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. Compliance — Affirmation that the org follows UD policy, the Code of Conduct, applicable law, and (for Greek-letter orgs) national/international affiliate requirements
  8. Anti-Discrimination Requirement
    1. Your constitution must include the University-approved non-discrimination statement. 
    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).
  9. 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: The University Code of Conduct, CSI policies/guidelines for Recognized Student Organizations, Local/state/federal law, The student organization's own charter, constitution, or by-laws, The constitution/by-laws of NPHC, NPC, MGC, or IFC (for Greek orgs)
  10. Amendments — How the constitution can be changed

Sample Constitution

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

Bylaws (Optional)

While a constitution sets the absolute, high-level rules for how your organization is governed, bylaws outline the day-to-day operations and logistics.

When should an organization use bylaws?

Bylaws are ideal for details that change frequently or require flexible adjustments from year to year. Because amending a constitution requires a formal vote and approval, moving administrative procedures into bylaws keeps your constitution streamlined while giving your executive team flexibility.

What to include in bylaws (if created)

  • Detailed Dues & Payment Schedules: Exact amounts, payment deadlines, and collection methods.
  • Attendance & Absence Policies: Specific requirements for general meetings, events, or mandatory service hours.
  • Committee Structure: Descriptions, responsibilities, and selection processes for standing or special committees.
  • Officer Transition Protocols: Specific timelines, handoff checklists, and training expectations for incoming leadership.
  • Meeting Logistics & Parliamentary Authority: Guidelines for running meetings (e.g., using Robert’s Rules of Order or informal consensus).

Important Note: Bylaws can never conflict with or supersede your organization's constitution or University of Dayton policies. If a conflict arises between your bylaws and your constitution, the constitution always takes precedence.