Organization Constitution Toolbox

An organization constitution is an important document for successful student organizations.  A constitution contains the essential principles and procedures regarding the organization’s structure.  

 

The University of Kentucky and the Office of Student Organizations have established standards for student organization constitutions. The information on this page will provide you with all the resources and tips for creating a meaningful constitution for your organization that meets all the requirements, listed below, for organization constitutions.

 

If you have questions regarding your organization’s constitution, please reach out to studentorgs@uky.edu

 

 Constitution Requirements

In accordance with the university’s administrative regulations, all organization constitutions must include portions of the constitution with the below requirements.

 

Your organization’s constitution must:

  1. State the organization name.
    1. ​Note that due to Administrative Regulations and Department Policy, student organization names may not begin with "University of Kentucky" or "UK." Organizations are allowed to include "at the University of Kentucky" following the name of the organization.​
    2. Example: "The name of this organization shall be the Pug Lovers Club at the University of Kentucky."
  2. Denote how student leaders are selected. Note that organization officers may only be current students.
  3. Define any membership requirements (how to become and stay a member).
  4. If your organization is a Sponsored Student Organization (you will have been notified directly by our office if this applies to you), you must include the University's non-discrimination policy.

Recommended Articles

To assist with building a robust and meaningful constitution, you may find articles that cover the following topics to be beneficial for your organization:

  • Organization Mission/Objectives
  • Officer Positions and Duties
  • Governing Clauses
    • Commitment Against Hazing Clause - Example:This organization will not conspire to engage in hazing, or commit any act that causes or is likely to cause bodily danger, physical harm, or personal degradation or disgrace resulting in physical or mental harm to any fellow student or person attending the institution.”

Sample Constitution 

Linked HERE (https://uky.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/student-organization-officers/documents/view/1898712) is a document that you may wish to use to use as a model for your organization’s constitution. It contains the required components and additional recommended articles and clauses you may find helpful as you work to develop your organization's constitution.

 


Constitution Resources Adopted From:

  • University of Kentucky Academic Regulations 4:1 (Registration of Student Organizations) and 6:10 (University of Kentucky Hazing Prevention Policy)
  • Office of Student Activities, Western Illinois University
  • Student Engagement and Campus Programming, University of Iowa
  • Office of Campus Life, Tufts University
  • Leadership and Service Center, University of South Carolina
  • Student Organizations and Clubs, Clemson University