Lorain County Community College Constitution of the Student Government Association (SGA)

Transcription

1 Preamble We, the students of the Lorain County Community College, in order to enhance student life and academic merit; to stimulate and assist in the integration and coordination of all clubs and organizations; to foster the development of student morale and leadership; to promote awareness of the rights and responsibilities of all the members of the campus community; and to serve as a forum for the expression of student views and interests, do ordain and establish this constitution for the Student Government Association (SGA) of Lorain County Community College. Article I. Name and Purpose Section A. Name 1. The name of this organization is the LCCC Student Government Association (SGA). Section B. Purpose of SGA & Student Senate A.) The purpose of the Student Government Association 1. To provide opportunities for students to participate and voice themselves in their social and academic education; 2. To subsidize student programs and otherwise aid in their coordination and enrichment; and 3. To participate in leadership development activities. B.) The purpose of the Student Senate 1. 1.) To represent the SGA members Student Body in all matters pertaining to the sstudentst Body.; 2. 2.) To improve campus life; to serve as a communications link between the Student Body and the Administration; 3. To provide opportunities for students to participate and voice themselves in their social and academic education; 4. To subsidize student programs and otherwise aid in their coordination and enrichment; and 5. To participate in leadership development activities. Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.25", Hanging: 0.25", No bullets or numbering Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5", No bullets or numbering Article II. Membership Section A. Student Government Association 1. Members of the Student Government Association are comprised of all registered credit students of Lorain County Community College and the University Partnership Program. 2. The Student Senate, comprised of seven (7) elected or appointed officers, is the representative body of the Student Government Association and represents the student bodysga members in all matters. 3. The elected or appointed Student Senators, one (1) an Early College High School Representative and onethree (31) a Student Electorate Representatives is are are authorized to vote in Student Senate general meetings. One student electorate will be appointed by the student senate and two students will be selected by the attending SGA members. All other students are non-voting members, which includes all registered credit students of Lorain County Community College and the University Partnership Program,. ffaculty, staff, administration and the general public are welcome to General Amended: 03/11 1 Formatted: Strikethrough Formatted: Not Highlight Formatted: Not Highlight

2 Meetings. Non-voting members may attend Student Senate meetings to provide information on topics of discussion; however, these individuals do not have voting privileges. 4. All Student Senate general meetings are open and may be attended by all interested members of the Student BodySGA, faculty, staff, administration and the general public. Article III. Organizational Structure Section A. Student Senate 1. The Student Senate is a seven (7) member legislative and executive assembly that allows members of the Student BodySGA to have a voice in the affairs that affect their everyday college lives. 2. Student Senators shall be elected or appointed as: a. President b. Vice President c. Executive Secretary d. Financial Secretary e. Event Coordinator f. University Partnership Representative f. Outreach Learning Center Representative g. University Partnership Representative g. 3. All positions are of equal influence stature statute and are not listed in rank order. 4. Additional positions may be created to assist in the achievement of Student Senate goals and objectives. a. These positions may report to the officers but may not receive the same benefits of an officer. b. Early College High School Representative c. AnyOther positions as needed 5. Student Leader Internship Program A. All Student Senators will participate in the Student Leadership Intern Program consisting of the following: i. Complete the professional Student Leadership Certificate Course ii. Attend all Student Senate General Meetings, unless excused by the Manager of Student Life iii. Participate in Student Life Leadership retreat or workshops iv. Participate in at least two Student Life Campus Projects v. Maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.75 as President and Vice President, and 2.50 for any other position on the Student Senate2.25 vi. Meet all the other requirements as listed in Article V, Section a: 1. a, b, c, d, e, f b. Students interested in participating in the Student Leadership Internship Program should be (referred) by a LCCC faculty, or staff, or other professional as a candidate. Formatted: No bullets or numbering Formatted: Strikethrough Amended: 03/11 2

3 c. LCCC Faculty and Staff may (refer) students as candidates for this program. d.d. The students should be (referred) with a professional letter of recommendation for the Student Leadership Internship Program and will become the candidates for the Student Senate for the Spring election. along with any other students who are interested in running for office. 1. The candidates winning the most votes will be the future Student Senators upon meeting all Student Senate requirements as outlined in Article IV, Section B. 2. Those individuals not winning in the spring elections will remain on the Student Leadership Intern roster and will be candidates for any senate position which becomes open. Formatted: Strikethrough Section B. Student Clubs and Organizations 1. Lorain County Community College offers an assortment of clubs and organizations on campus. Membership in these clubs and organizations is open to any LCCC and University Partnership credit students. a. Clubs are student groups participating in self-directed activities, which stress leadership and service to the College and the community while experiencing interaction with a diverse student body. b. Suggested club officer titles and positions: 1) President Presides over meetings and represents the club or organization when applicable. 2) Vice President Assist the President with their duties and fill in when the President is absent. 3) Secretary Arranges meetings, creates meeting agendas and maintains non-financial records. 4) Treasurer Maintains financial information and approves the payment of invoices. 2. Student organizations are defined as student groups, which are connected to an academic program and/or have budgets established by LCCC (e.g. Collegian, Duck Radio, Program Board, and Student Senate). 3. Any group of students interested in chartering a student club or organization must contact the Office of Student Life to obtain a Club Chartering Packet. The procedure outlined in the Club Chartering Packet Student Government Association By-Laws must be completed before a student club can become sanctioned (recommended for approval or disapproval) by the Student Senate. Section C. Advisors 1. The Manager of the Office of Student Life is the advisor to the Student Senate Government Association. 2. LCCC faculty and staff serve as advisors to the student clubs. 3. The faculty of individual academic programs serves as advisors to of Sstudent Life Oorganizations. Section D. Program Board 1. Plan, supervise, and operate social, cultural, recreational, and selected other activities of the Student Body. Amended: 03/11 3

4 2. Appointed by the Manager of Student Life. Article IV. Roles and Responsibilities Section A. Student Senate Roles 1. Each new Student Senate, as a whole, shall adopt goals for the coming year. 2. The legislative and executive powers of the Student BodySGA are vested in the Student Senate. The Student Senate will represent the Student BodySGA in all matters pertaining to students of LCCC and its University Partnership programs. 3. To act as a liaison between the staff, faculty, Administration and the Student Body. 4. All other duties as assigned by the Manager of Student Life To charter student clubs within LCCC according to the conditions set forth in the Student Senate By-laws. 5. To conduct regular meetings in order to accomplish the purpose as identified in Article I, Section B. 6. To establish and remove committees in order to accomplish its goals and objectives. 7. To authorize funding for active student clubs as outlined by the Club Incentive Program and the Office of Student Life. 8. All other duties as assigned by the Manager of Student Life. Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.75", No bullets or numbering Section B. Student Senate Responsibilities 1. To charter student clubs within LCCC according to the conditions set forth in the Student Senate By-laws. 2. To conduct regular meetings in order to accomplish the purpose as identified in Article I, Section B. 3. To establish and remove committees in order to accomplish its goals and objectives. 4. To make decisions regarding funding for active student clubs through the process outlined by the Office of Student Life and the Student Senate Financial Secretary. 6. Each new Student Senate, as a whole, shall adopt goals for the coming year. 1. Represent their constituency of the Student BodySGA in any manner they deem relevant and be aware at all times of the opinions and ideas of the Student BodySGA members. 2. Strive for the ideals established in the Preamble and the Purpose of this Constitution. 3. Maintain an effective working relationship with the other Student Senators. 4. Vote on all motions placed before the Student Senate. 5. Attend and participate in Student Senate sponsored functions, meetings and events. 6. Perform other duties related to their position as established in the Student Senate By-Laws. 7. Maintain Ggood Aacademic Sstandardings and maintain the appropriate number of credit hours. (Refer to Article V. Section A.1, b & c.) Amended: 03/11 4

5 8. Avoid actions that would be considered conduct warranting disciplinary action or removal from office including but not limited to: a. Dereliction of duties.neglecting job duties and responsibilities. b. Dishonesty, defamation or theft. c. Publishing false or malicious statements concerning other members of the college community. d. Abusive language or threats. e. Refusal to comply with reasonable requests from the College Administration. f. Non-compliance with the Student Code of Conduct (Refer to Article V. Section A.1, d). e. Felony convictions. 9. All Student Senators are expected to comply with the Student and Campus Code of Conduct both on campus and while participating in official functions off campus. 10. Students Senators are expected to comply with the recommendations of the Manager of Student Life, Administration and/or Board of Trustees regarding conduct and standards of behavior. Failure to meet these standards may result in disciplinary action. 11. The Student Senate shall take no action that would violate any local, state or federal laws, any policies or procedures adopted by the Administration, Board of Trustees or any student s rights to privacy. 12. Each officer is expected to follow the outlined roles and responsibilities as described in the Student Senate By-laws All canidates must complete the Student Senate Election Packet provided from the Offic of Student Life. Section C. Clubs and Organizations Roles 1. Student clubs and organizations shall not discriminate against any person on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, age, sex, marital status, veteran status, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, or disability. 2..Each club shall have one (1) representative participating in the Student Government Association. Section D. Clubs and Organizations Responsibilities 1. Maintain an active status as established by the Office of Student Life and the Student Senate. a.) 2. Hold annual elections for officers. 3. Participate in Welcome Week each semester along with supplying the Office of Student Life a complete list of officers, updated club constitution and membership roster. 4. All club members must comply with the Student and Campus Code of Conduct both on campus and while participating in official functions off campus. Section E. Advisors Roles Amended: 03/11 5

6 1. Manager of Student Life a. The manager of Student Life is the advisor to Student Senate. b. The Manager may designate additional individuals to assist with the advisory role. 2. Club Advisors a. A Club Advisors serves as the Advisor to individual clubs and organizations. b. Club Advisors may designate additional individuals to assist with the advising role. Section F. Advisors Responsibilities 1. The manager of the Office of Student Life or his/her designee shall: a. Be the first line of connection to the Administration for the Student Government Association and the Student Senate. b. Provide guidance and direction in all activities of the Student Senate SGA, review recommendations regarding events, travel and other activities. c. Provide leadership training, advising of LCCC policies and procedures, assistance with ensuring financial accountability. d. Monitor academic progress. e. Monitor, review, and make decisions on conduct issues related to the entire Student Senate or an individual Student Senator. f. Mediate any internal conflicts between Student Senators and adjudicate as appropriate. g. May dismiss individuals who fail to uphold their conduct, violate college policies or procedures, or who are no longer in attendance at the institution due to legal or other entanglements. h. Monitor, review or oversee the replacement process for vacant positions; this would include the elections process. i. Serve as parliamentarian to the Student Senate. j. Be responsible to identify areas of performance enhancement for the Student Senators and work with them in developing an approach to obtain outlined enhancements. The Student Senators are responsible for following through on the outlined approach. k. Other staff, faculty and administrators may serve as additional advisors to the Student Government Association and the Student Senate. 2. Club Advisors shall: a. Attend club meetings b. Work with students, club officers and club members to establish goals, campus events, fundraisers, etc. c. Be familiar with college guidelines and offer input d. Assist with outside contacting and contracting e. Be accessible f. Give advice Article V. Elections Section A. Qualifications to Hold a Senate Office 1. A Student Senator at the time of their election, or appointment, and through the duration of their time in office: a. Must be registered as a student of LCCC or its partnership schools. Amended: 03/11 6

7 b. Must have at least a cumulative Grade Point Average GPA in accordance with official college records, with the exception of the President and Vice President which requires a cumulative GPA of c. Must have completed at least twelve (12) and maintain a total of six (6) credit hours per semester, except summer, in either/both LCCC and its partnership schools. d. Must maintain a good academic standing within LCCC as determined by the Dean of Enrollment Services. e. Students placed on probation or dismissal by the Administration for academic standards and/or violations of the Student or Campus Code of Conduct are ineligible to remain in office. f. Must complete a pre-employment screening process required for the Student Senate/Student Leadership Internship, which may include but is not limited to educational verification, reference checks, and background investigations. All of these processes must be successfully completed and approved before employment begins. g. Candidates must not have any prior felony convictions. Section B. Nomination Process 1. All Student Senate Candidates must meet all the qualifications listed in Article V. Section A. 2. All qualified candidates will meet with the Manager of Student Life and the current Student Senate to determine which office they are interested in being a candidate for in the spring election. 3. To be placed on the election ballot candidates must complete the following process: a. Must personally secure the required number of signatures of currently enrolled members of the SGA Student Body on the official nominating petition form provided by the Office of Student Life. Event Coordinator b. Must file the official nominating petition form bearing the required number of signatures, no later than the date and time specified, with the Office of Student Life and the Event Coordinator, who will verify the signatures. 4. Candidates will receive notification from the Event Coordinator and/or the Office of Student Life by the next business day following the date in which nomination petitions are due. 5. In the event the petition is found unacceptable as filed, the candidate will be granted an additional three (3) weekdays to secure the sufficient number of signatures and/or meet all requirements necessary for approval. 6. The candidates winning the most votes for each senate position will be the future Student Senators. 7. Those individuals not winning in the spring elections will remain on the Student Leadership Intern roster and will be considered for any Senate position, which becomes open throughout the current academic year. All open positions can be Amended: 03/11 7

8 filled by an appointment with a Student Senate majority vote of fifty percent (50%) plus one (1). 8. In the event that enough candidates are not secured by the time of the Spring election, the open positions will be filled according to Article VI, Section F (1-7) after elections have taken place. Section C. Election Process 1. Spring Election is held to select the entire Student Senate 2. Ballots will be available online and in paper on campus 3. Must be held at least four (4) weeks before the end of the semester 4. Shall be conducted by the Elections Committee 5. Spring Election Results a. Votes must be counted within one (1) business day after the conclusion of voting. b. Votes will be counted in a public place by the Elections Committee Chairperson, Manager of the Office of Student Life, and a representative from the Office of Campus Security. c. Results must be publicly announced within one (1) business day after the conclusion of voting. Results Mmust be reported to all candidates by the Elections Committee. d. A recount shall be conducted upon written request of a candidate to the Chairperson of the Elections Committee no later than 4:00 p.m. the following business day after the official election results have been announced. e. The elections will culminate upon the completion of voting. when the newly elected Student Senators have taken the Oath of Office as administrated by the Manager of Student Life or a designee the Student Senator s term will commence. upon installation. f. Installation of elected Student Senators will occur no later than the beginning of fall semester. Section D. Terms of Office 1. Each Student Senator position is understood to commence for one academic year from the date of installation including summer term. 2. No officer may serve for more than two elected terms in the same position consecutively. 3. No Student Senator may serve for more than three four elected terms as a Student Senator. Article VI. Removal and Vacancies Section A. Resignations 1. A Student Senator who is no longer willing or able to perform the duties of a Student Senator may submit a letter of resignation to the Manager of Student Life with a copy to the Student Senate. 1.2.Process and procedures are outlined in the SGA By-Laws in Section III, part A. Amended: 03/11 8

9 2. Upon receipt of the resignation, the Manager of Student Life may have a meeting with the Student Senator who submitted the resignation to discuss the matter. 3. Upon acceptance by the Manager of Student Life, the position will be considered vacant and the individual subject to the resignation will no longer represent the Student Senate in any official capacity including, but not limited to, functions or activities. 4. The Manager of the Office of Student Life shall assist the Student Senate with replacing and filling the vacant Student Senate position in accordance with Article VI, Section F. Section B. De Facto Student Senate Resignation by Absence(s) 1. A Student Senator, having been absent without due cause or excused from five (5) consecutive regular Student Senate meetings is deemed to have resigned, excluding emergency meetings Process and procedures are outlined in Section III, Part B of the SGA By- Laws. 2. The Manager of Student Life has the authority to excuse a Student Senator from any meetings of the Student Senate. 3. If a Student Senator has not been excused by the Manager of Student Life and has been absent from five (5) consecutive meetings, the Manager of Student Life may remove the absent Student Senator or the Student Senate may remove the absent Student Senator by a vote of fifty percent (50%) plus one (1) and inform the Manager of Student Life. 4. The Manager of Student Life shall assist the Student Senate with filing the vacant position in accordance with Artice VI, Section F. Section C. Administrative Discipline or Removal of a Student Senator 1. The College Administration reserves the right to unilaterally institute disciplinary actions including the removal of a Student Senator for a violation of the Student Code of Conduct, any performance or conduct agreements, and/or any policy or procedure adopted by the Board of Trustees Process and Procedures are outlined in the SGA By-Laws Section III, Part D. 2. The Manager of Student Life may also place disciplinary sanctions on a Student Senator who fails to fulfill Student Senate responsibilities, Student Code of Conduct issues, or fails to fulfill any performance or conduct agreements. 3. The Manager of Student Life may utilize a variety of sanctions to address any and all issues as they relate to the Student Senate, including the removal of a Student Senator. 4. If a Student Senator is removed or disciplined and desires to appeal the administrative action, the appeal process will be governed by the Student Grievance procedure as stated in the College s catalog. Section D. Student Senate Recommendation to Remove a Student Senator 1. The Student Senate may recommend the removal of any Student Senator to the Manager of Student Life, who fails to abide by the Student Government Association Constitution, the policies and procedures of the College or has been subject to Administrative Discipline by the College. 2. Process and Procedures are outlined in the SGA By-Laws Section III, Part D. Amended: 03/11 9

10 2. The Student Senate Recommendation to Remove a Student Senator must be approved by fifty percent (50%) plus one (1) vote of the Student Senate in a staff regular or emergency special meeting of the Student Senate. 3. The Student Senate Recommendation to Remove a Student Senator must state the specific reasons for removal to the Manager of Student Life. 4. The Student Senator, who has been recommended for removal, must be invited to a meeting with the Manager of Student Life to discuss the matter. The Notice of the Meeting shall include the date, time, location and subject matter. 5. The Manager of the Office of Student Life may consult with the Student Senate and any other LCCC or community persons prior to acting on the Student Senate Recommendation to Remove a Student Senator. 6. After this meeting, if the Removal Recommendation is accepted by the Manager of Student Life, the Student Senator subject to be removed may file an appeal within seven days of acceptance by the Manager of Student Life, based on the Student Grievance procedure as outlined by the College Catalog. Section E. Student Government Association Student Body Removal of a Student Senator 1. A member of the LCCC SGA Student Body may seek to remove a Student Senator by Written Petition which must state the specific reason(s) for the removal within the petition. 1.2.Process and Procedures are outlined in the SGA By-Laws Section III, Part E. 2. The College Administration reserves the right to unilaterally void any Petition to Remove a Student Senator if it seeks to disrupt College academic or student services, violates public policy and/or any policy or procedure adopted by the Board of Trustees. 3. This written petition requesting an election for the removal of a specific Student Senate position must be filed with the Manager of Student Life. 4. Petitioner(s) have fourteen (14) calendar days after filing with the Manager of the Office of Student Life to secure the appropriate number of signatures. 5. The petition must bear the signatures of 10% of the entire SGA Membership. Student Body which includes all interested part-time and full-time LCCC and University Partnership credit students who are registered at the approved time of signature collection. 6. Student signatures on the petition will be verified by the Manager of Student Life and any other LCCC staff the Manager appoints for assistance. 7. The Student Senate will be promptly notified that a Petition to Remove a Student Senator has been filed with the Manager of Student Life. 8. Upon validation of the signatures on the petition, a special election to remove a Student Senator will be held within fourteen (14) days. 9. A notification of the special election to remove a Student Senator will be posted in a central location on LCCC campus in order to notify the SGA student body 48 hours after the validation of the petition. This notification will include the dates, times and locations of the polling areas. 10. The ballot language will present two statements: (1) To remove said Senator or (2) Not to remove said Senator. 11. The Manager of Student Life will oversee the special election process. Amended: 03/11 10

11 12. The results will be counted by the Manager of Student Life, a representative from Security, a representative from the Student Senate as selected by the Manager of Student Life. 13. Any Student Senator subject to the special election for removal will be notified within eight (8) hours after the results of the election have been verified. 14. The result of the election will be posted after the Senator in question has been notified. 15. A request for a recount must be in writing and filed with the Manager of Student Life within 24 hours of the posting of the election results. 16. The recount process will follow the steps as outlined in Article V I: Section E, 11, 12, 13, & 14 and the results will be final. Section F. Vacancy 1. A vacancy in the Presidency of the Student Senate will be filled by the Vice President. 2. The Vice Presideny will be offered to any other current Student Senator If no current Student Senator assumes the vacant position, the position will be filled by Student Leadership Intern candidates and/or advertised for appointment. 4. To fill a vacancy in any other office of the Student Senate, the position will be filled by Student Leadership Intern candidates and/or advertised for appointment. 2. An application and interview process will commence with the current Student Senate and the Manager of Student Life Process and Procedures are outlined in the SGA By-Laws Section III. Part G. 6. The successful candidate must be approved by a simple majority vote of fifty percent (50%) plus one (1) of the Student Senate. 7. The candidate assumes responsibility upon taking the oath of office. Section G. Reinstatement after Removal from Office 1. Any position of the Student Senate may be recalled by a petition bearing the signatures of 10% of the entire Student Body. 2. Process and Procedures outlined in SGA By-Laws Section III. Part G. Article VII. Meetings and Quorums Section A. Meetings 1. The Student Senate shall generally have three types of meetings: general, staff, and event planning. a. General Meetings i. Shall normally meet every other week throughout the academic year where the Senate shall consider all questions placed before it. Formatted: Font: Bold Formatted: Font: Bold Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5" ii. iii.ii. Student Senators may make proposals or resolutions. Student Senators may make/vote on proposals or resolutions. Student Senators may vote on proposals and resolutions. Amended: 03/11 11

12 iv.iii. v.iv. vi.v. vii.vi. Informing the SGA student body of the cancellation of any general meetings due to holidays, or at the institutional level, shall be the responsibility of the Student Senate. Special Eemergency general meetings may be called at the request of a Student Senator or the Administration. All scheduled Student Senate General meetings and activities shall be publicly announced, are considered open, and may be attended by all interested members of the Student Body, Staff, Faculty and Administration. The Student Senate President shall act as the chair of all Student Senate Ggeneral meetings unless otherwise specified. b. Staff Meetings i. Shall normally meet every week throughout the academic year. ii. iii. iv. v. The purpose shall be for the management of the office and the discussion of internal issues. Special Eemergency staff meetings may be called at the request of a Student Senator, Manager of Student Life or LCCC Administration. Attending members of any Student Senate Staff Meetings include Student Senators, the manager of the Office of Student Life, and any invited guests. c. Event Planning Meetings i. Shall normally meet every week. opposite the Student Senate General Meetings. ii. The purpose of this meeting is to plan events that are on the Student Senate schedule or any additional events. iii. This meeting is to help eliminate the planning process from the Staff Meeting. v. iv. Attending members of any Student Senate Event Meetings include Student Senators, the manager of the Office of Student Life, and any invited guests. Section B. Meeting Voting Procedures 1. General Meetings: Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5", Hanging: 0.25", No bullets or numbering Amended: 03/11 12

13 Voting members include all members of the Student Senate and three (3) Student Electorate Representatives which are authorized to vote in Student Senate general meetings. One Student Electorate will be appointed by the Student Senate and two students will be selected by the attending SGA members. Voting members include all members of the Student Senate, one (1) Early College High School Representative, and one (1) selected SGA Student Representative. 2. Staff Meetings: i. Voting members include Student Senators only. Decisions of the Student Senate will be of a simple majority vote consisting of fifty percent (50%) plus one (1). 3. Event Meetings: i. Voting members include Student Senators only Each Senator shall have one vote in all official business in which a vote is taken.each voting member has one (1) vote for each motion. For a motion to pass the motion must be carried with a 50% plus one (1) vote. 3. During meetings the chair shall only have a vote in the event of a tie. Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5", No bullets or numbering Formatted: Strikethrough Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5", No bullets or numbering Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.25", Hanging: 0.25", No bullets or numbering Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5", No bullets or numbering Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.25", Hanging: 0.25", No bullets or numbering Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.25", Hanging: 0.25", No bullets or numbering Section C. Student Electorate Representatives 1. The Student Senate shall recognize athree (3) Student Representatives for the purpose of casting three one (31) electoral votes on each matter voted upon during all general meetings. 2. One (1) The Student Representative shall be chosen by the attending SGA membersstudent Senate Student Body within a reasonable amount of time.at the beginning of a Student Senate General Meeting The other two Student Electorates will be chosen by the attending SGA membership The Student Representatives shall have the power to make motions The Student Representatives shall also be given a reasonable amount of time to gather a vote from the attending SGA Members Student Body before casting the electoral vote. Section D. Quorum 1. Shall have a quorum of the voting membership, fifty percent (50%) plus one (1), present before any business of the Student Senate may be conducted. Article VIII. Committees Section A. Committee Structures 1. Committees shall be formed in order to review, make recommendations on business items, or to carry out the business functions of the Student Senate. 2. Committees shall be of two types: Standing or Ad Hoc. 3. Chairs of the committees shall be determined by the Student Senators. 4. Members of the committees may be comprised of members of the SGA Student Body and community as needed. 5. All the work of the committees is to be reviewed by the Student Senate. 6. Supervision of committees falls onto the Student Senator to whom it is assigned. Amended: 03/11 13

14 Section B. Standing Committee 1. The Document Review Committee a. Shall review and make recommendations for changes to Student Senate documents. b. The chair of the committee is outlined in the Student Senate by-laws. c. Shall be comprised of the Student Senate and the Manager of Student Life. d. Additional members may be added as resource individuals. 2. Elections Committee a. Shall review and make recommendations for changes to the Student Senate electoral process. b. Shall govern the electoral process and shall report findings. c. Shall be comprised of the chair, the Manager of Student Life and additional members to oversee the process. d. The chair of the Elections Committee shall be the Student Senate Event Coordinator or a designee appointed by the Manger of Student Life.. Section C. Ad Hoc Committee 1. Ad hoc committees shall be formed for purpose of a specific task or to oversee particular projects. 2. Committees shall be assigned to report to a Student Senator for progress and recommendations. 3. Committees shall be created by a vote of the Student Senate with a majority of fifty percent (50%) plus one (1). 4. Timelines for the completion of projects shall be determined by the motion creating the committee. 5. Changes or extensions to timelines can be requested by the committee. 6. Committees can be dissolved by completion of projects or by vote of the Student Senate with a majority of fifty percent (50%) plus one (1).. Article IX. By-laws Section A. Adoption 1. Adoption of the Student Senate By-laws requires a fifty percent (50%) plus one (1) vote of the Student Senate in a scheduled or emergency special meeting of the Student Senate. 2. No amendment to the By-laws shall conflict with the Constitution or with any policy or procedure adopted by the college. In the event of such conflict, the Constitution, policy or procedure shall supersede the By-law. Section B. Revisions 1. Revisions of the Student Senate By-laws requires a fifty percent (50%) plus one (1) vote of the Student Senate in a scheduled regular or emergency special meeting of the Student Senate. Section C. Submission 1. A revision, addition, or removal of a By-law must be submitted to the Student Senate in writing one (1) week prior to the Student Senate general meeting at which time it will be put to a vote at a general meeting. Article X. Constitutional Amendments Amended: 03/11 14

15 Section A. Amendments 1. Amendments to this Constitution may be submitted by anyone in the Student Government Association to of the Document Review Committee and the Manager of Student Life. 2. Upon approval from the Document Review Committee and the Manager of Student Life, Athe proposed amendment(s), once approved, of this Constitution shall be announced at least two (2) weeks prior to the vote at a Student Government Association general meeting. 3. Amendments can be made by a vote of fifty percent (50%) plus one (1) of the Student Government Association in attendance at a Student Senate general general Student Government Association meeting, or by a petition bearing the signatures of 10% the entire SGA membershipstudent Body. 4. A Student Senator shall receive proposed amendments and valid signatures of the petition by referring to the official College records and submit the amendments for the vote at any regular scheduled or emergencyspecial meetings. 5. A proposed amendment to this Constitution shall become effective if it receives an affirmative majority of the votes cast for it at a Student Government Association meeting, a.nd approval by the College s administration and/or the Board of Trustees. 6. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision or amendment of the Constitution shall be effective unless it has been approved by the College s Board of Trustees. Article XI. Constitutional Revisions Section A. Committee 1. A committee may be appointed to undertake revision of this Constitution. 2. Revisions of this Constitution shall be submitted for a vote of fifty percent (50%) plus one (1) of the Student Government Association in attendance at a general Student Government Association meeting or by a petition bearing the signatures of 10% the entire Student Body. 3. A Student Senator shall receive the petition for the constitutional revision from the Student BodySGA membership, validate the signatures on the petition by referring to the official College record, and submit the revision for a vote at any regular scheduled or special emergency meeting. 4. The proposed revision of this Constitution shall be announced at least two (2) weeks prior to the Student Senate general meeting at which the Student Government Association will put it to a vote. 5. A proposed revision to this Constitution shall become effective immediately upon receiving an affirmative majority of the votes cast for it at the Student Government Association meeting and approval by the College s administration, and/or the Board of Trustees. 6. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no provision or revision of the Constitution shall be effective unless it has been approved by the College s Board of Trustees. Formatted: Strikethrough Formatted: Strikethrough Article XII. Adoption of Constitution Section A. Upon adoption by the Student Government Association, this constitution becomes immediately effective and supersedes all previous Lorain County Amended: 03/11 15

16 Community College Student Government Association Constitutions, which may exist and may have been in force to this date. Section B. In all respects, this Constitution and the rights and responsibilities of the SGA MembershipStudent Body shall be and remain subject to the authority of the Board of Trustees, which reserves the right to replace any or all of the Constitution s provisions in the interests of better attaining the Mission of the College. Amended: 03/11 16