Constitution

Writing a mission statement for your organization is sometimes intimidating but can be simplified by asking, "Why did we establish this group?" and "What do we hope to accomplish?".

Only students registered with Loyola University Chicago are eligible to be officers and/or voting members. Be sure to define what it means to be an active member (for example, is it based on meeting attendance? Payment of dues? Achievement-based?), as well as who has the right to vote (for example, is it only active members? Is it only the e-board?).

Procedures may include, but are not limited to: the elections process, how to establish committees, procedure for facilitating general meetings, delineation of executive board officer positions and their role descriptions, and a procedure for amending the constitution.

Discrimination, harassment, humiliation, hazing, and ridicule are strictly prohibited. The constitution should include the university’s anti-hazing statement and non-discriminatory policy. Each can be found in the constitution template.

If you decide to have membership dues, choose a reasonable amount as a group. It will help to know how much money you'll need for the year first. What if someone can't afford the dues? Be sure to disclose to due paying members how the dues will be used. Also, establish a policy/plan regarding what happens to money left in the treasury should the group disband.

Each student organization must have a full-time faculty/staff member serve as their advisor. Be sure to outline the group’s expectations of their advisor clearly so that both the organization and the advisor have a common understanding of the advisor’s role.