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Constitution & Bylaws

 

Preamble

We the undergraduate students of Union College, in order to promote the well-being of the student body, and in order to exercise the rights, responsibilities, and obligations of the student body as a partner in the role of advancing the goals and ideals of Union College, do hereby establish and ordain this constitution.

 

Article I. Name

The name of this organization shall be the Student Government Association (SGA), which shall consist of all full-time matriculated students at Union College. The representative body of the SGA, known as the Student Forum, shall be elected under the procedure stated in this constitution.

 

Article II. Purpose

The purpose of the SGA is to consider issues and to review, recommend, or formulate policies (as appropriate) in areas primarily or exclusively involving the student body. Such areas shall include, but not be limited to, matters of student affairs, academic affairs, and extracurricular affairs. The association also seeks to provide extended channels of communication, increased areas of cooperation, and a greater acceptance of shared responsibility between the faculty, administration, and student body in matters of general and academic interests.

 

Article III. Membership

All matriculated undergraduate students of Union College are members of the SGA. All matriculated full-time undergraduate students currently paying a student activities fee are voting members of the SGA.

 

Article IV. Elected Representatives

Section 1: The SGA shall be represented by a President, a Vice President for Administration, a Vice President for Finance, a Vice President for Academics, a Vice President of Campus Life, a Vice President for Multicultural Affairs, two Student Trustees, and 12 class representatives. These 20 individuals shall sit and vote on the Student Forum.

Section 2: Provisions for the election of these 20 representatives of the SGA shall be specifically enumerated in the bylaws of the Student Forum and the bylaws of the Elections Board.

Section 3: The President of the SGA shall be elected by all four classes. The President's term of office shall be one year. The President of the SGA shall chair all meetings of the Student Forum and shall serve as an active liaison between the Student Forum and the administration of the College.

Section 4: The Vice President for Administration of the SGA shall be elected by all four classes. The term of office for the Vice President for Administration shall be one year. The Vice President for Administration of the SGA shall assume all the responsibilities of the President in case of the President's absence or removal from office. The principal responsibility of the Vice President for Administration of the SGA shall be the general administration of student activities and organizations, including Student Forum committees.

Section 5: The Vice President for Finance of the SGA shall be elected by all four classes.  The term of office for the Vice President for Finance shall be one year. The principal responsibility of the Vice President for Finance of the SGA shall be the annual budgeting and monthly auditing of student activities and organizations, including Student Forum committees.

Section 6: The Vice President for Academics of the SGA shall be elected by all four classes.  The term of office for the Vice President for Academics shall be one year. The principal responsibility of the Vice President for Academics shall be to serve concurrently as an active member on the Academic Affairs Council (AAC), report to the Student Forum on the activities of the AAC, and serve as an active liaison between the Forum and the AAC.

Section 7: The Vice President of Campus Life shall be elected by all four classes. The term of office for the Vice President of Campus Life shall be one year. The principal responsibility of the Vice President of Campus Life shall be to serve as the chair of the Social Committee, report to the Student Forum on the activities of the Social Committee, and serve as an active liaison between the Forum and the Social Committee.

Section 8: The Vice President for Multicultural Affairs shall be elected by all four classes.  The term of office for the Vice President for Multicultural Affairs shall be one year. The principal responsibilities of the Vice President for Multicultural Affairs shall be to coordinate and represent all multicultural groups and/or individuals who feel they have a multicultural interest or concern. In addition to chairing the Cultural Diversity Forum, the Vice President for Multicultural Affairs will act as a representative to all groups and/or individuals who feel they have a multicultural interest or concern. This representative will hold bi-weekly meetings open to the entire College community to address multicultural interests and concerns.

Section 9: The two student trustees shall be elected by all four classes. Their terms of office shall each be two years. Each year one sophomore shall be elected to serve a two year term. A student trustee is designated the junior year to the Board of Trustees during his/her second year. The two student trustees shall represent the SGA in all functions of the Board of Trustees specified in the bylaws of the Board of Trustees of Union College.

Section 10: Three senior, junior, and sophomore class representatives shall be elected during the spring term to serve a one-year term in office during the following academic year. Of the three representatives from each class, the person receiving the highest number of votes shall be class president, the person receiving the second highest number of votes shall be class vice president, and the person receiving the third highest number of votes shall be the class treasurer. Three freshman representatives shall be elected during the third week of fall term to serve the remainder of the academic year. Of the three representatives from the freshman class, the person receiving the highest number of votes shall be class president, the person receiving the second highest number of votes shall be class vice president, and the person receiving the third highest number of votes shall be class treasurer. Eleven class representatives shall represent their respective classes on the Student Forum; three of the class representatives (one senior, one junior, and one sophomore) shall also represent their respective classes on the Student Affairs Council; three of these class representatives (one senior, one junior, and one sophomore) shall also represent their respective classes on the Student Forum Committee on Committees; and three of these class representatives (one senior, one junior, and one sophomore) shall also represent their respective classes on the Student Forum Finance Committee.

Section 11: All elected representatives of the SGA must be matriculated, full-time, undergraduate students currently paying a student activities fee. All elected representatives of the SGA must remain in residence at Union College during their entire term of office.

Section 12: The terms of office for all elected representatives of the SGA, except student trustees, and freshman representatives, shall begin with the last day of classes spring term during the academic year of their election, and end on the last day of classes spring term of the following academic year. The terms of office for the two freshman representatives shall begin the first Monday following their election and end on the last day of classes of spring term. The terms of office for the two student trustees shall begin following the June meeting of the Board of Trustees of that year, and terminate at the June meeting of the Board of Trustees two years from the year of the election.

Section 13: Any elected representative of the SGA may be removed from office at any time during his/her term of office.

a.   The grounds for removal of any elected representative of the SGA shall be gross neglect or gross misconduct of office.

b.   An elected representative of the SGA shall be impeached (charged of a removable offense) if a valid petition of impeachment is signed by 50 percent of his/her constituency and submitted to the president of the SGA, or if specific articles of impeachment are voted by two-thirds of the total voting membership of the Student Forum. If the president is being impeached then a petition of impeachment should be submitted to the vice president for administration of the SGA. Articles of impeachment may not be voted unless they are included in a written agenda for the meeting at which they are to be voted upon.

c.   The president (or vice president for administration) of the SGA shall submit a valid petition or articles of impeachment to the standing College Subcouncil on Student Conduct. The Student Conduct Subcouncil shall act on a valid petition or articles of impeachment within 10 days.

d.   An elected representative of the SGA shall be removed from his/her office by a majority vote of the total voting membership of the Student Conduct Subcouncil.

Section 14: A vacancy occurring in the office of President of the SGA, Vice President for Administration of the SGA, Vice President for Finance of the SGA, Vice President for Academics of the SGA, Vice President of Campus Life of the SGA, Student Trustee, or class representatives shall be filled by a special election. The President of the SGA shall have the authority to appoint an interim chairman of the Committee on Committees, an interim chairman of the Finance Committee, and an interim representative to the Academic Affairs Council in the event that a vacancy occurs in any of the positions. Should the office of the President become vacant, the Vice President for Administration shall assume all Presidential responsibilities until the special election.

 

Article V. Student Forum

Section 1: The Student Forum shall be the principal governing body of the SGA.

Section 2: The Student Forum shall consist of the following 21 voting members: the President of the SGA, the Vice President for Administration of the SGA (chair of the Committee on Committees); the Vice President for Finance of the SGA (chair of the Finance Committee);the Vice President for Academics (the Academic Affairs Council Representative); the Vice President of Campus Life (chair of the Social Committee); Vice President for Multicultural Affairs; the senior class representative to the Board of Trustees, the junior class representative to the Board of Trustees; three class representatives from each class and two Greek representatives (Presidents of the Interfraternity (IFC) and Panhellenic Councils) who share one vote.

Section 3: Provisions for the selection and removal of the non elected voting member of the Student Forum (Greek representative) shall be specifically enumerated in the bylaws of the Student Forum. The Greek representative shall be jointly determined by the Interfraternity Council and the Panhellenic Council.

Section 4: All legislative power conferred upon the SGA shall be vested in the Student Forum. The legislative function of the Student Forum shall include, but not be limited to:

a.   The recognition and sanctioning of all student activities.

b.   The allocation of all student activities money.

c.   The appointment of all students to College, administrative, faculty, and student committees on which students have appointive membership.

d.   The authority to oversee the policies, operations, and administration of all student committees.

e.   The authority to review all policy recommendations emanating from the Student Affairs Council and the Academic Affairs Council.

Section 5: The Student Forum shall serve as an active communications center for students and other members of the Union College community specifically interested in student affairs.  The Student Forum shall also take the responsibility for the administration of referenda as it is deemed necessary for the elicitation of student sentiment.

Section 6: The president of the SGA shall preside at all meetings of the Student Forum and the vice president for administration of the SGA shall preside in the president's absence. The procedures at all meetings of the Student Forum, unless otherwise specified in this constitution or by the bylaws of the Student Forum, shall be at the discretion of the presiding officer.

Section 7: The Student Forum shall conduct no less than three open meetings during the 10-week academic term. Additional meetings may be called by the president of the SGA or any two members of the Student Forum.

Section 8: A majority of the members currently serving on the Student Forum, plus one, shall constitute a quorum. Proxies shall be eligible to vote. All decisions of the Student Forum, unless otherwise specified in this constitution or the bylaws of the Student Forum, shall be rendered by a simple majority vote.

Section 9: The president of the SGA shall draw up and distribute an agenda throughout the College community sufficiently in advance of each meeting to give members of the community adequate advance notice of the proposals to be discussed and considered. Any member of the College community shall have the right to submit business for meetings of the Student Forum.

Section 10: Voting by members of the Student Forum may only take place at meetings and only on issues specifically proposed and included in the written agenda for the meeting. The only exception is that members of the Student Forum may vote in order to arrive at a sense of the Forum on a particular issue; votes taken to determine a sense of the Forum are in no way binding.

Section 11: The presiding officer at all meetings of the Student Forum shall read aloud two times all motions which are properly made and seconded by members of the Student Forum.  The secretary of the Student Forum shall record all proceedings of the Student Forum and provide copies of all minutes, after they are approved, to all resident advisers, fraternity and sorority presidents, the Dean of Students, the President of the College, and those College newspapers under student management.

 

Article VI. Committees of the Student Forum

Section 1: All committees created by the Student Forum shall be designated as Student Forum committees. The specific purposes, functions, and compositions of all standing Student Forum committees shall be specifically enumerated in the bylaws of the Student Forum. The Student Forum may create, alter, merge, or dissolve all standing Student Forum committees by amending the bylaws of the Student Forum.

Section 2: Any committee created by the Student Forum which is not a standing committee shall be designated as an ad hoc Student Forum committee. All ad hoc Student Forum committees shall be specifically charged by the Student Forum and shall automatically be terminated at the end of the academic year during which they were created.

Section 3: An individual student may not be appointed a member of more than one standing College, faculty, administrative, or Student Forum committee at any particular time. Any student may serve on any ad hoc committee regardless of other commitments to standing committees.

 

Article VII. Student Forum Committee on Committees

Section 1: At the inception of this constitution, the Student Forum shall establish a standing Committee on Committees.

Section 2: The primary responsibilities of the Student Forum Committee on Committees shall be to make all appointment recommendations to the Student Forum for those committees (College, administrative, faculty, and student) on which students have appointive membership; to make recommendations to the Student Forum with respect to the initial recognition and sanctioning, and periodic re-sanctioning of all student clubs and organizations; and to assist the Vice President for Administration of the SGA in his/her responsibility for the general administration of student activities, including student committees.

Section 3: The Student Forum Committee on Committees shall be composed of five student members: the Vice President for Administration of the SGA, who shall chair the committee;  three of the elected class representatives (one senior, one junior, and one sophomore); and one at-large representative recommended by the outgoing Committee on Committees and appointed by the outgoing Student Forum to serve a one-year term.

Section 4: The specific purposes, functions, and guidelines of the Student Forum Committee on Committees shall be enumerated in the bylaws of the Student Forum and the bylaws of the Student Forum Committee on Committees.

 

Article VIII. Student Forum Finance Committee

Section 1: At the inception of this constitution, the Student Forum shall establish a standing Finance Committee.

Section 2: The primary responsibilities of the Student Forum Finance Committee shall be to recommend to the Student Forum an annual SGA budget for the following fiscal year no later than the fifth Friday of spring term; and to assist the Vice President for Finance of the SGA in his/her responsibility for the annual budgeting and monthly auditing of student activities, including student committees.

Section 3: The Student Forum Finance Committee shall be composed of seven student members: the vice president for finance of the SGA, who shall chair the committee; three of the elected class representatives (one senior, one junior, and one sophomore); and three at-large representatives recommended by the Student Committee on Committees and approved by the Student Forum.

Section 4: The specific purposes, functions and guidelines of the Student Forum Finance Committee shall be enumerated in the bylaws of the Student Forum, the bylaws of the Student Forum Finance Committee, and the most recent version of the Union College Student Government Finance Handbook.

 

Article IX. Student Affairs Council

Section 1: At the inception of the governance system of Union College three of the elected class representatives (one senior, one junior, and one sophomore), along with one Greek representative (the President of IFC and Panhellenic alternating each year), and one at-large representative (who is an independent) recommended by the Committee on Committees and appointed by the Student Forum, shall serve on the Student Affairs Council.

Section 2: All five student members on the Student Affairs Council shall be free to express their own views at all times regarding policy recommendations under consideration by the Student Affairs Council.

 

Article X. Student Forum Elections Board

Section 1: At the inception of this constitution, the Student Forum shall establish a standing Elections Committee called the Elections Board.

Section 2: The primary responsibilities of the Student Forum Elections Board shall be to administer referenda, surveys, and Student Forum elections.

Section 3: The Student Forum Elections Board shall be composed of five student members:  the Senior Class and Junior Class Representatives to the Board of Trustees, who shall co-chair the committee; and the three Senior Class Representatives.

Section 4: The guidelines of the Student Forum Elections Board shall be enumerated in the bylaws of the Student Forum and the bylaws of the Elections Board.

 

Article XI. Bylaws of the Student Forum

Section 1: Order of Business

1.   Chair calls meeting to order

2.   Secretary takes attendance and reads minutes

      a.   motion to amend (second)

      b.   motion to accept (second)

3.   Officers' reports

4.   Old Business

5.   Committee reports

6.   New Business

7.   Motion to adjourn (second)

Section 2: Procedures of the Student Forum

1.   Discussion on any one issue will be limited to 5 minutes. The Chair will call discussion closed after five minutes.

2.   After discussion is closed one of two motions may be made by a member:

a. "I move that we extend discussion...(specify time)"

b. "I move that (motion on subject under discussion)"

3.   The Chair may call discussion closed at any time. A simple majority vote of the members can override this decision.

4.   After a motion is seconded and reread, discussion is open for another 5 minutes.

a.   If there is no second, the motion is dead.

b.   An individual may be ruled out of order if his/her remarks are not limited to the question. 

c.   To amend a motion say, "I move to amend the motion by (Substituting, inserting, etc.)..."Amendments need to be seconded, are amendable and debatable and are voted upon before the main motion. An amendment can be considered "friendly" and therefore included in the original motion without a vote if the motion's sponsor agrees to the amendment.

5.   At the end of discussion, debate can be extended, or a vote can be taken. The Chair has discretion as to the type of vote to be used.

a.   Unanimous consent - motion carries if all are in favor.

b.   Voice vote - "aye" - "nay", simple majority carries the motion.

c.   Roll call - each member will be called upon individually and may either vote in the affirmative, negative, or abstain from voting.

d.   Anyone can request a formal count. The Chair votes only in case of a tie. The secretary will count and announce the vote outcome.

6.   A simple majority (50%+1) implies a majority of those members of the Student Forum present at the meeting voting in the affirmative or the negative on the motion, amendment, or motion to table. The members of the Student Forum may "vote" in order to arrive at a sentiment of the Student Forum on a particular issue. Votes taken in order to determine sentiment are in no way binding.

7.   The Student Forum may hold closed sessions at their discretion, but they may not vote on any binding proposals during these sessions.

8.   In the event that a member of the Student Forum is unable to attend a meeting, he/she may send a proxy of his/her own choosing. A proxy may only vote on an issue specified by the absent Forum member.

9.   An elected Forum representative must attend 2/3 of the Forum meetings each term. If attendance requirements are not met, the issue will be brought before the Forum by the President or acting Chair.

10. Representatives' rights:

a.   Move to recess - specify time.

b.   Move to close or extend discussion - specify time.

c.   Move to reconsider a motion if new information not originally considered becomes available.

d.   Move to consider a topic in the future - specify time.

e.   Call for a point of clarification - keep it limited to the factual. If you wish to be so recognized, call out after the speaker is through; you get preference for speaking next.

f.    Point of order - if the rules are not being followed call out "point of order" noting bylaws.

Section 3: Guidelines of the Student Forum Committee on Committees

1.   The Committee on Committees shall establish its own bylaws.

2.   PURPOSE

The purpose of the Student Forum Committee on Committees (hereafter referred to as the "CoC") shall be to oversee the constitutional and administrative aspects of all student activities groups and student-college committees.

3.   RESPONSIBILITIES

a.   To approve all student activity group constitutions.

b.   To approve all changes in a group's constitution.

c.   To determine the criteria for student activity group recognition.

d.   To determine the criteria for student activity group funding.

e.   To recommend to the Student Forum Finance Committee to freeze the budget of any group which is in violation of the CoC's bylaws or is on "CoC Conditional Status."

f.    To recommend to the Student Forum that a group's student activity group recognition and funding be revoked.

g.   To recommend to the Student Forum whether or not a new group should be officially recognized by the Student Forum.

h.   To recommend to the Student Forum whether or not a new group should be recognized by the Student Forum with funding.

i.    To select all student members of student-college and student-faculty committees.

j.    To determine which students shall be dismissed from their appointed positions and the consequences of such a dismissal.

4.   PROCEDURES

As a general policy, the highest scoring applicants will receive CoC recommendation. A majority vote of the CoC is required for each recommendation. Selection for committee positions will then be based upon information contained within the application. If voted upon by the CoC (see Section IV, Clause 3), character references from relevant committee heads or administrators will be solicited. The top applicants for Chairman of Student Forum Committees (which are appointed by the CoC) must be interviewed. Since the Conduct Committee, Finance Committee, Mentor Committee, Academic Affairs Council, and Student Affairs Council are discussion intense positions, group interviews will be mandatory.

Section 4. Guidelines of the Student Forum Finance Committee.

1.   The Finance Committee shall establish its own bylaws.

2.   PURPOSE

The purpose of the Student Forum Finance Committee (hereafter referred to as the Finance Committee) shall be to oversee the financial aspects of the student activities fee, the student activities budget, and all student activities groups.

3.   RESPONSIBILITIES

a.   To recommend to the Student Forum the annual Student Activities budget.

b.   To recommend to the Student Forum all supplementary funding requests made by any funded student activity.

c.   To recommend to the Student Forum funding levels for all new student activities.

d.   To set policy concerning the allocation, distribution and control of the Student Activities budget.

e.   To control the distribution of the Student Activities budget.

f.    To recommend to the Student Forum needed increases in the Student Activities fee.

g.   To recommend to the Student Forum to freeze the budget of any group which is in violation of the rules or guidelines set forth by the most recent version of the Union College Student Government Finance Handbook.

h.   To recommend to the Student Forum that a group's student activity group recognition and funding be revoked.

4.   PROCEDURES

The procedures of the Finance Committee shall be established in the bylaws of the Student Forum Finance Committee and the most recent version of the Union College Student Government Finance Handbook.

Section 5. Guidelines of the Student Forum Elections Board

1.   The Student Forum Elections Board shall establish its own bylaws.

2.   PURPOSE

The purpose and authority of the Elections Board shall be to administer all elections, referenda and surveys conducted under the authority and guidance of the Student Forum. All elections of the Student Government Association of Union College must be supervised by the Elections Board in accordance with these rules and guidelines in order to be considered valid.

3.   RESPONSIBILITIES

a.   To administer any referendum at the request of the Student Forum.

b.   To administer Student Forum elections.

c.   To administer Student Forum run-off elections when necessary.

d.   To determine, the specific date(s), time(s), place(s), and method of balloting.

e.   To adequately publicize elections and/or referenda.

f.    To print and distribute all ballots and surveys as worded by the Student Forum.

g.   To notify the President of the SGA of the results of any referendum prior to making the results public.

h.   In all elections the Elections Board shall:

1.   Notify all candidates and the President of the SGA of the election results prior to making the results pubic.

2.   Determine eligibility for candidacy.

3.   Determine petition requirements and procedures.

4.   Determine voting procedures.

5.   Determine the necessary percentages in order for a winner to be declared.

6.   Act on any alleged impropriety.

4.   PROCEDUES

The procedures of the Election Board shall be established in the bylaws of the Student Forum Elections Board.

Section 6. Student Forum Standing Committees

1. The following committees shall be the Student Forum Standing Committees:

a.   Concert Committee

b.   Film Committee

c.   Social Committee

d.   Speakers Forum

e.   Student Traffic Appeals Committee

2. The Student Concert Committee

a.   The purpose of the Student Concert Committee shall be to provide musical entertainment for the College community in addition to, and in coordination with, that provided by the Social Committee and Cabaret.

b.   Appointments and dismissals shall be made according to the procedures outlined in Article XI, SECTION 6

3. The Student Film Committee

a.   The purpose of the Student Film Committee shall be to provide popular film entertainment for the College community on a regular basis.  Appointments and dismissals shall be made according to the procedures outlined in Article XI, SECTION 6

4. The Student Social Committee

a.   The purpose of the Student Social Committee shall be to provide student-sponsored social activities and entertainment for the College community, in addition to and in conjunction with that provided by College fraternities and sororities, residence halls, student clubs and activities, the Concert and Film Committees, and other groups sponsoring social events.

b.   Appointments and dismissals shall be made according to the procedures outlined in Article XI, SECTION 6

5. The Speakers Forum

a.   The purpose of the Speakers Forum shall be to bring to the Union College campus individuals who have established their expertise and importance in their respective fields for lectures and discussions on topics of significance and interest to the student body.

b.   Appointments and dismissals shall be made according to the procedures outlined in Article XI, SECTION 6

6. Committee Membership Guidelines

a.   Appointment procedure for the Concert Committee, Film Committee, Social Committee, and Speakers Forum.

1.   The Executive Board - The Committee on Committees (CoC) shall, each spring, appoint according to its normal selection procedures, as outlined in the bylaws of the CoC, two chairpersons to each committee. Subsequently, the CoC, in conjunction with and with the aid of the newly selected chairpersons, shall appoint three additional members who shall be titled "members of the board" of the given committee. The two chairpersons and the three board members shall constitute the "Executive Board" of the committee, Members of the Executive Board are herein also termed "official members."

2.   Other Official Membership - During the fourth or fifth week of the first term of the Executive Board's tenure (fall term following appointment) a selection committee, which shall include the Executive Board and two members of the CoC, designated by the CoC, shall convene to select six other "official members" of the committee. The procedures to be followed, including method of application, shall be determined by a simple majority of the selection committee. The only restrictions upon this process shall be that applications must be open to any interested individual (who does not simultaneously hold another CoC appointed committee position) and that the selection process shall be equitably and fairly conducted. The CoC may, at its own discretion, intervene to assure the equity and fairness of the process.

b. Responsibilities of Committee Members

1.   The two chairpersons of each committee shall be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the committee, which shall include but not be limited to, conceiving, planning and executing events, managing funds, and establishing and maintaining membership (now-appointed).  Chairpersons should delegate responsibilities to the board and other official members in such a manner so as to acquaint them with all aspects of the committee and to prepare them for future leadership positions within the committee.

2.   The three board members shall be responsible for assisting the chairpersons in conducting all committee business and for delegating responsibilities to official and unofficial members.

3.   Official members shall be responsible for carrying out all committee operations as guided and assisted by the Executive Board.

4.   Meetings shall be held on a regular basis, and all official members shall be responsible for consistent attendance.

5.   The Executive Board may, from time to time, appoint ad hoc committee members to assist in the operation of committee business and should aim to establish and maintain a continuous and active un-appointed membership.

c. Dismissal of Members

1.   Grounds - Members may be brought up for dismissal for: repeated absences from meetings and committee events; failing to take on responsibilities or completing those assigned; incompetence in the execution of committee affairs; other actions or inaction that indicates lack of ability to adequately serve on the committee or lack of commitment and/or dedication.

2.   Procedure - Any official member may bring up any other official member, chairpersons and board members included, for dismissal by asking a chairperson to call a meeting for that purpose. The Executive Board (excluding any members up for dismissal) and two CoC members, designated by the CoC, shall meet to decide if dismissal is advisable. A simple majority vote of this group is sufficient for dismissal.

3.   Consequences - Any member dismissed through this procedure shall have any record of his position on the committee erased, and will be barred from applying for any position on a CoC appointed committee in the following year.

4.   Filling Vacancies - In the event of any vacancy caused by dismissal, such vacancies shall be filled as soon as possible through the procedures normally followed for filling the given position.

7. Student Traffic Appeals Committee

a.   The Student Traffic Appeals Committee hears all appeals of traffic violations.

b.   The CoC shall appoint four student members annually to the Student Traffic Appeals Committee according to the guidelines set forth in the bylaws of the CoC.

c.       Members of the Student Traffic Appeals Committee may be dismissed for failure to perform required responsibilities and for failure to regularly attend meetings. A member may be dismissed by a simple majority vote of the other members of the committee. The vacancy may or may not be filled at the discretion of the CoC. Consequences of dismissal are to be as outlined in Article XI, Section 6.C.3 above.

 

Article XII. Provisions and Procedures Not Specifically Enumerated in this Constitution or the Bylaws of the Student Forum

Section 1. Amendments to this constitution may be proposed in one of the following ways:

a.   A petition signed by 10 percent of the voting membership of the SGA may be presented to the president of the SGA.

b.   Two-thirds of the total voting membership of the Student Forum may vote to propose an amendment.

Section 2. Proposed amendments to this constitution shall be adopted in one of the following ways:

a.   In a formal referendum, in which 25 percent of the voting membership of the SGA must participate, two-thirds of the total number of votes cast must favor adoption of the amendment.

b.   A simple majority of the total membership of the Student Forum must vote in favor of another petition signed by 50 percent of the voting membership of the SGA.

c.   Two-thirds of those voting members of the SGA must vote in favor of adopting a proposed amendment. A quorum for such a town meeting of the SGA shall be 10 percent of the voting membership of the SGA. The president of the SGA shall preside at such a town meeting and the secretary of the Student Forum shall record the proceedings.

 

Article XIII. Ratification

This constitution shall be ratified following an affirmative vote by two-thirds of the total voting membership of the Student Forum (as defined by the bylaws of the Student Forum) and an affirmative vote by two-thirds of the total number of votes cast in a referendum in which 50 percent of the student body shall have participated (as defined by the constitution of the student body).

 

Article XIV. Effective Date and Transition

The constitution shall take effect, following ratification, on September 29, 1995. The outgoing Student Forum shall make provisions for a smooth and effective transition. The two junior class representatives and the junior class representative to the Board of Trustees shall continue to serve out their two-year terms respectively, as senior class representatives and the senior class representative to the Board of Trustees.

Article V. Student Forum

Section 1: The Student Forum shall be the principal governing body of the SGA.
Section 2: The Student Forum shall consist of the following 23 voting members: the President of the SGA, the Vice President for Administration of the SGA (chair of the Committee on Committees); the Vice President for Finance of the SGA (chair of the Finance Committee); the Vice President for Academics (the Academic Affairs Council Representative); the Vice President of Campus Life (chair of the Social Committee); Vice President for Multicultural Affairs; the senior class representative to the Board of Trustees, the junior class representative to the Board of Trustees; three class representatives from each class and two Greek representatives (Presidents of the Interfraternity (IFC) and Panhellenic Councils) who equally share one vote.
Section 3: Provisions for the selection and removal of the non elected voting members of the Student Forum (Greek and Theme House Consortium representatives) shall be specifically enumerated in the bylaws of the Student Forum. The Greek and Theme House representatives shall each be chosen by the organizations which they represent.
Section 4: All legislative power conferred upon the SGA shall be vested in the Student Forum. The legislative function of the Student Forum shall include, but not be limited to:
a. The recognition and sanctioning of all student activities.
b. The allocation of all student activities money.
c. The appointment of all students to College, administrative, faculty, and student committees on which students have appointive membership.
d. The authority to oversee the policies, operations, and administration of all student committees.
e. The authority to review all policy recommendations emanating from the Student Affairs Council and the Academic Affairs Council.
Section 5: The Student Forum shall serve as an active communications center for students and other members of the Union College community specifically interested in student affairs. The Student Forum shall also take the responsibility for the administration of referenda as it is deemed necessary for the elicitation of student sentiment.
Section 6: The president of the SGA shall preside at all meetings of the Student Forum and the vice president for administration of the SGA shall preside in the president's absence. The procedures at all meetings of the Student Forum, unless otherwise specified in this constitution or by the bylaws of the Student Forum, shall be at the discretion of the presiding officer.
Section 7: The Student Forum shall conduct no less than three open meetings during the 10-week academic term. Additional meetings may be called by the president of the SGA or any two members of the Student Forum.
Section 8: A majority of the members currently serving on the Student Forum, plus one, shall constitute a quorum. Proxies shall be eligible to vote. All decisions of the Student Forum, unless otherwise specified in this constitution or the bylaws of the Student Forum, shall be rendered by a simple majority vote.
Section 9: The president of the SGA shall draw up and distribute an agenda throughout the College community sufficiently in advance of each meeting to give members of the community adequate advance notice of the proposals to be discussed and considered. Any member of the College community shall have the right to submit business for meetings of the Student Forum.
Section 10: Voting by members of the Student Forum may only take place at meetings and only on issues specifically proposed and included in the written agenda for the meeting. The only exception is that members of the Student Forum may vote in order to arrive at a sense of the Forum on a particular issue; votes taken to determine a sense of the Forum are in no way binding.
Section 11: The presiding officer at all meetings of the Student Forum shall read aloud two times all motions which are properly made and seconded by members of the Student Forum. The secretary of the Student Forum shall record all proceedings of the Student Forum and provide copies of all minutes, after they are approved, to all resident advisers, fraternity and sorority presidents, the Dean of Students, the President of the College, and those College newspapers under student management.

Article VI. Committees of the Student Forum

Section 1: All committees created by the Student Forum shall be designated as Student Forum committees. The specific purposes, functions, and compositions of all standing Student Forum committees shall be specifically enumerated in the bylaws of the Student Forum. The Student Forum may create, alter, merge, or dissolve all standing Student Forum committees by amending the bylaws of the Student Forum.
Section 2: Any committee created by the Student Forum which is not a standing committee shall be designated as an ad hoc Student Forum committee. All ad hoc Student Forum committees shall be specifically charged by the Student Forum and shall automatically be terminated at the end of the academic year during which they were created.
Section 3: An individual student may not be appointed a member of more than one standing College, faculty, administrative, or Student Forum committee at any particular time. Any student may serve on any ad hoc committee regardless of other commitments to standing committees.

Article VII. Student Forum Committee on Committees

Section 1: At the inception of this constitution, the Student Forum shall establish a standing Committee on Committees.
Section 2: The primary responsibilities of the Student Forum Committee on Committees shall be to make all appointment recommendations to the Student Forum for those committees (College, administrative, faculty, and student) on which students have appointive membership; to make recommendations to the Student Forum with respect to the initial recognition and sanctioning, and periodic resanctioning of all student clubs and organizations; and to assist the Vice President for Administration of the SGA in his/her responsibility for the general administration of student activities, including student committees.
Section 3: The Student Forum Committee on Committees shall be composed of five student members: the Vice President for Administration of the SGA, who shall chair the committee; three of the elected class representatives (one senior, one junior, and one sophomore); and one at-large representative recommended by the outgoing Committee on Committees and appointed by the outgoing Student Forum to serve a one-year term.
Section 4: The specific purposes, functions, and guidelines of the Student Forum Committee on Committees shall be enumerated in the bylaws of the Student Forum and the bylaws of the Student Forum Committee on Committees.

Article VIII. Student Forum Finance Committee
Section 1: At the inception of this constitution, the Student Forum shall establish a standing Finance Committee.
Section 2: The primary responsibilities of the Student Forum Finance Committee shall be to recommend to the Student Forum an annual SGA budget for the following fiscal year between fifth and eighth Friday of spring term; and to assist the Vice President for Finance of the SGA in his/her responsibility for the annual budgeting and monthly auditing of student activities, including student committees.
Section 3: The Student Forum Finance Committee shall be composed of seven student members: the vice president for finance of the SGA, who shall chair the committee; three of the elected class representatives (one senior, one junior, and one sophomore); and three at-large representatives recommended by the Student Committee on Committees and approved by the Student Forum.
Section 4: The specific purposes, functions and guidelines of the Student Forum Finance Committee shall be enumerated in the bylaws of the Student Forum, the bylaws of the Student Forum Finance Committee, and the most recent version of the Union College Student Government Finance Handbook.

Article IX. Student Affairs Council

Section 1: At the inception of the governance system of Union College three of the elected class representatives (one senior, one junior, and one sophomore), along with one Greek representative (the President of IFC and Panhellenic alternating each year), and one at-large representative (who is an independent) recommended by the Committee on Committees and appointed by the Student Forum, shall serve on the Student Affairs Council.
Section 2: All five student members on the Student Affairs Council shall be free to express their own views at all times regarding policy recommendations under consideration by the Student Affairs Council.

Article X. Student Forum Elections Board
Section 1: At the inception of this constitution, the Student Forum shall establish a standing Elections Committee called the Elections Board.
Section 2: The primary responsibilities of the Student Forum Elections Board shall be to administer referenda, surveys, and Student Forum elections.
Section 3: The Student Forum Elections Board shall be composed of five student members: the Senior Class and Junior Class Representatives to the Board of Trustees, who shall co-chair the committee; and the three Senior Class Representatives.
Section 4: The guidelines of the Student Forum Elections Board shall be enumerated in the bylaws of the Student Forum and the bylaws of the Elections Board.

Article XI. Bylaws of the Student Forum
Section 1: Order of Business
1. Chair calls meeting to order
2. Secretary takes attendance and reads minutes
a. motion to amend (second)
b. motion to accept (second)
3. Officers' reports
4. Old Business
5. Committee reports
6. New Business
7. Motion to adjourn (second)


Section 2: Procedures of the Student Forum
1. Discussion on any one issue will be limited to 5 minutes. The Chair will call discussion closed after five minutes.
2. After discussion is closed one of two motions may be made by a member:
a. "I move that we extend discussion...(specify time)"
b. "I move that (motion on subject under discussion)"
3. The Chair may call discussion closed at any time. A simple majority vote of the members can override this decision.
4. After a motion is seconded and reread, discussion is open for another 5 minutes.
a. If there is no second, the motion is dead.
b. An individual may be ruled out of order if his/her remarks are not limited to the question.
c. To amend a motion say, "I move to amend the motion by (Substituting, inserting, etc.)..." Amendments need to be seconded, are amendable and debatable and are voted upon before the main motion. An amendment can be considered "friendly" and therefore included in the original motion without a vote if the motion's sponsor agrees to the amendment.
5. At the end of discussion, debate can be extended, or a vote can be taken. The Chair has discretion as to the type of vote to be used.
a. Unanimous consent - motion carries if all are in favor.
b. Voice vote - "aye" - "nay", simple majority carries the motion.
c. Roll call - each member will be called upon individually and may either vote in the affirmative, negative, or abstain from voting.
d. Anyone can request a formal count. The Chair votes only in case of a tie. The secretary will count and announce the vote outcome.
6. A simple majority (50%+1) implies a majority of those members of the Student Forum present at the meeting voting in the affirmative or the negative on the motion, amendment, or motion to table. The members of the Student Forum may "vote" in order to arrive at a sentiment of the Student Forum on a particular issue. Votes taken in order to determine sentiment are in no way binding.
7. The Student Forum may hold closed sessions at their discretion, but they may not vote on any binding proposals during these sessions.
8. In the event that a member of the Student Forum is unable to attend a meeting, he/she may send a proxy of his/her own choosing. A proxy may only vote on an issue specified by the absent Forum member.
9.An elected Forum representative must attend 2/3 of the Forum meetings each term. If attendance requirements are not met, the issue will be brought before the Forum by the President or acting Chair.
10. Representatives' rights:
a. Move to recess - specify time.
b. Move to close or extend discussion - specify time.
c. Move to reconsider a motion if new information not originally considered becomes available.
d. Move to consider a topic in the future - specify time.
e. Call for a point of clarification - keep it limited to the factual. If you wish to be so recognized, call out after the speaker is through; you get preference for speaking next.
f. Point of order - if the rules are not being followed call out "point of order" noting bylaws.


Section 3: Guidelines of the Student Forum Committee on Committees
1. The Committee on Committees shall establish its own bylaws.
2. PURPOSE
The purpose of the Student Forum Committee on Committees (hereafter referred to as the "CoC") shall be to oversee the constitutional and administrative aspects of all student activities groups and student-college committees.
3. RESPONSIBILITIES
a. To approve all student activity group constitutions.
b. To approve all changes in a group's constitution.
c. To determine the criteria for student activity group recognition.
d. To determine the criteria for student activity group funding.
e. To recommend to the Student Forum Finance Committee to freeze the budget of any group which is in violation of the CoC's bylaws or is on "CoC Conditional Status."
f. To recommend to the Student Forum that a group's student activity group recognition and funding be revoked.
g. To recommend to the Student Forum whether or not a new group should be officially recognized by the Student Forum.
h. To recommend to the Student Forum whether or not a new group should be recognized by the Student Forum with funding.
i. To select all student members of student-college and student-faculty committees.
j. To determine which students shall be dismissed from their appointed positions and the consequences of such a dismissal.
4. PROCEDURES
As a general policy, the highest scoring applicants will receive CoC recommendation. A majority vote of the CoC is required for each recommendation. Selection for committee positions will then be based upon information contained within the application. If voted upon by the CoC (see Section IV, Clause 3), character references from relevant committee heads or administrators will be solicited. The top applicants for Chairman of Student Forum Committees (which are appointed by the CoC) must be interviewed. Since the Conduct Committee, Finance Committee, Mentor Committee, Academic Affairs Council, and Student Affairs Council are discussion intense positions, group interviews will be mandatory.


Section 4. Guidelines of the Student Forum Finance Committee.
1. The Finance Committee shall establish its own bylaws.
2. PURPOSE
The purpose of the Student Forum Finance Committee (hereafter referred to as the Finance Committee) shall be to oversee the financial aspects of the student activities fee, the student activities budget, and all student activities groups.
3. RESPONSIBILITIES
a. To recommend to the Student Forum the annual Student Activities budget.
b. To recommend to the Student Forum all supplementary funding requests made by any funded student activity.
c. To recommend to the Student Forum funding levels for all new student activities.
d. To set policy concerning the allocation, distribution and control of the Student Activities budget.
e. To control the distribution of the Student Activities budget.
f. To recommend to the Student Forum needed increases in the Student Activities fee.
g. To recommend to the Student Forum to freeze the budget of any group which is in violation of the rules or guidelines set forth by the most recent version of the Union College Student Government Finance Handbook.
h. To recommend to the Student Forum that a group's student activity group recognition and funding be revoked.
4. PROCEDURES
The procedures of the Finance Committee shall be established in the bylaws of the Student Forum Finance Committee and the most recent version of the Union College Student Government Finance Handbook.


Section 5. Guidelines of the Student Forum Elections Board
1. The Student Forum Elections Board shall establish its own bylaws.
2. PURPOSE
The purpose and authority of the Elections Board shall be to administer all elections, referenda and surveys conducted under the authority and guidance of the Student Forum. All elections of the Student Government Association of Union College must be supervised by the Elections Board in accordance with these rules and guidelines in order to be considered valid.
3. RESPONSIBILITIES
a. To administer any referendum at the request of the Student Forum.
b. To administer Student Forum elections.
c. To administer Student Forum run-off elections when necessary.
d. To determine, the specific date(s), time(s), place(s), and method of balloting.
e. To adequately publicize elections and/or referenda.
f. To print and distribute all ballots and surveys as worded by the Student Forum.
g. To notify the President of the SGA of the results of any referndum prior to making the results public.
h. In all elections the Elections Board shall:
1. Notify all candidates and the President of the SGA of the election results prior to making the results pubic.
2. Determine eligibility for candidacy.
3. Determine petition requirements and procedures.
4. Determine voting procedures.
5. Determine the necessary percentages in order for a winner to be declared.
6. Act on any alleged impropriety.
4. PROCEDUES
The procedures of the Election Board shall be established in the bylaws of the Student Forum Elections Board.


Section 6. Student Forum Standing Committees
1. The following committees shall be the Student Forum Standing Committees:
a. Concert Committee
b. Film Committee
c. Social Committee
d. Speakers Forum
e. Student Traffic Appeals Committee

2. The Student Concert Committee
a. The purpose of the Student Concert Committee shall be to provide musical entertainment for the College community in addition to, and in coordination with, that provided by the Social Committee and Cabaret.
b. Appointments and dismissals shall be made according to the procedures outlined in Article XI, SECTION 6

3. The Student Film Committee
a. The purpose of the Student Film Committee shall be to provide popular film entertainment for the College community on a regular basis.
b. Appointments and dismissals shall be made according to the procedures outlined in Article XI, SECTION 6

4. The Student Social Committee
a. The purpose of the Student Social Committee shall be to provide student-sponsored social activities and entertainment for the College community, in addition to and in conjunction with that provided by other student organizations and places of residence.
b. Appointments and dismissals shall be made according to the procedures outlined in Article XI, SECTION 6

5. The Speakers Forum
a. The purpose of the Speakers Forum shall be to bring to the Union College campus individuals who have established their expertise and importance in their respective fields for lectures and discussions on topics of significance and interest to the student body.
b. Appointments and dismissals shall be made according to the procedures outlined in Article XI, SECTION 6

6. Committee Membership Guidelines
a. Appointment procedure for the Concert Committee, Film Committee, and Speakers Forum.
1. The Executive Board - The Committee on Committees (CoC) shall, each spring, appoint according to its normal selection procedures, as outlined in the bylaws of the CoC, two chairpersons to each committee. Subsequently, the CoC, in conjunction with and with the aid of the newly selected chairpersons, shall appoint three additional members who shall be titled "members of the board" of the given committee. The two chairpersons and the three board members shall constitute the "Executive Board" of the committee, Members of the Executive Board are herein also termed "official members."
2. Other Official Membership - During the fourth or fifth week of the first term of the Executive Board's tenure (fall term following appointment) a selection committee, which shall include the Executive Board and two members of the CoC, designated by the CoC, shall convene to select six other "official members" of the committee. The procedures to be followed, including method of application, shall be determined by a simple majority of the selection committee. The only restrictions upon this process shall be that applications must be open to any interested individual (who does not simultaneously hold another CoC appointed committee position) and that the selection process shall be equitably and fairly conducted. The CoC may, at its own discretion, intervene to assure the equity and fairness of the process.
b. Responsibilities of Committee Members
1. The two chairpersons of each committee shall be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the commitee, which shall include but not be limited to, conceiving, planning and executing events, managing funds, and establishing and maintaining membership (now-appointed). Chairpersons should delegate responsibilities to the board and other official members in such a manner so as to acquaint them with all aspects of the committee and to prepare them for future leadership positions within the committee.
2. The three board members shall be responsible for assisting the chairpersons in conducting all committee business and for delegating responsiblities to official and unofficial members.
3. Official members shall be responsible for carrying out all committee operations as guided and assisted by the Executive Board.
4. Meetings shall be held on a regular basis, and all official members shall be responsible for consistent attendance.
5. The Executive Board may, from time to time, appoint ad hoc committee members to assist in the operation of committee business and should aim to establish and maintain a continuous and active unappointed membership.
c. Appointment Procedure for Social Committee
1. The Executive Board - The Executive Board of the Social Committee shall be chaired by the Vice President of Campus Life. The Executive Board shall consist of 6 Program Assistants (PA) and 3 students appointed by the CoC according to its normal selection procedures as outlined in the Bylaws of the CoC.
2. Other Members - The Social Committee shall be open to all full-time undergraduate students, currently paying a student activities fee.
d. Responsibilities of Social Committee Members
1. The Chair of the committee shall be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the committee, which shall include but not be limited to: conceiving, planning, and executing events, managing funds, and establishing and maintaining membership (non-appointed). The Chair should delegate responsibilities to the board and other official members in such a manner so as to acquaint them with all aspects of the committee and to prepare them for future leadership positions within the committee.
2. The six PA Executive Board members shall be responsible for assisting the chair in conducting all committee business, and for executing all of the events voted upon by the Social Committee. This includes: concieving, planning, set-up and clean up for all events.
3. The three appointed students shall be responsible for conceiving ideas and representing the student body in choosing campus events.
4. Meetings shall be held on a regular basis, and all official members shall be responsible for consistent attendance.
5. The Executive Board may, from time to time, appoint ad hoc committee members to assist in the operation of committee business and should aim to establish and maintain a continuous and active unappointed membership.
e. Dismissal of Members
1. Grounds - Members may be brought up for dismissal for: repeated absences from meetings and committee events; failing to take on responsibilities or completing those assigned; incompetence in the execution of committee affairs; other actions or inaction that indicates lack of ability to adequately serve on the committee or lack of commitment and/or dedication.
2. Procedure - Any official member may bring up any other official member, chairpersons and board members included, for dismissal by asking a chairperson to call a meeting for that purpose. The Executive Board (excluding any members up for dismissal) and two CoC members, designated by the CoC, shall meet to decide if dismissal is advisable. A simple majority vote of this group is sufficient for dismissal.
3. Consequences - Any member dismissed through this procedure shall have any record of his position on the committee erased, and will be barred from applying for any position on a CoC appointed committee in the following year.
4. Filling Vacancies - In the event of any vacancy caused by dismissal, such vacancies shall be filled as soon as possible through the procedures normally followed for filling the given position.

7. Student Traffic Appeals Committee
a. The Student Traffic Appeals Committee hears all appeals of traffic violations.
b. The CoC shall appoint four student members annually to the Student Traffic Appeals Committee according to the guidelines set forth in the bylaws of the CoC.
c. Members of the Student Traffic Appeals Committee may be dismissed for failure to perform required responsibilities and for failure to regularly attend meetings. A member may be dismissed by a simple majority vote of the other members of the committee. The vacancy may or may not be filled at the discretion of the CoC. Consequences of dismissal are to be as outlined in Article XI, Section 6.C.3 above.


Article XII. Provisions and Procedures Not Specifically Enumerated in this Consitution or the Bylaws of the Student Forum
Section 1. Amendments to this constitution may be proposed in one of the following ways:
a. A petition signed by 10 percent of the voting membership of the SGA may be presented to the president of the SGA.
b. Two-thirds of the total voting membership of the Student Forum may vote to propose an amendment.
Section 2. Proposed amendments to this constitution shall be adopted in one of the following ways:
a. In a formal referendum, in which 25 percent of the voting membership of the SGA must participate, two-thirds of the total number of votes cast must favor adoption of the amendment.
b. A simple majority of the total membership of the Student Forum must vote in favor of another petition signed by 50 percent of the voting membership of the SGA.
c. Two-thirds of those voting members of the SGA must vote in favor of adopting a proposed amendment. A quorum for such a town meeting of the SGA shall be 10 percent of the voting membership of the SGA. The president of the SGA shall preside at such a town meeting and the secretary of the Student Forum shall record the proceedings.

Article XIII. Ratification
This constitution shall be ratified following an affirmative vote by two-thirds of the total voting membership of the Student Forum (as defined by the bylaws of the Student Forum) and an affirmative vote by two-thirds of the total number of votes cast in a referendum in which 50 percent of the student body shall have participated (as defined by the constitution of the student body).

Article XIV. Effective Date and Transition
The constitution shall take effect, following ratification, on September 29, 1995. The outgoing Student Forum shall make provisions for a smooth and effective transition. The two junior class representatives and the junior class representative to the Board of Trustees shall continue to serve out their two-year terms respectively, as senior class representatives and the senior class representative to the Board of Trustees.