Working as a group (4-6 people), find an issue that you believe can be addressed by forming a registered student organization
on the Illinois State University campus. Next, visit the URL:
http://www.deanofstudents.ilstu.edu/studentorganizations/list/all/
This URL lists all of the currents RSOs on campus. Make sure that the proposed group does not share the same ideas
and strategies as another organization. The group should then work together to determine:
�� The name of the organization
�� The goals and purpose of the organization
�� Strategies for meeting the organization’s goals
�� How the leadership of the organization be structured
�� The roles, responsibilities, and qualifications for leadership
positions
�� How the organization will obtain the funding that it needs
to achieve its goals
�� How an individual may become a member of the organization
�� How the constitution will be ratified (i.e. how will the
group show that it accepts the constitution?)
Once the group is in agreement on these issues, your group should begin drafting a constitution for your student organization.
A template for an RSO constitution can be found at http://www.deanofstudents.ilstu.edu/studentorganizations/pdfs/sample
constitution.pdf. The leadership structures and procedures that are addressed on this
template are suggestions. It is important that your group addresses the specific needs and goals of this organization
by creating its own unique structure. However, this template is an excellent guide to the types of issues that must be addressed,
and addresses the proper structure of an RSO constitution. The basic guidelines for drafting a constitution may be found at
http://www.deanofstudents.ilstu.edu/studentorganizations/constitution.html
The groups should then prepare a presentation (8-10 minutes) discussing the need for this RSO before introducing the
goals, purpose, leadership, membership, and funding of the organization as stated in the organization’s constitution.
Group members should split the time approximately equally among group members. The goal of this presentation is to persuade
the members of the audience to join this organization.
All group members will be asked to evaluate the contributions of her/his group-mates. Your participation
will be a significant portion of your grade.
How you will be graded (100 points total):
Constitution (50 points)
25 points clarity/25 points creativity &
thoughtfulness
