Student Congress Guide 2017-2018 Tarleton State University Student Government Association
SGA Contact Information
Congressperson Expectations Attendance Each Congressperson is allowed three excused absences per semester. For an absence to be considered excused, the Congressperson must: Contact the Congress Secretary before 5:00pm on the day of the meeting they will miss. Provide a legitimate excuse for the absence (i.e. illness, family emergency, university excused absences, etc.) If a Congressperson exceeds three unexcused absences during the school year, their resignation from their Congress seat will be requested.
Congressperson Expectations Duties of a Congressperson Each Congressperson will serve one scheduled hour per week in the SGA office (TSC 103A) Each Congressperson will have opportunities to serve on University Committees or Special Committees created throughout the year. It is the Congresspersons duty to write and present legislation during meetings in an effort to improve campus life. A more detailed description of a Congressperson duties and powers can be found in the SGA Constitution under article 3 section 2.
Office Procedure Basic Information: The SGA office is located on the main level of the Thompson Student Center, room 103A (right next to the post office) The office phone number is: (254) 968-9082 The SGA email is sga@go.tarleton.edu Primary Responsibilities: Complete any SGA related tasks (i.e. draft legislation, committee work, meet with other members or students) Answering the phone with a warm and polite greeting Taking messages/transferring calls Answering questions Accepting funding request forms, and putting them in the VP of Finance s box
Office Procedure Dress code: You can dress casually for your office shifts, but your outfit must be appropriate (no cut offs, t shirts with inappropriate advertising etc.) DO NOT wear any clothing representing another university! (Momma T will make you change) Phone Interaction: If dialing out type 81 then the phone number When answering calls please greet the caller by saying Student Government office this is (your name), how may I help you If leaving a message for another SGA member please use the message pad and fill it out completely. If the message is for an exec member please place the note in their box. If a transfer is necessary follow the steps below: Transfer Dial extension Ring once Transfer again
Dress Code: Business Casual Do. Slacks Dress Denim Button ups Polos Belt Dress shoes Don't: T-shirts Ripped jeans Shorts Athletic Shoes Hats Flip-flops Shirts must be tucked in
Dress Code: Business Casual Do: Pantsuit Dress Denim Button ups Blouse Polos Belt Dress shoes Don't: T-shirts Ripped jeans Shorts Mini skirts Athletic Shoes Hats Flip-flops Dress Skirts/dresses
Legislation Process Student Government Association s pieces of legislation are suggestions to Tarleton s administration based on the general opinion of the student body. In SGA, we create legislation to improve rules, regulations, and campus life to create a better Tarleton for everyone. Writing Legislation The first step in the legislation process is to first identify a problem, or issue on Tarleton s campus and create a solution you would like to propose. Once you have your ideas together you can begin your first draft. Please use the SGA legislation template provided to you. If you get stuck anywhere along the way reach out to a fellow congressperson to cosponsor your bill and help you write it. You can also reach out to any of the SGA Exec Board for guidance anywhere along the way. Once your legislation has been reviewed by the Pro Temp, you will be put on the agenda. This must be done by 5:00PM on the Monday before the meeting you wish you present at.
Legislation Process Presenting Legislation Your legislation will be put under New Business on the agenda, and when your legislation is the next item of business there must be a motion to bring the legislation to the floor I move to bring Resolution - to the floor This must be seconded Once your legislation is on the floor you and your cosponsors will come to the floor and then read your resolution verbatim. Next you will explain your legislation, and why it is important. This is your pitch to the congress as to why they should vote for it.
Legislation Process Presenting Legislation Continued After you explain your legislation we will move into a period of Question and Answer This is the time for congress members to ask any questions they may have (this is not discussion, just time for questions) Once Q&A has stopped there will be a period of discussion for the Congress to debate your resolution, and urge members to vote a certain way. Members can also move to amend, table, or refer to a committee during this time. When discussion has ended we will move into a vote Your legislation must pass with a majority vote.
Legislation Process After Presenting If your legislation passes, the SGA Exec Board will send the resolution to the Vice President of Student Affairs for review. The Student Body President and VP of University Relations will continue to follow up on your legislation and provide updates as to the implementation as they come. If your legislation is tabled or referred to a committee, immediately start work on editing your resolution. Just because it was tabled or referred it does not mean your idea was bad, it just may need a little more work. If your legislation fails, don t worry! It is awesome that you presented your ideas, and now you can go back to the drawing board.
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