Constitution and Bylaws

Constitution of the Mount Holyoke College Student Government Association
Adopted April 12, 2005

Statement of Purpose

We, the students of Mount Holyoke College have organized ourselves into a student government in order to:

I. Provide a productive tool for students in governing their non-academic lives and academic interests at the College.

II. Articulate and represent matters pertinent to the students and other constituencies of the College.

III. Establish and maintain communications channels among students, faculty, administrators, and trustees.

Article I - Name

The name of this organization shall be the Student Government Association of Mount Holyoke College (henceforth SGA).

Article II - Membership

The students of Mount Holyoke College who have paid their Activities Fee shall be ipso facto members of the SGA of Mount Holyoke College, and be entitled to all privileges therein involved. Any SGA officer, member of a committee, member of the Senate, or special delegate must have paid, or made arrangements to pay the Activities fee. The SGA shall not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, color, sexual orientation, national origin, socio-economic status, religion, political beliefs, gender, ability, or age.

Article III – Adherence to College Policies

A. The SGA shall adhere to all college rules, regulations, and policies, including the Mount Holyoke College Honor Code. The SGA shall adhere to all federal, state, and local laws.

B. As stated in the Faculty Legislation, SGA shall neither make nor enforce regulations with regard to:

1. Matters directly concerned with the business management of the College, or the public relations of the College as distinguished from those of the Student Government Association and other student organizations, shall be under the jurisdiction of the administrative officers of the College.

2. Matters pertaining to the management of the residence halls.

3. Matters of academic policy shall be under the jurisdiction of the Faculty and are understood to cover all matters having to do with the curriculum and the conduct of the educational work of the College, including:

a. The maintenance of acceptable standards of academic responsibility, it being understood that this function is normally carried out by the Dean of Faculty, the Dean of the College, and the Academic Deans' Advisory Committee.
b. The making of regulations concerning the use of the Library, such regulations to be administered by the Librarian and staff, and penalties to be imposed by the Dean of Faculty after consultation when necessary with the Academic Deans' Advisory Committee.

Article IV - Precedence

The Constitution of the Student Government Association shall take precedence over the constitutions of all other SGA funded organizations.

Article V - Authority

The ultimate authority of the SGA rests with the members of the Association. This authority may be exercised through the referendum.

Article VI - Executive Board

A. Composition
The Executive Board shall consist of:

1. The President of the SGA.

2. The Vice President of the SGA.

3. The Treasurer of the SGA.

4. The Secretary of the SGA.

5. The Public Relations Officer of the SGA.

6. The Chair of the Senate of the SGA.

7. The Chair of the Hall Senators of the SGA.

8. The Chair of Organizations of the SGA.

9. The Parliamentarian of the SGA.

B. Duties and Powers
The Executive Board shall:

1. Fulfill all duties outlined in the Bylaws.

2. Act as a liaison between the students and the administration, staff and faculty.

3. Facilitate regular meetings of the Senate and execute the policy determined by the Senate.

4. Report regularly to the Senate on the Board's activities.

5. Oversee and aid in the effective functioning of all SGA committees and SGA funded organizations.

6. Approve, if necessary, funding recommendations made by the Ways and Means Committee.

Article VII - Senate

A. Composition
There shall be a SGA Senate composed of:

1. One senator from each residence hall with sixty-five or fewer residence hall members, who shall have a vote. Residence halls with at least sixty-six members shall have two senators, each with one vote. Residence Halls with at least one hundred thirty residents shall have three senators, each with one vote.

2. One senator from every organization that requests a vote in the Senate. Each organization that wishes to have a senator must petition the Chair of Organizations annually. Upon submission of the required information, the organization's elected senator will become a voting member of the Senate.

3. For each of the following groups, one senator shall be elected if the group includes 65 or fewer students, and two shall be elected if the group includes 66 or more students.

a. Frances Perkins students not residing on campus
b. Traditional-aged students who do not reside on campus.

4. A representative from each Class Board, who may have a voice but no vote.

5. Representatives from the Appointing Board, who may have a voice but no vote.

6. Representatives of SGA committees who may have a voice but no vote.

B. Quorum
Quorum is at least three-fifths of voting members. No voting may be done if quorum is not met.

C. Duties and Powers of the Senate

1. Initiate and pass non-academic regulations and endorse statements of policy to be presented for the consideration of the entire college community, as stated in the Trustee Bylaws.

2. Upon recommendation of the Ways and Means Committee, levy an Activities Fee and allocate funds for student activities and organizations.

3. Authorize the organization of ad-hoc committees to investigate proposed legislation or immediate problems.

4. Pass any legislative measures at any meeting where a quorum is present and voting.

5. Discuss matters relating to the College.

6. Solicit student opinion on issues.

7. Shall inform members of the Association of pertinent campus activities, plans, and issues.

8. Create or disband committees.

D. Senate Meeting Procedure

1. Senate Meetings may be called by the Chair of the Senate of the SGA at their discretion, or upon the petition of one-twentieth of the members of the Association.

2. Guests

a. May attend Senate Meetings.
b. May speak when placed on the agenda or when specifically allowed by the Senate.

Article VII - Amendment

Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by a majority of a quorum vote of the members of the Senate, or by one-tenth of the members of the SGA in the form of a petition brought to the Senate. All amendment proposals shall be valid when passed by a majority vote of the members of the SGA, with more than 50% of the members voting. The Executive Board or Senate may propose suspension of the requirement of quorum, and it must be approved by a vote of two-thirds of quorum of Senate.

Article VIII - Adoption

Approval of this Constitution by a majority of the members of the SGA with more than 50% of the members voting shall abrogate all previous SGA Constitutions. The Executive Board or Senate may propose suspension of the requirement of quorum, and it must be approved by a vote of two-thirds of quorum of Senate. The current system of government herein established shall become effective immediately.

Article I - The Executive Board

1. The President of the SGA who shall be a sophomore or junior at the time of election and must be a full-time matriculated student in good academic and social standing who, at time of election, plans on holding office for a full year.

2. The Vice President of the SGA who shall be a sophomore or junior at the time of election and must be a full-time matriculated student in good academic and social standing who, at time of election, plans on holding office for a full year.

3. The Treasurer of the SGA who shall be a sophomore or junior at the time of election and shall have been a member of the Ways and Means Committee and be a full-time matriculated student in good academic and social standing who, at time of election, plans on holding office for a full year.

4. The Secretary of the SGA who shall be a first-year, sophomore or junior at the time of election and must be a full-time matriculated student in good academic and social standing who, at time of election, plans on holding office for a full year.

5. The Public Relations Officer who shall be a first-year, sophomore or junior at the time of election and must be a full-time matriculated student in good academic and social standing who, at time of election, plans on holding office for a full year.

6. The Chair of the Senate who shall be a first-year, sophomore or junior at the time of election and shall have been a member of the Senate and be a full-time matriculated student in good academic and social standing.

7. The Chair of Hall Senators who shall be a first-year, sophomore or junior at the time of election and shall have been a member of the Senate and be a full-time matriculated student in good academic and social standing.

8. The Chair of Organizations who shall be a first-year, sophomore or junior at the time of election and shall have held a leadership position within an SGA Organization and be a full-time matriculated student in good academic and social standing.

9. The Parliamentarian who shall be a first-year, sophomore or junior at the time of election and shall have been a member of the Senate and be a full-time matriculated student in good academic and social standing.

10. The Senate may suspend these qualifications by a vote of three-fourths of quorum.

B. Duties and Powers

1. The Executive Board shall:

a. Act as a liaison between the students and the administration, staff and faculty.
b. Attend all general meetings of the SGA and all regular and special meetings of the Senate.
c. Attend all regular and special meetings of the Executive Board.
d. Report regularly on all pertinent activities at Senate meetings.
e. Attend Executive Board training.
f. Form Senate and maintain general responsibility for the efficient operation of the Senate.
g. Conduct Senator Training at the beginning of every academic year.
h. Coordinate Senate and Staff Appreciation Days.

2. The President shall:

a. Act as Chief Executive Officer of the SGA and serve as a representative of the Senate and the students to the administrative community.
b. With the collective input of the entire Executive Board, set the weekly Executive Board meeting agenda and ensure that time is kept during each week’s meeting.
c. Work with the Executive Board to define and distribute its activities and maintain general responsibility for the efficient operation of those activities.
d. Serve as ex-officio member and chair of the Student Conference Committee.
e. Serve as ex-officio member of the Five College Coordinating Board and maintain a relationship with the student governments of the other four colleges.
f. Attend all faculty meetings and report on the proceedings to the Senate.
g. Meet regularly with the President of the College, the Dean of the College, the Dean of Students, and the SGA Advisor.
h. Delegate any of these duties to the other members of the Executive Board with their cooperation, as necessary.
i. Perform all other duties and exercise other powers conferred by the SGA Constitution and these Bylaws.
j. Maintain an accurate record of the year’s activities and submit an organized binder with a summarized timeline of responsibilities to the SGA Advisor by the last day of classes
k. Submit to the SGA Advisor and the College Archives by the last day of classes in the spring semester, a written annual report outlining all of SGA’s relevant activities and information. Keep a copy of this report on file in the SGA Office.

3. The Vice President shall:

a. Act as SGA President in the case of the inability of the President to serve.
b. Maintain general responsibility for the efficient operation of all SGA committees.
c. Upon election, become an ex-officio member and chair of the Appointing Board and in conjunction with the Appointing Board, appoint through an application and interview process all SGA committee members and train all new committee members.
d. Delegate any of these duties to the other members of the Executive Board with their cooperation, as necessary.
e. Meet regularly with the SGA Advisor.
f. Maintain an accurate record of the year’s activities and submit an organized binder with a summarized timeline of responsibilities to the SGA Advisor by the last day of classes

4. The Treasurer shall:

a. Maintain the SGA checkbook, ledger, bank statements, and receipts to ensure a complete and accurate record of the year’s activities, and shall prepare and pass an audit of the SGA finances each semester.
b. Continuously inform the Executive Board of the SGA budget and advise on the purchasing and expenditures of the SGA.
c. Appoint an Assistant to the Treasurer who shall be a sophomore or junior at the time of appointment and shall have been a respected member of the Ways and Means Committee. The Treasurer shall be held ultimately responsible for the actions and duties of the Assistant to the Chair. The Assistant to the Treasurer shall:

1) Meet once a month alongside the Treasurer with the SGA advisor.
2) Aid the Treasurer in organizing and planning of organizational Treasurer Trainings.
3) Aid the Treasurer and Chair of Ways and Means to train all Ways and Means Committee members.
4) Assist the design of accessory workshops for organizational treasurers to aide in successfully maintaining organizations’ financial records.
5) Keep accurate records and minutes of all Ways and Means Committee meetings. Be responsible for distributing those accurate records and minutes to all members of the Ways and Means committee, Chair of Ways and Means, and Treasurer.
6) Process all audit forms after each semester and maintain a record of all organizations’ audit status.
7) Serve on the Ways and Means and Student Planning and Budget Committees.

d. Upon election, become an ex-officio member of the Ways and Means Committee and have the option of appointing a Chair of Ways and Means who shall be a sophomore or junior at the time of appointment and shall have been a respected member of the Ways and Means Committee. Otherwise, must fulfill all the duties of the Chair as stated below. The Treasurer shall be held ultimately responsible for the smooth functioning of the Ways and Means Committee and funding process. The Chair of Ways and Means shall:

1) Divide up organization treasurers amongst the 8-10 Way and Means Committee members, taking responsibility for half of those organizations with the largest budgets and assigning the rest to the Assistant Treasurer.
2) Lead discussions when Ways and Means Committee reviews and decides all funding decisions.
3) Moderate discussion during meetings of the Ways and Means Committee.
4) Serve on the Student Planning and Budget Committee.
5) Train all Ways and Means Committee members and assure that all members fulfill their roles as representatives to organizations.

e. Upon election, become an ex-officio member of the Student Planning and Budget Committee and have the option of appointing a Chair to the Planning and Budget Committee. Otherwise, must fulfill all the duties of the Chair. The Treasurer shall be held ultimately responsible for the smooth functioning of the Student Planning and Budget Committee.
f. Maintain an accurate record of all decisions made by the Ways and Means Committee on funding applications and the funding type received by each organization on campus, and be held ultimately responsible for those records.
g. Supervise the training of Ways and Means Committee members with the Assistant to the Treasurer and the Chair of Ways and Means.
h. Plan and organize at least two training sessions of all organization and Class Board treasurers with the assistance of the Chair of Organizations, the Assistant to the Treasurer, and the Chair of the Ways and Means Committee at the start of the fall semester and additionally in the spring if necessary. These sessions shall be mandatory for all organization treasurers.
i. Schedule a time during which members of the Ways and Means Committee shall be available to respond to questions and concerns regarding funding decisions. This session shall occur before funding decisions are presented to Senate.
j. Meet once a month with the Mount Holyoke College Comptroller and every two weeks with the SGA Advisor.
k. Maintain an accurate record of the year’s activities and submit an organized binder with a summarized timeline of responsibilities to the SGA Advisor by the last day of classes.

5. The Secretary shall:

a. Keep accurate records and minutes of all meetings of the Senate and all general meetings of the SGA. Shall be responsible for distributing accurate records and minutes of the Senate meetings, to all Senators, and the SGA Advisor, as well as to members of the Executive Board immediately following each meeting.
b. In lieu of minutes, be responsible for sending out a comprehensive summary after each Executive Board meeting to the Board and the SGA Advisor; important records/minutes from Executive Board meetings will be recorded at the Secretary’s discretion.
c. In cooperation with the President and the Vice President, maintain and update the SGA email lists.
d. In cooperation with the entire Executive Board, maintain and update the records and files in the SGA Office.
e. Be responsible for the general correspondence of the SGA.
f. Reserve space and necessary equipment for all meetings of Senate and the Executive Board. Register necessary events with the Office of Student Programs.
g. Be responsible for coordinating leadership development opportunities for the Executive Board.
h. Maintain regular communication with the Alumnae Association of Mount Holyoke College.
i. Serve as ex-officio member of the Alumnae Association Advisory Committee.
j. Delegate any of these duties to the other members of the Executive Board with their cooperation, as necessary.
k. Meet with the SGA Advisor as needed.
l. Submit to the College Archives by the last day of classes in the spring semester, all of the year’s minutes of the Senate.
m. Maintain an accurate record of the year’s activities and submit an organized binder with a summarized timeline of responsibilities to the SGA Advisor by the last day of classes

6. The Public Relations Officer shall:

a. Act as the liaison for external communications between the SGA and the Mount Holyoke College community.
b. Make public announcements concerning all general meetings of the SGA and other matters pertinent to the SGA.
c. Create and distribute posters, flyers, and other promotional materials.
d. Update and maintain the SGA website.
e. Serve on the Communications Advisory Board.
f. Coordinate all-campus meetings.
g. Reserve space and necessary equipment for special events and general meetings of the SGA. Register necessary events with the Office of Student Programs.
h. Work with the Senate to produce the SGA bulletin.
i. Delegate any of these duties to the other members of the Executive Board with their cooperation, as necessary.
j. Submit copies of the SGA bulletin and all flyers and to the College Archives by the last day of classes in the spring semester.
k. Meet with the SGA Advisor as needed.
l. Maintain an accurate record of the year’s activities and submit an organized binder with a summarized timeline of responsibilities to the SGA Advisor by the last day of classes

7. The Chair of the Senate shall:

a. Call and preside over all meetings of the Senate, and shall call upon the Parliamentarian if unable to do so.
b. Vote only in the case of a tie and remain neutral in all Senate discussion.
c. Prepare the agenda of the Senate meetings from the suggestions of the Executive Board and the members of the Senate and the SGA and make it available at least one day prior to the meeting.
d. Ensure that quorum is met at each Senate meeting with the assistance of the Chair of Organizations and the Chair of Halls.
e. Ensure that Senate meeting agendas are set with the aim of reaching goals established at the beginning of the semester.
f. With the help of the Chair of Hall Senators and the Chair of Organizations, plan Senator Training.
g. Meet with the SGA Advisor as needed.
h. Maintain an accurate record of the year’s activities and submit an organized binder with a summarized timeline of responsibilities to the SGA Advisor by the last day of classes

8. The Chair of Hall Senators shall:

a. Organize and run with the Chair of Organizations Senator Information Sessions.
b. Coordinate Senator Elections with assistance from the rest of the Executive Board.
c. Maintain an accurate list of all Hall Senators and their alternates.
d. Coordinate with the rest of the Executive Board to train and instruct the Hall Senators on their duties within the Senate and to their Hall Committees.
e. Maintain communication with Hall Committees of residence halls as well as the head of Residential Life concerning Hall Senator elections, duties, and activities.
f. Maintain communication with Hall Senators to ensure that they are complying with their duties and to inform them of any events.
g. Meet with the SGA Advisor as needed.
h. Maintain an accurate record of the year’s activities and submit an organized binder with a summarized timeline of responsibilities to the SGA Advisor by the last day of classes

9. The Chair of Organizations shall:

a. Organize and run Senator Information Sessions with the Chair of Hall Senators.
b. Maintain an accurate list of all Organization Senators and their alternates.
c. Coordinate with the rest of the Executive Board to train and instruct the Organization Senators on their duties within the Senate.
d. Maintain communication with Organization Senators to ensure that they are complying with their duties and to inform them of any events.
e. Act as an SGA resource for all new and registered Student Organizations.
f. Maintain communication with the Office of Student Programs and the heads of Student Organizations or their representatives concerning all pertinent SGA business.
g. Hold informational sessions for all Student Organizations on pertinent topics.
h. Maintain the SGA Organization Room.
i. Meet with the SGA Advisor as needed.
j. Maintain an accurate record of the year’s activities and submit an organized binder with a summarized timeline of responsibilities to the SGA Advisor by the last day of classes

10. The Parliamentarian shall:

a. Attend all meetings of the Senate and shall not have a vote, nor serve in any other position in the Senate.
b. Be versed in Parliamentary Procedure, the SGA Constitution, and the rules of the Senate.
c. Clarify all points of order when necessary or when the Chair of the Senate is challenged.
d. Act as Chair of the Senate in the case of the inability of the Chair of the Senate to serve.
e. Serve as ex-officio member of the Elections and Referendums Committee.
f. Fulfill other duties delegated as needed by the other members of the Executive Board.
g. Meet with the SGA Advisor as needed.
h. Maintain an accurate record of the year’s activities and submit an organized binder with a summarized timeline of responsibilities to the SGA Advisor by the last day of classes

C. Election

1. The President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and Public Relations Officer shall be elected annually in campus-wide elections no less than 3 weeks before the last SGA Senate meeting.

2. The Chair of the Senate, Chair of Organizations, Chair of Hall Senators, and Parliamentarian shall be elected by a majority of quorum of the Senate at its first meeting following the election of the other officers. Only Hall Senators shall vote for the Chair of Hall Senators and only Organization Senators shall vote for the Chair of Organizations.

3. Candidates for all of the above offices must have had their activities fee paid unless they are on official leave from the college.

D. Taking Office

1. All new executive board members shall attend the final meeting of Senate, with the exception of students studying abroad or in an academic exchange program for the spring semester. New officers will take office following the completion of final exams in the spring semester. Outgoing officers will be responsible for turning in final records and ensuring closure to their responsibilities by the end of final exams.

2. The newly elected Executive Board must meet at least once with the outgoing officers before the last day of classes. In addition, each outgoing officer must meet at least once with their successor before the last day of classes of the spring semester.

Article II - Senate

A. Duties of Senators

1. Each Senator may represent only one constituency.

2. Senators are required to attend all regularly scheduled and ad-hoc Senate meetings as called by the Chair of the Senate. If unable to attend any required meeting, they must provide an alternate and contact the Chair of Halls or Organizations stating this fact.

B. Hall Senators

1. Hall Senators must be elected by a majority of the voting constituency in their hall by no later than the third week of the fall semester but before the first meeting of the Senate.

a. Before the election Hall Senator candidates will be required to attend an information session, held by the SGA Executive Board, detailing the expectations and time commitments of the position. Candidates may not be eligible for election if they have not attended one of these sessions or made other arrangements with the Chair of Halls. There will be a mandatory one-week campaign period prior to final election in each hall.
b. In halls with less than 130 residents, the two students receiving the most votes shall be that hall’s Senators. The two runners-up shall be alternates, but each may serve as alternate for only one Senator. In the case of a tie, only those candidates involved in the tie shall be candidates in a tie-breaking election.
c. In halls with more than 130 residents, the three students receiving the most votes shall be that hall’s Senators. The two runners-up shall be alternates, but each may serve as alternate for only one Senator. In the case of a tie, only those candidates involved in the tie shall be candidates in a tie-breaking election.

2. If a Hall Senator misses one Senate meeting per semester without providing an alternate, a letter will be sent to the Senator stating this fact. If a Senator misses a second Senate meeting without providing an alternate, both the Senator and their Hall President will receive a letter stating this delinquency. The Chair of Halls will consult with the Hall President to decide whether the Senator will be replaced. After missing a third meeting, the Senator will be removed from Senate and the replacement coordinated by the Chair of Halls.

3. Hall Senators are accountable to the students in their residence halls and are responsible for soliciting the opinions and concerns of their hall members, and for expressing those views at the SGA Senate meetings.

4. Hall Senators must carry on elections, referenda, surveys, and any other Senate projects.

5. Senators are responsible for posting the SGA bulletin and maintaining the SGA bulletin board of their residence halls.

6. Hall Senators and their alternates are responsible for attending all meetings called by the Chair of Hall Senators.

C. Organization Senators

1. Organizations will be granted a vote in the Senate after they submit to the Chair of Organizations the name and contact information for the organization senator and a petition signed by one-tenth of the SGA supporting that organization’s request for a vote. This information must be re-submitted annually.

2. Each organization must elect only one representative to fulfill the duties of Organization Senator. One alternate must also be elected and their name must be provided to the Chair of Organization Senators. This alternate will fulfill the duties of the representative if the regular Senator is temporarily unable to fulfill duties of office.

3. If an Organization Senator misses one Senate meeting per semester without providing an alternate, a letter will be sent to the Senator stating this fact. If a Senator misses a second Senate meeting without providing an alternate, both the Senator and their organization will receive a letter stating this delinquency. The Chair of Organizations will consult with the organization president to decide whether the Senator will be replaced. If an Organization Senator misses a third meeting within an academic year without providing an alternate, the Chair of Halls and that organization's president will decide whether the Senator will be replaced or the organization give up their seat in Senate.

D. Duties of Committee Representatives to the SGA Senate

1. Committee Representatives are appointed to their position by the Appointing Board and continue in their role as long as their Committee and the Appointing Board feel they have been successful.

2. Committee Representatives may participate in all aspects of a Senate meeting except for voting.

3. Committee Representatives must provide updates to the Senate when called upon to do so.

4. Senators may serve as Committee Representatives in addition to serving as Senators.

E. Meetings and Procedures

1. Regular meetings of the Senate shall be presided over by the Chair of the Senate. Special meetings may be called when deemed necessary, or at the request of the President of the SGA, a majority of the members of the Senate, or by petition of one-tenth of SGA.

2. The Senate shall meet weekly during the fall and spring semesters. Senate meetings must take place in a physically accessible location. It is the duty of the Chair of Senate to notify Senators of the time and place of each meeting.

3. The Secretary of the SGA shall keep accurate records and file all minutes of all meetings of the Senate.

4. Rules of Procedure shall be proposed by the Chair of the Senate and adopted by the Senate at the first Senate meeting of the year. Additions or changes to the rules may be proposed by the Parliamentarian or the Chair of the Senate and approved by a majority of the Senate.

5. All decisions of the Senate may be subject to appeal by the Council on Student Affairs. Any member of the SGA may appeal a decision by filing a complaint with the CSA within fifteen days following a decision by the Senate.

Article III -Committees

A. The SGA will maintain standing committees that are specifically related to areas of student academic and non-academic life.

B. The Appointing Board

1. Composition and Qualifications
The Appointing Board shall be composed of:

a. The SGA Vice President who shall serve as Chair and an ex-officio member.
b. Six members, with more at the discretion of the Vice President of the SGA. They shall be selected through an application and interview process by the Vice President, a senator, and a current member of the Appointing Board in the spring before they take office or to fill a vacancy.
c. Members of the Appointing Board must plan on serving their full term of office.

2. Duties and Powers
The Appointing Board shall:

a. Appoint, through an application and interview process, student members to all SGA standing committees and to all faculty or administrative committees with student representatives.
b. Appoint members to ad-hoc committees set up by the Senate or the Executive Board.
c. Assume responsibility for the efficient coordination and operation of all SGA committees.
d. Interview, upon request of the Admissions Office, candidates for the Senior Board of Admissions.
e. Assist the Vice President in training all committee members.
f. Assign each member to serve as a direct liaison to several committees and ensure that these groups function fully and report back to senate.

C. New and ad-hoc committees may be proposed by the SGA Executive Board, the Appointing Board or by the Senate. These committees will not be recognized formally until approved by three-fourths of a vote of quorum in the Senate.

D. Committees, with the exception of Ways and Means, will be filled by an application and interview process conducted by the Appointing Board at the end of the spring semester and at the beginning of the fall semester or whenever vacancies arise. The Ways and Means Committee shall be selected in the spring semester for the following year through an application and interview process, by the SGA Treasurer, a senator, and a current member of the Appointing Board.

E. An Appointing Board Liaison will be assigned to each committee. It is the responsibility of committee members and their liaisons to maintain adequate communication with one another.

F. All committee members are accountable to the student body and are responsible for gathering opinions from students about all issues under consideration. Student committees should meet as often as necessary to conduct business and address areas of specific concern to the committee.

G. Committee Chairs
A chair will be appointed from among the members of the committee at the beginning of each academic year unless a specific person is designated chair within the committee’s legislation. It is the responsibility of the chair to:

1. Schedule meetings and plan the agenda.

2. Relay all pertinent information to the Appointing Board liaison.

3. Maintain accurate records of all committee activities and submit these records to the Appointing Board liaison before the last day of classes.

H. Role in Senate

1. Student members of every committee are required to give an update of their activities to the Senate whenever called by the Senate.

2. Each committee may appoint one member to serve as a Committee Representative in the Senate. Committee Representatives have a voice in the Senate, but no vote.

3. All committee members are encouraged to attend any Senate meeting where issues relevant to the committee are being discussed.

I. Standing Student Committees

1. Ways and Means

a. Chair appointed by the SGA Treasurer
b. Proposes the SGA budget to the Senate, audits and reviews funding applications of all SGA organizations as outlined in the Treasurer’s Handbook.

2. Student Conference Committee

a. Chaired by the SGA President or appointee.
b. Solicits campus opinion on topics of concern.
c. Presents to the Student Affairs Committee of the Board of Trustees.

3. Committee on Elections and Referendums

a. Coordinates the spring campus-wide elections for President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, Public Relations Officer, and the Council on Student Affairs. Works with the All-Class Board to run All-Campus Elections.
b. Manages all Referendum ballots proposed by the student body.
c. Updates and maintains the election procedure guidelines.

4. Exam Center Coordinators

a. Works closely with the Registrar’s office to coordinate workers and times for self-scheduled exams.
b. Responsible for the training of exam workers.

J. Student Advisory Committees

1. Dining Services Advisory Board

a. Acts as a vehicle for the dietary concerns and dining needs of students.
b. Discusses dining service issues and considers information and suggestions regarding the meal plan.

2. Public Safety Advisory Board

a. In addition to the student members, includes one faculty member, three staff members, and the Director of Public Safety.
b. Responsible for bringing forth issues and concerns of campus safety and security to the Department of Public Safety.

3. Student Health Committee

a. Works with the health and counseling center staff and the Health Education Coordinator.
b. Promotes awareness of health center resources.

4. Communications Advisory Board

a. Advises the Office of Communications on publicity and recruitment literature and initiatives.
b. Seeks to ensure the integrity of the mission of the College in all publications.

5. Planning and Budget Student Advisory Board

Provides feedback and advice to the Vice President for Finance and Administration on issues relating to college planning and budgeting.

6. Alumnae Advisory Committee

a. Meets with the Executive Director and/or Program Coordinator of the Alumnae Association.
b. Builds awareness of Alumnae Association and its offerings and resources for current students, and helps to plan on-campus programming.

7. Career Development Advisory Committee

a. Advises the director of the Career Development Center on existing and proposes career development programming, including internships.
b. Ensures the quality and integrity of all programs in carrying out the mission of the College.

K. Standing College Committees on Which Students Serve

1. Academic Priorities Committee

a. Oversees issues concerning the curriculum, creation of new courses and programs, and the revision of existing courses and grading.
b. Serves as the liaison between academic departments and faculty, administration, and students.

3. Committee on Admission and Financial Aid

Addresses matters of policy and priorities concerning recruitment, entrance requirements, admission, and financial aid.

4. Multicultural Community and College Life Committee

a. Addresses all aspects of College life under the jurisdiction of the Dean of the College.
b. Advise the Dean of the College on activities and policies fostering an inclusive community that respects group and individual differences, and that serve the intellectual, educational, and social needs of its members.

5. LITS Advisory Committee

a. Serves as the liaison between the Library, Information and Technology Services as well as other College constituencies.
b. Advocates for student library and technology needs.

Article IV- Election

The Elections and Referendums Committee shall be in charge of and preside over all SGA Elections.

A. Campus-Wide Elections

1. The SGA President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, Public Relations Officer, and members of the Council on Student Affairs will be elected by a campus-wide election.

2. Candidates may be eligible only by attending at least one informational meeting about the elections. Students not studying on campus may arrange for a proxy to attend the informational meeting in their place.

3. Ballots shall contain, for each position, a space in which an abstention may be recorded, as well as a space in which a write-in candidate may be named as the recipient of that vote.

4. There must be at least two candidates for each of the offices and posts that are to be filled by campus-wide election. Should there be only one candidate for an office or post, the Senate may decide by a majority vote of quorum to accept the results.

5. In the event that there is no candidate for an office or post, the campus should be solicited a second time for that particular position and a separate election be held. Should no candidate then come forward, the outgoing and incoming Executive Boards may appoint an appropriate person to that office.

6. Quorum shall be 50% of the eligible voters plus one vote. If a quorum is not reached, the Senate may vote to accept the results of the election by a three-fourths vote of quorum of the Senate.

7. The Elections and Referendums Committee shall be responsible for developing campaign guidelines and distributing these guidelines to all candidates.

B. Referendum Voting

1. Campus-wide referendums may be proposed on any matter of interest and concern to the SGA. A three-fourths vote of the Senate or petition signed by at least one-tenth of the SGA is necessary to require a campus-wide referendum.

2. Referendum voting shall follow the voting procedures as specified by the Elections and Referendums Committee. A majority of the members of the SGA shall be required to pass a referendum, with at least fifty percent of the SGA voting.

3. If quorum is not reached, but at least 35% of the SGA votes on a referendum initiative, the Senate may choose to accept the results of the initiative by a three-fourths vote of quorum of the Senate.

C. Requesting a Recount
Any member of the SGA may request a recount of an SGA election or referendum by submitting to the Elections and Referendums Committee a petition signed by one-tenth of the SGA calling for a recount.

D. Appeals Process
All SGA elections and referendums may be subject to appeal to the Council on Student Affairs. All complaints concerning the election process, or any decision made by the Elections & Referendums Committee, must be directed primarily to the E&R Committee, with the CSA serving as a board of appeals. Election results will not be posted until at least 24 hours after the conclusion of voting. All complaints and appeals must be filed before or within those 24 hours. Complaints will be accepted after results have been posted only at the discretion of the Elections and Referendums Committee and CSA. Election results will not be posted until decisions have been made concerning all pending appeals. Any member of the SGA may appeal a decision made by the SGA, Senate, or any of its constituent parts by filing a complaint in accordance with CSA procedures.

Article V - Removal

A. Executive Board

1. Any member of the Executive Board may be removed from office for neglect of duty.

2. Removal from office of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary or Public Relations