Skip to Content

Starting a Club | Constitutions | Advisors | Webpages | Events |Publicity | Funding | Audits | Risk Management

Developing a Constitution

 

Click here for a Constitution Template

 

All student organizations are required to have a current Campus Organization Registration Form constitution on file with the Student Activities Office. Each year, every organization must be re-registered with the Student Activities Office in order to be eligible for privileges such as reserving space on campus and to apply for funding; however, you do not need to resubmit your constitution.

The following is a list of items to consider when developing a constitution.

ARTICLE I - NAME OF ORGANIZATION

Registered student organizations may use the University name in their title. Consider a name that is not too similar to one used by another organization. Registered organizations are permitted to use the name of California State University, Sacramento, or Sac State only as a means of identifying the location of the organization. Such use should not imply University sponsorship or that the organization is an official agent of the University. The "Social Club of Sac State" would be permitted, but the "Sac State Social Club" would not.

Other information about the identity of the group may also be contained under Article I, e.g., official colors, official publication and the official emblem of the organization.

ARTICLE II - STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

This section describes the purpose or projects that bring your group together. A clear purpose is helpful in defining, monitoring, and evaluating projects, objectives, and goals. Your organization's purpose should be different enough to distinguish it from other student organizations.

ARTICLE III - ELIGIBILITY FOR MEMBERSHIP

This article should delineate those persons who are eligible for membership. Membership must be open to all registered Sac State students. There may be restrictions on membership, which relate to the purpose and goals of the group. Restrictions may not be arbitrary or discriminatory and must be based on objective criterion. Membership may include faculty, staff, and members of the community, but they cannot serve as leaders or transact business on behalf of the organization or comprise more than 20% of the total group membership. If your group is a sport club, social fraternity or social sorority 100% of the membership must be students.

  • The membership of this organization shall have at least eight student members who are currently enrolled at Sac State for six or more units (or the graduate equivalent). Pledges may be counted as members for the purpose of fulfilling this requirement.
  • Membership restrictions, e.g., minimum GPA or major
  • Authority to assess membership fees or dues
  • Membership responsibilities, including attendance and participation requirements
  • Criteria for exclusion or expulsion of a member

ARTICLE IV - OFFICERS

  • Titles and Responsibilities
  • All group leaders must be registered students
  • The minimum is to have a group leader (or president, representative, coordinator, etc.) and a treasurer (financial officer).
  • Other officers and their responsibilities
  • Election and Removal Process
  • Criteria for candidacy
  • Election procedures, e.g., majority or 2/3 vote, voice or written ballot
  • What run-off or recall provisions will the group choose?
  • Length of Term
  • Elected officers will serve for what length of term, e.g., a semester or an academic year.

ARTICLE V – RULES OF ORDER:

The Student Activities Office recommends use of Robert’s Rules of Order.

ARTICLE VI – PROCEDURE TO AMEND CONSTITUTION

Describe the process for changing the constitution

  • Will the group use consensus, a vote or mandate to amend its constitution?
  • If by vote, shall a quorum or simple majority be required for approval?
  • What is the length of time required between a motion to amend the constitution and the call to a vote?

BYLAWS

Groups are not required to submit bylaws, however they are highly recommended. Bylaws should include details related to the organization that are apt to need changing more frequently than do the provisions of the constitution.

  • Number, date and function of regular meetings
  • How special meetings are called
  • What constitutes a quorum (a specific number or percent of membership)
  • Election dates, methods, who is responsible for them
  • Dues