Concordia University Texas STUDENT GOVERNMENT & LEADERSHIP ASSOCIATION 2014-2015 Senate Application Student Government & Leadership Association Concordia University Texas 11400 Concordia University Drive Austin, TX 78726 SGLA @Concordia.edu Office: 512.313.4376 Student Center B.209
The Student Government and Leadership Association Letter of Explanation September 2014 Dear Candidate: Thanks for your interest in running for an office position with the Student Government & Leadership Association of Concordia University Texas. This packet was prepared to help you in the election process. In this packet, you will find all forms to make your candidacy as easy as possible, including the election calendar/timeline, deadlines, position description, and everything you need to know about the election process at Concordia. You are expected to be familiar with everything in this packet and meet the deadlines for submission. All forms returned to the Student Government Office must be submitted no later than 12pm on Friday, September 19th. To ensure a smooth election process please be familiar with everything, and if you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact any of us for assistance. I look forward to a great election! Logan Leger Student Body President logan.leger@concordia.edu Executive Board: Allan Watson Internal VP allan.watson@ctx.edu Rebecca Sunil External VP rebecca.sunil@ctx.edu Dr. Elizabeth Medina SG&LA Advisor elizabeth.medina@concordia.edu 2
Position Descriptions The Student Government and Leadership Association Senator A senator is elected to serve as a representative for his/her college or student subpopulation and advocate for the needs and interests of the entire Concordia community. Senators are authorized to pass resolutions that express the interest and thoughts of the student body, meet with university officials to discuss legislation, sit in on university boards, committees, and councils, and attend various senate meetings, committees, and other university functions. 3
Application Form The Student Government and Leadership Association Thank you for your interest in becoming part of the Student Government and Leadership Association. This application must be completed in order to run for an SG&LA office. It must be submitted to Dr. Elizabeth Medina, Dean of Students whose office is located in the Library, Room F-220. Questions can be submitted to Dr. Elizabeth Medina or to the Executive Board Name: CTX ID: # of Hours Accumulated prior to Fall 2014: # of Semesters at Concordia University: # of Hours Currently Enrolled in for Fall 2014: Grade Point Average: Local Mailing Address: (OR) CTX Campus Mailbox: Contact/cell Phone: College: Please note, undecided majors are classified under College of Liberal Arts. College of Business College of Liberal Arts College of Education College of Science Declared Major: Please specify the one position for which you are running: If a student is enrolled in more than one College, or eligible for multiple positions, he/she may run for either position, but not both. College of Business Senator College of Education Senator College of Liberal Arts Senator College of Science Senator Residence Hall Senator Student Athlete Senator Commuter Senator Non-Traditional/ADP Senator 4
The Student Government and Leadership Association Extra-Curricular Activities, Work, and Other Commitments for the upcoming school year: Please compose a personal statement, which may be published in the campus newspaper or through other media outlets describing why you wish to hold the office for which you are running. This personal statement should include answers to the following questions: What unique qualifications do you have for this office? What sets you apart? What do you wish to accomplish if elected? What past experiences prepare you for the office that you seek to fill? Specify all past leadership positions you have held prior to enrolling at Concordia University Texas. Do you have any reservations about the current wording of the Concordia University Texas Code of Conduct? Is there anything in your background that could prove embarrassing or contrary to the Mission of Concordia University Texas if it came to light? A current resume, personal interview, or additional information may be requested of any SG&LA candidate for Senator at the discretion of the SG&LA Advisor. Candidate Signature: Today s Date: 5
Information Form Records Release Form and Public Knowledge Name: CTX ID: Desired Position: The Student Government and Leadership Association GPA/Credit Hour Verification I authorize the Office of the Registrar and the Advisor to the Student Government & Leadership Association to obtain grade point average (GPA) and credit hour verification from the Concordia University Texas Registrar s Office. Stated information is kept confidential by SG&LA. I understand that, in order to be eligible for an SG&LA office, I must meet the required grade point average, be a full-time student, and meet other requirements noted in the SG&LA Constitution and Bylaws. I also understand that I must continue in good standing with the university throughout my term of office Election Results, Information, and Public Knowledge I understand that the results of the election will be made public knowledge to the Concordia student body. This information will be available to the constituency and our university. Candidate Signature: Today s Date: 6
The Student Government and Leadership Association Platform, Mission & Vision Statement Student Government & Leadership Association works to publish and promote platform statements through the University communication system. (via: newspaper, online, etc.) Candidates should prepare a statement (200 words maximum for Executive Board and 100 words maximum for Senate candidates) in Microsoft Word. It should be attached and sent via e-mail to Elizabeth.Medina@concordia.edu The SG&LA Elections Committee will edit all platform statements information for appropriate language, content, and word restrictions. Suggested Platform Content: The following information is to help provide a general guideline in writing platforms, but is left completely open-ended. Candidates may include any information they feel is appropriate, and candidates are encouraged to promote their platform as well. Name, Major, College, and Class/Expected graduation year Previous experience in any type of governmental structure. Specify times, positions, held functions carried out, etc. Major accomplishments- both personal and professional. Specific experience that enhances or facilitates the candidate s capacity for meeting therespective needs of the office he/she is running for. Community involvement. Specific campus and university issues that you feel SG&LA should address in the coming year. Please attach your Platform/Mission/Vision Statement to this form. Printed Name: Position Desired: Today s Date: 7
Election/Posting Policies In accordance with University Policy and SG&LA The Student Government and Leadership Association We have been extremely blessed with our new campus. As the Christian leaders we are, we have an obligation to take care of our campus just as God left man to take care of earth. Because of this, candidates should use caution when planning his/her campaign by keeping the cleanliness of the University in mind. E-Campaigning: A Greener Campus We strongly encourage all candidates to take on a new form of campaigning outside posters and flyers. Those avenues are outdated and in 2014, we believe e-campaigning is the way to go. This includes things like the internet, Facebook, Text Messaging, etc. Try to use as little paper as possible. If paper is used, posters are to be placed ONLY on bulletin boards, and tape is NOT to be put on glass under any circumstances. All materials must be cleaned up by the respective candidate after elections have ended. Follow all rules and instruction given by administration. Money Currently, the Student Government & Leadership Association does not have a policy set on maximum dollars spent on a campaign. Typically, at universities our size, it is limited to $100. Regardless, at this point, SG&LA does not reimburse or support individual campaigns through any means. 8
The Student Government and Leadership Association Election Calendar Important Dates Thursday, September 11 Friday, September 19 Friday, September 19 Monday, September 22 Wednesday, September 24 Application Process Begins Applications Due to F-220 by 12pm Campaigning Begins Voting Begins Voting Ends at 5pm SG&LA Mandatory ½ Day Retreat: Saturday, September 27th 10am-5pm Fall 2013 SG&LA Meetings Time: TBD, Weekly evening meetings that will last one hour. 9
Application Completion Form Qualifications and Application The Student Government and Leadership Association Please include the following with your application: Completed Application Knowledge of Position Form Platform, Mission, & Vision Form/Statement Fall Semester Schedule It is strongly suggested that you read the Student Government & Leadership Association s Bylaws and Constitution as it pertains to the duties and qualifications of the office for which you are running. I have read and understand the qualifications, duties, and requirements for the position to which I am applying. I also verify that I am acting with integrity relative to the information that is contained in this application, and I confirm that this application is accurate and fully discloses all information requested relative to my candidacy. I understand that any false or misleading information stated in this application, or any violation of the Student Government and Leadership Association s Election Guidelines will result in my disqualification. Finally, if victorious, I agree to uphold the duties of the office for which I am running as noted in the Student Government & Leadership Association s Bylaws and Constitution. Candidate Signature: Today s Date: 10