1 ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION Article I- Name of Organization The organization shall be known as the Student Government Association of St. Petersburg College and hereafter, referred to as the SGA. Article II- Purpose of the Organization The purpose of the SGA is to serve as the official representative of the student body s interests, concerns, and needs at St. Petersburg College. They will also serve as the liaison on behalf of the student body to college administration. The SGA will make formal recommendations on matters affecting the educational and leadership services as they affect students at the college. Additionally, in accordance with Board of Trustee Procedure 6hx23-4.44, the Student Government Association is required to review request for charters of new student clubs/organizations. Upon review, SGA can recommend approving the club charter. Final approval of all club and organization charters rest with college administration. The SGA, as the official representative of the student body, is responsible for the allocation of the student activity fees, in accordance with the Department of Education rules and regulations. Article III- Membership Students involved in SGA must currently be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours at St. Petersburg College, and in good academic standing in order to be eligible. SGA will be composed of at least one representative of each officially recognized club and organization in addition to senators. The number of senate seats available shall be set within the fall session based on campus enrollment. For every four hundred students or part thereof, there shall be one Senator. Membership will also include the executive board. Article IV Term Limits Elected Executive Board members are only allowed to serve two consecutive years (no more than 7 terms) at all campuses at St. Petersburg College. Term limits will be determined by the start of service in an elected position. Article V- Student Council of Presidents A president and vice president of each officially recognized SGA will meet monthly as determined by the Student Council of President s Chair. This group will be herein after referred to as SCOP. The purpose of SCOP will be to address college-wide concerns, opinions, and perceptions in the general interest of the student body at St. Petersburg College. They will also make college-wide funding decisions and approve college-wide proposals. These funding decisions must be heard one meeting prior to a vote taking place. SCOP members must take information back to respective campuses for a majority-rules vote of the SGA. At the following SCOP meeting, the proposal can be voted on if a quorum is present a two-thirds vote before it can be approved. Article VI- College Wide Committees Once a college-wide committee is established by SCOP, it becomes SCOP s responsibility to determine the structure, function and organization of the committee, as well as how it will be organized.
2 Article VII - Removal from SGA Automatic removal shall be by two-thirds vote of the Executive Board. Automatic removal involves the Executive Board (normally the president) to inform the person by telephone call, official letter and e-mail. The criteria for automatic removal shall be: Failure to complete six (6) credit hours with a minimum grade point average of 2.5 for officers. Violation of Board of Trustee Rules Failure to attend two consecutive meetings without prior approval of the SGA advisor. The following shall be considered justification for removal proceedings: Inadequate performance of duties and responsibilities in SGA. Serving as a representative of SGA without approval of the Executive Board of SGA and the general student body. Any SGA member may request that the following be removed from their SGA Position: Any elected officer Any appointed position (i.e.,) Sergeant of Arms, Parliamentarian, Public Relations Officer, Historian, and Jurisprudence. Any committee member or chairperson. Any club/organization representative. Any senator. Article VIII - Amendments to the Constitutions Any amendments to this Constitution will not violate campus, college or Board of Trustees Rules. Amendments to the Constitution must be heard by SCOP one meeting prior to action taking place to the amendment. With a quorum present, a two-thirds vote is required for the amendment to take place. Final approval of the constitutional amendments rests with the college administration. Article IX Rights and Responsibilities of Advisors At any time an advisor, who serves as a representative of college administration, can use his/her professional judgment to execute functions in the best interest of the students and/or college. Should a quorum of students not agree to the advisor s decision, the board can appeal the advisor s decision to the campus associate provost.
3 GENERAL BYLAWS OF THE STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION ST. PETERSBURG COLLEGE, SEMINOLE CAMPUS ARTICLE I - NAME AND PURPOSE I This organization is known as the Student Government Association of the St. Petersburg College, Seminole Campus. The Student Government Association will aim to maintain and improve the effectiveness of educational programs and services as they affect the student body as a whole. The Student Government Association will represent student concerns and the student body as a whole. ARTICLE II - MEMBERSHIP Students involved in SGA must currently be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours at St. Petersburg College and in good academic standing in order to be eligible. SGA will be composed of at least one representative of each officially recognized club and organization in addition to senators. The number of senate seats available shall be set within the fall session based on campus enrollment. For every four hundred students or part thereof, there shall be one Senator or a minimum number of six, whichever is greater. All members of SGA are subject to removal. Item 1. All SGA meetings shall be open and any student shall be permitted to participate in discussion. Item 2. All members of SGA are subject to removal at any time, College administration can use his/her professional judgment to execute functions in the best interest of the students and/or college. Should a quorum of students not agree to the Advisor s decision, the board can appeal the Advisor s decision to the Associate Provost. Any student currently enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours, has a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0, and who is in good academic standing with the college, is eligible to be a club representative and a 2.5 for Executive Board Members and Senators. Item 1. In the case of a newly enrolled student, the minimum grade point average requirement will be waived for his/her first session of enrollment. Item 2. If a member s cumulative grade point average falls below the minimum requirement, he/she will be ineligible to complete his/her term of office. Item 3. A student must be enrolled at the Seminole campus with a minimum of 3 credits (with a minimum 6 credit load).
4 I V Any member wishing to resign from membership must submit a written statement to the President and Advisor of SGA. References to Executive board in the constitution and bylaws refer to all elected officers and appointed officers. The SGA will abide by the anti-hazing rules, and the Student Code of Conduct as described by the Board of Trustees (BOT) rules. References to Session I, II, III will refer to Fall, Spring and Summer. Fall is Session I, Spring is Session II and Summer is Session III. ARTICLE III APPOINTMENT OF REPRESENTATIVES, SENATE APPOINTMENTS, OFFICER ELECTIONS Each club/organization officially recognized by the college will be given the opportunity to select a representative to hold membership in the SGA by the completion and submission of the SGA Club Representative Form. *A club representative may only represent one club All clubs/representatives and senators cannot miss two consecutive meetings or four meetings in a semester. If this occurs, a club will not be in good standing with SGA and the senator may be removed from office without notice. For the club to be back in good standing, they must attend two consecutive meetings. If a club misses the two consecutive meetings or four in a semester, they must notify the President and the Advisor in writing as to why it has occurred. They may be given an opportunity to state his/her case at the next scheduled executive board meeting. FAILURE TO ATTEND If a club/organization fails to follow the rules of SGA meeting attendance as defined in the SGA Bylaws and Constitution, they will be deemed ineligible and therefore will not be eligible to receive funds. I The current Executive Board members shall conduct a senatorial election provided that there are more applicants than allotted Senate Seats. Students desiring to run for a Senate Seat must submit a Senator Application to the SGA Executive Board or the SGA Advisor by the second meeting of the Session. 1. He/She is a voting member that is enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours, with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or above and in good academic standing. 2. He/She must participate in all SGA events, including both the Bright Before your Eyes and Pow Wow parade. 3. A senator may only represent one club. I The Sergeant at Arms is appointed by the President if deemed necessary. He/she will check conduct of members and guests, along with upholding standards laid out in Robert s Rules of Order.
5 The Historian is appointed by the President. He/she will keep written and pictorial records of all Student Government Association functions and will be responsible for the completion of an annual scrapbook. The Parliamentarian is appointed by the President. He/she will carry out parliamentary authority. He/she will also be responsible for knowing and carrying out Robert s Rules of Order. The Jurisprudence will be appointed by the President if deemed necessary. He/she will interpret the Student Government Association Constitution and will handle all matters related to the Constitution. He/She will also be responsible for assisting the SGA Advisor with the collection of all required travel documents. V Three weeks prior to end of session 2, any member of the current SGA is eligible to run for an officer position on the Executive Board for the subsequent year. 1. Senators running for Executive Board offices will have the opportunity to address SGA in accordance with the established format given by the SGA Executive Board and Advisor. 2. Each student will have the opportunity to cast one vote for each officer position, provided there is a candidate for every office. The winner of the position will be announced upon completion of voting. 3. The officer s term of service shall be from the beginning of session 3 to the Passing of the Gavel Ceremony. ARTICLE IV - EXECUTIVE BOARD I V Session V The purpose of the Executive Board is to direct the functions of the Student Government Association and to represent the Student Government Association. The Executive Board shall serve as a representative of the student body before administration, faculty, and the community. Must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 credit hours, as well as have 6 credit hours already completed, and must keep a GPA of 2.5 or higher. He/She must attend all SGA meetings, unless a situation that is not under their control occurs (in which case they must give adequate notice). All officers are required to attend all events per semester as well as complete an additional one (1) hour per week in the Student Life and Leadership office. All Student Government Association members will be expected to fulfill other responsibilities as assigned by the President, Advisor and/or the E-Board. An Executive Board member of SGA shall not serve as a club representative due to possible bias voting and/or conflict of interest
6 ARTICLE V PRESIDENT I V The President of the Student Government Association is its constitutional leader. He/she keeps informed of the Student Government Association rules and regulations and of the activities of all officers and committees by the Vice- President. It is the President s responsibility to see what all committees are appointed and that all officers and committees work in close cooperation to fulfill their duties and responsibilities with the Vice President. The President will only vote in Student Government Association and Executive Board meetings in the case of a tie. The President will inform the SGA advisor of all things associated with the Student Government Association. The President may call Special Sessions with a twenty-four hour notice. The President will not vote in Executive Board meetings and in officer elections; however, the President will only vote in SGA and Executive Board meetings in case of a tie. I Serve a minimum of one office hour per week during Fall and Spring semester. II He/She must participate in all SGA events, including both the Bright Before your Eyes and Pow Wow parade. ARTICLE V - VICE PRESIDENT I V The Vice President will serve in the absence or in behalf of the President. The Vice President shall fulfill such duties as assigned to him or her by the President. The Vice President shall be the successor in Office of the President should the President be removed from office. The Vice President shall serve as the Chairperson of the Student Government Association in the absence of the President. Serve a minimum of one office hour per week for Fall and Spring session. He/She must participate in all SGA events, including both the bright before your eyes and Pow Wow parade.
7 ARTICLE VI SECRETARY I V The Secretary shall be responsible for maintaining comprehensive minutes of all official business transpiring in regular or special meetings of the Student Government Association. The Secretary shall be responsible for maintaining comprehensive minutes of the meetings of the Executive Committee. The minutes of the meetings shall be typed with an approved copy posted in MyCourses SGA portal, and upon request, be made available to all persons within 2 days (work days). The Secretary will document and maintain all Student Government Association records. The Secretary is responsible for keeping track of volunteer participation. At the end of his or her term, the Secretary will turn over all documents to the Student Government Association Advisor for perpetual storage. I Serve a minimum of one office hour per week. II He/She must participate in all SGA events, including both the Bright Before your Eyes and Pow Wow parade. ARTICLE VII TREASURER V The Treasurer will be responsible for all sales and collections. He/she will also be in charge of keeping all records regarding any fundraising monies collected on behalf of SGA. He/she will also be responsible for the distribution and collection of all required travel documents. He/She must participate in all SGA events, including both the bright before your eyes and Pow Wow parade. ARTICLE VIII LEGISLATIVE LIAISON The Legislative Liaison of the SGA will share with the President the responsibilities of representing the Student Government Association in state and district matters. He/she will keep up to date with and communicate any legislative matters affecting students and will represent the concerns of the student body to the College Administrations, Board of Trustees (BOT), student body, and/ or local legislators.
8 I V He/She will communicate with the State and District Legislative liaisons, staying abreast of legislative issues. He/She is responsible for scheduling appointments with senators and or legislators as needed. He/She will communicate the Florida College System SGA issues to the students, gain feedback from them, and have them vote accordingly at the state conference. He/she will also coordinate any letter writing campaigns dealing with student and/or college concerns. I Serve a minimum of one office hour per week during Fall and Spring semester. II He/She must participate in all SGA events, including both the Bright before your Eyes and Pow Wow parade. ARTICLE VIII-VACANCIES I In the case of a Vacancy in any officer position, there will be succession of officers as follows: President, Vice-President, Secretary/Treasurer, Historian, Legislative Liaison, Jurisprudence, Sergeant at Arms, and Parliamentarian. If an officer chooses to stay in his/her position, then it shall be offered to the next officer in the line of succession. Should no one assume the office, the vacant position will be opened to all and nominations will be taken at the next General Assembly meeting. Elections will be held two (2) weeks later by SGA. In the case of a club representative vacancy, the club will be responsible for providing a replacement by submission of a new SGA Club Representative Form. A club representative may not represent two clubs at a given time for an event or SGA meeting. In the case of a Senate seat vacancy, the SGA will post a public notice until the vacancy is filled. Item 1. Those who are eligible (according to Article III, ) in filling the vacancy are required to submit their Senate application to the President and the Executive Board. Item 2. After this has occurred they must then attend at least two (2) consecutive general meetings. The Executive Board will then schedule an interview. After the interview, there will be a simple majority rules vote.
9 ARTICLE IX. MEETINGS I V Meetings will be held regularly throughout Session I and II as scheduled. The President may choose not to hold Session III meetings. The order of business at all regular Student Government Association meetings will be: 1. Call to Order 2. Pledge of Allegiance 3. Roll Call 4. Approval of Minutes 5. Officer/ /Advisor Reports 6. Old Business 7. New Business 8. Open Floor 9. Roll Call 10. Adjournment Robert s Rules of Order, will be the authority on all questions of Parliamentary law not addressed by the Constitution and Bylaws. Executive Board and general meeting of the SGA will be held at a time, day and location to be established annually by the SGA Advisor. ARTICLE X ABSENCE AND NONFEASANCE OF OFFICE If a member accumulates four unexcused absences, he/she shall be immediately and automatically removed from his or her office. Excused absences must be approved by both the President and SGA Advisor. The secretary must notify the member of his or her removal within three business days of accumulation of the maximum number of absences. The notice shall contain the date and function of all accumulated absences. ARTICLE XI EA/EO POLICY St. Petersburg College is dedicated to the concept of equal opportunity. The college does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin or marital status or against any qualified individual with disability, in its employment practices or in the admission and treatment of students. Recognizing that sexual harassment constitutes discrimination on the basis of sex and violates this rule; the college will not tolerate such conduct. In addition the Student Government Association of Seminole Campus wishes to acknowledge the college s Federal EA/EO Policy and include this section to Article VIII that acknowledges that the SGA/Seminole will not discriminate nor tolerate discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation for membership and/or participation in SGA or any activities sponsored or supported by the SGA.
10 ARTICLE XII - AMENDMENTS TO THE BYLAWS Any amendments to these Bylaws will not violate campus, college, or Board of Trustees rules The Bylaws may be amended by the affirmative vote of two thirds (2/3) of the Student Government Association members, provided that no vote will be taken on the proposal to amend the bylaws unless advanced written, posted, and verbal notice has been communicated at three prior Student Government Association meetings. Final approval of any and all amendments to the Bylaws rests with the college administration.