Constitution Day Senator Robert C. Byrd, a West Virginia Democrat and the United States Congress unofficial constitutional scholar, believes that American primary, secondary, and post-secondary students lack significant knowledge regarding the United States Constitution. In December 2004, Senator Byrd offered an amendment that was passed by both the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate in attempt to increase constitutional knowledge. The legislation requires that all educational institutions that receive federal funds implement educational programs relating to the United States Constitution on September 17 of each year. September 17th was selected as the date for celebration due to the fact that on September 17, 1787 the delegates to the Constitutional Convention met for the last time to sign the United States Constitution and presented it to the American public. The United States Department of Education, charged with implementation of this legislative requirement, intentionally left the implementation language vague. With no specific curriculum or interpretation of the United States Constitution provided by The U.S. Department of Education or Senator Byrd, academic institutions are free to provide a wide array of programming for their students. (from the National Student Personnel Administrators Constitution Day Implementation Guide) We encourage all students, faculty and staff to learn more about the Constitution of the United States by participating in the educational programs offered throughout the year in support of Constitution Day. Look for specific information on the Daily Update. Please find the below resources as supplemental to the educational programs offered throughout the year beginning the week of September 14, 2009. Sincerely, Brian J. Bruess, Ph.D. Vice President for Enrollment and Dean of Student Affairs FREE CONSTITUTIONS! Stop in the Office of Student Affairs for your free copy of the United States Constitution! About the Constitution Constitution Q and A Constitution of the United States The Bill of Rights Amendments 11-27 Drafting and Ratification Convention Delegates About the Federalist Papers The Federalist Papers More Background Other Resources Platform for the Common Good National Archives Library of Congress Federal Register - Constitution Day Legislation ConstitutionDay.com myelectiondecision.org Note: Contact the Office of Student Affairs (690.6778) if you have questions about Constitution Day or this web page.