A BILL TO AMEND THE GPSF CONSTITUTION AND ESTABLISH A NEW ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH

Transcription

1 BILL A BILL TO AMEND THE GPSF CONSTITUTION AND ESTABLISH A NEW ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE FOR THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH 31 JAN 2017 INTRODUCED BY G. DYLAN RUSSELL, GPSF PRESIDENT 03 FEB 2017 REFERRED TO GPSF RESOLUTIONS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE 05 FEB 2017 PASSED 4-0 BY RESOLUTIONS DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE; REFERRED TO GPSF SENATE 07 FEB 2017 PASSED BY GPSF SENATE the GPSF Executive Committee has previously been comprised of a President, a Vice President of Internal Affairs, a Vice President of External Affairs, a Chief of Staff, a Treasurer, and a Secretary according to the GPSF Constitution, Article IV, Section 1, some of the powers and roles of the Executive Committee are not currently clearly articulated in Article IV and some of those powers seem contradictory, the partition of Student Government will result in additional constraints placed on the current Executive Committee, the GPSF Constitution should be amended to address any shortcomings in apparent in the descriptions and powers of the Executive Committee and to address any foreseeable issues arising from the new governmental structure, the GPSF Executive Branch currently includes a Cabinet, overseen by the Chief of Staff, according to the GPSF Constitution, Article IV, Section 7, the GPSF Cabinet structure currently does not run efficiently and seems to function as an auxiliary branch of the Executive Branch instead of serving as an integral part of the Executive branch, the GPSF Cabinet should be reorganized to integrate other Executive Branch positions with the Executive Committee so that they can be more centrally involved in the implementation of Executive policies and projects,

2 THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE SENATE OF THE GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL STUDENT FEDERATION that Article III, Section 2, of the GPSF Constitution be amended as follows: 2. Operational Structure. The formal operational structure of the GPSF shall be comprised of three bodies that have distinct duties and responsibilities. These bodies shall be called the Executive Branch, the Senate, and the Graduate Honor System. BE IT FURTHER ENACTED that Article IV of the GPSF Constitution be amended as follows: Article IV. The Executive Branch 1. Executive Committee. The Executive Committee shall be responsible for the daily operations of the GPSF and the preparation of the annual budget. (a) Committee Membership. The Executive Committee shall consist of the following Executive Officers: the President, Vice President, Chief of Staff, Chief of External Relations and Advocacy, Chief of the Exchequer, and Secretary. (b) Selection of the Committee. The members of the Executive Committee shall be selected and approved in the following manners: (1) President. The president shall be elected by the graduate and professional student body in annual elections in accordance with the rules and guidelines outlined in the Student Body Constitution and the GPSF Constitution, Article VII. (2) Other Executive Officers. The Vice President, Chief of Staff, Chief of External Relations and Advocacy, Chief of the Exchequer, and Secretary shall be nominated appointed by the President and approved by the Senate by a 2/3 vote of members present. i. Membership in the Senate shall not be required for consideration of an executive position. ii. The Executive Officers shall be confirmed by the Senate prior to the end of the academic year or within four weeks of the inauguration of the GPSF President, whichever comes first. 2. Powers and Duties of the President: (a) The President shall have the responsibility and be empowered to... (1) Enforce and administer legislation enacted by the GPSF Senate, (2) Represent the GPSF at all University functions, (3) Speak on behalf of the graduate and professional students, (4) Appoint committees, taskforces, and other such subsidiary bodies, within the Executive Branch, deemed necessary and proper to aid the performance of the President s duties, (5) Appoint, with GPSF Senate approval, Executive Branch officers and other codified positions,

3 (6) Organize the Executive Directorships, (7) Veto GPSF Senate legislation, provided that the power be exercised within seven (7) days of the legislation s passage by the Senate, (8) Serve as member of the Student Government Joint Council, and (9) Initiate and oversee any projects, business or programs necessary to fulfill the purposes of this organization, so long as they are not inconsistent with this Constitution 3. Powers and Duties of the Vice President: (a) The GPSF Vice President shall have the responsibility and be empowered to. (1) Perform the duties of the President in their absence with specific directive to do so, (2) Serve as President of the Senate, being empowered to call and conduct GPSF Senate meetings, to ensure the proper operation of the Senate Committees, and to facilitate executivelegislative relations and help coordinate necessary organizational changes between the branches, (3) Facilitate Representative Unit-Board of Elections communications, as needed, to ensure all Representative Units are fairly represented within the Senate, (4) Collect and compile reports from all Senate Committees, (5) Maintain a Legislative Log, in conjunction with the Secretary and Resolutions Development Chair, tracking the status of bills and resolutions during a legislative session, (6) Serve as an ex-officio of member of the GPSF Senate Travel Awards Committee, Resolutions Development Committee, and any other Senate Select or Ad Hoc Committee, as appropriate, (7) Serve as the Chair of the Senate Hearing Committee, should it be called, and (8) Serve as a member of the Student Government Joint Council. (b) The powers of the Vice President shall not be limited to those presented here as the President of the GPSF may encourage them to take on additional duties or responsibilities. 4. Powers and Duties of the Chief of Staff: (a) The Chief of Staff shall have the responsibility and be empowered to... (1) Select, advise, and support the GPSF Executive Directors in their duties, (2) Collect reports from all Executive Directors and ensure that all Executive Directors document progress on Director-led initiatives, (3) Prepare and present a GPSF Executive Directors Charter to the GPSF Senate at during the first meeting of the Senate Session, containing the current positions, appointees, and

4 responsibilities of appointees, and present amendments to the Senate as necessary during the course of the year, (4) Oversee and be supported by in their duties the Directors of Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Diversity and Inclusion, and Professional Development, and (5) Assist other Executive Committee members in the management of the other Directors. (b) The powers of the Chief of Staff shall not be limited to those presented here as the President of the GPSF may encourage them to take on additional duties or responsibilities. 5. Powers and Duties of the Chief of External Relations and Advocacy: (a) The Chief of External Relations and Advocacy shall have the responsibility and be empowered to... (1) Function as the primary advocacy voice of the GPSF, serving as a liaison between the GPSF, the University administration, and local, state, and federal governments, (2) Oversee and be supported in their duties by the Directors of Local Relations, State and Federal Relations, Sustainability and Transportation, and Undergraduate Relations, (3) Prepare and present a GPSF External Appointments Charter to the GPSF Senate at the first meeting of the Senate Session, containing the current positions, appointees, and responsibilities of appointees, and present amendments to the Senate as necessary during the course of the year, and (4) Work with the Chief of Staff and Executive Directors to ensure that all external appointments are filled. (b) The powers of the Chief of External Relations and Advocacy shall not be limited to those presented here as the President of the GPSF may encourage them to take on additional duties or responsibilities. 6. Powers and Duties of the Chief of the Exchequer: (a) The Chief of the Exchequer shall have the responsibility and be empowered to... (1) Serve as the primary financial officer of the GPSF, (2) Oversee the annual budget process and GPSF financial policy, (3) Serve as the primary arbiter on matters concerning existing Treasury Law, (4) Serve on committees pertinent to university-level fee decisions, (5) Serve as an ex-officio, non-voting member on the Senate Finance and Appropriations Committee, (6) Requisition funds, (7) Oversee and provide for the maintenance of GPSF financial records with the GPSF Comptroller,

5 (8) Oversee and provide for the maintenance of a physical properties list, with the GPSF Comptroller, consistent with expenditure of GPSF allocated funds, (9) Ensure the GPSF Comptroller has all necessary GPSF financial data to perform their duties, (10) Oversee and be supported in their duties by the Directors of Student Opportunities and Social Programming, and (11) Conduct all other financial affairs pertaining to the GPSF as necessary. (b) The powers of the Chief of the Exchequer shall not be limited to those presented here as the President of the GPSF may encourage them to take on additional duties or responsibilities. 7. Powers and Duties of the Secretary: (a) The Secretary shall have the responsibility and be empowered to... (1) Keeping the minutes of meetings of the Senate and the Executive Committee, (2) Maintaining attendance records of GPSF Senators, (3) Oversee the maintenance of all records and files of the GPSF, (4) Maintain a current and accessible copy of the GPSF Constitution, Treasury Law, Travel Laws, and any other bylaws of the organization, (5) Arrange for permanent preservation of GPSF documents, (6) Publish a list of all representative units, their Senators, and contact information, (7) Oversee and be supported in their duties by the Directors of Public Relations and Marketing and Public Service, (8) Oversee the maintenance of the GPSF Website and the distribution of the GPSF Newsletter, and (9) Oversee the compiling of regular reports on the activities of University Standing Committees, Advisory Committees and Boards, and all other duly established committees external to the GPSF, excepting those on which the President retains an appointment, and the reporting of those activities to the Executive Committee, (b) The powers of the Secretary shall not be limited to those presented here as the President of the GPSF may encourage them to take on additional duties or responsibilities. 8. Executive Directors: (a) The Directors. The Executive Directors of the GPSF shall be the Directors of Academic Affairs, Diversity and Inclusion, Local Relations, Professional Development, Public Relations and Marketing, Social Programming, State and Federal Relations, Student Affairs, Student Opportunities, Sustainability and Transportation, and Undergraduate Relations (b) The General Duties and Powers of Executive Directors.

6 (1) The Executive Directors shall be charged with executing the goals, policies, priorities, and initiatives adopted by the GPSF Executive Committee. (2) All Executive Directors shall be empowered, with prior approval of the Executive Committee and in keeping with the GPSF Constitution and Bylaws, to i. Form ad hoc committees, as needed, to facilitate the performance of their duties, ii. Organize GPSF events, iii. Represent the GPSF on University committees and other external positions assigned to their Directorship by the GPSF President iv. Appoint representatives to University committees and other external positions assigned to their Directorship by the GPSF President, and v. Appoint a Deputy Director for their Directorship, if needed (3) The powers of the Directors shall not be limited those presented here as the Executive Committee of the GPSF may encourage them to take on additional duties or responsibilities. (c) The Role and Powers of the Respective Directorships. (1) The Director of Academic Affairs. The Director of Academic Affairs shall advise the Executive Committee on issues affecting graduate and professional students and oversee initiatives and advocacy efforts in the areas of academic policy, information technology, and TA/RA advocacy. (2) Director of Diversity and Inclusion The Director of Diversity and Inclusion shall advise the Executive Committee on issues affecting graduate and professional students and oversee initiatives and advocacy efforts in the areas of diversity, disabilities, international students, and LGBTQIA issues. (3) Director of Local Relations i. The Director of Local Relations shall advise the Executive Committee on issues affecting graduate and professional students and oversee initiatives and advocacy efforts within Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Orange County, and Durham County. ii. The Director of Local Relations shall represent the GPSF to the governments of Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Orange County, and Durham County on behalf of the GPSF President. (4) Director of Professional Development The Director of Professional Development shall advise the Executive Committee on issues affecting graduate and professional students and oversee initiatives and advocacy efforts in the areas of professional development, career services, and mentorship (5) Director of Public Relations and Marketing i. The Director of Public Relations and Marketing shall advise the Executive Committee on and oversee the public relations and Marketing efforts of the GPSF.

7 ii. The Director of Public Relations and Marketing shall be in charge of the social media accounts of the GPSF, representing the GPSF at UNC organization fairs, facilitating the introduction of the GPSF to incoming students, devising and implementing an advertising plan for GPSF events, ordering GPSF marketing supplies, and working with the GPSF Secretary to maintain the GPSF website. (6) Director of Public Service The Director of Public Service shall advise the Executive Committee on and organize and oversee the public service initiatives of the GPSF. (7) Director of Social Programming i. The Director of Social Programming shall advise the Executive Committee on and organize and oversee the social programming and special events of the GPSF. ii. The Director of Social Programming shall organize and oversee graduate and professional socials, the GPSF Grad Games, Second Semester Check-In, and the UNC Academic Research Conference. iii. The Direct of Social Programming shall be an ex-officio, non-voting member of the GPSF Senate Special Projects Committee. iv. The Director of Undergraduate Relations shall be the primary contact between the GPSF and Carolina Union Activities Board, providing advisement on the use of the graduate and professional student fees given to CUAB. v. The Director of Social Programming shall appoint a Deputy Director of Social Programming, with Executive Committee approval, to assist them in putting on GPSF Events. (8) Director of State and Federal Relations i. The Director of State and Federal Relations shall advise the Executive Committee shall advise the Executive Committee on issues affecting graduate and professional students and oversee initiatives and advocacy efforts in the areas of state and federal affairs ii. The Director of State and Federal Relations shall serve as the GPSF chief-delegate for the SAGE Coalition and the Association of Student Governments. iii. The Director of State and Federal Relations shall work with the Chair of External Relations and Advocacy to organize yearly trips to Raleigh and Washington, D.C., to advocate for graduate and professional students. (9) Director of Student Affairs. The Director of Student Affairs shall advise the Executive Committee on issues affecting graduate and professional students and oversee initiatives and advocacy efforts on policies affecting the welfare of the student body, including the issues of health policy, student family advocacy, and campus and personal safety. (10) Director of Student Opportunities

8 i. The Director of Student Opportunities shall advise the Executive Committee on issues affecting graduate and professional students and oversee initiatives and advocacy efforts in the areas of University resources and functions and alumni relations. ii. The Director of Student Opportunities shall be in charge of updating the GPSF Resource Guide. iii. The Director of Student Opportunities shall chair the GPSF Emergency Fund Committee. (11) Director of Sustainability and Transportation The Director of Sustainability and Transportation shall advise the Executive Committee on issues affecting graduate and professional students and oversee initiatives and advocacy efforts in the areas of sustainability and transportation. (12) Director of Undergraduate Relations The Director of Undergraduate Relations shall advise the Executive Committee on and and oversee initiatives in the area of undergraduate relations. 9. Compensation of Executive Officers: The Executive Committee and Directors shall be eligible to be compensated with a modest stipend in consideration for performance of duties over the summer and during the academic year. (a) This consideration is intended to preclude the possibility that any interested individual would neglect to involve themselves as an Executive Officer or Director due to financial constraints. (b) Misfeasance, malfeasance and nonfeasance of duties are grounds for recall of a compensated Executive Officer or Director of the GPSF. (c) Any compensated member of the Executive Branch recalled for misfeasance, malfeasance, or nonfeasance of duties shall be subject to recovery of compensation by the GPSF through whatever means are necessary. 10. Recall of Appointed Members of the Executive Branch (a) Executive Committee Appointees: (1) Recall through the Senate. The recall of Executive Committee Appointees by the Senate shall be initiated by 15% of the Senate membership by written petition to the President. A 2/3 vote of members present with quorum is required for removal. (2) Recall through the Executive Branch. Any Appointee to the Executive Committee may be recalled by the GPSF President for nonfeasance. The President shall present the Senate with a written letter of recall and shall nominate a replacement for the recalled Executive Officer. (b) Executive Directors and External Appointees: Executive Directors and External Appointees shall be recalled through a majority vote of the members of the Executive Committee. In cases of a tied vote, the President s vote will break the tie. Upon recall, the Chief of Staff or Minister of External Relations and Advocacy, as appropriate, shall present the Senate with a written letter of recall and shall nominate a replacement for the recalled Director or Appointee. 11. Succession: If the GPSF President is recalled or otherwise leaves the office, the succeeding officer shall become Interim President and shall assume all duties and responsibilities of the Office of President until such time as a special election can be held.

9 (a) The order of succession to the Presidency shall be Vice President, Chief of Staff, Chief of External Relations and Advocacy,, Chief of the Exchequer, and Secretary of the GPSF. b. In the event of succession, an Executive Committee shall subsequently re-approved by the Senate as prescribed in Article III, Section 1(b)(2) of the GPSF Constitution. BE IT FURTHER ENACTED that Article V, Section 8 (a) (4) of the GPSF Constitution be amended as follows: i. The GPSF Chief of the Exchequer shall be an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Finance Committee and the Appropriations Committee. ii. The GPSF Vice-President of Internal Affairs shall be an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Resolutions Developments Committee and Travel Awards Committee. iii. The GPSF Director of Social Programming shall be an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Special Projects Committee BE IT FURTHER ENACTED that the five occurrences of Internal Affairs in Article V, Section 8 (e) (2 3) be struck; and BE IT FURTHER ENACTED that this structure and the rules herein changed shall go into effect at the beginning of the next GPSF Presidential Administration ( ) and that the Russell Administration will continue to operate under the executive system in place at the beginning of President Russell s term. Done this day, the seventh of February two thousand and seventeen. Brian A. Coussens Vice President of Internal Affairs G. Dylan Russell President