The CONSTITUTION of the

Texas A&M University at Galveston Student Government Association

(March 25, 2014)

Preamble

We, the students of Texas A&M University at Galveston, in order to provide an official and representative student organization, to investigate student problems and take appropriate action, to provide the official voice through which student opinion may be expressed, to encourage the development of responsible student participation in the overall policy and decision making process of the University community, to foster an awareness of the student’s role in the academic community, to enhance the quality and scope of education at the University, and to provide means for responsible and effective participation in the organization of student affairs, do hereby adopt, and establish this Constitution.

Article I. Name

Section I. This organization shall be hereto known as the Student Government Association of Texas A&M University at Galveston. Acceptable abbreviation for this organization is TAMUG SGA.

Article II. Objective

Section I. MISSION

(a) Purpose. 1. The Student Government Association shall represent the student body, which

consists of all full-time and part-time students who are duly registered at Texas A&M University at Galveston, and shall exercise its authority through this Constitution as hereafter provided.

2. No other Student Organizations, constitution, charters, and by-laws shall supersede the representative power of the Student Government Association.

(b) Structure. 1. The governing structure of the Student Government Association of Texas A&M

University at Galveston shall consist of the following three distinct branches: the Executive Branch, the Legislative Branch, and the Judicial Branch.

2. In order to provide for an effective system of checks and balances, no person may concurrently serve in more than one of the following positions: Student Body President, Student Body Vice President, A.V.P. of Academic Affairs, A.V.P. of Student Affairs, Treasurer, Student Senator, Chief Justice or Justice.

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(c) Non-bias. The Texas A&M University at Galveston Student Government Association shall not discriminate against, nor give preferential treatment to, any person on the basis of race, color, nationality or ethnic origin, religion, sex, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, or veteran status, prohibiting discrimination based on these factors in any and all forms.

(d) Voting. Any student currently enrolled at Texas A&M University at Galveston shall be eligible to vote in Student Government Elections.

Article III. The Executive Branch

Section I. THE EXECUTIVE

All executive powers shall be vested in the Executive Branch of the Student Government Association of Texas A&M University at Galveston. A primary charge of the Student Body President and the Executive Branch shall be the timely implementation of all legislation enacted by the Student Senate.

Section II. ORGANIZATION OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH

The executive cabinet of the Student Government Association shall consist of, but not be limited to, the Student Body President, Student Body Vice President, Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs, Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs, and Student Government Association Treasurer.

Section III. THE STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT

There shall be a Student Body President who will act, as chief executive officer shall be elected from the student body by a plurality vote during the Spring Student Government Elections.

(a) Requirements. The Student Body President shall have been registered at and in good standing with Texas A&M University at Galveston for at least four (4) consecutive regular semesters (Fall and Spring Only) and have served in the Student Government Association for no less than two (2) regular semesters (Fall and Spring Only).

(b) Line of Succession. If the Student Body President is unwilling or unable to continue serving as Student Body President or to assume office, the office will fall to the Vice President, then to the Speaker of the Senate, then to the Assistant Vice President of Student Affairs, then to the Assistant Vice President of Academic Affairs. If none of these are willing and able to serve, then a Senator shall be elected and confirmed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Senate.

(c) Duties and Powers of the Student Body President.

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1. Sign or veto all bills passed by the Student Senate within five (5) class days. Any bill not signed or vetoed within five (5) class days shall be considered vetoed. This veto power shall not extend to resolutions, or measures approved in an initiative or general election.

2. Executing all enacted legislation of the Student Senate for which he/she shall be responsible to the Student Senate.

3. Act as the ceremonial representative of the student body.

4. Serve as the official representative of the Student Government Association.

5. Organizing, appointing, and creating new positions in the cabinet who shall serve at the discretion of the Student Body President.

6. Appoint all persons to student positions on University Committees with a Student Senate two-thirds confirmation vote. The President will also follow-up and remain in contact with these students.

7. Establishing such rules and procedures as are necessary for the proper functioning of the Executive Branch duties under the Student Government Association Constitution.

8. Present a specific presidential agenda to the Student Senate at the first meeting of the fall semester.

9. Administer and enforce the Student Government Constitution, Statutes, and By-Laws.

10. Convene special sessions of the Student Senate when deemed necessary, providing at least 36 hours’ notice to the Student Senate.

11. Enter into a contractual agreement with agencies and organizations outside the University community.

12. The Student Body President shall be ultimately responsible for the timely implementation of any legislation enacted by the Student Senate.

13. Approve all disbursements of Student Government Association funds.

14. Preside over meetings of the Executive Cabinet, having voting privileges only in the event of a tie.

15. Meet regularly with the Student Government Association Advisor.

16. Brief the incoming President of the Student Government Association.

17. Work with the Committee Chairs as needed or requested.

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18. Act as a liaison between the students and administration.

19. Abide by all attendance requirements of the Senators in regards to all Senate meetings.

Section IV. THE STUDENT BODY VICE PRESIDENT

There shall be a Vice-President of the Student Government Association who will be appointed by the Student Body President and meets the eligibility requirements stated below. This person shall assist in the fulfillment of the President’s responsibilities.

(a) Requirements. The Vice-President shall have been registered at and in good standing with Texas A&M University at Galveston for at least four (4) consecutive regular semesters and have served in the Student Government Association for no less than two (2) regular semesters.

(b) Line of Succession. If the Vice-President is unable or unwilling to continue serving as Vice-President or to assume office, then a qualified student who meets the Vice President requirements shall be appointed by the President and confirmed by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Senate.

(c) Duties and Powers of the Vice President.

1. Serve as chief administrative assistant to the President. Record the proceedings of the Senate and present written copies of minutes and bills to Student Government Association members within 72 hours of their passage.

2. Call roll of the Student Senate.

3. Record and maintain such records and files of the Student Government Association as prescribed by the Constitution and Statutes; and, as the Student Body President and Speaker of the Senate shall direct.

4. Record minutes of various committee meetings or other organized meetings of the Student Government Association upon request.

5. Oversee all Student Government Association elections, including senate and Student Body President elections. Duties will include distribution of petitions to candidates, and management of polling booths.

6. Perform the duties of the President upon his/her request, absence, or incapacity.

7. Monitor internal and external affairs affecting the Student Government Association.

8. Be a liaison for the Big Event Committee.

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9. Run the Senate meetings upon the absence of the Speaker of the Senate and the Speaker Pro Tempore.

10. Give weekly reports to the Student Senate regarding Vice Presidential matters.

11. Oversee all activity of the Executive Cabinet.

12. Meet regularly with the Student Government Association Advisor.

13. Work with the Committee Chairs as needed or requested.

14. Upon approval from the Student Body President, implement policy that is beneficial to the Student Government Association and the student body.

15. Abide by all attendance requirements of the Senators in regards to all Senate meetings.

Article IV. The Legislative

Section I. LEGISLATIVE POWER

All legislative powers shall be vested in the Student Senate of the Student Government Association of Texas A&M University at Galveston. The Student Senate shall be the official group that shall identify student opinion and formulate student policy.

Section II. THE STUDENT BODY SENATE

The Student Senate shall be organized in the following manner:

(a) The Student Senate. In addition to its officer(s), shall be composed of Academic Area, Living Area, and Classification Senators. Academic Senators shall be elected by a plurality vote from their respective constituencies based upon college representation. Living Area Senators shall be elected by a plurality vote from their respective constituencies based upon their official residence. Classification Senators shall be elected at-large by a plurality vote from their respective constituencies based upon their official classification during the Student Government Association Elections.

(b) The Presiding Officer. The presiding officer of the Student Senate shall be the Speaker of the Senate, who shall be nominated and elected by plurality from the membership of the Senate present and voting at an announced meeting prior to the end of the Spring Semester.

(c) Life of Succession. If the Speaker of the Senate is unable to fulfill the duties of office, or upon removal or resignation from office, the Speaker Pro Tempore shall fulfill those duties until such time another Speaker of the Senate is elected.

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(d) Duties and Powers of the Senate.

1. Represent and communicate the view and needs of the student body to the administration, faculty, staff and other appropriate entities of TAMUG.

2. Enact all measures necessary and proper for the general welfare of the student body in accordance with this constitution.

3. Establish such rules and procedures as are necessary for the proper functioning of the Student Senate by a two-thirds (2/3) vote.

4. Ratify Chief Justices and Justices to the Student Government Association Judicial Branch by two thirds (2/3) vote, as appointed by the Student Body President.

5. Review, discuss, consider and take any necessary action through resolutions and other legislation on all issues which concern the campus or students which are brought to the floor.

6. Serve as an open forum where views on matters of concern can be exchanged.

7. Override the veto of the Student Body President by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the membership present and voting. In the case of a constitutional amendment, a three-fourths (3/4) majority vote of the membership present and voting is needed to override a Student Body President veto. Any vetoed legislation is to be automatically placed on the next Senate meeting’s agenda and classified as old business.

8. Special Sessions may be called by the Student Body President, the Speaker of the Student Senate, or by a petition to the Speaker signed by one half (1/2) of the voting members of the Student Senate. Procedures by which the Student Senate may call a Special Session are stated in the Student Senate By-Laws.

9. Have the power to call a general referendum of the Student Body in order to render a decision regarding proposed legislation.

10. The Student Senate shall be authorized to call student body votes on special issues, which are of a concern to the student body of Texas A&M University at Galveston.

11. Make recommendations for the allocation of monies to support campus organizations.

12. Render prior approval, modify, or disapprove by majority vote all Student Government Association expenditures in the excess of $500.

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(a) Duties and Powers of the Senators of the Student Senate.

1. Represent the views of his/her constituents.

2. Serve on at least two Student Government Committees, unless serving as a chair of a committee.

3. Protect, defend, and uphold the Student Government Constitution.

4. Bring legislation that will benefit the student body before the Senate

5. Attend meetings of the Student Senate.

6. Vote or abstain from voting on legislation presented in the Student Senate.

Article V. Judicial

Section I. JUDICIAL POWERS

All judicial powers shall be vested in the Judicial Branch of the Texas A&M at Galveston Student Government Association of Texas A&M University at Galveston. The Justices shall interpret the Student Government Constitution, preside over impeachments, and determine the constitutionality of legislation put forth by the Student Senate.

Section II. THE JUDICIAL BOARD

The Judicial Branch shall be organized in the following manner:

(a) Justices. Shall be comprised of one Chief Justice and two Justices.

(b) The Presiding Officer. The Judicial Branch shall be appointed by the Student Body President and ratified by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the Student Senate.

(c) Line of Succession. Each fall, there will be mandatory training for all members of the Judicial Branch. The Chief Justice shall ensure this training occurs.

(d) Appointment. The Chief Justice must have served as Justice for at least two (2) semesters. The Justices may be in their first semester in Student Government Association.

1. Justices shall serve on the Judicial Branch until they are no longer duly registered as students at Texas A&M University at Galveston, or until they resign from their positions.

2. The Chief Justice shall serve for a one-year term, but may be re-appointed.

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3. Justices forfeit position in the Senate and all legislative powers upon acceptance of position.

4. Justices cannot chair a committee in the Senate but may chair and report on a Council.

5. Each fall, there will be mandatory training for all members of the Judicial Branch. The Chief Justice shall ensure this training occurs.

6. The Judicial Board must validate all bills in order to be validated for constitutionality before being presented to the senate. Any bill deemed unconstitutional must be sent to senate affairs committee or speaker pro temp to be corrected before it can be presented to the senate.

(e) Duties and Powers of the Judicial Board.

1. Interpret the Student Government Constitution and By-Laws of each branch of government.

2. Determine constitutionality of all legislation passed by the Senate and, if something is found to be unconstitutional, present their findings to the Senate. The Senate would then vote with a simple majority to strike the law down.

3. Determine the validity, conduct all investigations, and preside over impeachment proceedings of those members of the Student Government Association who have violated the Constitution.

4. Have the ability to call any member out of the Senate or Executive Cabinet out of order. The first time that a party is called out of order, their speaking privileges are lost, and the second time that the party is called out of order, they are then removed from the meting resulting in an absence for the remainder of that meeting.

Article VI. CAMPAIGN RULES

a) All candidates shall conduct themselves according to the Aggie Code of Honor.

b) Campaigning will be restricted to the 30-day period prior to the date the election petition is due.

c) All candidates must submit their petition, including any required recommendation letters, to the Office of Student Life at least one week before the 30-day campaign starts.

d) Posters and Flyers:

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a. The office of student life must approve posters and flyers before posting them on campus.

b. Distribution:i. May be posted on bulletin boards, except department boards in CLB

building.ii. Not allowed on the pool fence, windows, bathrooms, locker rooms,

elevators or on the outside face of any building.iii. Residence halls:

1. Flyers and posters are only allowed to be posted in window surrounding but not on main doors.

2. No flyers shall be posted on room doors unless they are set by the resident of that room.

iv. Dining hall and Coffee bar:1. No campaign materials should be allowed in the dining hall or

coffee bar without the permission of food services. c. Anything not specifically addressed must be approved by the office of student

life.d. Campaign material may not include official trademarks of Texas A&M on any

item of campaign material. If a picture is used with the candidate wearing or containing a trademark that will be allowed.

e) Banners are not allowed to be placed anywhere except door balconies, when approved by resident, CLB stairways and Student Center Lobby on window frames only.

f) Candidates are not permitted to display campaign slogans or other campaign related message on University sidewalks or buildings in chalk.

g) Election materials (clothing, buttons, stickers, hats, etc) may be used however shall not be allowed inside or within 30ft any of the building’s doors in which voting is taking place on Election Day.

h) Door-to-door campaign shall be allowed in residence halls including Polaris and Albatross only from 12:00pm to 5:00pm.

i) Any campaigning that involves the use of loud speakers or any voice projecting system is prohibited.

j) No campaigning shall interfere with the natural flow of either vehicular or pedestrian traffic; this includes riding in the bed of a truck, pulling trailers, or offering rides to solicit votes or promote a candidate.

k) No university listservs shall be used to send out campaign material for any candidate.

l) Only four (4) people working for one candidate or any mutually supported group of candidates can actively campaign in one place at a time on Election Day. Any person

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working for a candidate is prohibited from having a voting device with them that they are allowing others to use to vote.

m) Only humans are allowed at campaigning locations.

n) No campaign material should be put on vehicles without the permission of the owner.

o) Every candidate shall be responsible for the actions taking by his/her supporters. Any violation of the regulations by a supporter of a candidate could result in a penalty for the candidate.

p) The current Student Body Vice President along with the Judicial Board will coordinate all elections. At no time shall a candidate running in an election be involved in coordinating an election.

q) If candidates are interested in arranging an official debate, please contact the office of Student Life.

r) In accordance with the Student Life Regulations, you may not give a speech in the cafeteria without written approval from the Food Services Director and the Director of Student life.

s) During campaigning, candidates and those affiliated with a candidate are prohibited from setting up a voting device in an attempt to get students to vote.

Finance Rules

a) Each candidate for any office shall be required to keep accurate, up to date records of all campaign receipts and expenditures.

b) Monetary and material donations may be given by individuals. Records shall be kept of the source of donations by any candidate. At no time shall any student organization, outside organization or business be permitted to make donations to any candidate.

c) Donations, monetary and material, are to be classified as campaign expenditures.

d) All donated materials are to be recorded at fair market value, regardless of quality.

e) Materials already owned by the candidate that are used for campaigning will be considered an expenditure and the value will be determined by the election commission.

f) Budgets:a. One ticket for the office of Student Body President and Vice President may

expend a maximum of $750.

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b. Each candidate for student senator may expend a maximum of $100.

g) All expenditure records must be submitted to the office of student life prior to distribution of campaign materials. Only candidates may submit records and log expenditures.

h) When the actual cost of an item is reported it must include the cost of tax.

i) Failure to submit expenditure reports will constitute a violation of rules. Article 3 details the actions that will be taken.

j) Any campaign material inappropriately removed may be reported to the office of student life and if approved; replaced at no penalty toward a candidates campaign budget.

Violation of Rules

a) The first violation of any rules shall result in a 50% reduction of campaign budget.

b) The second violation of any rules shall result in the temporary removal of all campaign materials where:

a. The candidate must remove all campaign material by no later than 24 hours after he/she was notified of the second violation.

b. The candidate shall not be permitted to distribute campaign materials until 72 hours after he/she was notified of the second violation.

c) The third violation of any rules shall result in an immediate disqualification.

Election Commission

a) Any perceived campaign rule violations shall be brought before the Election Commission.

b) The commission will determine if a rule violation has occurred and will take action according to the guidelines set forth in Article 3.

c) The Senate Affairs committee will submit a list of eligible individuals, chosen from amongst the Student Government Association, Community Leaders, and Presidents of recognized student organizations, to the Director of Student Life.

a. The Director of Student Life will select the seven (7) Election Commission members from the list.

b. The chair of Election Commission will be chosen by the members of Election Commission.

d) The Commission shall review any campaign budget discrepancies to determine if a violation has occurred.

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e) Ballot counts will be conducted by a member of the Election Commission and a professional staff member of the Office of Student Life.

Article VII. Council Management

Section 1. APPROVAL

All standing councils that are established by the senate are under the Student Government Association and so will abide by all rules outlined in this constitution. A standing council can only become active after it has been presented to the senate and passed with a 2/3 vote. Councils will be required to abide by any and all bills and amendments that the senate passes.

Section 2. COUNCIL CHAIRS

(a) Appointment of council chairs

1. The chair of a standing council shall be chosen by the members of said council and approved with a majority vote.

2. If a council is unable to approve a chair, a chair will be appointed and approved by the Senate with a 2/3 vote.

3. All council chairs are required to have been enrolled at Texas A&M University at Galveston for no less than two (2) regular semesters and served on the council for two (2) regular semesters.

Section 3. LIASIONS

All standing councils are required to have a liaison present at Student Government Association meetings. The liaison will be responsible for presenting a weekly report on the activities of the council.

(a) Appointment of a liaison

1. A liaison can be appointed and approved from within the council

2. If no liaison is appointed and approved by the council, the senate will appoint someone from within the senate or the council to serve as a liaison.

Section 4. ATTENDANCE

Each council will be required to hold at least biweekly meetings, unless special permission is obtained from the senate.

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Section 5. STANDING COUNCILS

(a) Traditions Council1. The council will enlighten the TAMUG student body of the history and of the

many A&M traditions.2. The council will coordinate Aggie Muster, Elephant Walk, Howdy Week, and

other traditions as needed with the Director of Student Life.3. Traditions Council will supervise elections for TAMUG Yell Leaders.

(b) Big Event Council1. The council will be responsible for all duties necessary to plan and execute Big

Event, including volunteering each year at Dickens on the Strand. 2. The Vice President of SGA will serve as a liaison for this council and will present

weekly council reports to the senate.

(c) Lobbying Council1) To research and analyze pending, city, county, state and federal legislation and how it relates to the university2) Promote student and university’s views on pending legislation3) A member of senate will be added to the lobbying council to serve as a liaison between

the council and the senate. If the head of the council is a member of the senate, they may act as the liaison if they so chose.

Section 6. RESIGNATION OF COUNCIL CHAIR In the event that any Council Chair feels that they are no longer able to efficiently and effectively administer their duties, they have the option to resign from their position in accordance to the process hereby stated.

The process for resignation:

(a) All resignations require an official letter of resignation, to be given or e-mailed to the Student Body President, the Speaker of the Senate, and the Speaker Pro-Tempore.

Resignations go into effect as soon as they are delivered to the appropriate parties. In the event of resignation, the resigned party may be appointed as the council chair again as soon as the next appointment.

Section 7. IMPEACHEMNT OF COUNCIL CHAIR

(a) The Student Senate may impeach, if necessary, any council chair.

(b) Process. Impeachment shall require the Judicial Branch to determine whether the impeachment is valid and constitutional, conduct and investigation, and a two-thirds (2/3)

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majority vote of the Student Senate present and voting at the following scheduled Senate meeting of the impeachment process being started.

1. During the impeachment preceding the Chief Justice shall immediately assume the Speaker’s position and give the results of their investigation.

2. The Speaker of the Senate shall step down for the remainder of the proceeding and have temporary voting rights for the impeachment.

(c) Required Actions. Any individual may be removed from office provided the following has been done during the judicial investigation:

1. Documented confrontation with the individual(s) involved.

2. Documented confrontation with the individual(s) with advisor present.

3. An opportunity for the individual to resign. If an individual wants the opportunity to resign a 2/3 vote within the Judicial Board will decide whether or not to accept the resignation. If it is denied and the impeachment process begins the person under impeachment will be denied the opportunity to run again.

(d) Consequences. In the event of a successful impeachment, the impeached party shall be immediately removed from office and shall not hold a Council Chair position for two (2) years following the impeachment.

(e) Causes. Reasons for removal from office include, but are not limited to:

1. Neglect of duties.

2. Intentional breach of the Student Government Association Constitution.

3. Actions that reflect negatively on the Student Government Association, but which may not constitute neglect of duties or a breach of the Student Government Association Constitution.

Article VIII. Attendance

Section I. ALOTTMENTS

All members of the Legislative, Executive and Judicial Branches are allotted three and one half (3 1/2) absences per semester. All excused absences must also be considered university excused and all necessary documentation presented to the speaker one week after absence.

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Section II. REQUIRED ATTENDANCE

(a) All Student Government Association members are required to attend the following meetings and events:

1. Senate Meetings

2. Committee Meetings of standing committees of which you are a member. Absences from committee meetings must be included in the appropriate committee report and included in the weekly minutes.

3. SGA Events to include, but not limited to Fall Fest, Big Event, and Spring fest.

4. Executive Meetings for members of the Executive Branch

5. Council meetings for council liaisons

6. Judicial meetings for members of the Judicial Branch

Section III. ABSENCES

(a) Tallying. An absence and associated consequence will result from one or more of the following:

1. Failure to attend a Senate Meeting will result in one (1) full absence

2. Failure to attend an SGA Event will result in one (1) full absence

3. Failure to attend a Committee Meeting will result in one half (1/2) absence

4. Failure to attend an Executive Meeting, as a member of the Executive Board, will result in one half (1/2) absence

5. Failure to attend a council meeting will result in one half (1/2) absence

6. Failure to attend a judicial meeting will result in one half (1/2) absence

7. If any member of the Student Government Association arrives after first roll call or leaves before final roll call, it will result in one half (1/2) absence

Section IV. AUTOMATIC REMOVAL PROCESS

Upon attaining three and one half (3 1/3) absences, any member of the Student Government Association is automatically removed from office or any governmental positions. The offender is

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therefore barred from Student Government office for one (1) senate term or one (1) full academic semester. Section V. ABSENCE OF THE SECRETARY

Due to employment status, the secretary may only miss Senate meetings, Emergency meetings, or meetings requested to attend with a University excused absence.

Article IX. Grade Policy

Section I. GRADE REQUIREMENTS

(a) General Requirements. All members of the Student Government Association shall have at least a 2.25 overall grade point at the time of the election, selection, or appointment for Senators, Justices, and members of the Executive Cabinet. The Student Body President and Vice President shall post a 2.5 grade point average.

(b) Additional. All members of the Student Body Government shall adhere to the aforementioned standards:

1. For the semester prior to the election, selection, or appointment.

2. For the regular semester during the term of office.

3. Be in good standing with the University and enrolled in at least six credit hours in a regular semester during the term of office.

4. Any member failing to maintain the above requirements will immediately forfeit their position as a representative of Student Government Association.

Section II. BY-LAWS

All Student Government Association officers shall be subject to additional grade and eligibility standards as provided for in the By-Laws.

Article X. Resigning

Section I. RESIGNATION

In the event that any member of the Legislative, Executive, or Judicial Branch feels that they are no longer able to efficiently and effectively administer their duties, they have the option to resign from Student Government in accordance to the process hereby stated.

Section II. PROCESS

The process for resignation:

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(b) All resignations require an official letter of resignation, to be given or e-mailed to the appropriate officers, as listed below.

(c) Resignations from the Legislative Branch should be given or e-mailed to the Student Body President, the Speaker of the Senate and the Speaker Pro-Tempore.

(d) Resignations from the Executive Branch should be given or e-mailed to the Student Body President, the Speaker of the Senate and the Speaker Pro-Tempore.

(e) Resignations from the Judicial Branch should be given or e-mailed to the Student Body President, the Chief Justice, and the Speaker of the Senate and the Speaker Pro-Tempore.

Resignations go into effect as soon as they are delivered to the appropriate parties. In the event of resignation, the resigned party may run for a Student Government Position as early as the time of the next official Student Government elections.

Article XI. Impeachment

Section I. IMPEACHMENT

(f) The Student Senate may impeach, if necessary, any member of the Executive, Legislative or Judicial Branch.

(g) Process. Impeachment shall require the Judicial Branch to determine whether the impeachment is valid and constitutional, conduct and investigation, and a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the Student Senate present and voting at the following scheduled Senate meeting of the impeachment process being started.

3. During the impeachment preceding the Chief Justice shall immediately assume the Speaker’s position and give the results of their investigation.

4. The Speaker of the Senate shall step down for the remainder of the proceeding and have temporary voting rights for the impeachment.

(h) Required Actions. Any individual may be removed from office provided the following has been done during the judicial investigation:

3. Documented confrontation with the individual(s) involved.

4. Documented confrontation with the individual(s) with advisor present.

3. An opportunity for the individual to resign. If an individual wants the opportunity to resign a 2/3 vote within the Judicial Board will decide whether or not to accept the resignation. If it is denied and the impeachment process begins the person under impeachment will be denied the opportunity to run again.

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(i) Consequences. In the event of a successful impeachment, the impeached party shall be immediately removed from office and shall not hold a Student Government Association position for two (2) years following the impeachment.

Section II. PRINCIPLES

(j) Causes. Reasons for removal from office include, but are not limited to:

4. Neglect of duties.

5. Intentional breach of the Student Government Association Constitution and/or By-Laws.

6. Actions that reflect negatively on the Student Government Association, but which may not constitute neglect of duties or a breach of the Student Government Association Constitution and/or By-Laws.

Section III. THE REMOVAL OF JUSTICES

(a) Temporary Justices. In event of impeachment, the accused Justice is removed and a temporary Justice or Chief Justice shall be nominated by the President and ratified by the Senate with a two-thirds (2/3) vote.

(b) Relinquishing Power. If the accused is not removed from office, the temporary Justice or Chief Justice shall relinquish the temporary position.

Section IV. CAUSES FOR IMPEACHMENT

(a) Neglect of duties

(b) Intentional breach of the Student Government Association Constitution and/or By-Laws

(c) Actions that reflect negatively on the Student Government Association, but which may not constitute neglect of duties or a breach of the Student Government Association Constitution and/or By-Laws

Article XII. Amendments

Section I. PROCESS

(a) Amendments. An amendment to the Student Government Constitution must originate in the Legislative Branch and must pass the Senate by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the total membership present and voting. It must subsequently be signed by the Student Body

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President and the Student Government Advisor. If the Student Body President vetoes the amendment, then the Student Senate can override the measure with a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the Senate membership present and voting.

(b) Presentation. A senator must present amendments in writing to the Student Senate at least one week prior to consideration

Section II. IN EFFECT

A change in the Constitution becomes effective upon approval by the Student Senate, the Student Body President and the Student Government Advisor.

Article XIII. Ratification

Section I. PROCESS

(a) Ratification. Approval of the Student Government Constitution must originate in the Student Senate and must pass the Senate by a two-thirds (2/3) vote, and subsequently be signed by the Student Body President and the Student Government Advisor.

(b) Veto. If the Student Body President vetoes the ratification, then the Student Senate can override the measure with three-fourths (3/4) vote of the Senate membership present and voting.

Section II. This Constitution, if passed, is in effect on the ___of ________________ A.D.

Section III. All previous constitutions are null and void.

Senate: _______ Approved _______ Rejected Date ____________

______________________________ ____________________Paige West DateStudent Body President

______________________________ ____________________Mike Robertson DateAdvisor

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