Constitution Guidelines

Note: Statements that appear in BOLD should appear in your constitution at least in concept.

Article I Name

State the name of the organization-for example, "The name of this organization shall be (insert name of organization here) at Iowa State University."

Article II Purpose & Goals

• Section One: Provide a general statement about the purpose and goals of the organization, as well as the type and scope of the organization's activities. This is also an appropriate place to mention the organization's affiliation with other groups, if any (for example, if the group is a chapter of a national organization). 
• Section Two: “Name of Organization” abides by and supports established Iowa State University policies, State and Federal Laws.

Article III Membership

Provide a general statement about membership eligibility, standards, and requirements. For example, "Membership shall be open to all registered students at Iowa State University.” Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, sex, marital status, disability or status as a U.S.Veteran.

The membership selection process, types of membership, and procedures for disciplining and/or removing members should also be outlined here if not already appearing in the bylaws. NOTE: Recognized student organizations at Iowa State University are required to be non-discriminatory in membership unless otherwise permitted by applicable federal law (for example, Title IX). As such, you should review your constitution to ensure that it does not contain discriminatory language or provisions.

Example Membership Requirement

Article IV Officers

In sections under this article; list the titles of offices to be established, qualifications for each office, the method, time, and process of selection, and the term of office. The duties, powers, and responsibilities of each officer as well as procedures for removal from office and filling vacancies should also be outlined here if not already appearing in the bylaws. At a minimum, each student organization is expected to designate one officer as the chief student leader (usually titled "president") and one officer authorized to deal with the organization's finances (usually titled "treasurer"). The titles of these positions may vary according to the needs of the organization, but the two separate job functions must be provided for in this article.

Example of Election to Office Statement

Example of Term of Office Statement

NOTE: All recognized student organizations at Iowa State University must include the following statement (or its equivalent) in their constitution: "The officers of this organization must meet the following requirements:

(a) Have a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) as stated below and meet that minimum GPA in the semester immediately prior to the election/appointment, the semester of election/appointment and semesters during the term of office. For undergraduate, graduate, and professional students, the minimum GPA is 2.00. In order for this provision to be met, at least six hours (half-time credits) must have been taken for the semester under consideration.

(b) Be in good standing with the university and enrolled: at least half time (six or more credit hours), if an undergraduate student (unless fewer credits are required to graduate in the spring and fall semesters) during the term of office, and at least half time (four or more credits), if a graduate level student (unless fewer credits are required in the final stages of their degree as defined by the Continuous Registration Requirement) during their term of office.

(c) Be ineligible to hold an office should the student fail to maintain the requirements as prescribed in (a) and (b)."

The wording of the above statement may be made specific to the student organization, but no student organization may enact eligibility requirements for officers less stringent than those appearing above. Student organizations may enact requirements more stringent than those provided by the university.

Example Officer Duties

Example Office/Adviser Removal

Article V. Finances

Provide a general statement about the manner in which the finances of the organization should be handled, including what should happen to the organization's funds if the organization is dissolved. Detailed financial procedures including the amount and collection procedures for dues, if any, should also be outlined here if not already appearing in the bylaws.

NOTE: All recognized student organizations at Iowa State University must include the following statement (or its equivalent) in their constitution:

 "All monies belonging to this organization shall be deposited and disbursed through a bank account established for this organization at the Campus Organizations Accounting Office and/or approved institution/office (must receive authorization via Campus Organizations Accounting Office). All funds must be deposited within 48 hours after collection. The Adviser to this organization must approve and sign each expenditure before payment."

Example Dues Statement

Article VI. Amendments & Ratification

This article should explain how constitutional amendments may be made, as well as the procedure for adopting this constitution and any future amendments. At a minimum, your constitution must be voted on and approved by the general membership of your organization. This article should also include a statement requiring prompt submission of an updated constitution and bylaws to the Student Activities Center should the document be amended following recognition.

Amended or ratified constitution will be submitted within 10 days to Student Activities Center for approval.

Example Amendments & Ratification Statement

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