STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION:

CONSTITUTION & BYLAWS University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

Preamble ....................................................................................................................................................................... 5

ARTICLE I: ESTABLISHMENT ....................................................................................................................................... 5

Section 1. Name of Organization ........................................................................................................................... 5

Section 2: Composition .......................................................................................................................................... 5

Section 3. Membership ......................................................................................................................................... 5

ARTICLE II: MISSION, PURPOSE, AND GOALS ............................................................................................................ 6

Section 1. Mission .................................................................................................................................................. 6

Section 2. Purpose ................................................................................................................................................. 6

Section 3. Goals ..................................................................................................................................................... 6

ARTICLE III: AUTHORITY ............................................................................................................................................. 6

Section 1. Scope .................................................................................................................................................... 6

ARTICLE IV: EXECUTIVE BOARD ................................................................................................................................. 6

Section 1. Membership ......................................................................................................................................... 6

Section 2. Authority ............................................................................................................................................... 6

Section 3. Eligibility for Office ............................................................................................................................... 7

Section 4. Election to Office .................................................................................................................................. 7

Section 5. Term of Office ....................................................................................................................................... 7

Section 6. Withdrawal, Removal, and Vacancy ..................................................................................................... 7

ARTICLE V: REPRESENTATIVE OFFICERS .................................................................................................................... 7

Section 1. Membership ......................................................................................................................................... 7

Section 2. Eligibility for Office ............................................................................................................................... 8

Section 3. Election to Office .................................................................................................................................. 8

Section 4. Term of Office ....................................................................................................................................... 8

Section 5. Withdrawal, Removal, and Vacancy ..................................................................................................... 8

ARTICLE VI: COMMITTEES ......................................................................................................................................... 9

Section 1. Standing Committees ........................................................................................................................... 9

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Section 2. Ad Hoc Committees .............................................................................................................................. 9

Section 3. Mission Leaders .................................................................................................................................... 9

Section 4. Student Organization Leadership ......................................................................................................... 9

Section 5. Withdrawal, Removal, and Vacancy of appointed positions ................................................................ 9

ARTICLE VII: FINANCES ............................................................................................................................................ 10

Section 1. Disclosures .......................................................................................................................................... 10

Section 2. Fees ..................................................................................................................................................... 10

Section 3. Budget ................................................................................................................................................. 10

Section 4. Fund Disbursement ............................................................................................................................. 10

ARTICLE VIII: MEETINGS .......................................................................................................................................... 10

Section 1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................................... 10

Section 2. Frequency ........................................................................................................................................... 11

Section 3. Attendance ......................................................................................................................................... 11

Section 4. Robert’s Rules of Order ...................................................................................................................... 11

ARTICLE IX: SGA Town Hall ...................................................................................................................................... 11

Section 1. Purpose ............................................................................................................................................... 11

Section 2. Frequency ........................................................................................................................................... 11

Section 3. Attendance ......................................................................................................................................... 11

ARTICLE X: AMMENDMENTS ................................................................................................................................... 12

Section 1. Annual Review .................................................................................................................................... 12

Section 2. Amendment Proposals ....................................................................................................................... 12

Section 3. Ratification .......................................................................................................................................... 12

Section 4. Distribution ......................................................................................................................................... 12

I. DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS ...................................................................................................... 13

President ............................................................................................................................................................. 13

Vice President ...................................................................................................................................................... 13

Secretary ............................................................................................................................................................. 13

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Treasurer ............................................................................................................................................................. 14

II. DUTIES OF REPRESENTATIVE OFFICERS ............................................................................................................... 14

Class President .................................................................................................................................................... 14

Class Vice President ............................................................................................................................................. 14

Class Secretary ..................................................................................................................................................... 15

Class Treasurer .................................................................................................................................................... 15

Curriculum Representatives ................................................................................................................................ 15

Resource Representatives ................................................................................................................................... 15

Social Chairs ......................................................................................................................................................... 16

Diversity Chair ..................................................................................................................................................... 16

Research Representative ..................................................................................................................................... 16

Fundraising Chair ................................................................................................................................................. 16

III. DUTIES OF COMMITTEES .................................................................................................................................... 16

Finance and fundraising Committee ................................................................................................................... 16

Events Committee ............................................................................................................................................... 16

Community Service Committee ........................................................................................................................... 17

Student Organization Leadership Committee ..................................................................................................... 17

Mission Leaders ................................................................................................................................................... 17

IV. ELECTION OF EXECUTIVE BOARD AND REPRESENTATIVE OFFICERS .................................................................. 17

Procedure ............................................................................................................................................................ 17

TRANSITION PERIOD ............................................................................................................................................ 17

APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS ............................................................................................................ 18

Procedure ............................................................................................................................................................ 18

Exceptions ........................................................................................................................................................... 18

VI. Communications ................................................................................................................................................ 18

VII. Grounds for Removal ........................................................................................................................................ 18

VIII. Budget and disbursement ................................................................................................................................ 18

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Budget ................................................................................................................................................................. 18

DISBURSEMENT ................................................................................................................................................... 19

IX. CODE OF ETHICS ................................................................................................................................................. 20

Ethics ................................................................................................................................................................... 20

Nondiscrimination ............................................................................................................................................... 20

Social Media ........................................................................................................................................................ 20

X. LOGO USE ............................................................................................................................................................ 20

AMENDMENTS ........................................................................................................................................................ 20

Annual Review ..................................................................................................................................................... 21

Amendment Proposals ........................................................................................................................................ 21

Ratification .......................................................................................................................................................... 21

Distribution .......................................................................................................................................................... 21

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PREAMBLE

This constitution and its corresponding bylaws are established to guide the Student Government Association of the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM). We, members of the student body, in recognition of the mission and student handbook of UIWSOM do herby adopt this constitution.

Date of Adoption: February 21, 2018.

Amended: 9/5/18, 12/5/18

CONSTITUTION ARTICLE I: ESTABLISHMENT

SECTION 1. NAME OF ORGANIZATION

1. This organization shall be known as the Student Government Association (SGA) of the University of the Incarnate Word School of Osteopathic Medicine (UIWSOM)

SECTION 2: COMPOSITION

1. The SGA is comprised of members of the UIWSOM student body 2. The SGA is governed by the elected executive board and class council 3. The SGA is also composed of the mission leaders, appointed committee members, and student

organization presidents

SECTION 3. MEMBERSHIP

1. Voting members a. Members of the Senate

i. OMS-I: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, 2 Curriculum Representatives, 2 Resource Representatives, 2 Social Chairs, Diversity Chair, Research Representative, Fundraising Chair

ii. OMS-II: 2 Curriculum Representatives, 2 Resource Representatives, 2 Social Chairs, Diversity Chair, Research Representative, Fundraising Chair

iii. OMS-III: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer iv. OMS-IV: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer

2. Non-voting members a. Members of the Executive Board

i. OMS-II: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer b. All members who are not a part of the executive board or senate are considered non-voting

members.

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i. Mission leaders ii. Appointed committee members

iii. Student organization presidents

ARTICLE II: MISSION, PURPOSE, AND GOALS

SECTION 1. MISSION

The SGA at UIWSOM is dedicated to representing and serving all of the members of the medical student body. As liaisons, these student body representatives will use their voice to communicate and empower the opinions and concerns expressed and bought forth by peers. The SGA will be committed to continually advocating for the improvement of the academic, cultural, and social environments at UIWSOM. Not only will the SGA act as the student body’s representatives within the university, but they will also serve at the local, state, and national levels.

SECTION 2. PURPOSE

1. To uphold the UIWSOM mission in all aspects 2. To act as a liaison between the medical student body and the UIWSOM faculty and administration

SECTION 3. GOALS

1. To be committed, accessible, and responsive to the medical student body 2. To facilitate opportunities for growth, service, and excellence 3. To create a culture of commitment, unity, passion, and compassion 4. To maintain diversity

ARTICLE III: AUTHORITY

SECTION 1. SCOPE

1. All members of the SGA are subject to the bylaws presented in this constitution 2. All bylaws must coincide with the student’s rights and obligations as stated in the UIWSOM handbook 3. All meetings and proceedings will follow Robert’s Rules of Order

ARTICLE IV: EXECUTIVE BOARD

SECTION 1. MEMBERSHIP

1. The executive board shall consist of the OMS-II President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary, whose duties shall be defined in the bylaws

SECTION 2. AUTHORITY

1. The executive board may make interim decisions on behalf of the UIWSOM SGA between meetings, excluding changes to the constitution or bylaws

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SECTION 3. ELIGIBILITY FOR OFFICE

1. Students must be in good academic standing as defined by the UIWSOM student handbook 2. Students must be in good professional standing as determined by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA) 3. Students must be members of the OMS-II UIWSOM class

SECTION 4. ELECTION TO OFFICE

1. Election to office shall take place at the end of March

SECTION 5. TERM OF OFFICE

1. The term of office for the executive board is 1 year, beginning immediately after elections 2. Outgoing executive officers shall immediately transfer all pertinent items of their position to the newly

elected officer 3. Each outgoing executive officer will serve indefinitely as an advisor for the newly elected officer in their

position 4. OMS-II executive officers will continue to serve as their class representatives for their 3rd and 4th year

SECTION 6. WITHDRAWAL, REMOVAL, AND VACANCY

1. Withdrawal a. If an executive officer chooses to withdraw from office, they shall write a letter of resignation

and turn it in to the highest-ranking officer b. This resignation letter shall be read at the next meeting

2. Removal a. An executive board member may be removed with a 2/3 majority vote of the senate b. Grounds for removal are listed in Section VII of the Bylaws

3. Vacancy a. Any executive board vacancy shall be filled immediately b. The succeeding officer is eligible to fill the position

i. Vice President to President ii. Secretary to Vice President

iii. Treasurer to Secretary c. If the succeeding officer does not fill the vacant position, the President may appoint a member of

the senate. This appointment is subject to a majority vote of the senate.

ARTICLE V: REPRESENTATIVE OFFICERS

SECTION 1. MEMBERSHIP

1. OMS-I, OMS-III, and OMS-IV will each have their own class representatives a. President b. Vice President c. Secretary

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d. Treasurer 2. OMS-I and OMS-II will each have their own set of elected representative officers

a. 2 Curriculum Representatives b. 2 Resource Representatives c. 2 Social Chairs d. 1 Diversity Chair e. 1 Research Representative f. 1 Fundraising Chair

SECTION 2. ELIGIBILITY FOR OFFICE

1. Students must be in good academic standing as defined by the UIWSOM student handbook 2. Students must be in good professional standing as determined by the Office of Student Affairs (OSA)

SECTION 3. ELECTION TO OFFICE

1. Election to office shall take place at the end of March a. OMS-I exception

i. The OMS-I election will take place after their first unit exams

SECTION 4. TERM OF OFFICE

1. The term of office for the representative officers is 1 year, beginning immediately after elections 2. Outgoing officers shall immediately transfer all pertinent items of their position to the newly elected

officer 3. Each outgoing officer will serve indefinitely as an advisor for the newly elected officer in their position 4. OMS-III and OMS-IV Exception:

a. The elected officers of the executive board during OMS-II will continue to serve for their OMS-III and OMS-IV years as the class representatives

b. Therefore, the term of the OMS-II executive officers is for 3 years with OMS-III being their 2nd year and OMS-IV being their final year of service

SECTION 5. WITHDRAWAL, REMOVAL, AND VACANCY

1. Withdrawal a. If an officer chooses to withdraw from office, they shall write a letter of resignation and turn it in

to the executive board b. This resignation letter shall be read at the next meeting

2. Removal a. Any officer may be removed with a 2/3 majority vote b. Grounds for removal are listed in Section VII of the Bylaws

3. Vacancy a. The executive board shall appoint a replacement representative within one month of the vacancy

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ARTICLE VI: COMMITTEES

SECTION 1. STANDING COMMITTEES

1. There are 3 standing committees: finance and fundraising, events, and community service 2. Each standing committee shall be chaired by a member of the Executive board or Senate 3. Standing committees shall consist of representatives from OMS-I and OMS-II 4. Terms for members of the standing committees are for 1 year

SECTION 2. AD HOC COMMITTEES

1. Ad Hoc committees may be formed if necessary for a time not to exceed 1 year 2. Ad Hoc committees shall be chaired by a member of the Executive board or Senate 3. Members of the Ad Hoc committee are appointed by the Executive President

SECTION 3. MISSION LEADERS

1. Consists of 2 members from each mission group per class a. Mission Alamo b. Mission Concepcion c. Mission Espada d. Mission San Jose e. Mission San Juan

SECTION 4. STUDENT ORGANIZATION LEADERSHIP

1. Consists of the Presidents of all of the Official Student Organizations at the UIWSOM campus as defined by the Office of Student Affairs

SECTION 5. WITHDRAWAL, REMOVAL, AND VACANCY OF APPOINTED POSITIONS

1. Withdrawal a. If a committee member chooses to withdraw from office, they shall write a letter of resignation

and turn it in to the executive board b. This resignation letter shall be read at the next meeting

2. Removal a. Any committee may be removed with a 2/3 majority vote b. Grounds for removal are listed in Section VII of the Bylaws

3. Vacancy a. The executive board shall appoint a replacement representative within one month of the vacancy

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ARTICLE VII: FINANCES

SECTION 1. DISCLOSURES

1. All financial records will be kept up to date and available to any student/staf that may request them 2. All money will be placed into an account overseen by the Business Office at UIW Main Campus 3. Deposits and withdraws may only be completed by the President, Treasurer, or appropriate staff at the

Office of Student Affairs

SECTION 2. FEES

1. Funding for the SGA budget will come from Student Activity Fee collected and distributed by the Business Office

2. Additional funds shall be obtained from, but not limited to, fundraising, donations, and sponsorships

SECTION 3. BUDGET

1. The budget will be established by the Finance and Fundraising Committee and approved by a 2/3 senate vote

2. The budget will be made available upon request 3. The minimum SGA balance will be maintained

a. 50% of the remaining funds will be available per semester i. 40% of these funds will be allocated to events

ii. 20% of these funds will be allocated to conference scholarships iii. 40% of these funds will be allocated to SGA and SGA Committees iv. Any non-appropriated funds will be made available for the following semester

SECTION 4. FUND DISBURSEMENT

1. Money allocated to the SGA fund by the business office shall be used for activities that are in the interest of the majority of the student body

2. Official osteopathic student organizations, mission groups, and individuals recognized in good standing by OSA may request funds from the SGA account

3. Funds disbursement must adhere to current SGA policy in the Bylaws

ARTICLE VIII: MEETINGS

SECTION 1. PURPOSE

1. To discuss past and upcoming events 2. To discuss student opinions and concerns 3. To unify members of SGA in terms of goals and communications 4. To vote on established agenda items

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SECTION 2. FREQUENCY

1. Senate meetings must be held at least once a month, while class is in session 2. Class Representative meetings will be held as needed, while class is in session

SECTION 3. ATTENDANCE

1. Senate meeting a. Attendance is mandatory for all elected members, unless prior notice is given to the Executive

President b. Exception: OMS-III and OMS-IV officers are not required to attend these meetings c. Mission leaders must appoint one representative, outside of SGA, to be present at each senate

meeting d. Everyone is invited to observe open sessions e. Closed sessions are exclusive to the council

2. Class Representatives meeting a. Attendance is mandatory for all elected members of that respective class, unless prior notice is

given to the Class President b. Meetings are exclusive to the council

SECTION 4. ROBERT’S RULES OF ORDER

1. All meetings are subject to Robert’s Rules of Order 2. A quorum is needed for all voting activities

a. 2/3 of the council constitutes a quorum

ARTICLE IX: SGA TOWN HALL

SECTION 1. PURPOSE

1. To promote transparency 2. To promote an open dialogue between all learners and the council 3. To hear questions, comments, and concerns

SECTION 2. FREQUENCY

1. Town halls shall be held every other month or as needed

SECTION 3. ATTENDANCE

1. Open to the entire student body 2. Closed to faculty and staff 3. Council members

a. All elected council members must be present, unless prior notice is given to the Executive President

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b. OMS-III and OMS-IV are not required to attend

ARTICLE X: AMMENDMENTS

SECTION 1. ANNUAL REVIEW

1. This constitution will be reviewed annually, at the open of every academic year

SECTION 2. AMENDMENT PROPOSALS

1. Any osteopathic medical student may propose an amendment to this constitution at any time 2. These proposals will be reviewed by an ad hoc committee and submitted for Senate approval 3. A 2/3 majority vote of the Senate will be necessary to approve the amendment

SECTION 3. RATIFICATION

1. The constitution and following amendments become effective immediately upon a 2/3 majority vote of the Senate

2. The date of ratification shall be noted

SECTION 4. DISTRIBUTION

1. The constitution shall be made available to all members upon matriculation 2. Any amendments to the constitution shall be made available immediately to the student body

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BYLAWS I. DUTIES OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OFFICERS

PRESIDENT

1. Be available to listen to the concerns and accolades of classmates and address the class with issues that affect the entire student body

2. Oversee all other council members activities 3. Maintain the SGA Constitution and its Bylaws 4. Serve as the central point of communication for all class officers 5. Bring forth student body sentiment to the attention of the SGA 6. Inform the student body about university and SGA issues/activities or delegate such responsibility to an

officer 7. Give a report of student body activities at the SGA meeting 8. Act as the point of contact for the Council of Osteopathic Student Government Presidents (COSGP) and

the Texas Osteopathic Medical Association (TOMA) 9. Attend all COSGP meetings or appoint another elected member to fulfill the role 10. Serve as the student delegate to the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) House of Delegates or

appoint another elected member to fulfill the role 11. Coordinate the SGA Educator of the Year award 12. Appoint COSGP liaisons for mental health, legislative affairs/Ed to Med, and global health

VICE PRESIDENT

1. Aide the President in all duties associated with SGA 2. Fill in as representation in the president’s absence 3. Co-chair the Community Service Committee 4. Accompany the president to COSGP meetings or appoint another elected member to fulfill the role 5. Act as the Translating Osteopathic Understanding into Community Health (TOUCH) coordinator for the

COSGP TOUCH program 6. Serve as the Student Alternate Delegate to the American Osteopathic Association (AOA) House of

Delegates or appoint another elected member to fulfill the role 7. Ensure all requests submitted via the SGA feedback button are directed towards the appropriate

personnel

SECRETARY

1. Take minutes at each SGA Senate meeting and make these available to the student body 2. Keep an accurate record of attendance at each SGA meeting 3. Disseminate information to the class and send out updates/newsletters 4. Oversee and monitor the SGA email account and respond to correspondence directed to the class 5. Determine the appropriate location for each SGA Senate meeting and town hall and make the appropriate

room reservations

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6. Ensure all SGA Senate meetings and town halls are made public via CardinalsSync 7. Announce scheduled meetings two days prior by means of written or electronic communication 8. Act as the COSGP Student DO of the Year point of contact. 9. Manage all UIWSOM SGA social media accounts 10. Finalize and distribute the agenda for all SGA Senate meetings 24 hours prior to the meeting

TREASURER

1. Maintain the budget and all official records regarding SGA financial transactions 2. Serve as main point of contact for members of student organizations when requesting SGA funding 3. Present updated budget at each SGA Senate meeting 4. If the Treasurer is absent or unable to approve a financial request, president may act on his or her behalf 5. Maintain open communication with the UIWSOM Office of Student Affairs in regard to financial accounts

and funding 6. Co-chair the Finance and Fundraising Committee as well as assist in the appointment of students as

needed

II. DUTIES OF REPRESENTATIVE OFFICERS

CLASS PRESIDENT

1. OMS I a. Be available to listen to the concerns and accolades of classmates and address the class with

issues that affect the entire class b. Oversee all other class council members activities c. Serve as the central point of communication for all class officers d. Serve as a liaison to the executive board e. Bring forth class sentiment to the attention of the SGA class council and the executive board f. Inform the student body about university and SGA issues/activities or delegate such

responsibility to an officer g. Give a report of class activities at the SGA Senate meeting

2. OMS III and OMS IV a. Ensure all concerns pertaining to his/her class are properly addressed or delegate the

responsibility to another officer b. Be the point of contact between his/her class and UIWSOM faculty, administration, and staff

CLASS VICE PRESIDENT

1. OMS I a. Aide the Class President in all duties associated with SGA b. Fill in as representation in the Class President’s absence c. Act as co-chair of the Community Service Committee

2. OMS III and OMS IV a. Aide the Class President in his/her duties

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CLASS SECRETARY

1. Serve as a liaison from class council to the entire class 2. Oversee and regularly monitor the class council email account as well as record and make available

minutes for class council meetings 3. Schedule class council meetings based on council members’ availability

CLASS TREASURER

1. OMS I a. Aide and assist the Executive Treasurer in the management of SGA funds b. Serve on the Finance and Fundraising Committee c. Should be familiar with and abide all financial policies set by the Constitution, Office of Student

Affairs, and Main Campus 2. OMS III and OMS IV

a. Ensure that OMS III and OMS IV are appropriately acknowledged under the SGA budget b. Serve on the Finance and Fundraising Committee

CURRICULUM REPRESENTATIVES

1. Act as the direct link between learners and the faculty or staff at UIWSOM 2. Address issues related to UIWSOM's curriculum including, but not limited to Small Interactive Group

Sessions (SIGS), Structures, Developing Osteopathic Clinical Skills (DOCS), Large Group Sessions (LGS), Community Engagement (CE), school sponsored board prep, and Emergency Medical Technician- B (EMT)

3. Receive learner's feedback about the curriculum and present it to the appropriate personnel as suggestions for change

a. These may include learner-identified problems, observations, questions, and suggested solutions 4. Speak on behalf of the student body to faculty regarding possible curriculum policy changes in response

to students’ concerns when attending curriculum meetings a. Ensure that when speaking on behalf of the student body, the majority is represented

5. Speak on behalf of faculty and staff when addressing the student body, for reasons such as announcing policy changes or specific answers to concerns submitted via the SGA Feedback button that apply to the entire student body

6. OMS-II representatives will serve as members of various tiers of the Curriculum Committee, including but not limited to DOC2, Phase committee, PI /PII Committee, and other tiers or sub-committees as they become necessary

7. OMS-I representatives will serve on the PI/PII Committee with the OMS-II representatives

RESOURCE REPRESENTATIVES

1. Serve as members of the Resources Committee 2. Convey all valid facility related suggestions and requests made by the class to the Resources Committee of

UIWSOM by attending official UIWSOM Resources Committee meetings 3. Convey all valid academic resources related suggestions and requests made by the class to the

appropriate personnel a. Ensure that when speaking on behalf of the student body, the majority is represented

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4. Monitor and update the class about responses and actions made by the Resources Committee 5. Facilitate class access to outside resources

SOCIAL CHAIRS

1. Plan, organize, and coordinate social events within or across classes/programs 2. Chair the Events Committee 3. Work with the Mission Leaders to help identify and organize professional development opportunities. 4. Organize and collaborate with fellow committees 5. Publicize current social events 6. OMS I representatives will be responsible for the planning and coordination of the annual SOM Prom

DIVERSITY CHAIR

1. Educate and engage the campus community 2. Integrate cultural sensitivity and awareness into the UIWSOM community 3. Assess campus needs related to diversity and inclusion excellence 4. Plan and organize activities and seminars aimed at enhancing inclusion, diversity, and equality 5. Implement best practices, programs and processes to address the campus needs 6. Attend and become involved in UNITY sessions 7. Cooperate with other UIWSOM organizations aimed at diversity and inclusion 8. Act as the COSGP liaison for diversity

RESEARCH REPRESENTATIVE

1. Serve on the UIWSOM Research Committee 2. Act as a liaison between the medical student body and the UIWSOM Research Committee 3. Disseminate opportunities in research to the medical student body 4. Act as the COSGP liaison for research

FUNDRAISING CHAIR

1. Co-Chair the Finance and Fundraising Committee 2. Plan and organize fundraising activities, including, but not limited to merchandise design and sales 3. Collaborate with the treasurer and social chairs 4. Act as a liaison between UIWSOM and involved parties

III. DUTIES OF COMMITTEES

FINANCE AND FUNDRAISING COMMITTEE

1. The OMS II Fundraising Chair and Executive Treasurer will chair this committee 2. Plan and develop fundraising opportunities for the SGA fund 3. Create a budget by May 1st of each year as outlined in the bylaws

EVENTS COMMITTEE

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1. The Social Chairs from OMS-II will chair this committee 2. Plan, organize, and coordinate social events within or across classes/programs 3. Publicize events via social media platforms

COMMUNITY SERVICE COMMITTEE

1. The OMS-I and OMS-II Vice Presidents will chair this committee 2. Plan and develop community service opportunities in the surrounding area 3. Facilitate a connection between UIWSOM and its surrounding community

STUDENT ORGANIZATION LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE

1. Collaborate with other organization to enrich the student body experience 2. Inform SGA of any upcoming events to increase student body participation 3. Communicate with SGA as needed

MISSION LEADERS 1. Are responsible for multiple aspects of professional and social development of the student body

a. This includes but is not limited to organization and execution of various events and activities related to any aspect of medical education

2. Must assign a representative outside of the council to attend SGA Senate meetings

IV. ELECTION OF EXECUTIVE BOARD AND REPRESENTATIVE OFFICERS

PROCEDURE

1. OMS-I a. OMS-I students may submit their candidacy the Monday following Unit 1 exams b. Submissions will be accepted for 2 weeks c. Eligible candidates will be announced by OSA the same day as Unit 1 exam results d. Once eligible candidates are announced, they may begin campaigning e. An OMS-I panel will be held the following Wednesday f. Polls will be open from 8AM Thursday (the following day) and close at 5PM Friday g. The results will be announced the following Monday

2. OMS-II a. Rising OMS-II students may submit their candidacy the Monday following Unit 3 exams b. Submissions will be accepted for 2 weeks c. Eligible candidates will be announced by OSA the same day as Unit 3 exam results d. Once eligible candidates are announced, they may begin campaigning e. A rising OMS-II panel will be held the following Wednesday f. Polls will be open from 8AM Thursday (the following day) and close at 5PM Friday g. The results will be announced the following Monday

TRANSITION PERIOD

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a. A transition period will run from the day of the announcement to March 31st b. Rising OMS-II representatives will officially assume their roles on April 1st

V. APPOINTMENT OF COMMITTEE MEMBERS

PROCEDURE

1. Members of the standing committees are appointed by a majority vote in April a. Prospective members must submit an application to CardinalsSync

EXCEPTIONS

1. Mission leads are elected by members of their mission group by a majority vote 2. The elections and terms of the Student Organizations Leader members are dependent on the respective

organization’s constitution and bylaws

VI. COMMUNICATIONS

1. All official SGA communications to the student body will be via CardinalsSync 2. In house communications will be established by the Executive Board at the beginning of their term 3. Communications outside of UIWSOM should be made from official SOM-SGA email accounts

a. SOMSGAPresident@uiwtx.edu b. SOMSGAVP@uiwtx.edu c. SOMSGASecretary@uiwtx.edu d. SOMSGATreasurer@uiwtx.edu e. Class Council Email

i. Example: som2021sga@uiwtx.edu

VII. GROUNDS FOR REMOVAL

4. Failure to maintain professionalism and SGA code of ethics at all times 5. Failure to maintain good academic standing as deemed by OSA 6. Failure to comply with mandated duties as outlined in the constitution and bylaws 7. Failure to attend all SGA meetings without proper communication with the Executive President 8. Failure to maintain appropriate communications with the Executive Board.

VIII. BUDGET AND DISBURSEMENT

BUDGET

1. Budget for the following academic year will be established by May 1st by the Finance and Fundraising Committee

a. The budget will be revisited by December 1st b. The budget must be approved at the May and December senate meetings by a 2/3 senate

vote

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c. Following the acquisition of new funds, budget re-evaluations may occur as determined by the council

2. A minimum SGA balance must be maintained as determined by the Finance and Fundraising committee a. The minimum balance must be approved by a 2/3 senate vote

3. 50% of remaining budget, after the minimum balance, will be available and allocated per semester a. 40% for events b. 20% for conference scholarships c. 40% for SGA and Committees

4. Unused funds will roll over to the next semester 5. Funds raised and designated for a specific purpose are not subject to these budgetary restrictions pending

approval from a 2/3 senate vote

DISBURSEMENT

1. Events a. Event funds requests will be considered at each senate meeting

i. The person submitting the request must attend the meeting to answer any questions 1. Absence by agenda schedule will result in an automatic denial 2. If the person is unable to attend, he/she may appoint a proxy from the same

organization b. Events must be approved by OSA before submitting the request c. The maximum disbursement for one event is $100 d. The organization must provide the current account balance in the request e. Each organization will be limited to one funded event per semester f. Only one funding request per event g. Events must be related to the organization's mission statement(s) h. The Executive Board will make recommendations regarding applications to the voting

members of the Senate for approval at the next scheduled Senate meeting i. Applications are due at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the event date

i. Submissions must also be made 1 week before the next senate meeting ii. Applications received with insufficient notice will be automatically denied

iii. There will be no reimbursements for past events j. Incomplete forms will be automatically denied k. The organization must be in good standing with OSA l. If an event is canceled for any reason, all funds must be returned to SGA m. Copies of receipts must be made available upon request n. Any violation of this policy will result in referral to the Student Conduct Review Council

(SCRC) 2. Conference Scholarships

a. Conference scholarships may be used by individuals to offset the costs of attending a conference

b. The September and February Senate meetings will be utilized to disburse scholarship funds i. The person submitting the request must attend the meeting to answer any questions

ii. Absence by agenda schedule will result in an automatic denial iii. OMS-I learners cannot request funds at the September Senate meeting per the OSA

policy

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c. All applications for each semester must be submitted at least 21 days prior to the September or February Senate meeting

i. Applications received with insufficient notice will be automatically denied ii. There will be no reimbursements for past experiences

d. The maximum scholarship disbursement is $100 e. Incomplete forms will be automatically denied f. Learners must be in good academic and professional standing as deemed by OSA g. In the event that a student can no longer attend the conference, they must return all funds

to SGA h. Copies of receipts must be made available upon request as proof of attendance i. Any violation of this policy will result in referral to the SCRC

3. SGA and Committees a. Requests must gain 2/3 senate approval

4. Voting a. Voting will occur in a closed session following the open-senate meeting b. Majority of a quorum is needed for approval

IX. CODE OF ETHICS

ETHICS

1. Each member of SGA shall be held to the highest standards possible 2. Members are expected to use ethical judgement in regards to his/her behavior 3. Members shall not abuse SGA privileges for personal gains 4. Deviations from what any member considers ethical excellence shall be called to question in front of the

Executive Board

NONDISCRIMINATION

1. SGA will not discriminate based on personal characteristics or beliefs in any way a. This includes but is not limited to sex, race, religion, age, national origin, ancestry creed,

pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, or physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability

SOCIAL MEDIA

1. All posts on social media from personal or school related accounts must follow the rules and guidelines as laid out in the UIW Student Handbook and Student Code of Conduct under the Social Media Policy

X. LOGO USE

1. The use of the UIWSOM Logo must be approved by the appropriate administration

XI. AMENDMENTS

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ANNUAL REVIEW

1. The bylaws will be reviewed annually at the beginning of the academic year by an Ad Hoc committee

AMENDMENT PROPOSALS

1. Any osteopathic medical student may propose an amendment to these bylaws 2. These proposals will be discussed by the Executive officers and submitted for Senate approval 3. A 2/3 majority vote of the Senate will be necessary to approve the amendment

RATIFICATION

1. The bylaws and following amendments become effective immediately upon a 2/3 majority vote of the Senate

2. The date of ratification shall be noted

DISTRIBUTION

1. The bylaws shall be made available to all members upon matriculation 2. Any amendments to the bylaws shall be made available immediately to the student body