Constitution & Bylaws

Every organization is required to have a constitution that defines its purpose, membership, leadership structure, and decision-making processes. If your org is affiliated with a national or international organization, that body may dictate parts of your constitution.

What to include in a constitution

  1. Name and purpose — What the organization is and why it exists
  2. Membership — Who is eligible, how members join, rights and responsibilities
  3. Officers — Positions, terms, election or selection process, removal process
  4. Meetings — Frequency, quorum, decision-making rules
  5. Finances — Dues structure (if any), authorization for spending, financial accountability
  6. Adviser — Role of the faculty/staff adviser
  7. Amendments — How the constitution can be changed
  8. Compliance — Affirmation that the org follows UD policy, the Code of Conduct, applicable law, and (for Greek-letter orgs) national/international affiliate requirements
  9. Anti-Discrimination Requirement
    1. Your constitution must include the University-approved non-discrimination statement. Membership selection cannot discriminate based on protected characteristics, with limited exceptions allowed under federal law (e.g., values-based single-gender Greek-letter organizations).
    2. Membership selection cannot discriminate based on protected characteristics, with limited exceptions allowed under federal law (e.g., values-based single-gender Greek-letter organizations).
  10. Hazing Prohibition
    1. Your constitution must include the University-approved anti-hazing statement.
    2. Your constitution and any new-member processes cannot require or imply requirement to participate in acts that violate:
      1. The University Code of Conduct
      2. CSI policies/guidelines for Recognized Student Organizations
      3. Local/state/federal law
      4. The student organization's own charter, constitution, or by-laws
      5. The constitution/by-laws of NPHC, NPC, MGC, or IFC (for Greek orgs)

Sample Constitution

Click here to view a sample constitution, or reach out to CSI at studentorgs@udayton.edu to request assistance.

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