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.
Constitution Requirements
In accordance with the university’s administrative regulations, all organization's must submit an annual constitution with the below requirements included.
Your organization’s constitution must:
- State the organization name.
- 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.
- Example: "The name of this organization shall be the Pug Lovers Club at the University of Kentucky."
- Denote how student leaders are selected. Note that organization officers may only be current UK students.
- Define any membership requirements (how to become and stay a member).
- 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.
Student organizations should develop comprehensive governing documents that extend beyond the minimum registration requirements. These documents should clearly outline organizational operations and expectations, including defined roles and responsibilities for members, officers, University of Kentucky faculty/staff advisor(s), and any non-UK support staff. Additionally, organizations are encouraged to establish internal accountability processes to help ensure transparency, consistency, and effective leadership within the organization.
Sample Constitution
Linked (https://uky.campuslabs.com/engage/organization/universityofkentucky/documents/view/2294897) is a document that you may wish 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 Student Organization Registration 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