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Constitutions and by-laws governing West Point classes vary from class to class. Some classes do not have constitutions or by-laws. Some classes have determined a need to change their constitution or by-laws to make them more relevant to the conduct of class business after graduation. The Director, Class Support, will assist classes in writing a constitution and/or by-laws. Copies of all class constitutions and by-laws are being solicited to be held in a master file in the office of the Director, Class Support Program, so that we can provide copies and samples upon request. These constitutions are not endorsed by the AOG, but can provide a source of ideas and/or alternative ways which classes can use to write their documents. |
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The class constitution is a living document that can be changed as circumstances or conditions dictate. There are pros and cons to making it specific. Consideration should be given to a less specific document that allows general flexibility and relies on the good judgment and integrity of the class officers.
Prior to drafting or revising its constitution or by-laws, the class
should determine:
if it wants a general or detailed constitution and by-laws,
if it wants a permanent class headquarters location,
whether to have permanently or periodically elected class officers.
If the class chooses periodically elected officers, consideration should
be given to having the term of office for the first elected officers expire
after the first major (10th) reunion with a new/reelected slate
of officers at each five-year interval thereafter. If the class chooses
to have permanent officers, consideration should be given to having an
executive committee to run the day-to-day business of the class,
whether the governing body needs to be in the same geographical area
or whether effective communication and conduct of class business can be
accomplished by telephone, mail, fax, e-mail, etc.
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