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Student Organization Manual
Organizational Basics

Constitution

The constitution of an organization contains the rules that govern the actions and activities of the group.
The document(s) should:

• state the purpose of the organization;
• define the characteristics of the organization and criteria for membership;
• prescribe how the group functions and identify the parliamentary procedure by which business will be conducted;
• include all rules that the group considers so important that they (1) cannot be changed without previous notice to the members and the vote of a specified large majority (such as two thirds vote), and (2) cannot be suspended; and
• state the rights of members of the organization whether present or absent from a meeting and limitations placed on the powers of the members attending a meeting.
  
  
  NOTE: A chartered student organization's constitution must be consistent with the policies and procedures contained in the TWU Student Handbook and Planner.

Example Format for Writing a Constitution

Article I. Name of the organization (Do not use "Texas Woman's University" or "TWU" in the name)

Article II. Statement of Purpose

Article III. Membership

1. Qualifications necessary for membership
2. Procedure for disciplining/removing members

Article IV. Officers

1. Titles of officers
2. Qualifications
3. Duties
4. Procedure for removal from office
5. Procedure for filling a vacancy

Article V. Advisers

1. Qualifications for Advisers
(Note: All organizations must have two (2) on campus advisers, with at least one of them being a full time faculty or staff)

2. How advisers will be chosen

Article VI. Elections

1. When will elections be held
2. Who is eligible to run
3. How nominations will be made
4. How elections will be held

Article VII. Meetings and Quorum

1. How often meetings will take place
2. Percentage of members necessary to conduct business

Article VIII. Finances

1. Who is responsible for handling the budget
2. How funds will be administered

Article IX. Committees

1. What committees will be part of the organization
2. Procedure for appointment of committee chairs and members

Article X. Amendments

1. How a constitution may be amended
2. By what vote must amendments pass

Article XI. Ratification

1. How will the constitution, as it presently reads, be in effect
   NOTE: The constitution should be updated each fall semester. New officers and advisers should sign and date the copy given to the Center for Student Development.
   

Bylaws

The By-Laws establish the specific rules of guidance by which the student organization is to function. By-Laws set forth in detail the procedures the student organization must follow to conduct business in an orderly manner. By-Laws must not contradict the constitution and contain the following:

• Membership selection procedures, resignations, rights and duties
• Dues (amount and collection procedures, special fees)
• Duties of officers (responsibilities, job descriptions)
• Executive board (structure, powers)
• Committees (standing, special, chairpersons, meetings)
• Order of business (standard agendas for meetings)
• Parliamentary authority (rules of order)
• Amendment procedures
• Other specific policies and procedures unique to the organization