STUDENT SENATE ELECTION PACKET

STUDENT SENATE ELECTION PACKET http://www.lorainccc.edu/stsenate

Election Schedule February 22 Election Nomination packets will be available at the Office of Student Life and at www.lorainccc.edu under Student Senate Elections February 25 Student Senate Information Session Location IL 220 1:00pm 2:00pm March 2 Student Senate Information Session Location IL 220 12:00pm 1:00pm March 11 Election packets DUE no later than 4:30pm to the Office of Student Life (College Center, room 206) March 23 Orientation meeting for candidates Location iloft, room 220 12:00pm 1:00pm March 29 Campaigning Begins April 1 Application deadline for all Write-in Candidates April 4 Campaigning begins for all Write-in Candidates April 5 Meet and Greet Session for candidates- Location College Center Commons April 15 Campaigning Ends April 18- April 22 Elections April 25 Announcement of Election Results The dates and contents of this packet are subject to change. Changes will be posted at the Office of Student Life (College Center, room 206) and the LCCC website under Student Senate Elections. All applicants will be contacted. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact any of the Student Senators in the Student Senate Office (CC 203), by email (slevents@lorainccc.edu), or telephone (1-800-955-5222 extensions 4036 or 440-366-4036). 2

Election Season Events Orientation Session An orientation session will be held March 23 rd at 12:00 p.m. in iloft 220 to provide candidates with an overview of the rules and regulations of the elections, and the opportunity to ask any questions they may have. These sessions are also an opportunity for the candidates to meet the Manager of the Office of Student Life and other candidates, if they have not done so already. Meet and Greet Session This session will be held on April 5 th at 12:00 p.m. in CC106 and will serve as an opportunity for candidates to meet and discuss issues with students, and to learn more about the clubs and organizations on campus. Each candidate will be expected to attend this session and will have an opportunity to give a short speech approximately 3-5 minutes in length. Elections Elections will be held April 18 th through April 22 nd. During this time candidates are allowed to campaign throughout; however, they are not permitted in or directly outside of polling places without special permission from the Election Committee. Polling places are defined as all Computer Labs on campus, including the computers in the Library, as well as designated areas in the College Center. If a candidate does not have special permission and chooses to enter a polling place, he or she will be automatically disqualified. Inductions TBA 3

Qualifications, Candidacy and Nomination Qualifications for Candidacy and Senate Office To be eligible for candidacy in Student Senate elections, students: a. Must be a registered student of Lorain County Community College and/or the University Partnership. b. Must have an accumulated GPA of 2.25 or higher. c. Must have completed at least twelve (12) credits hours through Lorain County Community College and/or the University Partnership. d. Must be currently enrolled in at least six (6) credit hours though Lorain County Community College and/or the University Partnership. e. Must be a student in good standing as determined by the Associate Provost, Enrollment Management & Student Success/Registrar. f. Must pass a background check in accordance with LCCC policies and procedures. g. Must understand and agree to fulfill and follow the Student Government Association Constitution and the Student Senate Oath. h. Must understand and agree to the Student Government Association By-Laws and the duties for the office the candidate seeks. i. Must be willing and able to assume the responsibilities of office by the date specified after induction. In addition to the qualifications listed above, once elected to office, Senators also: a. Must be enrolled as a student and maintain at least six (6) credit hours per semester at Lorain County Community College and/or the University Partnership during each semester, excluding the summer semester. The University Partnership Representative must be enrolled in a partnership program. b. Must not be placed on probation or dismissed for academic standards and/or have violations under the Student or Campus Codes of Conduct. c. Must complete a pre-employment screening process, which may include but is not limited to educational verification, reference checks, and background investigations. The Candidacy Process: To become a candidate in Student Senate elections, students must complete the following process: 4

1. Pick-up an Election Packet from the Office of Student Life (College Center, room 206) or download a copy online from the website at http://www.lorainccc.edu/stenate. 2. Thoroughly review this packet, the Student Government Association Constitution and By-Laws, and the Election Code. 3. Complete the Letter of Intent, found in this packet, and return it to the Office of Student Life (College Center, 206) no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 11,. 4. Potential candidates will be notified of their eligibility based on the qualifications listed above no later than one (1) business day after the submission deadline. 5. Those students found to be ineligible will be disqualified from running in Student Senate elections for that academic year. The Nomination Process: Students seeking to have their name placed on the ballot for the Student Senate elections (potential candidates) must complete the following process: 1. Complete the Official Nomination Petition found in the Election Packet; personally secure the signatures and student numbers of one-hundred (100) currently enrolled LCCC or UP students. 2. Return the Official Nomination Petition to the Office of Student Life by no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, March 11,. 3. The Elections Committee will validate the signatures, and notify potential candidates of their valid or invalid filing of this petition no later than one (1) business day following the submission deadline. 4. If the petition is invalid as filed, the candidate will be granted three (3) additional weekdays to meet all requirements necessary for approval. 5. The nomination of each candidate is ultimately contingent upon successful completion of the candidacy process, and only eligible candidates will appear on the ballot. Write-In Candidates: 1. Students who do not meet the deadline for the nomination process may run for office as a write-in candidate by completing and returning the Letter of Intent to the Office of Student Life by April 1, at 4:30 p.m. 2. Potential write-in candidates will be notified of their eligibility no later than one (1) business day after the submission deadline. 3. The names of write-in candidates will not appear on the ballot. 4. Write-in candidates will not be permitted to begin campaigning until one (1) business day after the write-in candidate deadline. 5. To win their selected office, write-in candidates must receive 50% plus one of the total votes for that office. 5

The Officers of the Student Senate President The President oversees all Senate functions in accordance with the Student Government Association Constitution and governing By-Laws, and serves as the primary spokesperson for the Student Body. Vice President The Vice President assists in the focus of the Student Senate towards its goals and performs the duties of the President in his/her absence. Executive Secretary The Executive Secretary serves as office manager of the Student Senate and prepares all meeting agendas, records all meeting minutes, and prepares all necessary correspondence to internal and external groups. Financial Secretary The Financial Secretary ensures the effective handling of all financial matters of the Student Senate, which includes reviewing student club and Student Senate budgets. Event Coordinator The Event Coordinator coordinates all Student Senate events and assists in supervising Student Senate elections. University Partnership Representative The University Partnership Representative serves as liaison between the University Partnership schools and LCCC, and represents the interests and concerns of the Student Body enrolled in the University Partnership Programs. Outreach Representative The Outreach Representative represents the interests and concerns of the Student Body in the community outreach centers. 6

All Student Senators shall: The Duties of All Student Senators 1. Strive for the ideals established in the Preamble and Purpose of the Student Government Association Constitution. 2. Agree to foster a sense of goodwill and fellowship with the Student Body. 3. Follow the Student Government Association By-laws. 4. Work on selecting goals for the upcoming year prior to the start of the fall semester. 5. Accept all the obligations and responsibilities of being a Student Body representative. 6. Maintain a minimum of ten (10) service/office hours per week, not to be completed in one (1) business day, during the Student Senator's term in office. 7. Attend all Student Senate functions, unless prior notice is given in writing. 8. Represent the students at functions where official student representation is deemed advisable. 9. Attend all regularly scheduled Student Senate meetings. 10. Notify the Office of Student Life and the Manager of Student Life in the event of an absence from the Student Senate during meeting or service/office hours. 11. Act as liaison between the Student Body, faculty and the College administration. 12. Represent and vote on all matters pertaining to the Student Body. 13. Represent Student Senate committees as assigned by the Student Senate President. 14. Exercise all additional rights necessary or required to serve the best interests of the College and the Student Body. 15. Be a part of the Document Evaluation Team, ensuring the Constitution, By-laws, and other Legislation do not conflict. 16. Be aware of the ideas and opinions of the Student Senate and the Student Body. 17. Encourage student involvement campus-wide. 18. Promote integration, coordination, and cooperation between all clubs/organizations on campus. 19. Maintain an unbiased attitude toward all clubs/organizations and individuals. 20. Maintain complete confidentiality of all clubs/organizations information and internal Student Senate matters. 21. Assist in the selection of the annual student club awards for the Honors and Awards Convocation. 22. Evaluate the clubs/organizations to establish a ranking for "Club of the Year" distinction. 23. Maintain professional relationships with the Student Body, staff, faculty, administration and community. 24. Follow the instruction of the Advisor as well as the rules listed in the Campus and Student Codes of Conduct. 25. Maintain close contact with club/organization representatives. 7

26. Submit Student Senate agenda topics to the Executive Secretary within an agreed upon time frame prior to the meeting. The President shall: Duties of the Officers of the Student Senate 1. Follow the Constitution and By-laws of the Student Government Association. 2. Exercise the legislative, executive and additional rights necessary or required to serve the best interests of the Student Body and the College. 3. Oversee and delegate as deemed necessary and appropriate such duties to carry out the functions and day-to-day business of the Student Senate. 4. Represent the students at functions where the President is specifically requested. If the President is unable to be the official student representation, the President will appoint another Student Senator. 5. Appoint students to committees from the membership of the Student Senate, Student Life and Student Body based upon the recommendations of the Student Senate. 6. Call to order, preside and maintain order over regular and special Student Senate meetings as the chair. 7. Call special Student Senate meetings in no less than twenty-four (24) hours advanced notice. 8. Call special meetings upon request when majority of the present total membership of the Student Senate with no less than twenty-four (24) hours advanced notice. 9. Form and dissolve committees with the consent of 2/3 vote of the Student Senate. 10. Be responsible for the cancellation of Student Senate meetings and informing the public of the cancellation. 11. Give a speech at Spring Commencement. 12. Serve as the spokespersons for the Student Body with assistance from the Vice President. 13. Maintain professional relationships with other student governments and schools with the assistance of the Vice President. 14. Attend Operations Council meetings. 15. Attend other campus and Student Senate meetings as necessary. 16. Have oversight and input of the agendas and orders of business prior to every Student Senate meeting. 17. Serve as a non-voting member of all Student Senate committees and subcommittees, which they may not preside over. 18. Serve as a voting member on the campus committees to which they are appointed. 19. Only vote in Senate meetings in the event of a tie-breaker. 20. Have oversight in establishing a plan of action to accomplish at least two of the Student Senate goals. Group goals will be established during one of the pre- 8

semester training sessions and will be reevaluated at the prior to the first Student Senate general meeting each semester. Plans of action will be presented at the first Student Senate general meeting. The plan of action shall include specific objectives and specific dates of deadline. The Vice President shall: 1. Follow the Constitution and By-laws of the Student Government Association. 2. Assist in the exercising of the legislative and executive rights of the Student Body. 3. Assume all regular powers and perform all duties in the absence of the President. 4. Assume Presidency in case of the Presidential Office becoming vacant until the next regularly scheduled election of the Student Senate. 5. Oversee the process of replacing the Vice President position if vacancy occurs. 6. Assist the President in any way that the President deems necessary. 7. Assist in overseeing the work and representation of the Student Senate. 8. Oversee the completion of Student Senate office hours and submit to the Advisor or their designee a semester performance report. 9. Acquire collection of information for the development of reports with the assistance of the Executive Secretary. 10. All other duties as assigned by the President. The Executive Secretary shall: 1. Follow the Constitution and By-laws of the Student Government Association. 2. Be responsible for the recording of minutes, records, proceedings, letters, memos, proclamations, petitions, and other Student Senate related documents. 3. Be responsible for the distribution of records, minutes, and other related documents. 4. Prepare and distribute copies of the minutes to the Student Senate, Director of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Student Life, Manager of Student Life, Student Life Staff Associate, Administrative Assistant, and clubs/organizations. 5. Have copies of the minutes available for the Student Body. 6. Maintain general and complete Student Senate files, accessible to members of the Student Senate. 7. Establish an agenda for each meeting of the Student Senate. 8. Maintain inventory of all equipment, supplies, and related administrative items for the Student Senate. 9. Assist in the creation of a Student Senate Yearbook to be presented at induction ceremony to the incoming Student Senate. 10. All other duties as assigned by the President. The Financial Secretary shall: 1. Follow the Constitution and By-laws of the Student Government Association. 2. Advise the Student Senate and the Student Body of financial matters at Student Senate meetings. 9

3. Retain and present a monthly balance sheet consisting of all Student Senate accounts to the Student Senate and Student Body for review at Student Senate meetings. 4. Track transactions involving Student Senate accounts. 5. Present to the Student Senate and the Office of Student Life any discrepancies in Student Senate account balances. 6. Assist in maintaining copies of receipts, deposits, miscellaneous expenses and assist in requesting reimbursements for the Student Senate. 7. Store records in a locked file cabinet in the Student Senate office. 8. Be knowledgeable about previous and current regulations regarding the Club Chartering and Club Incentive programs. 9. Review, verify and submit for consideration to the Student Senate President or Vice President Tier Fund requests. The primary guidelines will be as stated in the current Club Incentive Packet. 10. Keep Tier Fund requests balances for each chartered club. 11. Maintain and tabulate cubicle and event hours. 12. All other duties as assigned by the President. The Event Coordinator shall: 1. Follow the Constitution and By-laws of the Student Government Association. 2. Act as a liaison between the Student Body and the college community regarding special projects. 3. Coordinate and supervise campus-wide events that are sponsored or cosponsored by the Student Senate. 4. Oversee and act as the Student Senate liaison to Program Board. 5. Assist with conducting and coordinating the Student Senate elections for the Student Body in accordance with the Constitution. If the Event Coordinator elects to run for office in the next election, a designee will be appointed by the Manger of Student Life. 6. Make known to the candidates all rules, regulations, and important dates pertaining to the Student Senate elections. 7. Assist with the incoming Student Senate at the Induction Ceremony. 8. Chair the election and induction process according to the current Election code, unless running for office in the upcoming election. 9. Assist in the development and distribution of surveys and other data collection tools for the improvement of Student Senate. 10. Upon the collection of surveys and other data, submit a written report to the Student Senate and render an opinion based upon the evidence gathered. 11. Be responsible for the publicity of the Student Senate activities. 12. Assist in the creation of a Student Senate Yearbook to be presented at induction ceremony to the incoming Student Senate. 13. All other duties as assigned by the President. 10

The University Partnership Representative shall: 1. Follow the Constitution and By-laws of the Student Government Association. 2. Act as a student liaison on behalf of the Student Body between Lorain County Community College and its Partnership Schools. 3. Promote activities provided by the LCCC Office of Student Life and its club and organizations while promoting partnership opportunities. 4. Promote the academic and cultural programs of the University Partnership partners to the LCCC Student Body. 5. All other duties as assigned by the President. 6. Work with fellow senators and the Office of Student Life to create and assist in the implementation of targeted activities for students who attend the University Partnership. 7. Visit University Partnership School s offices and introduce yourself, provide contact information and answer any questions. 8. Be responsible for bringing the opinions, concerns, issues and suggestions of the student in the partnership arrangements to the Student Senate and the administration. 9. Be responsible for attending any relevant partnership committee meetings, events, or gatherings and reporting information at Student Senate meetings. 10. Handle all partnership student interactions with campus affiliated groups. The Outreach Representative shall: 1. Follow the Constitution and By-laws of the Student Government Association 2. Responsible for bringing the opinions, concerns, issues and suggestions of the students in the community outreach centers to the LCCC Student Senate and the Lorain County Community College Administration. 3. Responsible for attending any relevant community outreach center committee meetings, events or gatherings and reporting information at LCCC Student Senate meetings. 4. Act as a student liaison on behalf of the Student Body between Lorain County Community College and the community outreach centers. 5. Perform additional duties as assigned by the LCCC Student Senate President. 6. Promote activities provided by the Office of Student Life and its clubs and organizations while promoting community outreach opportunities. 7. Promote the academic and cultural programs of the community outreach centers to the LCCC Student Body. 8. Promote collaboration between LCCC Student Life, clubs and organizations with partners and outreach centers. 9. Visit community outreach centers and introduce yourself, provide contact information and answer any questions. 10. Handle all community outreach student interactions with campus affiliated groups. 11. All other duties assigned by the President. 11

Campaign Rules and Regulations Any candidate caught violating these rules and regulations may be disqualified. The Manager of the Office of Student Life and the Election Committee will make the final decision regarding violations. Violations must be submitted in writing, prior to the last day of the election, to the Manager of the Office of Student Life and the Election Judge for review and decision. Appeals may be made to the Dean of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Student Life. 1. All campaigns are to be run on an individual basis. Pooling of resources through forming a ticket is not allowed. 2. Current Student Life workers and/or Student Senators running as candidates are not permitted to oversee or facilitate the election process. 3. Current Student Senators lose the ability to vote on or correct any aspect of the election upon signing out an Election Packet; his or her vote will be listed as "Abstained." 4. No candidate or their representative shall: a. Tamper, remove, damage, vandalize or destroy another candidate s articles b. Post signage on walls, windows, doors, buildings or support columns c. Leave campaign articles on vehicles d. Display unapproved campaign materials e. Engage in negative campaigning f. Campaign in classrooms without permission g. Campaign in any administrative or academic offices h. Campaign within or directly outside of the polling areas i. Tamper with the voting process in any way 5. Campaign Materials a. All campaign materials must be approved by the Office of Student Life and the Election Committee. b. Each candidate must oversee and participate in the creation of their campaign material. The Office of Student Life and/or the Election Committee may assist candidates utilizing College resources, (i.e. art supplies, computers, etc.) in a manner that is fair to all candidates. c. All costs incurred by the candidates are their sole responsibility. Neither the Office of Student Life nor the Student Senate shall donate any funds to endorse any candidate. d. No signs or campaign materials may be displayed before the first week of campaigning. e. Campaign Signage i. All signage must be posted by the Office of Student Life. ii. Each candidate is allowed one (1) sign not exceeding 8 1/2" X 11" per section of each designated bulletin board. iii. Each candidate is allowed one (1) yard sign not exceeding 18 x 26 per authorized outdoor location and no more than twenty (20) 12

yard signs on the LCCC main campus. Candidates must replace and/or remove any yard signs damaged while displayed at outdoor locations. f. The candidates and/or their representatives must remove all campaign materials within one (1) week after the completion of the elections. g. Any questionable campaign materials or activities shall be directed in writing to the Office of Student Life and/or the Election Committee for consideration. The Office of Student Life and/or the Election Committee will remove all questionable campaign materials and then notify the candidate. 6. All candidates have equal opportunity to campaign using LCCC media. 7. An official announcement of the election results will be shared with the campus community on Monday, April 25,. 8. A recount shall be conducted upon written request of a candidate, to the Election Committee Judge. Requests must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. the following Monday after the official election results have been announced. 9. If changes to the election rules and regulations are made, the Election Committee will post the changes to these rules and regulations in the Office of Student Life, CC 206 and on the LCCC website; candidates will also be personally contacted. LCCC Student Senate Oath of Office I do solemnly swear to represent the Student Body of Lorain County Community College. I will strive to provide opportunities for students to participate and voice themselves in their social, cultural, and academic education. I agree to foster a sense of goodwill and fellowship with the Student Body and agree to represent the students in a professional manner. I will act as liaison between the Student Body, faculty, staff and the College administration, and I will encourage student involvement campus-wide. I accept all the responsibilities of my position outlined in the Student Government Association Constitution and By-Laws, and voluntarily pledge to fulfill all my duties to the best of my abilities. 13