Complex Thoughts
The Role of the President
Each student organization writes its own constitution and bylaws which should outline the basic role of each organization officer. It is solely up to the members of the organization to assign responsibilities to a specific officer. This publication reviews some possible position responsibilities. It is intended to assist you in constitution development and to help you answer the question, “Now I’ve been elected, what am I supposed to do?” Although a student organization’s constitution lists some specific position responsibilities, each officer should have the freedom to personalize his/her office. Individual interest areas and skills often dictate the amount of time an officer spends on a particular responsibility. However, a good officer never forgets what the basic responsibilities are.
SOME POTENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Presides at all meetings of the organization.
- Calls special meetings of the organization.
- Schedules all practices, classes, and other activities of the organization.
- Obtains appropriate facilities for organization activities.
- Prepares and files any report required by UW–EC, Student Organizations Complex, and/or Student Government.
- Appoints committee chairpeople.
- Completes officer roster, Blugold Organizations Bash sign-up, and cubicle sign-up.
- Keeps track of popcorn fundraiser date(s).
- Collects organization’s mail from Student Organizations Complex on a regular basis.
- Attends student organization meetings.
- Represents organization at official functions.
- Maintains contact with organization faculty/staff advisor.
- Maintains contact with organization alumni.
- Maintains contact with affiliated UW–EC department.
- Maintains contact with national organization.
- Maintains contact with Student Organizations Complex.
- Maintains contact with Student Government Commission of Student Organizations.
- Remains fair and impartial during organization decision-making processes.
- Votes in cases where there is a tie.
- Coordinates organization elections.
FURTHER RESOURCES
- Faculty/staff advisor.
- Alumni members of the organization.
- Older members of the organization.
- Roberts Rules of Order.
- Organization constitution and bylaws.
- Organization historical records.
- Student Organizations Advisor.
ADAPTED FROM THUNDAR BOLTS, NORTH DAKOTA STATE UNIVERSITY.
