New policy guidelines have caused many ISU clubs and organizations to start drafting constitutions or risk losing recognition from the university as official organizations.

If the organizations do not write constitutions by fall 2005, they will not be recognized at Iowa State and will not receive the benefits, said Laura Bestler-Wilcox, assistant director of student activities. Groups that are not recognized by Iowa State would not be able to use any of the campus resources, such as meeting rooms in the Memorial Union, available to recognized groups.

“This gives students a great opportunity to solidify why their specific organization exists and also brings some legitimacy to their organization for their resume building and student leadership portfolio,” Bestler-Wilcox said.

Bestler-Wilcox said the Student Activities Center sent out messages through a variety of means, so every organization should be aware of the change.

Additionally, a “Leadership In The Afternoon” meeting is planned to cover organization event planning and help organizations draft a constitution. The meeting is scheduled for 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Maintenance Shop in the Memorial Union.

Matthew Nivarel, vice president of the ISU Halo Club and the Dance Dance Revolution Club, said he thought it was a good idea to require a constitution from all clubs, even though neither of his clubs have one.

“It may be a little inconvenient during the actual drafting process, but after that’s all over, the club has a reference guide for all future officers,” Nivarel said. “A constitution ensures that the club is being run effectively and provides checks and balances for the club officers.”

Nivarel said the Dance Dance Revolution Club has already drafted and approved its constitution, and the ISU Halo Club constitution has just been finished and is waiting for approval.

Ethan Newlin, president of ISU Live Music Club and Daily columnist, said his club did not have a constitution either, but is planning to implement one.

“Drafting a constitution isn’t going to be a problem; it’s just sooner than I originally planned,” Newlin said. “Right now, it’s just a question of learning the format, but it doesn’t sound that hard.”

When the groups submit a constitution, the group has to be approved by a review board. The board, made up of students and staff, determines the recognition level for all student organizations, Bestler-Wilcox said.

“The Student Organization Review Board members will be selected through an application process with an objective consideration for broad representation from all student organizations,” Bestler-Wilcox said. “Representatives will assist in monitoring student organizations on campus, review requests to begin organizations and make recommendations regarding student organizations.”

Newlin said he assumes the constitution requirement and Student Organization Review Board are being implemented because of budget issues and the controversy over Cuffs. Cuffs, a bondage and sadomasochisism club on campus, was reprimanded after it had demonstrated BDSM techniques at one of its meetings.

“It’s a measure to cut down on frivolous clubs and to make sure each club is committed,” Newlin said. “There are two sides to this point: One, the university is embarrassed because of Cuffs, and they want to put their best face forward and cover their tracks. Two, students should have to the right to represent themselves.”

Reid Morris, president of the Sports Club Council, said he thinks student control may be being taken away.

“Implementing the Student Organization Review Board shows that the Student Activities Council has a desire for more control over student organizations. It’s good to make changes and reorganize, but it’s also important to make sure that the restrictions won’t stifle the system.”