Rules, Constitution and Bylaws

One of the requirements for being a registered student organization is to submit a set of operating procedures, constitution or bylaws to the SOO. This is a new requirement effective beginning the 2008-2009 academic year. Don't panic! It's easy to figure out what's best for your organization, whether it be rules, a constitution and bylaws. These "rules" will provide a structure that should enable you to realize your goals.

OPERATING PROCEDURES

For organizations that do not have a need for such in-depth procedures, student organizations can simply come up with a set of regulations that help your organization function.

Some recommended areas to address when writing your operating procedures:

• Include your organization's mission statement and/or purpose
• How will you make decisions?
• How will you pick your leaders/positions? By election or by appointment?
• How will you handle money, fundraising, fines, etc.?
• What are the membership requirements?
• What will be the attendance requirements?
• Who is allowed to be a member?

Check out some examples of Operating Procedures:

• The Student Leadership Program Operating Guidelines
• ALPS Position Standards
• ALPS Risk Management

CONSTITUTION

A Constitution and/or bylaws are a useful way to document your operating procedures. Do not let the word "constitution" intimidate you. It is merely a more formal way to write out how your organization operates. Some groups may want to use another group's constitutions as a framework for writing their own. That is fine. In fact it is wise to follow a good example and adapt it to your needs. In the addendum we have also included a skeletal copy of a constitution for you to use as an example. Your constitution should be kept to no more than a few pages containing only the essential information that should not change over the years. This is the foundation of your organization so changes should not be easy to make without a two-thirds vote by your membership. Some of the typical elements of a constitution include:

• Name and statement of purpose of the organization
• Qualifications for membership
• Officer positions, election procedure and duties
• Meetings of the organization
• How to amend the constitution

Check out our blank Constitution

Also, check out some finished examples: Panhellenic Association Constitution

BYLAWS

Bylaws are usually used in conjunction with a constitution. You can put some of the other more detail-oriented information in the bylaws. The Bylaws should be relatively easy to make adjustments to in a meeting or two. This will be more of a working document. Your bylaws are a work in progress. This should be the day-to-day workings of your organization. Change it as often as you need to truly reflect your organizational mission/purpose and members' needs.

Check out our blank bylaws.
Also, check out some finished examples: Panhellenic Association Bylaws

If you would like assistance setting up your constitution, bylaws or operating procedures, please call or stop by the SOO 263-0365 or soo@odos.wisc.edu or contact the Student Leadership Program, slp@odos.wisc.edu.