In order to be effective, RSO's need rules and guiding principles. Constitutions and/or
bylaws are used to formalize rules, operating standards, and organizational structure
in written format. These documents can establishes things such as the reason for conception
of the group, the group’s objectives, mission, and roles and responsibilities for
leaders. Student Leadership & Involvement requires that all RSO's have a constitution.
What is a Constitution?
A constitution organizes, regulates, distributes and limits the functions and powers
of each position along with laying out some rights and duties. An effective constitution
should be simple and direct. While creating an RSO constitution it is important to
keep in mind that this document is designed to cover basic principles, but does not
prescribe operating procedures for the organization.
What are Bylaws?
A bylaw is a specific type of rule with limited application within the organization,
who's applications are limited. Bylaws are mostly used to regulate, organize, and
establish functions, powers, and specific functioning rules. While bylaws are not
required in order to register or re-register as an RSO, these operating procedures
can be helpful for certain organizations.
Drafting Constitutions and Bylaws
Writing a constitution and bylaws can be very time consuming--delegating the drafting
of the sections of the constitution and bylaws to various members allows your RSO
to work collaboratively. Spending time writing, editing, and amending your foundational
documents allows your organization to have a solid foundation.
Constitution
Required Constitutional Provisions
RSO's draft constitutions in order to serve organizational needs and therefore all
constitutions will vary from organization to organization, however, there are some
requirements. There are several items that are required by Student Leadership & involvement.
These items, outlined in the Sample Constitution for RSO's at Michigan Tech, must be included in the applicable articles. These provisions are vital to RSO approval
and re-registration.
Working with a National Governing Body
Some RSO's are Chapters of a larger national organization. National organizations
provide a larger network of resources, broader purpose, and often expanded opportunities.
It is important to take into consideration that most national organizations provide
sample constitutions and bylaws for campus chapters and may have their own requirements.
When balancing the requirements of national organizations and Student Leadership &
Involvement, leaders may be required to get approval from the RSO's national chapter
after ensuring that the constitution is approved by the RSO Coordinator.
Creating & Revising Constitutions
Bylaws
No, Student Leadership & Involvement does not require bylaws for RSO's. Constitutions
are the only SLI required foundational document, however, RSO's with bylaws must submit
these for approval and review along with an RSO constitution.
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Membership Procedures which may include:
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Application (how, when, etc.), qualifying for types of membership, limitations of
membership (terms, attendance, etc), further explanation of termination and guidelines
for member reinstatement.
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Financial Provisions which may include:
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Dues, fees, fines, collection procedures, any special fees, due dates, working with
campus funding sources, banking, etc.
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Committee Guidelines which may include:
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Protocols for both standing and ad hoc committees. May include how each are formed,
selection of chairpersons, meetings, powers, duties etc.
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Order of Business which may include:
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Rules of order, how meetings are to be run, quorum, or any special procedures relating
to the organization’s operation.
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Amendment Procedures which may include:
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Means of proposals, notice required, voting requirements, etc.
