitution’s importance cannot be overstated, as it provides a clear structure and set of expectations for membership, leadership, and the group’s functioning. Without such a document, a student group may experience confusion, conflict, and inefficiencies that could impede its success.

All student groups recognized by Student Union and/or Campus Life are required to have an up-to-date constitution. This document must be publicly posted on the group’s WUGO page under the “Documents” section to ensure transparency and accessibility for current and prospective members.

In essence, the constitution of a student group is a critical tool that lays out the essential functions and principles of the group. It provides a clear and structured approach for achieving the group’s goals, managing its membership and leadership, and ensuring that operations are carried out in a fair and effective manner. By adhering to and periodically reviewing and updating this document, student groups can thrive and make a meaningful impact on their campus communities.

Constitution Template

All registered student groups must use the Constitution Template when creating or revising their governing documents. The template ensures consistency, compliance with policies, and inclusion of all required sections and standardized language. Constitutions that deviate from the template, omit required content, or alter required language will not be approved.

Constitution Structure and Required Content

Each student group constitution must include all articles, headers, and subsections listed below, exactly as outlined. Additional required language and guidance are available throughout this page.

Article I: Preamble

This section must:

Establish the constitution as the organization’s governing document.
Identify the student group and the institution.
Include the date of establishment.

Article II: Name of Student Group

This section must include:

• Any commonly used acronyms or nicknames (if applicable).
• The organization’s official registered name.

Article III: Mission Statement / Purpose

This section must include a concise mission statement that:

• Identifies the topic, interest area, or focus the organization serves.
• Clearly states the group’s primary objective.

Article IV: Membership

This article must address all membership-related policies, including:

Eligibility

• Undergraduate and/or graduate enrollment requirements.

Membership Process

Organizations must identify one membership model, if applicable:

• Open Membership
• Selective Membership

Membership Roster

• All members must be registered on WUGO.

Member Expectations and Dues

• Participation standards and conduct expectations.
• Whether dues are required, including the amount, purpose, and collection timeline.

Resignation, Removal, and Appeals

• Procedures for voluntary resignation.
• Grounds, procedures, voting thresholds, and due process for removal.
• A clearly defined appeal and reinstatement process, including timelines.

Required Prohibition Statement

The standardized prohibition on independent investigations or sanctions for conduct matters under University jurisdiction must be included verbatim.

Article V: Officers

This article must include the following components:

Required Officers:

• President
• Treasurer
• Additional officers, if applicable

For each officer, include:

• Title
• Role and responsibilities

Eligibility, Terms, and Elections

• Eligibility requirements for holding office.
• Length of officer terms.
• Election timing and voting procedures.

Officer Removal and Appeals

• Grounds and procedures for removal.
• Voting thresholds and due process.
• A defined appeal and reinstatement process.

Required Prohibition Statement

The standardized prohibition related to officer removals must be included verbatim.

Article VI: Operations

This article must address:

• Use of committees or subgroups, if applicable.
• Meeting frequency during the academic year.
• Event and activity expectations.
• Financial operations and funding sources.

Article VII: Constitution and Amendments

This section must include:

• A requirement for annual review by executive leadership.
• A statement affirming the constitution as the organization’s governing document.
• A clearly defined amendment process, including voting thresholds.

Article VIII: Code of Conduct (Required Language)

All student groups must include the standardized Code of Conduct statement exactly as written in the template, without modification.

Article IX: Nondiscrimination Statement (Required Language)

Think of bylaws as the “how-to manual” that supports the framework laid out in the constitution. While Student Union and Campus Life does not require student groups to maintain bylaws, it is strongly encouraged that organizations consider adopting them to help guide their internal operations and decision-making processes.

Creating a constitution

•  Review the Constitution Template and requirements.
•  Draft each core section listed above.
•  Ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment with university policies.
•  Submit the draft for review and approval by the student involvement office.

Using the constitution

•  Distribute the constitution to all members and officers.
•  Refer to it during elections, disputes, and decision-making.
•  Use it as a guide for leadership transitions and onboarding.

Revising the constitution

•  Review the constitution annually or biannually.
• All student groups must provide an updated constitution each year during the annual re-registration process that happens in late spring.
•  Collect feedback from members and officers.
•  Follow the amendment process to propose and approve changes.
•  Submit updated versions to the appropriate campus office.

Creating & maintaining bylaws

•  Use bylaws for detailed procedures not covered in the constitution.
•  Include items like committee structures, event planning protocols, or officer expectations.
•  Review and update bylaws regularly.
•  Ensure bylaws do not conflict with the constitution.

Documentation & accessibility

• Every student group must have a current constitution (for this academic year) uploaded to their student group WUGO page under “Documents”.  
• Keep digital and physical copies of the constitution and bylaws.
• Store documents in a shared drive or leadership binder.
• Make documents accessible to all members, especially new officers.

Leadership transition tips

•  Include constitution/bylaws review in officer training.
•  Encourage outgoing leaders to highlight key sections for successors.
•  Treat the constitution as a living document that evolves with the group.