CONSTITUTION OF THE STUDENT SENATE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF JAMESTOWN. Preamble

Transcription

1 CONSTITUTION OF THE STUDENT SENATE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF JAMESTOWN Preamble We, the students of the University of Jamestown, in order to promote a community of mutual support that seeks respect, cooperation, understanding, and goodwill between administration, faculty, staff, and students, and at the same time establish for ourselves a measure of self-government deeply rooted in the ideals of service which is wholly consistent with the mission of the University of Jamestown, and to promote the general welfare of this institution, do hereby ordain this the Constitution of the Student Senate of the University of Jamestown. 1 THE STUDENT SENATE OF THE UNIVERSITY OF JAMESTOWN 1.1 The name of this organization shall be the Student Senate of the University of Jamestown. 1.2 The Constitution of the Student Senate of the University of Jamestown, and its Bylaws, shall be compatible at all times with the governance policies of the University of Jamestown. 1.3 All enrolled students of the University of Jamestown are considered members of the Student Body 1.4 All enrolled students shall be entitled to vote in all Student Senate elections. 1.5 The right of any student to attend any meeting and view any record of the Student Senate shall not be restricted. 1.6 No student shall be denied membership in the Student Senate on account of race, gender, national origin, age, sexual orientation, disability, political and/or religious beliefs, or marital status. 1.7 University of Jamestown prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment in all aspects of employment, educational programs, activities, and admissions. University of Jamestown prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, family medical history or genetic information, disability, political affiliation, military or veteran status, status with regard to public assistance, or other status with respect to which discrimination would be unlawful. Pursuant to Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, University of Jamestown prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex (i.e., sexual misconduct and relationship violence, including sexual assault and harassment) in all of its educational programs and activities. Direct all inquiries to the University of Jamestown Affirmative Action Officer/Title IX Coordinator, Liechty Center/Taber Hall #219; (701) Ext. 5566; 6088 College Lane, Jamestown, ND 58405; or titleix@uj.edu. 2 THE FUNCTIONS OF THE STUDENT SENATE 2.1 The functions of the Student Senate shall be: To express constituents' opinions on college affairs as the Student Senate deems appropriate and necessary To develop and coordinate services and activities for the benefit of the student body To facilitate cooperation and communication among students, faculty members, administrators, the Board of Trustees and others To help create and maintain a college environment conducive to the richest growth of scholarship, learning, teaching, research, service and respect for others To ensure the rights and responsibilities of students in accordance with the University of Jamestown Standards of Conduct as set forth in the student handbook. 3 THE EXECUTIVE OFFICERS OF THE STUDENT SENATE 3.1 The Student Body President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer shall be the executive officers of the Student Senate. The addition of the Parliamentarian will make up the Executive Board. 3.2 Qualifications. To qualify for candidacy to an executive position and to serve in such a position, an individual

2 must meet the following qualifications and requirements: Must be an enrolled full-time student of the University of Jamestown Must be in Student Senate the semester prior to running for office Uphold all policies and expectations as set forth by the UJ Student Handbook, be in good conduct standing with the University at the time of election, and maintain such a standing throughout their Executive term Be in good academic standing with the College at time of candidacy and maintain throughout executive term a GPA of Elections A campus-wide election shall be completed according to Article in the Student Senate Bylaws A plurality of the total votes cast in a campus-wide election shall be required for election to the executive offices The Student Senate Committee on Elections shall be empowered to enforce the Election Guidelines and, pursuant to the Bylaws, be responsible for the administration of all Student Senate elections, and shall have the authority to validate all nominating petitions and verify the eligibility of the candidates for Student Senate executive offices. 3.4 Powers and Duties of the Student Body President. The President shall: Uphold the Constitution and Bylaws of the Student Senate and administer all regulations as established by the Constitution and Bylaws Be the official representative and spokesperson for the Student Body and the Student Senate and shall act as liaison to the administration, faculty, the Board of Trustees and staff on behalf of the Student Body Serve as the chief executive of the Student Senate Serve as the presiding officer of the Student Senate and shall have no vote except in the event of a tie Call special sessions of the Student Senate Make recommendations for legislation to the Student Senate Report to the College Administration and Board of Trustees on the State of the Student Body bi-annually Have the authority, with the advice and consent of the Student Senate, to appoint students to serve on the Student Senate and all University boards and committees Serve on the Board of Trustees, the Student Affairs Council and the Student Senate Committee of campus Affairs. For the aforementioned committees, the President shall have equal vote in all matters Make all executive decisions, with the approval of the Executive Board, when the Student Senate is not in session Have all other such powers and duties as prescribed in the Constitution and Bylaws and delegated by the Student Senate Shall ensure that the provisions of this constitution, the Student Senate By-Laws, and other written policies are followed. 3.5 Powers and Duties of the Student Body Vice President. The Vice President shall:

3 3.5.1 Serve as a senator and shall be entitled to an equal vote on all matters Perform the duties of the President in the absence or request of the latter. In such cases, the voting restrictions of Article shall prevail Serve as the chief administrative officer of the Student Senate Serve as a member of the Student Senate Committee on Academic Affairs and shall be entitled to an equal vote on all committee matters Enforce all Constitutional and Bylaws provisions concerning the functional administration of all Student Senate affairs Perform all other duties as assigned by the President and the Student Senate Uphold the Constitution, Student Senate By-Laws, and other written policies. 3.6 Powers and Duties of the Student Body Treasurer. The Treasurer shall: Serve as a senator and shall be entitled to an equal vote on all matters Be responsible of the financial affairs of the Student Senate With the assistance of the Advisor, and the advice of the College administration, be responsible for fiscal planning and for the yearly budget of Student Senate Serve as a member of the Student Senate Committee on Student Organization Advisory and shall be entitled to an equal vote on all committee matters Perform all other duties as assigned by the President and the Student Senate Keep accurate and up-to-date records of all finances of the Student Senate Uphold the Student Senate Constitution, By-Laws, and other written policies Provide a written and oral report of all financial balances and transactions at all Senate meetings and provide a written report on the state of all Student Senate finances at the end of each semester As approved by the Senate, deposit all funds with the Business Office of the University of Jamestown in a special account. 3.7 Powers and Duties of the Student Body Secretary. The Secretary shall: Serve as a senator and shall be entitled to an equal vote on all matters Serve as a member of the Student Senate Committee on Campus Outreach and shall be entitled to an equal vote on all committee matters Record minutes and take roll of the Senate and Executive Board meetings Maintain accurate records of all senators and students serving on boards and committees Maintain accurate files of all Student Senate meetings and correspondence Maintain accurate records of all past and current legislation for the functional operation of the Senate and for the historical archives Assist the Vice President in the administration of the Senate to ensure its proper functioning and operation Upon review, refer all proposed legislation to the appropriate committees.

4 3.7.9 Perform all other duties as requested by the President and the Student Senate Set the agenda for all Student Senate meetings Serve as the chief publicity officer of Student Senate. 3.8 Executive Office Vacancies In the event that the President is unable to complete the term of office, the duties of President shall be fulfilled by the Vice President for the remainder of the term until the next Student Senate election in the spring semester In the event that the Vice President is unable to complete the term of office, the Parliamentarian shall become the Acting Vice President for the remainder of the term until the next Student Senate election in the spring semester. Upon assuming the duties of the vice presidency, the Parliamentarian must resign his/her Student Senate seat and the Student Senate shall fill the said senator s vacancy and the Parliamentarian position in the prescribed manner as outlined in the Constitution and Bylaws for those respective positions In the event that the President and Vice President are unable to complete the term of office, the Parliamentarian shall become the Acting President for the remainder of the term until the next Student Senate election in the spring semester. Upon assuming the duties of the presidency, the Parliamentarian must resign his/her Student Senate seat and the Student Senate shall fill the said senator s vacancy and the Parliamentarian position in the prescribed manner as outlined in the Constitution and Bylaws for those respective positions In the event that the Treasurer and/or Secretary are unable to complete their terms of office, their position will be filled by a current senator by vote of the Student Senate. Upon assuming the duties of the executive position, the senator must resign his/her Student Senate seat and the Student Senate shall fill the said senator s vacancy in the prescribed manner as outlined in the Constitution and Bylaws. 4 THE STUDENT SENATE 4.1 The Student Senate, hereafter referred to as the Senate, shall act as a representative voice for all students in the University decision-making process, by providing a forum for the expression of student concerns and interests, and shall have the authority to represent and investigate all said concerns and interests. The Senate, and all its members, shall be recognized as the legislators of the Student Senate, and all legislative powers herein granted shall be vested in the Student Senate. 4.2 Composition. The Senate shall be composed of twenty-eight (28) senators who shall represent the following constituencies: Four (4) Executive Officers; President, Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary Six (6) senators representing new students, who shall be elected incoming new students no later than October 1 st of each fall semester Six (6) senators representing the sophomore class, who shall be elected by members of the sophomore class by April 15 th each spring semester Six (6) senators representing the junior class, who shall be elected by members of the junior class by April 15 th each spring semester Six (6) senators representing the senior class, who shall be elected by members of the senior class by April 15 th each spring semester. 4.3 Requirements. To qualify for a Senate seat and to serve as a senator, an individual must meet and maintain the following requirements: Take the Oath of Office of the University of Jamestown Student Senate.

5 4.3.2 Must be a full-time enrolled student of University of Jamestown Uphold all policies and expectations as set forth by the UJ Student Handbook, be in good conduct standing with the University at the time of election, and maintain such a standing throughout their Senate term Be in good academic standing with the University at time of candidacy and maintain throughout Senate term a GPA of The Powers and Duties of the Senate shall consist of, but not be limited to the following: Have the power to prepare and vote upon legislation that affects the general welfare of the Student Body and ensures the proper functioning of the Student Senate Have the power to appointment within its authority including, but not limited to, all student members on all student-faculty boards, and all university committees and boards deemed necessary and appropriate by the Senate or the University administration. Confirmation to serve on all college committees shall require a majority vote of those present and voting and the Senate reserves the right to terminate any appointee for failing to fulfill their obligations as stated at the time of appointment Have the authority to work with the university administration, faculty, and staff to obtain full information concerning university policies and procedures as such matters affect student concerns and interests Approve all new or changed constitutions and bylaws of all student organizations on campus Have the authority to override any presidential appointment by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of those present and voting Function as a judicial body during appeal proceedings Have the authority to establish Bylaws and Election Guidelines and shall have any other additional powers and duties as prescribed by the Constitution and Bylaws Have the ability to vote and make motions Uphold the Constitution, Student Senate By-Laws, and other written policies Attend meetings of the Student Senate, major sponsored events if mandated, and any committees or training sessions Serve as a member on one (1) Student Senate standing committee May serve as a member on university committees if there are any vacancies Seek the opinions of their constituents. Having done so, they shall make decisions and vote on matters brought before the Student Senate according to their own reasoned judgment Represent the interests and opinions of their constituents to the best of their abilities and in accordance with their ethics and transmit ideas, proposals, interests and concerns to the Student Senate for consideration Act with sensitivity to and respect for the needs and wants of his/her constituency, the Student Senate and the university community. 4.5 Officers. The Senate shall elect, from its membership, the following officers who shall include, but not be limited to: A Parliamentarian ratified by a two-thirds (2/3) quorum vote who shall have completed one (1) semester of prior service in the Senate or equivalent experience Five (5) Committee Chairs to lead the following committees: Committee on Campus Affairs, Committee on Academic Affairs, Committee on Campus Outreach, Community Outreach, and Committee on Student Organization Advisory. The Chairs will be voted in by a simple majority vote of those Senate members

6 present and voting In the case of a vacancy of one of the offices listed in Section 4.5, the office shall be filled in the same manner as originally elected. 4.6 Powers and Duties of the Parliamentarian Shall be ratified by a 2/3 majority vote, from its membership, at the first meeting following elections in the spring semester In the event that the Vice President is unable to complete the term of office the Parliamentarian shall become the Acting Vice President for the remainder of the term. Upon assuming the duties of the vice presidency, the Senate Leader must resign their position as a Senator and as the Parliamentarian. The Senate shall fill the vacated positions as prescribed in the Constitution and Bylaws In the event that the President and the Vice President are unable to complete the term of office the Parliamentarian shall become the Acting President for the remainder of the term. Upon assuming the duties of the presidency, the Parliamentarian must resign their position as a Senator and as the Parliamentarian. The Senate shall fill the vacated positions as prescribed in the Constitution and Bylaws. 4.7 Powers and Duties of the Parliamentarian Shall be elected by a majority vote, from its membership, at the first meeting of the incoming Senate spring semester Have jurisdiction and oversight on all matters pertaining to the Bylaws and Constitution Shall assist the President and act as a reference to the Student Senate concerning Robert s Rules of Order Collect and review all proposed legislation to determine the constitutionality and to guarantee that it is proposed in a manner conscious of the Student Body as a whole and University of Jamestown as a community Serve as a member of the Student Senate Committee on Elections and shall be entitled to an equal vote on all committee matters In the event that the Parliamentarian is unable to complete the term of office the Senate shall fill the vacated position as originally appointed Serve as a member of the Student Senate Committee on Community Outreach and shall be entitled to an equal vote on all committee matters. 4.8 Powers and Duties of the Committee Chairs Shall be elected by a majority vote, from its membership, at the first meeting of the incoming Senate spring semester Must submit weekly reports via or posted on the L Drive. 4.9 Meetings All meetings of the Student Senate shall be public and in accordance with this Constitutional article: Senate shall meet no less than two (2) times monthly during the regular academic year The agendas and minutes of all Student Senate meetings shall be of public record Any member of the administration, faculty, or Student Body may force a meeting of the Senate by a petition signed by not less than two-thirds (2/3) of the current total membership of the Senate or onethird (1/3) of the Student Body. The Executive Board must verify such petitions within one (1) academic calendar days of receipt and notify the President. The President must call a special meeting no later than two (2) academic calendar days of receipt of such petitions.

7 4.9.5 Senate shall have the power to enforce all sections of this Constitutional article through the provisions of the Bylaws Obligations of Senate Members All senators shall be required to attend all meetings of the Senate and of the Senate committees A report shall be given to all constituents on a weekly basis by their respective class senators through process of rotation A senator may not have more than three (3) unexcused absences per semester. The senator must notify the President or Secretary of absence and get approval. A senator may receive an excused absence for, but not limited to: Class related requirement that may affect the senator s grade Sporting/music events in which the senator is an active participant Career related interviews (e.g., job, internship, or graduate school) Funerals and wedding of close friends and family Incapacitating or extremely contagious illness Military service (ROTC) Failure to notify the President or Secretary 24 hours before a meeting will be considered an unexcused absence. Exemptions shall be noted by the Secretary and approved by Executive Board at the meeting after receipt of notice Upon three (3) unexcused absences the matter shall be referred to the Executive Board to determine if further action if is necessary Failure to meet attendance requirements will be considered as grounds for sanctions or impeachment The Senate reserves the right to enforce this Constitutional article through Constitutional and Bylaw statutes and through legislation Vacancies The Senate shall fill any vacancies that may arise and in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws. 5 MEETING PROCEDURES 5.1 Quorum A simple majority of the filled voting membership of the Student Senate shall constitute quorum. 5.2 Senate Meetings The Student Senate shall hold regularly scheduled meetings as determined by the Constitution and Bylaws The newly elected senators shall attend all Student Senate Meetings between April 15 th and the end of spring semester The first Senate meeting of the new academic year should occur no later than the second week of the Fall Semester. 5.3 Parliamentary Procedure

8 5.3.1 Meetings shall be run in accordance with Robert s Rules of Order and assisted by the Parliamentarian. 6 THE EXECUTIVE BOARD 6.1 The Executive Board of the Senate shall: Carry out the essential duties of the Senate in its representation of the students Consist of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, and the Parliamentarian Be the administrative body of University of Jamestown Student Senate Approve the agenda of each Senate meeting before the Senate meeting Perform all policies and directives established by the Senate in accordance with the Constitution and Bylaws as deemed necessary and appropriate Meet one (1) time an academic calendar week to carry out the proper administration of Senate approved legislation and examine the progress of all committees of the Senate and all committees and boards of Student Senate Have discretionary power over all matters requiring immediate attention Represent the Student Body in campus affairs Act as a steering committee for the Student Senate in the proposal, implementation and administration of Student Senate policies Act as a liaison between the university administration, faculty, the Student Senate and the Student Body Shall establish goals and objectives each year in conjunction with the Student Senate. The Executive Board shall organize its activities to work toward achieving these goals. 7 STANDING COMMITTEES OF THE STUDENT SENATE OF UNIVERSITY OF JAMESTOWN 7.1 The Senate shall have the power to establish special committees as deemed necessary and appropriate. 7.2 The Senate Committee on Campus Affairs shall: Be comprised of seven (7) senators Serve the Student Body on all matters of maintenance, service, and cultural concern and importance Perform all other duties as delegated by the Senate and the President. 7.3 The Senate Committee on Academic Affairs shall: Be comprised of five (5) senators Serve the Student Body on all matters of academic concern and importance Perform all other duties as delegated by the Senate and the President. 7.4 The Senate committee on Campus Outreach shall: Be comprised of six (6) senators Advise and make recommendations to the Student Senate regarding matters of public relations, promoting the Student Senate and its projects, updating social media and promoting school spirit.

9 7.4.3 Perform all other duties as delegated by the Senate and the President. 7.5 The Senate Committee on Student Organization Advisory: Be comprised of five (5) senators, which include one Senator from each class and the Treasurer Review all new or changed student organizations constitutions and bylaws to ensure constitutionality and refer action to the Senate Shall advise and make recommendations to the Student Senate regarding the Student Organization Fund and the management thereof Perform all other duties as delegated by the Senate and the President The Senate Committee on Community Outreach shall: Be comprised of five (5) senators Advise and make recommendations to the Student Senate regarding community outreach events Perform all other duties as delegated by the Senate and the President. 8 ELECTIONS 8.6 Spring General Elections Executive Officers, Senior Senators, Junior Senators, and Sophomore Senators will be elected in the Spring General Elections. 8.7 Fall General Elections New Student Senators will be elected in the Fall General Elections Any additional vacant Student Senate positions at the time of Fall General Elections shall be filled in this election. 8.8 Special Elections All senator positions that are vacant at the time nominations are taken will be filled during the respective special election Special elections must follow the same guidelines regarding procedures as any other election. 8.9 Ratification Election results will be disclosed at the first regular Student Senate meeting following tabulation. 9 TERMS OF OFFICE 9.6 All executive officers and senators elected in the spring semester shall assume office during the last spring semester meeting. 9.7 The incoming Senate shall attend all meetings after April 15 and prior to graduation each spring semester. At the final meeting, the incoming Senate Executive board shall be sworn in as well as elect their officers and adjourn the Senate for the summer recess. 9.8 Senators and Executive Officers elected in any election other than the Spring Election shall serve from the time of the ratification of that election until the final meeting of the spring semester.

10 10 ADVISOR 10.1 The advisor of the Student Senate shall be the University of Jamestown Director of Student Activities. In the case of the Director of Student Activities absence, he/she shall appoint a staff/faculty member to act in his/her absence. The duties of the advisor shall include, but not be limited to the following: Be accorded specific time to speak at all Senate meetings, this time shall be included in all Senate agendas Review the grades of all senators and report to the Executive Board if a senator s GPA falls below a Review the social standing of all senators and report to the Executive Board if a senator acquires poor social standing with the university. 11 SANCTIONS 11.1 Origin of Sanctions If any member of University of Jamestown Student Senate finds a Senator in violation of upholding any expectations found in this Constitution or those adopted through legislation they may file a written grievance with the Student Senate President If any student of University of Jamestown Student Body finds a Senator in violation of upholding any expectation(s) found in this Constitution or those adopted through legislation they may file a written grievance with the Student Senate President Possible Sanctions Suspension of voting rights A letter of apology to be put in the record Expulsion from the Senate Any combination of the above or any sanction as deemed necessary and appropriate by the Executive Board. 12 BYLAWS 12.1 The Bylaws shall not conflict in any way with the principles set forth by the Constitution Any senator may propose changes to the Bylaws Proposed changes to the Bylaws must be reviewed by the Student Senate and voted for implementation A simple majority vote of those senators present and voting is required for a change to be adopted. 13 AMENDMENTS All amendments must be public notice no less than five (5) academic calendar days prior to a vote by the Senate This Constitution may be amended by a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote of the current total membership of the Senate. 14 RATIFICATION OF CONSTITUTION This Constitution must be approved upon a vote of the current total membership of the Senate Upon ratification, this system of governance as outlined in this Constitution shall become effective immediately. Ratified by the Student Body of University of Jamestown on September 8, 2020.