Student Government Constitution

Student Government Constitution

Article I … Name

The name of this governing body shall be the Student Government of Capital University, hereinafter referred to as Student Government.

Article II … Membership and Purpose

Section I - Membership

All persons registered as undergraduate students of Capital University shall be referred to as the student body and shall be electors of the Student Government and subject to the regulations of the constitution, the bylaws and the legislation approved by the Student Senate and signed by the Student Government President.

Section II - Meetings

1. The President and Cabinet shall meet bi-weekly during the academic year, except when deemed necessary by the President.

2. The Student Senate, hereinafter referred to as the Senate, shall meet during the academic year at least bi-weekly, or more often as deemed necessary by the Speaker or by a simple majority of the Senate.

Section III - Advisors

1. Any alumni, administrator, member of the faculty, or employee of the university appointed by Student Government to assist in its deliberation and functioning shall be considered an advisor. A general advisor shall be annually appointed at the first meeting by the Senate, and approved by the Dean of Student Services. Additional advisors shall be selected on the principle of interest.

2. Any advisor may be removed by the Senate by a majority vote of a committee, subcommittee or committee on the whole in their respective area of jurisdiction. The same requirement shall hold for advisors of the Cabinet.

Article III … Executive

Section I - Leadership

Section II - Cabinet

The members of the Cabinet shall include the Secretary of Academic Affairs, Secretary of Finance, Planning and Development, Secretary of Student Interests, the Secretary of Student Life, and the Secretary of Freshman Corps organization. The President shall have sole authority to appoint and dismiss members of the Cabinet.

1. President

1. Duties

1. To be an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Board of Trustees with speaking rights.

2. To be, through special invitation of the Undergraduate Faculty Executive Board, an ex-officio member of the Undergraduate Faculty with speaking rights.

3. To serve as the official representative of Student Government.

4. To prepare a summary report of the year's accomplishments and the state of the Student Government.

5. To prepare and submit a yearly budget to the Finance, Planning and Development Committee and engage in proper negotiations to ensure its approval.

6. To submit a budget for approval to the Senate within the first week of the academic year.

2. Powers

1. To appoint and dismiss members of the Cabinet at will.

2. To call special meetings of the Senate.

3. To submit recommendations for legislation.

4. To veto or approve legislative acts of the Senate within 10 class days.

5. To appoint other officers and representatives as necessary with advice and majority consent of the Senate.

6. To appoint student representatives to the following University committees with the recommendation of the Student Senate: the Campus Hearing Board(6), the Residence Life Hearing Board (4), the Capital Aid Review Committee (4), the Media Board (1 chair, 2 representatives), and the Athletic Committee (4).

2. Vice President

1. Duties

1. To succeed the President when that office is vacated or the President is incapacitated as determined by a 2/3 vote of Student Senate.

2. To coordinate activities of the Cabinet, and periodically review and evaluate their performance.

3. To transmit evaluations and reports to the Cabinet and Speaker for such actions as necessary.

4. To coordinate special activities of the Cabinet not outlined in the constitution.

5. To communicate the activities of Student Government to the student body.

3. Cabinet

1. Duties

1. To provide an open forum for discussion and debate regarding all matters of concern to the university.

2. To regularly attend scheduled meetings of the Committee on the Whole, missing no more than one meeting in a semester.

3. To regularly attend committee meetings, missing no more than two in a semester.

Article IV ... Legislative

Section I - Powers and Duties

The legislative power shall be vested in 30 Senators that shall constitute the student body Senate.

1. Senators

1. Duties

1. To provide an open forum for discussion and debate regarding all matters of concern to the university.

2. To provide an open forum for discussion and debate regarding all matters of concern to the university.

3. To regularly attend committee meetings, missing no more than two in a semester.

2. Powers

1. To initiate and approve any legislation affecting the student body. No regulations, policies or statements concerning any aspect of the student body shall be considered representative of the Senate without approval or knowledge of the Senate.

2. To make or revise bylaws or the Constitution by a 2/3 vote of the Senate. Amendments to the bylaws or the Constitution shall be read at one meeting and voted on at the following meeting.

3. A 2/3 vote of the Senate is needed to override a presidential veto.

2. The Senate shall elect a Speaker. That Student Senate may move on the Senate floor to have a vote of no confidence on the Speaker with a majority vote. The Speaker will then be removed and the Senate will immediately vote on a new Speaker. The powers and duties of the Speaker shall be as follows.

1. Duties

1. To attend all meetings of the Senate.

2. To maintain ongoing communication with the chairpersons of committees and subcommittees.

3. To appoint and work closely with the Senate Clerk to ensure the legislative process runs smoothly.

4. Upon election of Senators it is the Speakers duty to place elected members on Student Government appointed committee.

2. Powers

1. To call special meetings or recess the Senate.

2. To preside over all meetings of the Senate.

3. To determine the docket for proposed legislation.

3. Clerk

1. Duties

1. To transmit the docket and all other information that is pertinent to the Senate to its members in a timely manner.

2. To record the proceedings of the Senate.

3. To work with the Speaker in the formulation of a docket.

Section II - Referendum & Initiatives

The student body shall have the right of referendum; that is, a petition signed by a 15% of the traditional undergraduate student body shall be sufficient to require a student vote on any measure passed by the Senate. The student body shall have the right to initiative; that is, a petition signed by 15% of the student body shall be sufficient to require a student vote on any issue. Such action shall be considered binding on the Senate with majority vote having at least 33% of the traditional undergraduate student body.

Article V … Committees

Section I - Authority

All powers and authority granted to the student body collectively through the university, and individually through actions exercising personal rights and freedoms, shall be vested in the executive and legislative branches of Student Government. All actions of these committees shall be subject to review and approval of the Senate and the President.

Section II- Leadership

1. Organizational Meeting

1. The first meeting of the Student Senate after elections held during the second semester of the academic year shall be held for the purpose of organizing the Senate leadership.

2. This meeting shall be conducted by the Speaker, Clerk, and Floor Leader of the previous general session.

2. Committee and Subcommittee Chairman

1. Each committee or subcommittee shall select a member of the committee to be the chairperson for the year.

2. Chairpersons shall be empowered to call meetings and public hearings regarding issues and legislation that pertain to the jurisdiction of the committee.

Section III - The Committee on Academic Affairs

1. Membership

The Committee on Academic Affairs shall consist of six members. The committee shall be divided into the subcommittees of Educational Support and Curriculum and Undergraduate Faculty that shall consist of three members.

2. Purpose

1. To serve the undergraduate student body in academic situations, through committee representation and attendance at academic meetings.

2. To provide opportunities for faculty and students to discuss academic situations and concerns.

3. Duties of the Committee

1. To promote discussion among faculty, students, and administration.

2. To provide information on proposed academic policy changes and general information on academic matters to the student body.

3. To actively seek student opinion and to make recommendations reflecting what is in the best interest of the campus community.

4. To actively promote the quality of the academic climate.

5. To hold hearings addressing any other academic concern of the campus community not previously mentioned.

6. To write bills to acquire funds for the Academic Programming Board.

7. To assist the Secretary of Academic Affairs in the operation of the Academic Programming Board.

8. To appoint student representatives to the following University committees with the recommendation of the Student Senate: the Undergraduate Faculty Academic Affairs Committee (Arts and Science Representative, Conservatory Representative, Nursing Representative, and Center for Lifelong Learning Representative, and a School of Management), Undergraduate Faculty General Education Committee (1), Undergraduate Faculty Student Affairs Committee (3), Faculty Senate Technology in Curriculum Committee (1), Faculty Senate Academic Programming Committee (1), and the Faculty Senate Faculty Development Committee (1), Faculty Senate Program Review Committee (1), Faculty Senate Administration Review Committee (1).

4. Duties of the Chairperson of the Academic Affairs Committee

1. To be, through special invitation of the Undergraduate Faculty Executive Board, the official student representative to the undergraduate faculty, having privilege of voice at regular undergraduate faculty meetings.

2. To be the official student representative to the Board of Trustees Subcommittee of Academic Affairs, as an advisory member with privilege of voice.

3. To be the official student representative, with privilege of voice, to the Capital Assembly meetings, with the President of Student Government.

4. To be the official student representative, with privilege of voice, to the Academic Affairs Committee of the Undergraduate Faculty.

Subcommittee on Educational Support

1. Membership

The Subcommittee on Educational Support shall consist of three members.

2. Purpose

To increase and improve the level of educational support services available to students.

3. Duties

1. To make recommendations in regard to the library, counseling center, technology, and tutoring services.

2. To make recommendations for the improvements of academic buildings.

3. To make recommendations regarding the improvement of technology and its access to students.

Subcommittee on Curriculum and Undergraduate Faculty

1. Membership

The Subcommittee on Curriculum and Undergraduate Faculty shall consist of three members.

2. Purpose

To consider changes that apply to curriculum including but not limited to the core requirements, new majors and minors, and to improve the academic climate of the university.

3. Duties

1. To appoint members of the committee to faculty committees and boards as required and necessary.

2. To make recommendations for the addition and improvement of curricula on campus, including courses, majors, and minors.

3. To make recommendations for additions to the faculty to meet student needs.

4. To make recommendations for academic programming on campus to further core and other curricula standards.

5. To address any other concern regarding curriculum and undergraduate faculty not previously mentioned.

Section IV - The Committee on Student Life

1. Membership

The Committee on Student Life shall consist of nine members. The committee shall be divided into the subcommittees of Commuter Concerns, Residence Life, and Student Activities, each of which will consist of three members.

2. Purpose

To recommend policies in regard to commuters, residents, and student organizations.

3. Duties of the Committee

1. To recognize all campus organizations and approve all constitutions and constitutional amendments.

2. To annually review, grant, or revoke the active status of campus organizations.

3. To have a representative meet with security and to recommend security polices.

4. To regularly evaluate the service, quality, and variety of food provided by the dining service.

5. To act as a liaison between the students and the dining service and to meet bi-monthly with the dining service.

4. Duties of the Chairperson of the Committee of Student Life

1. The chairperson shall be an official student representative to the Board of Trustees Committee on Student Services and Enrollment as an advisory member with the privilege of voice.

2. To be an ex-officio member of the University Programming Board to serve as a liaison between Student Government and University Programming.

3. To be an ex-officio member of the Greek Council to serve as a liaison between Student Government and Greek Council.

1. Membership

The Subcommittee on Residence Life shall consist of three members.

2. Purpose

To create a positive and healthy environment in which resident students can live and grow as a community.

3. Duties of the Committee

1. To be the official student liaison to the Office of Residence Life.

2. To make recommendations concerning the renovations and improvements in the residence halls, as well as communication with Facilities Management.

3. To recommend the implementations of policies and programs affecting residence life.

4. To address any other concern about residence life not previously mentioned.

5. To send a representative to the Board of Trustees Committee on University Resources as an advisory member having privilege of voice.

1. Membership

The Subcommittee on Commuter Concerns shall consist of three members.

2. Purpose

1. To study and recommend solutions for the problems unique to commuters in relation to campus life.

2. To implement programming to help commuters assimilate into the campus community.

3. Duties of the Committee

1. To make recommendations for the creation and upgrading of commuter facilities and university parking.

2. To ensure consideration of the commuter in the dissemination of information on campus events and student services.

3. To monitor class scheduling to ensure consideration of commuter student needs.

4. To address any other concerns of commuter life not previously mentioned.

1. Membership

The Subcommittee on Student Activities shall consist of three members one of which shall be elected as chairperson by the subcommittee.

2. Purpose

To recommend policies with regard to the operation of student organizations.

3. Duties of the Committee

1. To annually review the status of campus organizations.

2. To make decisions concerning room allocations to Director of Residence Life, and Student Organizations Space allocations to Director of Student Activities.

3. To serve as an advocate for student organizations.

4. To attend at least one meeting of each student organization throughout the course of the academic year.

5. To serve as the liaison between student organizations and the executive and legislative branches.

6. To be the official liason to the Office of Student Activities.

Section V - The Committee on Student Interests

1. Membership

The Committee on Student Interests shall consist of six members, one of which shall be elected chairperson by the committee. The committee shall be divided into the subcommittees of Campus Ministries and Environmental Concerns, each of which will consist of three members, one of which shall be elected as chairperson.

2. Purpose

To create an atmosphere that reflects student interests in Christian ministry and the environment.

3. Duties

1. To recommend policies with regard to campus ministries and the campus environment.

2. To reinforce the Christian and Global mission of Capital University.

1. Membership

The Subcommittee on Campus Ministries shall include three members, one of which shall be elected as chairperson by the subcommittee.

2. Purpose

1. To conscientiously state Capital University's goals as a church affiliated university and to help carry forth these goals in constructive and creative ways.

2. To encourage students to explore the possibilities of growth spiritually through a Judeo-Christian perspective.

3. Duties of the Committee

1. To work with the University pastor and his or her staff, and the religion department to provide religiously enriching opportunities to students, faculty, and administrators.

2. To contribute to campus publications so that a better understanding of religious organizations may develop.

3. To assist organizations in developing programs that explore religion and worship.

4. To address any other religious concern not previously mentioned.

5. To deliver invocations and or benedictions for University functions.

1. Membership

The Subcommittee on Environmental Concerns shall include three members, one of which shall be elected as chairperson by the subcommittee.

2. Purpose

1. To serve as the official voice of student concerns on the environment.

2. To recommend environmental polices and practices on campus.

3. Duties of the Committee

1. To promote legislation and oversee programs pertaining to the environment.

2. To address any environmental concern not previously mentioned.

Section VI - The Committee on Multicultural Affairs

1. Membership

The Committee on Multicultural Affairs shall consist of six members, one of which shall be elected chairperson. The committee shall be divided into the subcommittees of Minority Student Affairs and International Student Affairs, each of which will consist of three members, one of which shall be elected as chairperson.

2. Purpose

To help each student gain information into their interests at Capital University, including but not limited to, Minority Student Affairs and International Student Affairs.

3. Duties

1. To recommend policies on Minority Student Affairs and International Student Affairs.

2. To advocate for the rights and tolerance of all different interests of people at Capital University.

1. Membership

The Subcommittee on Minority Affairs shall include three members, one of which shall be elected as chairperson by the subcommittee.

2. Purpose

1. To study and recommend solutions for the problems unique to the minority students.

2. To foster increased cross-cultural awareness and to improve interaction on campus.

3. Duties of the Committee

1. To regularly publish information regarding the activities of minority students.

2. To recommend legislation regarding the interests of minority students.

3. To establish a relationships with the Offices of Multicultural Affairs.

4. To ensure that the specific needs of minority students are being addressed.

5. To meet with the recruiter for minority student admissions.

6. To address and encourage activities of minority student organizations.

7. To attend meetings of minority student organizations.

8. To appoint a student representative to the Faculty Senate Affirmative Action Committee.

1. Membership

The Subcommittee on International Affairs shall include three members, one of which shall be elected as chairperson by the subcommittee.

2. Purpose

1. To study and recommend solutions for the problems unique to the international students.

2. To foster increased cross-cultural awareness and to improve interaction on campus.

3. Duties of the Committee

1. To regularly publish information regarding the activities of international students.

2. To recommend legislation regarding the interests of the international students.

3. To establish a relationships with the Offices of International Affairs.

4. To ensure that the specific needs of international students are being addressed.

5. To meet with the recruiter for international student admissions.

6. To address and encourage activities of international student organizations.

7. To attend meetings of international student organizations.

8. To ensure that the flag collection in Blackmore Library is updated annually.

9. The chair of the committee shall serve as a representative to the International Affairs Committee of the Undergraduate Faculty.

10. To appoint a student representative to the Faculty Senate International Education Committee.

Section VII - The Committee on Finance and Planning & Development

1. Membership

The Finance and Planning and Development Committee shall consist of three members.

2. Purpose

To examine and make recommendations on the budget, and to work with the University administration in regard to long term planning and issues of development concerning the University.

3. Duties

1. To address concerns or changes regarding modifications to the Student Handbook.

2. To monitor and ensure the proper use of funds appropriated to the Senate and its respective members.

3. To monitor and make recommendations in regard to the use of tuition funds by the administration.

4. To be the sole authority to initiate financial expenditures in accordance with the annual budget.

5. To keep records in regard to all financial expenditures of Student Government.

6. To address all other financial concerns of the Senate.

7. To assist in the development of long-term plans in regard to the university.

8. To monitor construction and renovation projects taking place on University owned properties.

VIII - The Judiciary Committee

1. Membership

The Judiciary Committee shall include five members appointed by the Speaker, one of which shall be elected as chairperson by the Committee.

2. Purpose

The Judiciary Committee shall ensure that the Student Senate remains active, accountable and representative of the student body.

3. Duties

1. To address concerns or changes regarding modifications to the Student Handbook.

2. To make recommendations for the appointments to the Senate and its various committees.

3. Upon vacancies of Senate Seats or other various committees of the Senate, the committee should make a recommendation to fill the position(s).

4. To form an elections committee whenever necessary.

5. To ensure that students are treated with fairness and equity by administration, faculty, and staff, and are informed of their rights.

6. To act as a court of impeachment upon findings that any member of Student Government has acted with impropriety, violated any code put forth in the Student Handbook, or is charged with any other conduct that has born disgrace on the University or the student body.

7. To oversee the speedy and automatic removal of any member of the Senate who has been placed on academic or disciplinary probation.

Article V... Elections

Section I- President and Vice President

The President and Vice-President are to be elected annually each Spring Semester by a majority of votes cast by the members of the student body for that office. If no candidate receives a majority vote, then a run-off election shall be held between the candidates receiving the two highest vote counts, and the candidate receiving the majority of the votes cast in the run-off shall be elected.

Section II - Student Senators

1. Elections of Senators shall be conducted each Spring Semester of an academic year one week after the election of the President and Vice President by the same independent election board. Students will run as a candidate for a subcommittee. The three students who receive the highest number of votes cast for each subcommittee will be elected to that subcommittee, its subsequent committee, and the Senate as a whole.

2. Each undergraduate student may vote for as many as three of the candidates for each subcommittee.

Article VI … Amendments

Amendments to this constitution may be proposed by a 2/3 vote of the Senate or by petition of 25% of the student body. A 2/3 majority of Senate members voting on the amendment is necessary for adoption. Grammatical, numbering and title changes do not require a vote of the Student Senate.

Article VII … Ratification

The constitution shall be considered effective when approved by a majority of students voting in an election to ratify the constitution from the student body and approved by the Board of Trustees of Capital University.

Amendment #1 … Eligibility

Student Government members shall be registered as full-time undergraduate students of Capital University.

Bylaws

Article I... An Impeachment Process

Section I- Purpose

The Judiciary Committee shall act as the delivery agent of impeachment charges to the Senate.

Section II- Reasons for Impeachment

1. Any member of Student Government who has acted with impropriety, violated any code put forth in the Student Handbook, or is charged with any other conduct that has born disgrace on the University or Student Body..

2. Any member of Student Government who has failed to fulfill his or her duties to the subcommittee, committee, and or Senate as outlined by the Student Government Constitution.

Section III - Process

1. Committee

1. Any member of Student Senate who feels that a fellow member of Student Government has met said criteria may bring charges to the Judiciary Committee.

2. The Judiciary Committee must conduct a swift and proper investigation of the charges.

1. The Committee must allow the accused and the accuser to present their respective cases before the Committee.

2. The Committee must call appropriate parties to gain sufficient knowledge in order to make an appropriate decision regarding the said charges.

3. The Judiciary Committee shall bring impeachment charges to the Senate upon a 3/5 of the Committee.

2. Senate Proceedings

1. Impeachment charges shall be presented to the Senate by the Judiciary Committee after said proceedings.

2. There shall be an open debate on the Senate floor regarding the said charges.

3. After said debate, the Senate will vote.

1. A 2/3 vote is needed to remove a member of Student Government.

2. A secret ballot shall be taken, the vote count and ballots shall be public domain.

Article II … Appointments

Section I - Purpose

The Judiciary Committee shall make proper recommendations to appoint students to vacant Senate seats.

Section II - Process

1. Upon a vacancy in the Senate, the Judiciary Committee shall actively search for candidates to fill the position.

2. The Judiciary Committee shall thoroughly interview each candidate in order to nominate the candidate who is best suited for the position.

3. The Judiciary Committee shall then present their nominee to be approved by the Senate.

4. 1. The nominee shall be present to address the Senate

   2. The nominee must be approved with a 2/3 vote by the Senate.

   3. 1. A secret ballot shall be taken.

      2. The vote count and ballots shall be public domain.

Article III ... Election Committee

Section I - Purpose

To facilitate and to ensure the integrity of the Student Government elections.

Section II - Organization

1. The Senate Judiciary Committee shall appoint by majority vote, seven (7) members to constitute an Elections Committee.

1. The members of said committee must be graduating seniors.

2. Any member of the Elections Committee who, during his/her service on the Elections Committee, violates any code put forth in the Student Handbook or the Student Government Constitution, acts with impropriety, or is charged with any other conduct that has borne disgrace on the University or Student Body shall be removed by the Judiciary Committee with a 4/5 vote.

2. The members shall elect, by majority, a chairperson who will coordinate committee meetings and election activities.

Section III - Process

1. The Judiciary Committee must post its appointments for the Elections Committee by the end of January.

2. The Elections Committee will develop an elections packet,which shall include:

1. A petition, the length of which shall be determined by the Elections Committee.

2. Instructions on drafting a statement of intent, the specifications of which shall be determined by the Elections Committee.

3. Regulations for campaigning.

4. Elections procedures and dates.

5. An informational meeting date.

6. Any additional information that the Elections Committee deems necessary.

3. Petitions/applications must be made available at least three weeks before the elections.

4. The Elections Committee will facilitate any campaign forums or debates.

5. At least one member of the Elections Committee shall be present at the polling facility during polling hours.

6. The Elections Committee shall post the elections results by midnight of the last day of polling for both presidential and senatorial elections.

7. The elections process must be completed no later than the second Friday in April.

Revised 9/2003