Student groups are not required to have a constitution to register with Kirby Student Center. However, having one can provide valuable structure and clarity for group operations and decision-making.
If a group does decide to have one, the constitution should outline the group’s fundamental principles, structure, and eligibility requirements for group members and officers. It also serves as a formal statement of your group’s rules and an acknowledgment of University of Minnesota policies.
Group officers are responsible for keeping the constitution current and aligned with University and student group policies. Submitting your constitution to Kirby Student Center documents your group’s compliance with these policies. Constitutions must not include any terms that conflict with University, local, state, or federal regulations.
Your constitution is a public document that helps inform potential members and the campus community about your organization. Writing a constitution and by-laws helps clarify your group’s purpose and operations, forming a strong foundation for effective group management.
This outline is meant to guide you in creating or updating your constitution and by-laws, by informing you about the topics that should be addressed as well as providing recommended topics that will help you successfully operate your group. Each topic contains example language from the sample constitution above. You may use this language directly in your own constitution, though you might need to tweak it to fit your group’s needs