Student Organization Constitution Guidelines

To be recognized as a student organization with all rights, responsibilities, and benefits at DePaul University, a student organization must submit a constitution for their student organization. The information below is required to be included in the student organization's constitution. In each drop down, there are topics and questions to guide you in writing each clause.

  • Name of Student Organization

    • Include Pseudonyms, Acronyms, and Abbreviations

  • Mission Statement

    • What is the purpose of your organization?
    • What community of students do you seek to serve?
    • What are the values of your organization? How do they relate to DePaul's Mission & Values.

  • Non-Discrimination Clause (Must be written exactly as shown below)

    • "Membership, leadership, and activities will not be restricted on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, pregnancy, parental status, family relationship status, physical or mental disability, military status, genetic information or other status protected by local, state, or federal law."

  • Amendment Clause

    • Who may propose amendments to the constitution?
    • What must be included in the amendment proposal?
    • How must one submit an amendment proposal (e.g. at a general body meeting, by email)?
    • How long after the proposal shall an amendment be ratified?
    • Who votes on an amendment to ratify it?
      • This cannot say the officers only. A membership consensus vote must be included (ex. Simple majority of the membership, 2/3rds majority of the member/general body, etc.

  • Officer Titles & Duties

    • What types of officers does your organization require to run effectively?
    • Which officer(s) will be responsible for event management?
    • Who is responsible for organization finances and SAF-B?
    • Which officer completes the annual DeHub registration?
    • Whose concern is the organization communications (i.e. DeHub and Email)?

  • Officer Election Process

    • When will elections take place (e.g. first week of Spring, end of Fall quarter)?
    • How will the votes be counted (e.g. in person ballot, DeHub poll)?
    • What are the candidate eligibility requirements?
    • Removal: Describe the grounds that may remove an officer and the process to be carried out if such situation arises. How and when can an officer be removed. *As a reminder, this cannot include a violation of the University Code of Student Responsibility as student organizations are not privy to the outcomes of individual student conduct cases.*

  • Membership Requirements

    • What are the qualifications, requirements, rights and duties of membership?
    • Who is eligible for membership?
    • Is there a minimum attendance requirement?
    • Are dues required?

  • Membership Removal

    • Removal: Describe the grounds that may terminate membership and the process to be carried out if such situation arises. How and when can membership be revoked? *As a reminder, this cannot include a violation of the University Code of Student Responsibility as student organizations are not privy to the outcomes of individual student conduct cases.*
    • If an organization does not have a step-by-step process for membership removal in their constitution, they will be required to follow the process outlined below by the Office of Student Involvement.
    • Example Membership Removal Clause
      • Membership in (insert organization name) is contingent upon adherence to the organization's standards of participation, engagement, and conduct. As members of this student organization, individuals are expected to:
        • Maintain good standing with DePaul University, including a cumulative GPA of 2. or higher.
        • Demonstrate an active interest in (insert organization focus/purpose) and contribute to the mission of the organization.
        • Attend at least one meeting per month and/or participate in one event per month.
        • Actively engage in the planning, organization, and execution of projects and events, contributing positively to the success and goals of the organization.
        • Pay dues, if and when required, in a timely manner.
    • Grounds for Removal
      • Membership in (insert student organization) may be revoked under the following circumstances:
        • Failure to Maintain Academic and University Standing: A member who falls below the University’s required academic standard (cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher) will be subject to removal from the organization until they return to good academic standing.
        • Non-Participation: A member who repeatedly fails to attend at least one meeting or event per month without prior approval or valid reason will be subject to removal. Consistent lack of engagement or failure to contribute positively to the organization’s activities may result in revocation of membership.
        • Failure to Fulfill Leadership Responsibilities: Executive board members are held to a higher standard and are expected to fulfill their responsibilities in a timely and professional manner. If an executive board member fails to meet their obligations as outlined in their role description, the President may request that they step down from their position. In cases of continued failure to meet responsibilities, the member may be subject to removal from the organization entirely.
        • Failure to Uphold Organization’s Values: Members are expected to respect and support the mission and values of (insert student organization). Any actions that contradict the mission or create a disruptive environment may result in membership removal. This includes, but is not limited to, actions that harm the reputation of the organization.
    • Process for Removal
      • Written Warning: Before membership is revoked, a member will receive a written warning outlining the specific issues with their participation or behavior, and they will be given an opportunity to correct these issues within a reasonable period (usually no more than 30 days).
      • Meeting with Leadership: If the issue persists, the member will be asked to meet with the President or the Executive Board and Advisor to discuss their membership status and potential actions for resolution.
      • Final Decision: If the member continues to fail to meet the expectations outlined in this clause, a final decision on membership removal will be made by the President, Executive Board, and Advisor with input from the organization’s general members if necessary. The member will be notified in writing of the final decision.

  • Recommendations

    • Meeting Order of Operations
    • Outside Organization Affiliations
    • Anti-Hazing Statement
    • Social Media Guidelines
    • Advisor Expectations/Requirements
    • Organization Specific Events & Campaigns

DOWNLOADABLE COPY OF SAMPLE CONSTITUTION