Southern Crescent Technical College Student Government Association Bylaws Updated June 10, 2014 We, the students of Southern Crescent Technical College, in order to develop a spirit of cooperation in the growth of the College; to encourage student initiative; to facilitate scholastic achievement; to create a unified bond; to establish a formal vehicle for student involvement and input on campus through selfexpression, self-control, and leadership; and to serve as an intermediary between the administration and the students in matters of general welfare, do hereby establish and adopt the following laws. Article I Name This organization shall be known as the Southern Crescent Technical College Student Government Association, hereinafter referenced as SGA. Article II Authority and Purpose I All power within these bylaws is granted by the Southern Crescent Technical College Administration. SGA shall consider the betterment of the college in all decisions, ensuring that no action is taken which will have a negative impact on the operation of the college or erode public opinion. The purpose of SGA shall be to: 1. To offer opportunities for members of SGA to be the voice of the student body: to share concerns, to express opinions, to participate jointly in the solution of problems with students from all of Southern Crescent Technical College's campuses and centers. 2. To represent the needs and interests of all students of Southern Crescent Technical College. 3. To provide and execute approved programs, projects and events designed to enrich and enhance the student life experience of all students at Southern Crescent Technical College. 4. To foster and recognize high standards of leadership, service and professionalism as demonstrated in the advancement of the educational purpose and the overall mission of Southern Crescent Technical College. 5. Assist in the recruitment and retention of student members through events and training activities. 6. Increase student centered community outreach through service projects and volunteer efforts.
Article III Membership Membership to the Student Government Association is open to any Southern Crescent Technical College student. However, all Southern Crescent Technical College clubs that receive funding from the Student Activity Fees, which are allocated by the Student Activity Fund Committee, are required to have at least two members attend every SGA meeting and participate in SGA sponsored activities. Article IV SGA Leadership SGA shall be led by an Action Team which shall consist of: A. SGA Executive Leadership Team B. SGA Advisory Committee C. Support Committees I II V SGA and the student body have the power to elect the SGA Executive Leadership Team. All Leadership Team members shall be elected by SGA and the student body for a period of one year during April SGA meeting. In the event that the number of Leadership Team candidates does not exceed available positions, voting members of SGA may vote to accept or deny the candidates. The Student Government Association Advisory Committee shall consist of the Vice President of Student Affairs, the Director of Student Support Services, the Student Activities Coordinator, and other advisors as deemed necessary and appropriate by the college's administration. The SGA Advisory Committee shall provide technical expertise and recommendations to SGA whenever student affairs are being discussed and/or policy is being established. The Student Government Association Advisory Committee will interview and appoint the following officer positions: President Vice President Secretary Parliamentarian The remaining students will serve as members of the SGA Executive Leadership Team and shall be included in all communication, meetings, and votes of the titled officers.
I II The SGA Executive Leadership Team will also include the office of Past President to be held by the exiting SGA President. In the event that the exiting President is unable to fulfill the responsibilities of this position, the next available exiting Executive Leadership Team member will fill the office. Support committees may be developed by SGA as needed to help better fulfill any of its stated functions, include the involvement of more students, or to improve the effectiveness of the organization in meeting any goals it may set. Support committees should consist of a minimum of two members of the SGA Executive Leadership Team, with one advisor coordinating committee efforts. A chairman should be appointed by the SGA Executive Leadership team members at the first committee meeting. Examples of support committees can include but are not limited to a suggestions recommendations committee, a student activities committee, a public relations committee, etc. Article V Executive Leadership Team Qualifications I II V Each Executive Leadership Team member shall be elected by majority vote of SGA and any member of the student body who wishes to vote at each respective campus or center. Each Executive Leadership Team member must be a full-time student. Exceptions will be granted on an individual basis if the student's declared program of study does not allow full time status/or the courses that are needed to complete the student's declared program of study are not offered at the campus or center at which the student is currently enrolled. Each Executive Leadership Team member must have a cumulative grade point average of a 2.5 or better. Each Executive Leadership Team member must have attended Southern Crescent Technical College at least one semester in the previous year and plan to be enrolled each semester for the following year. Article VI Duties of the Executive Leadership Team I It shall be the duty of the President to call and preside over SGA meetings and over meetings of the executive leadership team. The President should also serve as the official representative of SGA, fill any support committee vacancies should they occur, and perform other such duties of an officer as they arise. If for any reason the office of the President becomes vacant, the SGA Advisory Committee, shall appoint a new President from one of the existing, elected members of the Executive Leadership Team.
II V The Vice President s first and primary role is to fulfil the roles of the President if they are otherwise unable to carry out the duties of their office. The Vice President shall otherwise provide support to other officers of the Executive Leadership Team when necessary and perform other such duties of an officer as they arise. The Secretary shall prepare all official SGA correspondence; take charge of all communication and keep a record of minutes from all meetings. The Secretary shall also work closely with the Student Activities Coordinator to record all expenditure of SGA fund and perform other such duties of an officer as they arise. The Parliamentarian shall review all agendas prior to SGA meetings and confer with the presiding officer and SGA Advisors to ensure clarity on agenda items. During meetings, the Parliamentarian will deliver protocol, maintain order, and ensure that parliamentary procedure is followed. The parliamentarian will also document the success and overall history of SGA by compiling pictures and video, written documentation, etc. of events and accomplishments of SGA and its members and perform other such duties of an officer as they arise. Article VII Quorum for a Meeting A quorum is required for any Student Government Association meeting to be held. A quorum shall exist when at least 3 members of the SGA Executive Leadership Team are present at a SGA meeting. Article VIII Impeachment Proceedings I II V Any SGA Executive Leadership Team member may be impeached for negligence or irresponsibility in performing the duties of his or her assigned office. The impeachment process shall begin when the Vice President of Student Affairs receives a written statement from a member of SGA. Upon receipt of the statement, the Vice President of Student Affairs shall select a committee from the SGA membership who shall investigate the charges. A vote of two-thirds of SGA members voting shall be required for removal from office. If the impeachment is upheld, the penalty shall be removal from office. Article IX Election Regulations I All candidates must have a 2.5 cumulative grade point average. In order to become a candidate for office, a student must have an SGA application on file with the Student Activities Coordinator and notify the Student Activities Coordinator in writing of his/her desire to become a candidate. A specific deadline shall be set by
SGA for submission of this information. II V I II All candidates must have submitted the required information set forth in Article IX, I; meet the SGA Executive Leadership Team membership qualifications; and receive approval from the Student Activities Coordinator before he or she may begin campaigning. There shall be at least two weeks allowed for campaigning between the deadline set in Article IX, I and the date of the election. All general elections shall be held during the month of April. All voting must be done by secret ballot. The ballots must be counted immediately after the closing polls, and the completed results posted. III The SGA Advisory Committee shall serve as poll keepers on Election Day. X Section X Section XI The general installation services for the newly elected Executive Leadership Team members shall be held at a SGA meeting, at a publicized time, within a month after the election. In the event that a member of the Executive Leadership Team is removed or resigns from office, a quorum of SGA Executive Leadership Team members shall elect a student to the team to serve the remainder of the term. Each member of the SGA Leadership Team shall repeat the following oath prior to assuming office: I,, do solemnly affirm that I will uphold and abide by the bylaws of Southern Crescent Technical College Student Government Association and the policies of Southern Crescent Technical College and will execute the duties bestowed upon me as to the best of my ability. Southern Crescent Technical College is a Unit of the Technical College System of Georgia and is an Equal Opportunity Institution.