Student Organization Constitution - Template
PREAMBLE
An introductory statement that introduces the organization and the purpose for formation. (This is
optional.)
ARTICLE I. - NAME
This should list the official name of the organization and should include any acronyms associated with
the organization
ARTICLE II. - PURPOSE
This section sets forth the aims, intentions and goals for the organization.
ARTICLE III. - MEMBERSHIP
All organizations must be open to all Trinity students and the organization must include the Colleges
Non-Discrimination Clause - “this organization will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion,
sexual orientation, national origin, or handicap”. This section should be laid out in complete sentences
addressing membership. Including the following
Eligibility and Financial Obligations (Dues)
1. The difference between an active and inactive member – how many meetings must be
attended, voting privileges, etc.
2. Obligations of Members – this should include what a member is entitled to, if there are any
committees that they must serve on, etc.
ARTICLE IV. - GOVERNING STRUCTURE
This article identifies the governing structure for the organization, which indicates which officers and/or
committee chairs make up the executive board for the organization.
ARTICLE V. - OFFICERS
This section should list all of the officers for the organization with detailed duties and responsibilities for
each office.
ARTICLE VI. - COMMITTEES
List all committees for the organization
1. Outline responsibilities and duties for each committee
2. Include if there will be a chair/co-chairs and the detailed process for election or
appointment
3. List procedures for the creation of Ad hoc committees by the organization is the need arises
ARTICLE VII. - ELECTIONS
This section should include the following:
1. Eligibility for holding an office position
Process for filling vacancy of offices
2. Term of Office
3. Date of Elections (i.e., April of the Spring Semester)
4. Procedures for the Election including the process for nominations, voting policies, absentee
ballots, the process for a tie election
ARTICLE VIII. - REMOVAL of MEMBERS or OFFICERS
This article should outline in detail what a member or officer can be removed for and what is the
process.
ARTICLE IX. - ADVISOR
This article should identify the number of advisors, the term each will serve, how the advisor is selected
and the detailed responsibilities for each advisor if there is more than one.
ARTICLE X. - MEETINGS
1. Day, time and location of meeting
2. Types of Meetings describe all (General, Elections, Officers/Executive Board, Committees and
Emergency or Special Meetings)
ARTICLE XI. - FINANCES
How will the organization manage their funds and who is responsible for the management and signatory
power over the finances.
ARTICLE XII. - AMENDMENTS
Indicate the procedure for offering amendments, changes and/or deletions to the constitution. Also,
indicate the vote necessary to ratify the amendment, etc.
ARTICLE XIII. - EXTERNAL AFFILIATIONS
It must, if the organization is affiliated with, or is a subsidiary of, a larger state, regional, or national
organization, provide the College with copies of the constitution, by-laws, and regulations of the primary
organization.
ARTICLE XIV. - DISSOLUTION
In the event that an organization wishes to dissolve their existence at Trinity College as a recognized
organization, indicate that all College funds and property will be returned to the Student Government
Association (SGA). If the organizations, has separate funds those funds should be donated to a nonprofit organization identified by the organization and reported to the SGA and S.A.I.L. Office. In order to
dissolve your organization written notification must be given to S.A.I.L., the organizations advisor and
the SGA.