Constitution

Credo’s governing documents: our Constitution and Bylaws

As a Christian student society at UTS, Credo is governed by a Constitution and a set of Bylaws, both approved by ActivateUTS. The Constitution sets out how the society is run. The Bylaws add detail on leadership and contain our Doctrinal Basis in the Appendix.

Constitution

Approved by ActivateUTS on 9 September 2026

1 Preamble

1.1 We, the members of Credo (Christ for UTS), in recognition of the importance of community, inclusivity, and student engagement, do hereby establish this Constitution as the guiding framework for our Club.

1.2 Our purpose is to create a welcoming and respectful environment where students at the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) can come together to share interests, build friendships, and develop leadership and professional skills. We are committed to upholding the values of equity, diversity, safety, and respect, and ensuring that all activities of the Club contribute positively to the UTS student experience.

1.3 This Constitution affirms our Club’s not-for-profit nature, dedication to responsible governance, and commitment to working in partnership with ActivateUTS and the wider UTS community. It is established to ensure transparency, accountability, and sustainability, so that present and future members may benefit from the opportunities, connections, and experiences the Club provides.

2 Acknowledgement of Country

2.1 ActivateUTS acknowledges the Gadigal People of the Eora Nation, the Boorooberongal people of the Dharug Nation, the Bidiagal people and the Gamaygal people upon whose ancestral lands our university stands. We would also like to pay respect to the Elders both past and present, acknowledging them as the traditional custodians of knowledge for these lands.

3 Preliminaries

3.1 Name of the Society

• a) The Society shall be named Credo (Christ for UTS), hereafter referred to as “the Society”.
• b) It may also be known as “Credo”, where appropriate.
• c) No other name shall be used or promoted unless specified in this section.

3.2 Affiliation

• a) The Society is affiliated with ActivateUTS and shall operate in accordance with the policies of ActivateUTS and the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
• b) The Society shall seek affiliation/partnership with the Australian Fellowship of Evangelical Students (AFES), subject to prior written approval from ActivateUTS and any conditions imposed as part of that approval.

4 Purpose and Objectives

4.1 The purpose and objectives of the Society are to:

• a) Promote the interests of UTS students in the distinctive, evangelical, interdenominational Christian faith and the gospel of Jesus Christ
  • (i) To uphold the fundamental truths of Christianity as contained in the Bible (contained in Appendix A of the Bylaws).
  • (ii) To present students with the Christian gospel and to invite them to respond to Jesus’ call to personal faith in him as Lord.
  • (iii) To strengthen Christians in their faith and witness and to encourage them to continually submit every aspect of their lives to the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
  • (iv) To present Christians with the challenge of missionary service.

4.2 To provide opportunities for UTS students to engage in activities, events, and programs aligned with the Club’s purpose.

4.3 Foster an inclusive, respectful, and supportive environment for all members.

4.4 Operate on a not-for-profit basis, with all income and assets used solely to further the Club’s objectives.

4.5 Support the mission and objectives of ActivateUTS through Club activities and governance.

5 Definitions

5.1 In this constitution, the following terms, unless otherwise stated, mean:

• a) “ByLaws” refers to the instrument titled the same and any appendices adopted under it.
• b) “Codes of Conduct” refers to ActivateUTS Clubs Code of Conduct and the ActivateUTS Community Code of Conduct.
• c) “Committee” refers to the governing body of Credo, as stated in this constitution.
• d) “Club” or “Society” refers to the abbreviated club name.
• e) “Executives” refers to Executives of the Club which are elected by the members and form part of the “Committee”.
• f) “Member” refers to a member of the Club.
• g) “Staff” refers to a registered staff member of the University of Technology Sydney with a staff identification number.
• h) “Student” or “Students” refers to an enrolled student at the University of Technology Sydney, with a student identification number provided.
• i) “University” refers to the University of Technology Sydney, including UTS College.
• j) Monetary values and valuations are in Australian Currency.

6 Membership

6.1 Eligibility

• a) Membership is open to:
  • (i) All current students of the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).
  • (ii) UTS staff, alumni, and members of the general public, provided that at least 66% of the Club’s total membership comprises current UTS students.
  • (iii) All members must register through ActivateUTS systems to be recognised as valid.
  • (iv) Additional eligibility criteria may be determined by the Executives, subject to ActivateUTS approval and if they are:
    • (a) Reasonable, transparent, and non-discriminatory;
    • (b) Consistent with the Club’s purpose; and
    • (c) Consistent with ActivateUTS and UTS requirements.

6.2 Categories and Fees

• a) Membership categories shall include:
  • (i) UTS students;
  • (ii) UTS staff;
  • (iii) UTS alumni; and
  • (iv) General public.
• b) Annual membership fees shall be:
  • (i) UTS students: $15
  • (ii) UTS staff: $15
  • (iii) UTS alumni and public: $20
• c) Membership expires on 31 December each year.
• d) Renewals are due from 1 January of the following year.
• e) The Committee may adjust fees with ActivateUTS approval, provided minimum thresholds are met.

6.3 Rights and Responsibilities

• a) All members shall have the right to:
  • (i) Attend, speak, and vote at general meetings.
  • (ii) Nominate for and hold Executive positions, subject to eligibility.
  • (iii) Participate in Club activities, programs, and events.
• b) All members shall:
  • (i) Uphold the Constitution, Code of Conduct, and policies of ActivateUTS.
  • (ii) Act respectfully and inclusively toward other members.
  • (iii) Support the Club’s purpose and objectives.

6.4 Termination

• a) Membership may be terminated under the following circumstances:
  • (i) Voluntary resignation submitted in writing to the Secretary or ActivateUTS; or
  • (ii) Breach of the ActivateUTS Student Clubs Code of Conduct or other relevant policies, as determined by ActivateUTS; or
  • (iii) Non-renewal of membership or prolonged inactivity, as determined by the Executive.
• b) Termination does not entitle the member to a refund of fees.

7 Committee & Responsibilities

7.1 Composition

• a) The Club shall be governed by a Committee consisting of:
  • (i) President;
  • (ii) Secretary; and
  • (iii) Treasurer.
• b) Additional roles may be created at the discretion of the Club, including but not limited to:
  • (i) Vice President;
  • (ii) Communications Officer;
  • (iii) Campus Engagement Officer; and
  • (iv) Plus Communities Officer.

7.2 Eligibility

• a) Executives must be current UTS students or staff members.
• b) Executives must be financial members of the Club at the time of nomination.
• c) Executives must support the mission, purpose and objectives of the Society and shall make a declaration prior to election or appointment to a leadership position, as outlined below:
  • (i) “I acknowledge the purpose and objectives of Credo as outlined in the Constitution (clause 4.1(a)) and undertake, in good faith, to perform my duties in a manner that supports and advances those purposes and objectives.”
• d) Failure to act consistently with this commitment may be considered in any review of leadership conduct under applicable governance processes under the guidance of ActivateUTS.

7.3 General Duties

• a) The Committee shall:
  • (i) Convene and attend meetings;
  • (ii) Manage Club finances and operations;
  • (iii) Ensure compliance with ActivateUTS policies and relevant legislation;
  • (iv) Act in good faith as articulated in section 181 of the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth);
  • (v) Have a strong commitment to the Society’s purpose, objectives, and mission;
  • (vi) Model respectful, inclusive and responsible leadership, consistent with the Constitution, ActivateUTS Clubs Code of Conduct and applicable UTS policies. In carrying out their duties, the officer should support the Society’s stated objectives and purpose (clause 4.1(a)); and
  • (vii) Become familiar with the Society’s Constitution, purpose & objectives (clause 4.1(a)) and, where relevant to the performance of the role, any doctrinal materials, including Appendix A to the Bylaws. The Society must provide appropriate induction and access to these materials.

7.4 President’s Duties

• a) The President shall:
  • (i) Oversee and coordinate Society activities;
  • (ii) Ensure duties are delegated appropriately;
  • (iii) Provide strategic leadership and guidance;
  • (iv) Chair all Society meetings when present;
  • (v) Call Committee and Special General Meetings as needed;
  • (vi) Maintain knowledge of the Constitution and ActivateUTS policies.
  • (vii) Represent the Society to external stakeholders;
  • (viii) Prepare and present the President’s Report at the AGM;
  • (ix) Ensure the Treasurer submits a Financial Report at the AGM;
  • (x) Oversee financial record-keeping for re-affiliation;
  • (xi) Support succession planning for future leadership;
  • (xii) Hold signing authority for Society documents;
  • (xiii) Exercise casting vote in the event of a tie;
  • (xiv) Ensure the Society’s teaching is strongly aligned with the doctrinal basis as outlined in Appendix A of the Bylaws;
  • (xv) Provide strategic leadership to the Society and ensure its activities, decisions and communications support the mission, purpose and objectives set out in clause 4.1(a) of the Constitution; and
  • (xvi) Promote a safe, respectful and supportive Committee culture, monitor workload and team functioning, and encourage Committee members to access appropriate support services where needed.

7.5 Vice President

• a) The Duties of the Vice President are to:
  • (i) Assist the President in their Duties;
  • (ii) Act as President in their Absence;
  • (iii) Oversee the internal operation and logistics of the Society;
  • (iv) Be the point of contact from external liaison;
  • (v) Ensure the Image of the Society remains untainted to External Bodies;
  • (vi) Instigate and maintain relationships with other ActivateUTS Societies;
  • (vii) Maintain positive relationship with ActivateUTS;
  • (viii) Relay any relevant information or concerns to the President; and
  • (ix) Attend meeting between External bodies and the Society.

7.6 Secretary’s Duties

• a) The Secretary shall:
  • (i) Record and file minutes of all meetings;
  • (ii) Document event proposals, logistics, and outcomes;
  • (iii) Manage membership records (name, student ID, contact details);
  • (iv) Present a Secretary’s Report at the AGM, including membership count;
  • (v) Approve documents and agreements (with Committee consensus); and
  • (vi) Act as the primary point of contact for member concerns.

7.7 Treasurer’s Duties

• a) The Treasurer shall:
  • (i) Draft the annual budget;
  • (ii) Facilitate financial decisions with the Committee;
  • (iii) Maintain accurate financial records and documentation, upholding honesty and transparency in a manner consistent with the Society’s purpose and values;
  • (iv) Present a current statement of accounts at each Committee meeting.
  • (v) Execute approved financial transactions;
  • (vi) Enforce ethical use of Society funds and assets;
  • (vii) Prepare a Financial Report for the AGM, including profit/loss and balance sheet;
  • (viii) Co-manage the Society’s bank account with the President;
  • (ix) Provide financial documentation upon request by ActivateUTS;
  • (x) Submit the Annual Statement of Accounts and Balance Sheet for re-affiliation; and
  • (xi) Hold primary signing authority for Society finances.

7.8 Communications Officer

• a) The Duties of the Communications Officer are to:
  • (i) Co-ordinate with the Campus Engagement Officer to oversee the marketing of the society’s events and objectives;
  • (ii) Be responsible for the creation of the promotional material for the society;
  • (iii) Coordinate with the relevant stakeholders to identify and develop the best methods of promotion;
  • (iv) Increase the society’s event reach;
  • (v) Develop and implement brand and marketing strategy;
  • (vi) Be aware of and adhere to ActivateUTS and/or UTS brand guidelines and policies;
  • (vii) Oversee the promotion of the Society through resources such as internet materials; and
  • (viii) Be responsible for the creation of digital and print material for the society to ultimately encourage everyone to consider being involved in the Society’s events and activities.

7.9 Campus Engagement Officer

• a) The Duties of the Campus Engagement Officer are to:
  • (i) Co-ordinate with the Communications Officer to oversee the marketing of the society’s events and objectives
  • (ii) Oversee the outreach initiatives, providing leadership, encouragement, and direction to relevant stakeholders consistent with the Society’s purpose and objectives, and missional principles & aim;
  • (iii) Cultivate a culture of prayer that supports the Society’s purpose, objectives, missional principles & aim;
  • (iv) Encourage and equip members to engage the UTS community with the gospel through evangelism and outreach initiatives; and
  • (v) Oversee the Society’s social media, ensuring it supports the Society’s purpose and objectives, and missional principles & aim and engages the wider UTS community.

7.10 Plus Communities Officer

• a) The Duties of the Plus Communities Officer are to:
  • (i) Ensure the Society’s teaching is strongly aligned with the doctrinal basis as outlined in Appendix A of the By-Laws;
  • (ii) Coordinate and help volunteers contribute to the running of events on campus; and
  • (iii) Organise the administration for the promotion, running and operation of events.

7.11 Elections

• a) Elections shall be held at the AGM or a Special General Meeting.
• b) Voting shall be conducted by secret ballot unless otherwise agreed.
• c) Election results must be reported to ActivateUTS within seven days.

7.12 Term

• a) Each Executive shall serve a one-year term.
• b) The term shall begin at the AGM and conclude at the next AGM.
• c) There is an expectation that the Executives will help with club operations until handover is complete or by 31^st of December of that year.
• d) Executives may be re-elected for consecutive terms.

7.13 Vacancies

• a) In the case of a vacancy, the Committee may appoint a temporary replacement to carry out relevant duties until an SGM can be held, with a maximum term of 30 days.
• b) The appointment must be approved by majority vote of the remaining Executives at an official executive meeting.
• c) For mandatory executive positions outlined in clause 7.1(a), a permanent replacement must be elected at an SGM within 30 days of vacancy, following ActivateUTS processes.
• d) If additional executive positions cannot be filled after the 30-day period, they may remain vacant at the discretion of the Committee and be filled at a later point via an SGM.

7.14 Termination

• a) An Executive’s position will be terminated if they cease to be a Student or Staff.
• b) An Executive may resign by following ActivateUTS processes under the ActivateUTS Executive Departures and Removals procedure, and after giving written notice to the President.
• c) ActivateUTS may terminate an Executive’s position for breach of policy or governance failure.

8 Meetings

8.1 The Society shall conduct an Annual General Meeting (AGM) each calendar year, as specified by ActivateUTS. It may also hold Special General Meetings (SGM) and Committee Meetings as required.

8.2 Notice must be given by way of email to all members at least fourteen (14) days in advance for all General Meetings.

8.3 The Annual General Meeting (AGM) is a compulsory meeting held once per year to:

• a) Review of the Society’s activities and performance;
• b) Electing Executives for the upcoming term;
• c) Present annual reports and financial statements; and
• d) Propose and vote on constitutional amendments.

8.4 Special General Meetings (SGM) are convened to address urgent or significant matters, including:

• a) Ad hoc Executive elections;
• b) Constitutional amendments; or
• c) May be called by the Committee or by written request of at least ten (10) financial members.

8.5 Quorum

• a) For a valid general meeting to occur, six (6) financial members of the club must be present to make the proceedings of that meeting valid.
• b) If within half an hour after the appointed time for the commencement of a General Meeting a quorum is not present, the meeting:
  • (i) Is to stand adjourned to the same day in the following week at the same time and at the same place, unless otherwise specified prior to the meeting.
  • (ii) If at the adjourned meeting a quorum is not present within half an hour after the time appointed for the commencement of the meeting, the members present, being at least 3, are to constitute a quorum.

8.6 Voting

• a) Each financial member shall have one (1) vote.
• b) Decisions shall be made by simple majority unless otherwise specified.
• c) The Chair shall hold a casting vote in the event of a tie.

8.7 Proxy

• a) If a financial member is unable to attend a General Meeting, they may provide, at least 4 days prior to the General Meeting, notice to the Secretary of their proxy for that meeting. The proxy nomination is only valid for the proceeding General Meeting, and its effect is extinguished at the conclusion of the General Meeting.

9 Finance

9.1 Banking

• a) The Club shall hold a bank account in its name, as required by ActivateUTS.
• b) All funds must be used solely for the objectives of the Club.

9.2 Expenditure and Authorisation

• a) All payments must be authorised by at least two (2) Executive members, one of whom must be the Treasurer or President.
• b) ActivateUTS may also authorise transactions.
• c) The President and Treasurer shall be the two primary bank signatories.
• d) ActivateUTS shall be the third primary signatory.
• e) Other Executives, being the Vice President and Secretary, shall be secondary signatories, who may co-authorise transactions with a primary signatory.
• f) Two secondary signatories alone may not authorise transactions.

9.3 Trustees and Property

• a) The President and Treasurer shall act as ex officio Trustees of the Club.
• b) Club property shall be vested in the Trustees in trust for the members.
• c) Trustees may execute documents and transactions as directed by the Committee.
• d) The ActivateUTS Clubs Manager may act in place of a Trustee if required.

9.4 Account Management

• a) The Trustees shall open and maintain a Club bank account at a branch approved by ActivateUTS.
• b) Accounts shall be open for inspection by ActivateUTS or any member upon fourteen (14) days’ written notice to the Treasurer.
• c) Monies shall not be drawn except by orders signed by two Trustees or the CEO of ActivateUTS.
• d) All property and income shall be applied solely to the promotion of the Club’s objectives.

10 Constitutional Amendments

10.1 Notice of proposed constitutional amendments must be submitted to ActivateUTS for review via the appropriate approval avenues, prior to calling a general meeting.

10.2 This Constitution may then be amended by a two-thirds majority vote at an AGM or SGM.

10.3 Notice of motion must be submitted to the Secretary at least seven (7) days prior.

10.4 Notice of the proposed amendment must be given to all members.

10.5 Amended constitutions and associated meeting minutes must be submitted to ActivateUTS within 14 days, via the appropriate governance submission avenues.

11 ByLaws

11.1 The ByLaws shall be binding on the club.

11.2 The ByLaws must be kept by the Secretary and made available for viewing by members.

11.3 The ByLaws may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote at an AGM or SGM.

11.4 In the event of an inconsistency between this Constitution and the ByLaws, this Constitution prevails to the extent of the inconsistency.

12 Dissolution

12.1 The Club may be dissolved by a three-quarters majority vote at a General Meeting.

12.2 Notice of intent to dissolve must be given to ActivateUTS and all members at least thirty (30) days in advance.

12.3 Upon dissolution, all funds and property shall be vested in ActivateUTS, which will wind up the Club’s affairs.

12.4 Distribution of Assets

• a) Upon dissolution, all assets and funds must be transferred to ActivateUTS or another non-profit body nominated by ActivateUTS, in consultation with the Committee.

13 Implementation

13.1 This Constitution is the default governing document for any affiliated Club.

13.2 Where a topic is not covered, the Club shall default to the ActivateUTS Ordinary Clubs Model Constitution.

13.3 This Constitution shall take effect upon approval by ActivateUTS.

13.4 The Committee shall review the Constitution annually prior to the AGM.

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Bylaws

Approved by ActivateUTS on 9 September 2026

1 Purpose of these By-Laws

1.1 These By-Laws are adopted under Clause 11 of the Constitution and provide supplementary governance, leadership, and operational arrangements for the Society.

1.2 These By-Laws are binding on all Committee members and recognised leadership position holders of the Society.

1.3 Where any inconsistency exists between the Constitution and these By-Laws, the Constitution shall prevail.

2 Leadership Structure

2.1 The Society may establish leadership positions, ministry teams, portfolios, or service roles in addition to the elected Committee.

2.2 All leadership positions are ordinarily documented within these By-Laws.

2.3 The Society shall maintain a current register of leadership positions.

2.4 Leadership positions may include, but are not limited to:

• a) President;
• b) Vice President;
• c) Secretary;
• d) Treasurer;
• e) Communications Officer;
• f) Campus Engagement Officer; and
• g) Plus Communities Officer.

3 Leadership Eligibility

3.1 All leaders must:

• a) be current financial members of the Society;
• b) remain financial members throughout their term of service;
• c) comply with the Constitution and these By-Laws;
• d) complete all mandatory ActivateUTS training requirements if relevant to their role; and
• e) comply with ActivateUTS Clubs Code of Conduct and the ActivateUTS Community Code of Conduct.

3.2 A leadership position becomes vacant where a leader:

• a) ceases to be a financial member of the Society;
• b) fails to complete mandatory training within a reasonable timeframe directed by the Committee;
• c) resigns from the position; or
• d) is removed in accordance with the Constitution or applicable governance processes.

4 Leadership Commitment Statement

4.1 To support the mission and objectives of the Society, any person seeking election or appointment to a leadership position, as outlined in clause 2.4 of these Bylaws, shall make the following declaration:

• a) “I acknowledge the purpose and objectives of Credo as outlined in the Constitution (clause 4.1(a)) and undertake, in good faith, to perform my duties in a manner that supports and advances those purposes and objectives”.

4.2 This declaration is a commitment to conduct and leadership responsibilities.

4.3 Failure to act consistently with this commitment may be considered in any review of leadership conduct under the Constitution and applicable governance processes.

5 Doctrinal Basis

5.1 The Society must maintain a doctrinal basis or statement of faith as an appendix to these By-Laws.

5.2 Any doctrinal basis may:

• a) be consistent with the Constitution;
• b) not restrict Society membership;
• c) not create additional executive eligibility criteria inconsistent with the Constitution; and
• d) be interpreted consistently with applicable ActivateUTS and UTS policies.

6 Amendment of By-Laws

6.1 Proposed amendments to these By-Laws, including Appendix A, must be submitted to ActivateUTS for review before notice of the proposed amendment is issued to members. Any amendment takes effect only after member adoption and ActivateUTS approval.

6.2 These By-Laws may be amended by a two-thirds majority vote at a General Meeting.

6.3 Any amendment must remain consistent with the Constitution and the requirements of ActivateUTS.

Appendix A: Doctrinal Basis

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