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- **BYLAWS OF THE SENATE**

- *Last Updated July 2023*

- **3.1.2 EXECUTIVE COMMISSIONS**

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- ***3.1.2.1 COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING COMMISSION***

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- 3.1.2.1.1 The Communications and Marketing Commission, hereafter referred to as the CMC, shall be a subsidiary group of the Student Government Association organized within the office of and chaired by the Director of Social Affairs.

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- 3.1.2.1.2 The CMC shall operate according to a set of CMC Bylaws set by the Senate.

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- 3.1.2.1.3 MEMBERSHIP

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- > > > > > > 3.1.2.1.3.1 The CMC shall be comprised of at least five voting Communications and Marketing Aides.

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- > > > > > > 3.1.2.1.3.2 The Director of Social Affairs shall chair the CMC but shall only vote when a tie exists.

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- 3.1.2.1.4 RESPONSIBILITIES

- 3.1.2.1.4.1 The CMC shall be tasked with all matters related to the marketing and promotion of the SGA, including but not limited to:

- 3.1.2.1.4.1.1 Social media management.

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- 3.1.2.1.4.1.2 Website maintenance and construction.

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- 3.1.2.1.4.1.3 Graphic design.

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- 3.1.2.1.5 The Senate shall, under the Constitution, retain its oversight prerogatives over the CMC.

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- ***3.1.2.2 POLICY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION***

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- 3.1.2.2.1 The Policy Research and Development Commission, hereafter referred to as PRDC, shall be a subsidiary group of the Student Government Association organized within the Office of and chaired by the Director of Research.

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- 3.1.2.2.2 MEMBERSHIP

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- 3.1.2.2.2.1 The PRDC shall be comprised of at least five voting Policy Advisors, appointed by the Director of Research with the advice and consent of two-thirds of the Senate.

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- 3.1.2.2.2.2 At the discretion of the Director of Research, a Policy Advisor may be promoted to “Senior Policy Advisor of \[area of expertise\]” if said Policy Advisor has a specific portfolio of area of issues on which they are uniquely capable, experienced, or qualified to advise the SGA. 3.1.2.2.2.3 The Director of Research shall chair the PRDC but shall only vote when a tie exists.

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- 3.1.2.2.3 RESPONSIBILITIES

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- > > > > > > 3.1.2.2.3.1 Conducting research on an issue on the behalf of any organ of the SGA.

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- > > > > > > 3.1.2.2.3.2 Aiding undergraduate student organizations in conducting policy research, development, and statistical analysis in their own activities.

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- 3.1.2.2.3.2.1 The PRDC is expected to prioritize reports requested by the SGA, then focus on reports for student organizations.

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- > > > > > > 3.1.2.2.3.3 Producing at least 2 policy reports per semester, which shall be published publicly with the majority consent of the Senate.

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- 3.1.2.2.3.3.1 The PRDC may choose to refer reports to the Student Body President with a recommendation of sending the report to relevant administrators.

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- 3.1.2.2.3.3.2 Reports may include a recommended course of action if and only if the recommended course of action is supported by the data in the report.

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- > > > > > > 3.1.2.2.3.4 Harnessing advanced research tools to execute its duties, including but not limited to:

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- 3.1.2.2.3.4.1 Articles obtained from accredited academic institutions or publications.

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- 3.1.2.2.3.4.2 Government reports or publications.

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- 3.1.2.2.3.4.3 Documents in the JHU Sheridan Libraries Special Collections and Archives

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- 3.1.2.2.3.4.4 Computer code (Java, C, C+, Python, R, MatLab, etc.).

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- 3.1.2.2.3.4.5 ArcGIS.

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- 3.1.2.2.3.4.6 Stata.

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- 3.1.2.2.3.4.7 SPSS.

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- 3.1.2.2.3.4.8 ERDAS.

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- 3.1.2.2.3.4.9 ENVI.

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- 3.1.2.2.4 The Senate shall, under the Constitution, retain its oversight prerogatives over the PRDC.

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- ***3.1.2.3 STUDENT ACTIVITIES COMMISSION***

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- 3.1.2.3.1 The Student Activities Commission, hereafter referred to as SAC, shall be a subsidiary of the SGA Finance Committee

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- chaired by the SGA Treasurer.

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- 3.1.2.3.2 MEMBERSHIP

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- 3.1.2.3.2.1 The SAC shall be comprised of eight (8) voting Commissioners.

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- 3.1.2.3.2.2 At each convening of SAC, it shall be the responsibility of the Executive Treasurer to ensure that no more than 8 Finance Committee members attend as voting members.

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- > > > > > > 3.1.2.3.2.2.1 In the event that there are more than 8 Finance Committee members interested in attending a SAC meeting as a voting member, the Executive Treasurer shall allow the first 8 members who RSVP for the SAC meeting to attend as voting members.

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- 3.1.2.3.2.3 All Finance Committee members are required to attend any SAC meeting regardless of whether or not they are a voting member for said meeting.

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- 3.1.2.3.2.4 The SGA Treasurer shall have the right with approval of a two-thirds majority vote of the Senate to remove any member of SAC.

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- 3.1.2.3.2.4.1 The collective SAC body (including both commissioners and Finance Committee Members) can request the removal of a commissioner by a two-thirds vote to then be approved by a two-thirds majority vote of the Senate.

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- 3.1.2.3.3 VOTING

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- 3.1.2.3.3.1 All SAC Commissioners and voting finance committee members shall be eligible to 1 vote in every decision.

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- 3.1.2.3.3.2 The SGA Executive Treasurer shall only vote in the case of a tie.

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- 3.1.2.3.3.3 Any person at a SAC meeting who is a part of an organization that submitted a grant, shall be asked to leave while the committee discusses the grant and will be unable to vote on said grant.

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- 3.1.2.3.3.4 All votes shall be a simple majority vote.

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- 3.1.2.3.3.5 The Senate can overturn any decision of the SAC by a two-thirds majority vote.

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- 3.1.2.3.4 RESPONSIBILITIES

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- > > > > > > 3.1.2.3.4.1 The SAC will evaluate grant proposals based on the following four criteria:

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- > > > > > > 3.1.2.3.4.1.1 The SAC Funding Guidelines.

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- > > > > > > 3.1.2.3.4.1.2 Feasibility.

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- > > > > > > 3.1.2.3.4.1.3 Impact.

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- 3.1.2.3.4.1.4 Other funding sources that the club is receiving for the proposal.

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- > > > > > > 3.1.2.3.4.2 The SAC shall be responsible for maintaining a set of funding policies and caps by which all decisions shall be based. These will be set annually and approved or amended by the Senate in the month prior to reregistration. In addition, they must publish these policies and caps to the student body once approved by the Senate.

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- > > > > > > 3.1.2.3.4.3 SAC has the right to revoke funding by a two-thirds majority vote of the SAC for violation of SAC funding guidelines or policies.

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- > > > > > > 3.1.2.3.4.4 SAC is responsible to provide budgets and balances to student organizations if requested.

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- > > > > > > 3.1.2.3.4.5 The chair of the finance committee will be required to provide bi-weekly updates to the Senate on all decisions made by SAC in addition to the regular updates of the treasurer.

- ***3.1.2.4 RECRUITMENT PROCEDURES***

- 3.1.2.4.1 Upon creation of a vacancy, whether through graduation, resignation, or removal, the Chair of the Commission will be responsible for filling the open position as soon as possible. 3.1.2.4.2 The recruiting process shall be divided into three parts:

- > > > > > > 3.1.2.4.2.1 An application designed to gauge interest in and knowledge of the body 3.1.2.4.2.2 An interview with the Chair and sitting Commissioners.

- > > > > > > 3.1.2.4.2.3 Confirmation from a majority vote of the Senate.

- 3.1.2.4.3 Commission membership should be based on the merit of the individual and should be justifiable to the SGA Senate for confirmation.

- 3.1.2.4.4 All appointments made by the Chair shall be approved by the SGA Senate by a simple majority.

- ***ARTICLE 3, SECTION 2\. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH***

- **3.2.1 THE STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT AND THEIR CABINET**

- ***3.2.1.1 STUDENT BODY PRESIDENT***

- 3.2.1.1.1 Serves as the Spokesperson of SGA.

- 3.2.1.1.2 Organizes and attends meetings with Administrators.

- 3.2.1.1.3 Executes acts of the Senate, particularly by sending Resolutions to Administrators.

- 3.2.1.1.4 Chairs and manages their Cabinet.

- 3.2.1.1.5 Ensures regular communication with their counterparts in the Graduate Student Organization (GRO) by meeting with the co-chairs of the GRO at the beginning of each semester.

- 3.2.1.1.6 Ensures the smooth integration of new members – especially freshmen – into SGA.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.1.6.1 The outgoing Student Body President shall coordinate the production of transition documents compiled by the Executive Branch, Standing Legislative Committees, and Class Councils. These documents shall be finished at the end of every one-year term, presented to the Senate, and provided to the next SGA.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.1.6.2 The Student Body President, in collaboration with the Vice President, shall organize at least one mandatory SGA retreat per semester to clarify its goals and promote group development.

- 3.2.1.1.7 Organizes the Post-Election Meet and Greet.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.1.7.1 As part of the official inauguration process of SGA, newly-elected SGA representatives must attend a mandatory meet and greet session designed to interface with the undergraduate student body within 7 days after election decisions are released.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.1.7.2 The meet and greet session must be at least one hour long.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.1.7.3 The meet and greet session must have all newly elected representatives present.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.1.7.4 The meet and greet session must be open to all JHU undergraduates and be held in a space that is easily accessible to all JHU undergraduate students.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.1.7.5 Meet and greet session will be widely publicized by SGA.

- 3.2.1.1.8 Organizes SGA Tabling Events.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.1.8.1 SGA will host one tabling event every month of the school year, with provisional exceptions to December, January, and May, as these months tend to have less school days compared to others. Explicitly, months that must have a tabling event include September, October, November, February, March, and April.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.1.8.2 Tabling events must be at least one hour long.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.1.8.3 Tabling events must be staffed by a minimum of six SGA representatives, each from the four class councils, as well as two other SGA members. A member of the Executive Board may be allowed to substitute one of the six SGA representatives.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.1.8.4 SGA representatives must take turns tabling to ensure that as many different SGA representatives as possible are participating in these events.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.1.8.5 All senators and the Executive Board must attend at least one tabling event throughout the year.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.1.8.6 Tabling events must open to all JHU undergraduate students and be held in a space that is easily accessible to all JHU undergraduate students and preferably, in a highly frequented area. Possible tabling areas include:

- 3.2.1.1.8.6.1 Breezeway.

- 3.2.1.1.8.6.2 Brody Learning Commons and Tyler Terrace.

- 3.2.1.1.8.6.3 Milton S. Eisenhower Library.

- 3.2.1.1.8.6.4 Charles Commons.

- 3.2.1.1.8.6.5 In front of Hopkins Café.

- 3.2.1.1.8.6.6 Levering Café and Courtyard.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.1.8.7 Tabling events must be well-publicized by all the class councils before, during, and after the events to draw in as much attendance, and future attendance, as possible.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.1.8.8 At the end of every tabling event, there must be a report submitted about the event’s feedback by the Director of Research to the Senate.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.1.8.9 At the beginning of each semester, the Student Body President shall organize a sign-up sheet, reserve an event space, and arrange any purchases for every month of the semester.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.1.8.10 Once the freshmen are elected, they will be held accountable for these above guidelines.

- ***3.2.1.2 STUDENT BODY VICE PRESIDENT***

- 3.2.1.2.1 Assists the President in all their duties.

- 3.2.1.2.2 Succeeds the President in case of their impeachment or resignation.

- 3.2.1.2.3 Accompanies the Student Body President to meetings with administrators when necessary.

- 3.2.1.2.4 Fosters community within the Senate.

- 3.2.1.2.5 Collaborates with the Student Body President, the Chair of Programming, and the SGA advisor to organize semesterly retreats.

- 3.2.1.2.6 Assists new members with writing legislation.

- 3.2.1.2.7 Fosters communication with the governing bodies of other divisions of the University (e.g., GRO, CSAC, JHUC).

- 3.2.1.2.8 Within the first month of each Senator’s or Cabinet Member’s term, uses campaign material, a form, and/or discussion with the member to determine their primary short- and long-term goals for their term in SGA.

- 3.2.1.2.9 Regularly references legislative and non-legislative work of each member to determine if they are making progress towards their goals.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.2.9.1 This must be done at least once a month, but the Vice President is encouraged to check on different members throughout the month rather than examining every member at the same time.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.2.9.2 The Vice President may work with the Student Body Secretary to create an organizational system to track and document each member’s goals and progress.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.2.9.3 If a member does not seem to be working towards their goals, the Vice President shall contact the member to either meet with them or to connect them to another member of SGA who would be more capable of supporting the member.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.2.9.4 If the member is still not making progress towards their goals after two months, the Vice President shall set up a meeting with themselves, an advisor of SGA, and any other relevant SGA members to determine how best to support the member.

- ***3.2.1.3 SECRETARY***

- 3.2.1.3.1 Records how frequently each of the non-senate bodies within SGA (such as the PRDC) issue a report to the Senate during general body meetings and notifies the Chair of the body if they are not in compliance.

- 3.2.1.3.2 Serves as the primary recordkeeper for SGA.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.3.2.1 Stores all of SGA’s digital records for protection in a secondary technological archive at the end of every year.

- 3.2.1.3.2.1.1 Ensures that the Leadership Engagement and Experiential Development (LEED) Office and the JHU Libraries have copies of all records.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.3.3 Takes minutes at every Senate and Cabinet meeting, or designates someone to do so in their absence.

- 3.2.1.3.3.1 Minutes shall, at the very least, always include the following:

- 3.2.1.3.3.1.1 The date, time, and location of a meeting.

- 3.2.1.3.3.1.2 Those present at and absent from a SGA meeting, including whether the absence is excused or unexcused.

- 3.2.1.3.3.1.3 Any guests in attendance at the meeting.

- 3.2.1.3.3.1.4 The matters discussed in a meeting.

- 3.2.1.3.3.1.5 The main ideas discussed within each matter.

- 3.2.1.3.3.1.6 The major points or motions raised during the meeting.

- 3.2.1.3.3.1.7 All votes made during the meeting, and, if possible via roll call or electronic voting, each senator’s vote will be recorded.

- 3.2.1.3.3.2 Minutes shall be made available to the Secretary no later than a week from the meeting at which they were recorded. Failure to send minutes shall be noted on the SGA website.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.3.4 Creates and maintains internal SGA infrastructure.

- ***3.2.1.4 TREASURER***

- 3.2.1.4.1 Submitting all purchase requests on behalf of the Senate.

- 3.2.1.4.2 Chairing, appointing, and managing the Student Activities Commission.

- 3.2.1.4.3 Co-Chairing the Committee on Finance and meeting regularly with the Chair of the Committee on Student Organizations.

- 3.2.1.4.4 Assisting new Senators with understanding financial policies and HopkinsGroups financial processes.

- 3.2.1.4.5 Shall work with the Finance Committee to formulate an annual budget for the SGA.

- 3.2.1.4.6 Shall assist with the funding of student groups.

- 3.2.1.4.7 Shall act as the financial officer of the SGA, keeping all of its ledgers and coordinating with the Finance Committee.

- ***3.2.1.5 DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL AFFAIRS***

- 3.2.1.5.1 Chairing, appointing, and managing the Communications and Marketing Commission.

- 3.2.1.5.2 Maintaining all SGA email lists via HopkinsGroups and serving as the point of contact for all SGA communications.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.5.2.1 Monitoring the SGA email and social media notifications.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.5.2.2 Reviewing school-wide emails.

- 3.2.1.5.3 Presents records provided by the Secretary and meeting chairs to the public in an online format that is accessible in less than 2 clicks from the SGA website homepage or 4 clicks from the SGA’s social media pages.

- 3.2.1.5.4 Places any SGA document deliberated in the public sphere – legislation, minutes, and working documents – into public space within a week of receipt from the Secretary.

- 3.2.1.5.5 Responds to and honors any JHU undergraduate’s request for SGA information sent to HopkinsGroups or the SGA email within a week of request, and if information cannot be provided, a legitimate legal, or personal privacy-related reason shall be provided in writing.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.5.5.1 Denied requests may be appealed to the Judiciary Board.

- > > > > > > 3.2.1.5.5.2 All requests, fulfilled or denied, shall be listed in the SGA public records.

- ***3.2.1.6 DIRECTOR OF RESEARCH***

- 3.2.1.6.1 Chairing, appointing, and managing the Policy Research and Development Commission.

- 3.2.1.6.2 Referring policy reports to the Student Body President to deliver to relevant administration if applicable.

- 3.2.1.6.3 Ensuring creation of reports for each tabling event.

- 4.1.1.1.2 Seven Academic Senators from the Krieger School and Five Academic Senators from the Whiting school.

- 4.1.1.1.3 One Student Organization Senator from each category of student organizations SGA recognizes.

- 4.1.1.1.4 One Caucus Senator for each SGA Caucus, as defined in the Constitution.

- **4.1.2 LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES OF THE SENATE**

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- ***4.1.2.1 STANDING LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES***

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- 4.1.2.1.1 Standing Legislative Committees of the Senate shall be established in these Bylaws and shall exist in perpetuity.

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- 4.1.2.1.2 Standing Legislative Committees of the Senate shall be established to address the general business of the Senate and to recommend to the Senate the adoption or rejection of legislation.

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- 4.1.2.1.3 The number of members of Standing Legislative Committees shall be at the discretion of the President of the Senate when sorting Senators into committees, but shall allow for the efficient functioning of the committees.

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- > > > > > > 4.1.2.1.3.1 The Committee on Finance and Committee on Student Organizations shall each have at least 14 members.

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- 4.1.2.1.4 The following Standing Legislative Committees of the Senate shall be established:

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- 4.1.2.1.4.1 COMMITTEE ON ACADEMIC AFFAIRS

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- 4.1.2.1.4.1.1 Deals with matters relating to Student Advising, the Registrar, the Academic Council, and other academic-related organs of the University to improve the academic atmosphere for students.

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- 4.1.2.1.4.1.2 Works with administrators, including the Dean of the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences and the Dean of the Whiting School of Engineering, to advance academic policies and programs that fit the needs and desires of the student body.

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- 4.1.2.1.4.1.3 Works with the Executive Board and the Senior Class Council on matters related to Convocation, Commencement, and other University academic ceremonies.

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- 4.1.2.1.4.1.4 Takes up other measures relating to academic affairs.

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- > > > > > > 4.1.2.1.4.2 COMMITTEE ON CIVIC ENGAGEMENT

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- 4.1.2.1.4.2.1 Promotes matters of civic engagement, civic involvement and participation, civic activism, student activism, community engagement in Baltimore and beyond, and issues of public, political or civic concern that fall beyond the realm of other committees.

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- 4.1.2.1.4.2.2 Collaborates with JHU student groups focused on civic engagement and aid them in their efforts.

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- 4.1.2.1.4.2.3 Works with other Senate committees, the Office of Student Life, the Office of Multicultural Affairs, LGBTQ Life, Student Disability Service, the Office of Institutional Equity, and other relevant academic departments and faculty in its aforementioned matters of scope whenever applicable.

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- > > > > > > 4.1.2.1.4.3 COMMITTEE ON FINANCE

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- > > > > > > 4.1.2.1.4.3.1 Membership

- 4.1.2.1.4.3.1.1 The membership of the Committee on Finance is restricted to duly serving members of the Senate.

- 4.1.2.1.4.3.1.2 The Executive Treasurer is the Chairman of the SAC and shall serve as an ex-officio member of the Committee on Finance.

- 4.1.2.1.4.3.2 Responsibilities

- 4.1.2.1.4.3.1 To deal with all financial matters of the Student Government Association, including appropriations, funding procedures, and financial management.

- 4.1.2.1.4.3.2 To evaluate and vote on all legislation of allocating funds from the senate, that is sent to the Finance Committee by the Sunday immediately preceding the General Body Meeting by the time set by the Rules Bill.

- 4.1.2.1.4.3.3 To have the ability to approve any funding allocations from the Senate’s budget that are equal to or less than five-hundred dollars if the general body does not meet in two consecutive weeks.

- 4.1.2.1.4.3.4 To review and approve the SAC Bylaws and criteria for funding student organizations updated by the SAC.

- 4.1.2.1.4.3.5 To collaborate with the Committee on Student Organizations and the SAC to guarantee the success of student organizations by aiding groups through their grant and sponsorship request process.

- 4.1.2.1.4.3.6 To inform student organizations of available funding resources, including but not limited to grants from the SAC, external grants and sponsorships from the Senate. 4.1.2.1.4.3.7 To advise the Executive Treasurer on matters related to funding.

- 4.1.2.1.4.3.8 To appoint at least one Senator serving on the Committee on Finance to attend each meeting of the Student Activities Commission as a non-voting, ex-officio participant.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.1.4.4 COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, SAFETY, AND SUSTAINABILITY

- 4.1.2.1.4.4.1 Deals with matters pertaining to the health and safety of the student body.

- 4.1.2.1.4.4.2 To take up measures related to sustainability and facilities, as applicable to the Johns Hopkins community.

- 4.1.2.1.4.4.3 Works with Campus Safety and Security, Student Life, Health and Wellness Center administrators, and other University officials to advocate and ensure the health, safety, and well-being of students.

- 4.1.2.1.4.4.4 Works with the Recycling Center and the Office of Sustainability to advance sustainable practices. To work with the Vice President for Facilities and Real Estate as well as other University administrators to advance the interests of the student body with respect to real estate, buildings and grounds, auxiliary services, facilities, and related matters.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.1.4.5 COMMITTEE ON INTERNAL AFFAIRS

- 4.1.2.1.4.5.1 The Vice President, in their capacity as President of the Senate, and the Parliamentarian shall serve as ex-officio members of the Committee on Internal Affairs, voting only in the case of a tie.

- 4.1.2.1.4.5.2 Deals with all matters related to the internal affairs of the Senate, with the exclusion of matters related to the Senate’s budget which are restricted to the Committee on Finance.

- 4.1.2.1.4.5.3 Deals with matters related to amendments of the SGA Constitution, the SGA Bylaws and the Senate Procedural Rules.

- 4.1.2.1.4.5.4 Deals with matters related to amendments of the Committee on Student Elections (CSE) Bylaws and other appropriate governing student documents, excluding revising the SAC Bylaws, a power which is reserved to the Committee on Finance, and the SGA Judiciary Bylaws, which are reserved by the Constitution to the Judiciary itself.

- 4.1.2.1.4.5.5 Handles all appointments of SGA officials as prescribed by statute, including the evaluation of the Executive President’s judicial nominees, and to recommend to the Senate their appointment or rejection.

- 4.1.2.1.4.5.6 Helps facilitate the impeachment process by holding proceedings to make findings of fact and regulation and providing an informed perspective to the Senate.

- 4.1.2.1.4.5.7 Conducts ethical or disciplinary hearings of SGA members and refers to the Senate such cases with its recommendations.

- 4.1.2.1.4.5.8 Deals with all other legislation that relates to the internal affairs of the Senate.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.1.4.6 COMMITTEE ON STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

- 4.1.2.1.4.6.1 To conduct hearings with leaders of proposed student organizations to evaluate and determine their funding eligibility and recognition status within the SGA.

- 4.1.2.1.4.6.2 Works to ensure inter-organizational collaboration among the clubs, groups, and organizations of the undergraduate population at Hopkins.

- 4.1.2.1.4.6.3 Works with student organizations to advance their goals and to help facilitate their continued success.

- 4.1.2.1.4.6.4 Works with other organs of the SGA, including the SAC and the CMC, to ensure and promote the success of student organizations.

- 4.1.2.1.4.6.5 Ensures that University resources, including usage of the Hopkins logos, funding, facilities and other resources are used only by approved student groups and that such resources are distributed fairly and utilized responsibly.

- 4.1.2.1.4.6.6 Ensures that approved student organizations remain in good standing with the SGA and the University, and to recommend corrective actions to the Senate when groups violate SGA, University, local, state, and/or federal rules, regulations, and/or laws.

- 4.1.2.1.4.6.7 Establishes protocols for applying to be an approved student organization and regulations governing the types and standards of such organizations.

- 4.1.2.1.4.6.8 Works with University officials, including the Coordinator for Student Organizations; the Associate Dean of Student Engagement; administrators of programs housing student organizations such as the Office of Multicultural Affairs, the Interfaith Center, the Department of Athletics and Recreation, the Center for Social Concern, the Homewood Arts Programs, and the Digital Media Center; and other University personnel, to advance collaboration and standardization of expectations for student organizations.

- 4.1.2.1.4.6.9 Takes up other measures relating to student organizations.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.1.4.7 COMMITTEE ON STUDENT SERVICES

- 4.1.2.1.4.7.1 Evaluates proposals for SGA sponsorship of events.

- 4.1.2.1.4.7.2 Works to provide SGA-sponsored services to fill needs that the University administration cannot or will not provide.

- 4.1.2.1.4.7.3 Works towards improving existing services available to students.

- 4.1.2.1.4.7.4 Works with student organizations, the University, and businesses to advance the aforementioned responsibilities.

- 4.1.2.1.4.7.5 Takes up other measures relating to student services.

- ***4.1.2.2 AD-HOC LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES***

- 4.1.2.2.1 Ad-hoc Committees of the Senate, in accordance with the Constitution, shall be established by a two-thirds vote of the Senate and shall automatically expire at the end of the academic semester during which they were established.

- 4.1.2.2.2 Ad-hoc Committees of the Senate shall be empaneled to address matters of great importance to the student body and may recommend that the Senate take up certain proposals through its regular legislative process in order to address specific concerns.

- 4.1.2.2.3 The parameters and scope of individual ad-hoc committees shall be stipulated in the legislation providing for their specific establishment.

- 4.1.2.2.4 The number of members of Ad-Hoc Committees of the Senate shall be provided for in the legislation establishing the particular committees.

- 4.1.2.2.5 An SGA Long-Term Ad-Hoc Committee, appropriately abbreviated as an LAHC, shall be a type of ad-hoc committee, adherent to all standard terms and requirements of an ad-hoc committee, with the following and express exceptions:

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.2.5.1 An SGA LAHC shall be established in perpetuity until a clearly delineated date of expiration or sunset, or until which time that the Senate votes by two-thirds majority to determine that the LAHC’s mandate or purpose has elapsed.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.2.5.2 An SGA LAHC may include additional differences from traditional ad-hoc committees, provided that those differences are clearly delineated in the SGA LAHC’s legislative enactment act and provided that those differences do not violate other terms of the SGA Bylaws or the SGA Constitution.

- ***4.1.2.3 MEMBERSHIP OF COMMITTEES***

- 4.1.2.3.1 SORTING OF SENATORS INTO STANDING LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES OF THE SENATE

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.3.1.1 Pursuant to the Constitution, the President of the Senate shall sort Senators into Standing Legislative Committees of the Senate, and confirmation of these appointments shall require ratification by a plurality of the Senate.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.3.1.2 In executing the Constitutional duty to sort Senators into committees, the President of the Senate shall solicit the wishes and availabilities of individual Senators; study their individual passions and legislative priorities; if prudent, consult with SGA colleagues; and shall thereafter proceed to sort Senators into committees at the second Senate General Body Meeting in a manner which, in the opinion of the President of the Senate, will allow individual Senators to flourish and will best serve the students and community of the Johns Hopkins University.

- 4.1.2.3.1.2.1 Within 24 hours of the election of the Committee Chairs at the first Senate Meeting, each Committee Chair will inform the President of the Senate of a meeting time for the following semester. These meeting times will be visible on the form used by the President of the Senate to solicit the wishes of each Senator. If a Senator is unable to attend the designated time for any committee, they shall indicate so on the form.

- 4.1.2.3.1.2.2 To best serve their student organization constituent group, each Student Organization Senator must serve on either the Committee on Finance or the Committee on Student Organizations.

- 4.1.2.3.2 COMMITTEE VACANCIES

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.3.2.1 Any vacancies within Standing Legislative Committees of the Senate or Ad-hoc Committees of the Senate created by the departure of a member of the Senate shall be filled by the President of the Senate and confirmed by a plurality of the Senate.

- ***4.1.2.4 LEADERSHIP OF COMMITTEES***

- 4.1.2.4.1 CHAIRS AND VICE CHAIRS

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.1.1 The Internal Affairs Committee and Finance Committee shall each have two chairs automatically.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.1.2 Every other standing and ad-hoc committee shall have one chair and one vice chair.

- 4.1.2.4.2 SELECTION OF THE CHAIR

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.2.1 At the first Senate Meeting of the year, the President of the Senate shall preside over elections for the chair of each Standing Legislative Committee.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.2.2 At this Senate Meeting, the President of the Senate public nominations of Senate members to serve as chair of the committee.

- 4.1.2.4.2.2.1 Individuals may not serve as chair of more than one (1) committee, as the chair of a committee if they are the vice chair for another committee, or as the chair of a committee if they are the chair of a caucus.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.2.3 Upon hearing the nomination, the President of the Senate shall ask each nominee if they would like to perform the service of committee chair.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.2.4 Those responding in the affirmative shall each give short speeches of no more than 3 minutes outlining their qualifications and priorities.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.2.5 Without a discussion, each Senate member shall then cast a vote for the chair by confidential paper ballot or another confidential voting method.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.2.6 Any candidate receiving a plurality of votes will then be installed as committee chair or co-chair and will be sworn in by the President of the Senate.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.2.7 The Student Body Vice President and Student Body Treasurer, in their respective roles as ex-officio members of the Internal Affairs Committee and of the Finance Committee, shall also serve as respective ex-officio co-chairs of those committees.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.2.8 If no candidate receives a plurality, the President of the Senate shall cast a tie breaking vote.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.2.9 The Committee Chair’s term of office shall extend for the term of the Senate.

- 4.1.2.4.3 SELECTION OF THE VICE CHAIR

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.3.1 The Chair of the Committee (excluding the Internal Affairs and Finance committees) must nominate a Vice Chair for their committee upon their election as chair or at the following committee meeting.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.3.2 The Vice Chair of a committee must be a duly elected SGA Senator and must be an official member of the committee for which they are a Vice Chair.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.3.3 The Vice Chair must not be the Chair or Vice Chair of another committee.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.3.4 After the Chair submits their nomination of a Vice Chair to their committee, the committee members must approve the selection with a two-thirds vote.

- 4.1.2.4.4 Chairs of the Ad-hoc Committees of the Senate

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.4.1 The legislation providing for the establishment of the particular ad-hoc committee shall designate a chair.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.4.2 The term of the Chair of an Ad-hoc Committee of the Senate shall expire when the term of the committee itself expires at the end of the semester.

- 4.1.2.4.5 RESPONSIBILITIES OF COMMITTEE CHAIRS

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.5.1 Chairs of Standing Legislative Committees of the Senate and Ad-hoc Committees of the Senate shall having the following responsibilities:

- 4.1.2.4.5.1.1 To issue a committee report at General Body meetings, informing the Senate of projects or activities of the committee for which Senate awareness is essential to the success of the committee or the Senate.

- 4.1.2.4.5.1.2 To submit a weekly press release to the Director of Communications by the Saturday at 12:00 PM EST before each GBM containing updates on goals and activities of the committee or any changes to committee goals.

- 4.1.2.4.5.1.3 To submit reports on reviewed legislation to the President of the Senate and Secretary. For the content of these reports, see 4.2.3 Legislative Process.

- 4.1.2.4.5.1.4 To create the agenda for each committee meeting and publish these agendas to the Senate.

- 4.1.2.4.5.1.5 To appoint a member of the respective committee to take the minutes of each meeting.

- 4.1.2.4.5.1.6 To send a copy of the committee minutes and attendance to the Secretary within 48 hours of each meeting.

- 4.1.2.4.5.1.7 To perform certain other functions as situations necessitate.

- 4.1.2.4.5.1.8 To maintain suggestion boxes as needed to provide for the needs of the student body.

- 4.1.2.4.5.1.8.1 It shall be the duty of the chair of the Student Services Committee to appoint committee members to gather the suggestions left in the boxes.

- 4.1.2.4.5.1.7.2 To report on the contents of the suggestion boxes bi-weekly at SGA general body meetings.

- 4.1.2.4.5.1.8.3 §4.1.2.4.5.1.8.1 and §4.1.2.4.5.1.8.2 shall be null and void until October 1st, 2023 so that the Chair and Vice Chair of Student Services shall have time to restart this program. They may begin earlier. On October 2nd, Internal Affairs shall be entitled to strike this subsection.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.5.2 In addition to the above responsibilities, chairs of the Committee on Finance and Committee on Student Organizations will have at minimum monthly coordination meetings outside of their respective committee meetings.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.5.3 Co-chairs of the Finance and Internal Affairs Committees and Chairs and Vice Chairs of Standing Legislative Committees of the Senate and Ad-hoc Committees of the Senate shall have the following additional responsibilities:

- 4.1.2.4.5.3.1 By the end of September, co-chairs/chair and vice chair must submit a cooperation plan to the Vice President detailing an agreement between each co-chair/chair vice chair on how they plan to work cooperatively to run their committee.

- 4.1.2.4.5.3.1.1 Plans must include but are not limited to:

- 4.1.2.4.5.3.1.1.1 Means of communication and response time.

- 4.1.2.4.5.3.1.1.2 Workflow in terms of planning committee meetings and projects.

- 4.1.2.4.5.3.1.1.3 Means of conflict resolution.

- 4.1.2.4.5.3.1.1.4 Limited-use Mental Health and Academic Stress related provisions under which responsibilities can temporarily be waived.

- 4.1.2.4.5.3.1.2 The requirement to have a plan can be waived if both co-chairs/the chair and vice chair sign a waiver or otherwise inform the Vice President stating that they do not feel the need to have a cooperation plan.

- 4.1.2.4.5.3.1.2.1 If a cooperation plan is waived, a co-chair/chair or vice chair has the right to request a cooperation plan at any point throughout the year.

- 4.1.2.4.5.2.1.2.2 Requests must be sent in an email to the Vice President and their co-chair/chair or vice chair, and cooperation plans must be created and submitted to the Vice President within 10 days of the request.

- 4.1.2.4.5.2.1.3 The Vice President may reject any cooperation plan deemed to be insufficient. Rejections can be overturned by a ⅘ vote of the committee that the agreement applies to.

- 4.1.2.4.5.2.1.4 For cooperation plans concerning the Internal Affairs Committee, the Student Body President shall fill the role of the Vice President in the processes outlined in this section of the Bylaws.

- 4.1.2.4.5.2.1.5 Cooperation plans must be shared with senate committee members.

- 4.1.2.4.5.2.1.6 Cooperation plans may not be changed without the approval of the Vice President.

- 4.1.2.4.5.2.1.7 Failure to follow the rules within this section of the Bylaws is a formal violation of the Bylaws, and may lead to the consequences associated with such.

- 4.1.2.4.5.2.1.8 Both co-chairs/chair and vice chair must express their approval of the cooperation plan in writing or email to the Vice President.

- 4.1.2.4.5.2.1.9 If cooperation plans are not submitted and are not waived, the co-chairs/chair and vice chair shall be automatically removed and a new election for co-chairs/chair or vice chair will be held.

- 4.1.2.4.5.2.1.10 If one co-chair/chair or vice chair believes that it was not possible for them to submit a cooperation plan because the other co-chair/chair or vice chair refused to cooperate, they may petition the Judiciary to rule on the question of whether failure to submit a cooperative plan was solely or mostly by the fault of one of the co-chairs/chair or vice chair. If they rule that to be the case, the co-chair/chair or vice chair who was ruled to have been mostly or completely responsible for the failure to produce a mutually-agreed upon cooperative plan shall be removed as committee chair.

- 4.1.2.4.5.2.1.10.1 After chair removal, the committee must take a vote to appoint a new chair.

- 4.1.2.4.5.2.1.10.2 The removed chair may not participate in committee chair-related deliberations or vote on matters concerning committee chairs after their removal, and may not become the chair of any committee through the end of their term.

- 4.1.2.4.5.2.1.10.3 The Vice Chair shall not automatically become the chair if the chair is removed through this process, but may run in the chair election.

- 4.1.2.4.5.2.1.10.4 After Vice Chair removal, the Chair shall appoint a new Vice Chair, subject to committee approval.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.5.3 Vice Chairs of Standing Legislative Committees of the Senate and Ad-Hoc Committees shall have the following responsibilities:

- 4.1.2.4.5.3.1 Vice Chairs shall fulfill the duties of the chair whenever they are not present at meetings or otherwise unavailable. They must fulfill all the responsibilities of the chair when the chair is on leave or absent at a meeting, and highlighted duties include:

- 4.1.2.4.5.3.1.1 Chairing committee meetings when the chair is absent.

- 4.1.2.4.5.3.1.2 Updating the Senate on committee activities during GBM when the chair is absent.

- 4.1.2.4.5.3.2 Vice Chairs shall assist the Chairs in all their duties as agreed upon between the Chair, the Vice Chair, and the committee at large.

- 4.1.2.4.6 REMOVAL OF CHAIRS

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.6.1 The Chair of a Standing Legislative Committee of the Senate or an Ad-hoc Committee of the Senate may be removed by a ¾ vote of the committee itself, or by a two-thirds vote of the Senate as a whole.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.6.2 A member of a committee may only be removed by a ¾ vote of the Senate as a whole.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.6.3 If a Committee chooses to remove a chair by a two-thirds vote of the Committee itself, they must abide by the following procedures.

- 4.1.2.4.6.3.1 A senate member of a committee must submit the signatures of at least ½ of the senate members of the committee calling for the removal of the committee chair to the President of the Senate.

- 4.1.2.4.6.3.1.1 When there is an odd number of senators in the committee, the number of signatures required shall be rounded up.

- 4.1.2.4.6.3.2 The President of the Senate shall convene a meeting no later than 2 weeks after the receipt of the signatures calling for the removal of a committee chair to hear arguments for and against chair removal and to hold a vote to remove the chair.

- 4.1.2.4.6.3.3 At a minimum, the chair under consideration for removal must be allowed the opportunity to speak, and a senator calling for the chair’s removal must be allowed an equal opportunity to speak. Speaking order should be determined by some form of chance.

- 4.1.2.4.6.3.4 After speeches from the chair under consideration and from an accuser, senate members of the committee shall enter into deliberations. The chair under consideration of removal must not be present for deliberations. After deliberations have concluded, senate members of the committee must vote by secret ballot on whether to remove the chair. The chair under consideration for removal cannot participate in this ballot.

- 4.1.2.4.6.3.5 If the chair is removed, they shall be thanked for their service and downgraded to a regular senate member of the committee.

- 4.1.2.4.6.3.6 Upon removal of a single chair of a committee, the President of the Senate shall hold an election for a new chair no later than one week after the removal of the original chair.

- 4.1.2.4.6.3.6.1 The Vice Chair shall not automatically succeed the Chair in the case of Chair removal by Committee or Senate vote, but may run in the election to replace the chair.

- 4.1.2.4.6.3.7 The removed chair may not run in the chair election held to determine their replacement. 4.1.2.4.6.3.8 The Vice President cannot be removed from the Internal Affairs Committee and the Treasurer cannot be removed from the Finance Committee.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.6.4 Removal of the chair of a committee, or of a member of the committee, done by the full senate, shall proceed in identical fashion to impeachment proceedings as prescribed by the Constitution and further expounded upon by supporting statutes.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.6.5 Vice Chairs may be removed by the Chair of a committee in consultation and with the consent of the Student Body President and their Cabinet.

- 4.1.2.4.6.5.1 In order to remove a Vice Chair, the Chair of a committee must submit in writing/email why they feel that they require a new Vice Chair to the President and President of the Senate.

- 4.1.2.4.6.5.2 Upon receiving the request to remove a Vice Chair, the Student Body President and their Cabinet shall convene separate meetings with the Chair and Vice Chair of the committee to further discuss the issue, and may convene a meeting with the Chair and Vice Chair if desired.

- 4.1.2.4.6.5.3 If the Student Body President and their Cabinet determines that whatever the Chair believes necessitates the removal of the Vice Chair cannot be resolved, they shall consent to the removal of the Vice Chair and the Chair shall appoint a new Vice Chair.

- 4.1.2.4.6.5.3.1 The Student Body President and their Cabinet should generally defer to the judgment of the Chair.

- 4.1.2.4.6.5.4 The Chair of a committee may also remove a Vice Chair by submitting written notice to the members of the committee of why they want to remove the Vice Chair.

- 4.1.2.4.6.5.4.1 The committee shall then vote on the removal of the Vice Chair, with a two-thirds vote required to remove the Vice Chair.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.6.6 Any member of the Senate who is impeached in accordance with the Constitution and relieved from the duties of the Senate are thus automatically removed from all Standing Legislative Committees of the Senate and Ad-hoc Committees of the Senate.

- 4.1.2.4.7 Chairs and Vice Chairs of Committees may resign from Committee leadership positions.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.7.1 If the Chair resigns, the Vice Chair shall temporarily serve as Chair until new Chair elections can be held under the procedures described above.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.7.2 If the Vice Chair resigns, the Chair shall appoint a new Vice Chair.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.7.3 Notices of resignation of Committee leadership must be sent to the President of the Senate.

- ***4.1.2.5 COMMITTEE MEETINGS***

- 4.1.2.5.1 The Standing Legislative Committees of the Senate shall be required to regularly meet at least once every two (2) weeks.

- 4.1.2.5.2 The Chairs of Standing Legislative Committees of the Senate shall, within 48 hours of their election at the first Senate Meeting, determine a meeting time for the Fall semester. Chairs will notify the President of the Senate and their committee members of a Spring semester meeting time at least 2 weeks before registration for the Spring semester begins.

- 4.1.2.5.3 Committee members shall take into account the committee meeting time when determining their class schedule for Spring semester and will resign from the committee if there are unavoidable conflicts, with the option to join a different committee in its place.

- 4.1.2.5.4 During the first meeting of every Standing Legislative Committee of the Senate, the Chairs – if they choose – shall designate one committee member to take minutes during every committee meeting, otherwise they themselves shall take the minutes.

- 4.1.2.5.5 In accordance with the Constitution, any student is welcome to observe any committee meetings.

- > > > > > > 4.1.2.5.5.1 Committees may, in accordance with the Constitution, close meetings to discuss sensitive personnel matters by a two-thirds vote of the committee. However, all voting must take place in public with individual votes recorded as prescribed by Senate rules and legislation.

- 4.1.2.5.6 Any member of the three SGA branches is welcome to attend committee meetings, even those closed by the committee itself.

- 4.1.3.1.1 In order to form a caucus, the following criteria must be met:

-

- > > > > > > 4.1.3.1.1.1 Formation must be initiated by an SGA Senate member.

- > > > > > > 4.1.3.1.1.2 Submission of a bill establishing a caucus that contains the following:

- 4.1.3.1.1.2.1 Rules for caucus (granted that they do not supersede the general guidelines of caucuses).

- 4.1.3.1.1.2.2 Purpose of the caucus.

- 4.1.3.1.1.2.3 Goals of the caucus.

- 4.1.3.1.1.2.4 Why there is a need for this caucus on campus.

- 4.1.3.1.1.2.5 List of at least 10 interested individuals.

- 4.1.3.1.1.2.6 List of at least 3 potential partner student organizations.

- > > > > > > 4.1.3.1.1.3 Caucuses must be approved by a two-thirds vote of the Senate.

- > > > > > > 4.1.3.1.1.4 Following the approval of a Caucus by the Senate, it shall become active with the election of a Chair at the next student-body-wide Senate election.

- > > > > > > 4.1.3.2.1.1 The Chair will be the Caucus Senator elected for the Caucus by the student body.

- > > > > > > 4.1.3.2.1.2 The Chair of the caucus shall be responsible for the following duties:

- 4.1.3.2.1.2.1 The Chair shall serve as the chief executive officer of the caucus.

- 4.1.3.2.1.2.2 The Chair shall be the official spokesperson of the caucus.

- 4.1.3.2.1.2.3 The Chair shall preside at and lead all meetings of the caucus and shall prepare the meeting agendas and questions at the end of each meeting minutes document to facilitate asynchronous participation.

- 4.1.3.2.1.2.4 The Chair shall organize a caucus meeting at least once a month during the academic year.

- 4.1.3.2.1.2.5 The Chair shall be responsible for overseeing all administrative duties for the caucus.

- 4.1.3.2.1.2.6 The chair shall also be responsible for ensuring that there is a Caucus page on the SGA website that contains leadership information and all meeting minutes.

- > > > > > > 4.1.3.2.1.3 The Vice Chair shall be responsible for the following duties:

- 4.1.3.2.1.3.1 Record detailed minutes at all meetings for the caucus and shall keep them on file.

- 4.1.3.2.1.3.2 The Vice Chair shall manage any and all internal and external organizational correspondence, as requested by the Chair.

- 4.1.3.2.1.3.3 The Vice Chair shall maintain all membership records for the caucus, including updating the roster and member attendance sheet.

- 4.1.3.2.1.3.4 In the event that the Chair is unable to lead meetings or fulfill other administrative responsibilities, the Vice Chair shall step in momentarily as their proxy.

- 4.1.3.2.2 SELECTION OF THE VICE CHAIR

- > > > > > > 4.1.3.2.2.1 The Chair of the Caucus must nominate a Vice Chair for their caucus within the first two meetings of the Caucus.

- > > > > > > 4.1.3.2.2.2 After the Chair submits their nomination of a Vice Chair to their caucus, the caucus members must approve the selection with a two-thirds vote.

- > > > > > > 4.1.3.2.2.3 At the Senate Meeting following the Caucus’s approval of the Vice Chair, the Chair shall present their nomination of Vice Chair to the Senate which must approve the nomination by a two-thirds vote.

- > > > > > > 4.1.3.2.2.4 Following a vacancy in the caucus vice chair position, the above procedure shall be repeated.

- 4.1.3.3.2 EVENTS AND INITIATIVES

-

- > > > > > > 4.1.3.3.2.1 There are two routes for initiatives that require the public use of SGA’s name to be approved:

-

- 4.1.3.3.2.1.1 In order to work on events and initiatives, caucuses can present their initiative to a GBM (to ensure awareness within the Senate).

-

- 4.1.3.3.3.1.1.1 Any relevant legislative committees can comment / provide feedback.

-

- 4.1.3.3.3.1.1.2 A simple majority vote within the Senate can approve the event/initiative.

- 4.1.3.3.3.1.2 Alternatively, a caucus initiative can partner with a specific legislative committee.

- 4.1.3.3.3.1.2.1 A committee simple majority vote can approve said initiative/event.

- > > > > > > 4.1.3.3.2.2 The Caucus Chair, in their capacity as a Senator, may introduce any necessary funding bills to the Senate.

- 4.1.3.4.1 Caucus membership shall be open to all interested students of any background or demographic, accordance with our Constitution.

- > > > > > > 4.1.3.4.2.1 Attending a caucus meeting includes caucus meetings, meetings between the caucus and administrators, or Senate meetings as a representative of the caucus.

- 4.1.3.4.3 In accordance with the constitution, caucuses must maintain a membership of 10 Homewood undergraduate students to maintain status as an SGA body.

-

- > > > > > > 4.1.3.4.3.1 If a caucus fails to meet the membership requirement by the last day of classes of a semester, that caucus will be considered to hold advisory status and the Secretary shall notify the Caucus chair of their new status.

- 4.1.3.4.3.1.1 When a caucus holds advisory status, the caucus chair shall be required to attend an additional monthly meeting with the Student Body Vice President to explore ways to engage new members and increase caucus activity.

- 4.1.3.4.3.1.2 A caucus will no longer hold advisory status by meeting the membership requirement for a semester.

- 4.1.3.4.3.1.3 If a caucus does not meet the membership requirement by the end of their second consecutive semester of holding advisory status, the Caucus will be considered inactive and the Secretary shall notify the Caucus Senator of their new status.

- 4.1.3.4.3.1.3.1 In such cases, the portion of the bylaws which established the caucus shall be considered null and void per the Constitution. The Caucus Chair shall remain an ex-officio member of the Senate, with no voting power, until such time as their Caucus is reestablished by the Senate.

- 4.1.3.6.1 The following list contains currently active caucuses and can be updated by the Committee on Internal Affairs at any time with the condition that they must update the “List last updated” clause and that the Chair of the Committee on Internal Affairs must include the update in their next GBM update:

- > > > > > > 4.1.3.6.1.1 Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi-American Caucus.

- > > > > > > 4.1.3.6.1.2 Black Caucus.

- > > > > > > 4.1.3.6.1.3 Caucus on Disability.

- > > > > > > 4.1.3.6.1.4 First-Generation/Limited Income Caucus.

- > > > > > > 4.1.3.6.1.5 Hispanic/Latinx Caucus.

- > > > > > > 4.1.3.6.1.6 Women and Gender Minorities Caucus.

- > > > > > > 4.1.3.6.1.7 List last updated: 04/18/2023.

- > > > > > > 4.1.4.2.4.4 The secret vote will be administered by the Vice President of the Senate during the next GBM. The Vice President of the Senate is encouraged to use instant runoff voting to pick an applicant to fill the role if there are more than 2 applicants.

- > > > > > > 4.1.4.2.5.1 Within 48 hours of notification of the vacancy from the President of the Senate, the Vice Chair of the respective Caucus will notify the entire membership of the Caucus, informing them of the vacancy with a description of the role and SGA requirements.

-

- 4.1.4.2.5.1.1 If no Vice Chair exists, then the President of the Senate will take the steps described above.

-

- 4.1.4.2.5.2 Within 48 hours of notification of the vacancy from the President of the Senate, the Vice Chair of the Caucus will notify the president/co-presidents and treasurer/ co-treasurers of the respective umbrella advocacy organizations listed in the subsections of this section and ask them to share information about the vacancy with their organization’s membership.

-

- 4.1.4.2.5.2.1 If no Vice Chair exists, then the President of the Senate will take the steps described above.

- 4.1.4.2.5.2.2 Asian, Pacific Islander, and Desi American Caucus: Inter-Asian Council (IAC).

- 4.1.4.2.5.2.3 Black Caucus: African Students Association (ASA), Black Student Union (BSU).

- 4.1.4.2.5.2.4 Disability Caucus: Advocates for Disability Awareness (ADA), Student Disability Services (SDS).

- 4.1.4.2.5.2.4.1 The contact for SDS will be the Senior Director of Student Disability Services at Homewood and Executive Director of Student Disability Services.

- 4.1.4.2.5.2.5 First-Generation, Limited-Income Caucus: Johns Hopkins Underrepresented in Medical Professions (JUMP), Hop-In.

- 4.1.4.2.5.2.6 Hispanic/Latinx Caucus: Latino Estudiantil (OLÉ).

- 4.1.4.2.5.2.7 Women and Gender Minorities Caucus: Diverse Sexuality and Gender Alliance (DSAGA), Sexual Assault Resource Unit (SARU).

- 4.1.4.2.5.2.8 List last updated: April 5, 2023\.

- 4.1.4.2.5.3 The Caucus will meet and hold a vote to advance one of their members who is not currently in SGA or another student whom they believe to be qualified and is not currently in SGA to be confirmed as Chair by the entire Senate at the next GBM.

- 4.1.4.2.5.4 This entire process must be completed (defined as the candidate being voted on by the Senate) by the third GBM after the vacancy is announced by the President of the Senate.

- 4.1.4.2.5.5 The Committee on Internal Affairs is empowered to make edits to 4.1.4.2.5.1.2 and subsections at the behest of a Caucus without Senate approval, with the condition that they must update the “List last updated” clause and that the Chair of the Committee on Internal Affairs must include the update in their next GBM update.

- > > > > > > 4.1.4.2.6 CLASS REPRESENTATIVES

- 4.1.4.2.6.1 Class Senator Vacancy

- 4.1.4.2.6.1.1 Within 48 hours of notification of the vacancy from the President of the Senate, the President of the respective Class Council will send out an email to their entire class informing them of the vacancy with a description of the role and SGA requirements with an application form.

- 4.1.4.2.6.1.4 This entire process must be completed (defined as the candidate being voted on by the Senate) by the third GBM after the vacancy is announced by the President of the Senate.

- 4.1.4.2.6.2 Class President Vacancy

- 4.1.4.2.6.2.1 Within 48 hours of notification of the vacancy from the President of the Senate, the remaining Class Senators shall set a meeting time no later than 7 days after the time of the notification to meet and elect a new Class President from among their ranks by majority vote.

- 4.1.4.2.6.2.2 All of the remaining Class Senators are empowered to ask the Vice President of the Senate to serve as a neutral administrator of a secret vote.

- 4.1.4.2.6.2.2.1 If the Vice President of the Senate is one of the remaining Class Senators, they may ask the SGA advisor to serve as a neutral administrator.

- 4.1.4.2.6.2.4.1 Current Senators of any representative background in the correct graduation class will be empowered to run for the position without risk of losing their current position by doing so.

- 4.1.4.2.7 SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES

- 4.1.4.2.7.2 The remaining KSAS/WSE School Senators will convene and review the applications for the position.

- 4.1.4.2.7.3 Optionally, the School Senators may decide to hold a round of interviews by majority vote if they deem it necessary to identify the best candidate.

- 4.1.4.2.7.4 This entire process must be completed (defined as the candidate being voted on by the Senate) by the third GBM after the vacancy is announced by the President of the Senate.

- 4.1.4.3.1.1.1 RSO Representatives: 24 Senators/Class Presidents.

- 4.1.4.3.1.1.2 Caucus Chairs: 20 members of the respective caucus.

- 4.1.4.3.1.1.7 In the case of there being fewer than 24 members in the entire Senate, CSE will hold a special election for all vacant Senate positions.

- > > > > > > 4.1.4.5.2.5 In the cases outlined by §4.1.4.5.2.1, an extension equal to the duration of the break plus any weekend days directly adjacent to the break shall be provided given that the Senators do not purposefully delay the process to qualify for a break extension.

- 4.1.4.6.2 The Vice President of the Senate is tasked with overseeing and administering the vote and secret vote for the vacancies when necessary and confidentially responding to issues raised about the process.

- 4.1.4.6.3 Both the President of the Senate and Vice President of the Senate are responsible for ensuring that deadlines are met and that the timeline is strictly adhered to. Disciplinary marks will be given out for failures to adhere to the timeline.

- > > > > > > 4.1.4.6.4.1 If no students have applied for the position by the deadline the selection group has set for applications, the selection group will be thanked for their service and disbanded.

-

- > > > > > > 4.1.4.6.4.2 In such a situation, the President of the Senate and Vice President of the Senate will work with the Student Body President and Student Body Vice President to engage student interest in the role and then will open up the search for a replacement at a later date of the President of the Senate’s choosing.

- 4.2.2.1 A bill, which formally enacts a law within the scope defined by the Constitution; or

- 4.2.3.5 Once legislation is referred to a Committee of the Senate, the Committee shall deliberate and vote upon a recommendation to the Senate for the legislation’s adoption or rejection. The Committee will then prepare a report containing the Committee’s recommendation, majority and minority opinions of the Committee, and a description of any amendments made in Committee.

- > > > > > > 4.2.3.5.2.1 A tie vote within a committee brings the legislation before the Senate with no recommendation.

- 4.2.3.5.3 If the committee does not vote on the bill, it can not advance beyond the committee.

- 4.2.3.6.1 In the most exceptional of cases, the President of the Senate shall be empowered to waive the committee consideration requirement to allow the Senate to quickly address pressing matters.

- 4.2.3.8.2 If the Senate votes to reject the legislation, the President of the Senate shall indicate its rejection and place their signature at the bottom so as to confirm its rejection. The President of the Senate shall not affix the Seal of the Senate to rejected legislation.

- ***ARTICLE 4, SECTION 3\. PROCEDURAL RULES OF THE SENATE***

- > > > > > > 4.3.1.2.2.1 If the Vice President yields the chair in accordance with proper parliamentary procedure, or is unable to attend a Senate meeting, the Vice President of the Senate shall fulfill the duties as Chair.

- > > > > > > 4.3.1.2.2.2 DECISIONS OF THE CHAIR

- 4.3.1.2.2.2.1 The chair shall enforce Senate procedures as well as the Constitution and Bylaws, including but not limited to ruling motions or conversations out of order.

- 4.3.1.2.2.2.2 A single member (no second is required) may contest such a decision, which is debatable but non-amendable, before it takes effect.

- 4.3.1.2.2.2.3 A two-thirds vote of the Senate shall be necessary to overturn the chair’s decision.

- > > > > > > 4.3.1.2.2.3 Manner of Presiding and Yielding of the Chair

- 4.3.1.2.2.3.1 The Presiding Officer shall preside the meeting in an orderly, objective and fair manner giving opportunity to all Senators to represent their views provided they maintain decorum. The Presiding Officer shall use his or her discretion in speaking on issues provided they maintain objectivity and fairness in the manner of the meeting.

- 4.3.1.2.2.3.2 The Presiding Officer shall yield the chair to a successor any time theitem of discussion is his or her confirmation, elections, impeachment, or removal.

- 4.3.1.3.2 Moving the Motion

- > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.2.1 Following the moving of a motion and a proper second (if required), the Chair shall immediately state the motion to the assembly. If the motion may be discussed, the Chair shall immediately ask, “Is there any discussion?” and the body shall discuss the motion. If the motion may not be discussed, the Chair shall immediately put the motion to a vote.

- 4.3.1.3.3 Discussion on the Motion

- > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.3.1 It is in the interest of the Senate (being a deliberative assembly) to foster productive and persuasive speech by each member so long as it is done in an efficient manner. The author of the motion shall be given the opportunity to speak first in order to present the reasoning behind the motion. Other motions may be moved anytime during discussion.

- > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.3.2 During debate, filibusters are not permitted.

- 4.3.1.3.4 Voting

- > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.4.1 Abstentions, used at the individual Senator’s discretion, should only be used in the rare case of a direct conflict of interest.

- > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.4.2 Votes become final when the Chair announces the vote.

- > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.4.3 The use of “straw poll” votes is highly discouraged.

- > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.4.4 Per the Constitution, all votes and discussions shall be public, except for those permitted to be closed by the Constitution.

- > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.4.5 Proxy Voting

- 4.3.1.3.4.5.1 Due to the deliberative nature of Senate meetings, and due to the possibility of the swaying of one’s opinions during a debate, proxy voting is neither permitted nor accepted.

- 4.3.1.3.5 Suspension of Rules

- > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.5.1 The assembly can adopt a motion to Suspend the Rules interfering with the proposed action—provided that the proposal is not in conflict with the Constitution.

- > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.5.2 When business is pending, Suspend the Rules takes precedence over any motion if it is for a purpose connected with that motion.

- > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.5.3 Can be applied to any rule of the assembly except those in the Constitution.

- > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.5.4 Must be seconded.

- > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.5.5 Requires a vote equivalent to two-thirds of the entire membership of the Senate, regardless of attendance. In any case, no rule protecting a minority of a particular size can be suspended in the face of a negative vote as large as the minority protected by the rule.

- > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.5.6 In making the incidental motion to Suspend the Rules, the particular rule or rules to be suspended are not mentioned; but the motion must state its specific purpose, and its adoption permits nothing else to be done under the suspension.

- 4.3.1.3.5.6.1 The rules are unsuspended upon the completion of the specific purpose, as determined by the chair.

- 4.3.1.3.5.6.2 The rules can be unsuspended at any time with a majority vote following a motion to Unsuspend the Rules.

- > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.5.7 If a motion to Suspend the Rules is adopted and its object is to allow consideration of business that could not otherwise have been considered at the time, the chair immediately recognizes the member who moved the suspension of the rules, to make the appropriate motion that will bring up the desired business. Or, if no further motion is necessary (for example, if the two motions were combined as indicated above, or if the question is one that was postponed), the chair announces the business as pending.

- > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.5.8 Rules protecting a basic right of the individual member cannot be suspended. Rules protecting absentees cannot be suspended, even by unanimous consent or an actual unanimous vote, because the absentees do not consent to such suspension.

- 4.3.2.1.1 Non-Members of the Senate shall have speaking privileges in the Senate at the discretion of the chair, to be signaled with a hand raise.

-

- > > > > > > 4.3.2.1.1.1 The Senate can appeal the decision to grant or not grant speaking privileges with a motion, a second, and a majority vote.

- > > > > > > 4.3.2.1.1.2 Any signaling by non-members must be non-disruptive, as determined by the chair.

- > > > > > > 4.3.2.1.1.3 The chair may prohibit any signaling for any period of time at their discretion.

- 4.3.2.1.1.3.1 The Senate can appeal the decision with a motion, a second, and a majority vote.”

- 4.3.2.1.2 The chair can withdraw speaking privileges at their discretion 4.3.2.1.2.1 The Senate can appeal the decision to grant or not grant speaking privileges with a motion, a second, and a majority vote.

- 4.3.3.1.1 Attendance at Senate general body meetings, committee meetings, and Class Council meetings is mandatory for all Senators. The President of the Senate shall be permitted to grant a total of 9 excused absences per senator per year, with an additional 3 excused absences for every additional committee beyond 2 committees that the senator serves on. Senators who have 2 unexcused absences shall be subject to a required meeting with the Executive Board and the Advisor followed by the impeachment vote per the Constitution. Senators who have 4 unexcused absences shall be thanked for their service and summarily dismissed from the SGA per the Constitution.

- 4.3.3.1.2 Attendance at another SGA event beyond the required Senate and Committee meetings can be required by the President of the Senate.

- 4.3.3.1.3 Attendance at another SGA event beyond the required Senate and Committee meetings can be required by the Vice President.

- > > > > > > 4.3.3.1.3.1 This requirement can be overturned by a two-thirds vote of the Senate.

- > > > > > > 4.3.3.1.3.2 In such cases, legitimate, previously held time conflicts shall be accommodated with an excused absence.

- ***4.3.3.2 TAKING ATTENDANCE***

- 4.3.3.2.1 A roll call shall be taken at the beginning of each Senate meeting and recorded in the minutes. The Secretary shall be responsible for keeping track of whether enough Senators are present when voting on legislation.

- 4.3.3.3 Members must stay for the entire meeting unless previously excused or in cases of emergency.

- ***4.3.3.4 RECORDING ATTENDANCE***

- 4.3.3.4.1 All SGA members’ attendance records shall be noted on the SGA’s website and shall be sent to the student body in a press release every semester.

- ***4.3.3.5 DOCUMENTING AND VERIFYING ABSENCES***

- 4.3.3.5.1 The Secretary shall document all absences – Senate, committee, and council– on a spreadsheet publicly available on the SGA website. The spreadsheet shall be updated with absences no later than one week from the date of a meeting. If no minutes for a meeting are provided to the Secretary after one week, all persons required to attend the meeting shall be counted as absent until minutes are provided.

- ***4.3.3.6 ONE-TIME MEDICAL LEAVE AND ONE-TIME FAMILY EMERGENCY LEAVE***

- 4.3.3.6.1 Once a school year, if an SGA member is temporarily unable to attend meetings for any reason verified by an accredited medical provider, they shall be permitted to take a medical leave of no more than two academic weeks.

- 4.3.3.6.2 Once a school year, if an SGA member is temporarily unable to attend meetings for any reason related to family emergency, they shall be permitted to take a family emergency leave of no more than two academic weeks.

- 4.3.3.6.3 Senators must do their best to communicate as soon as possible with the executive board, so that they can be applied retroactively.

- 5.1.2.1.2 Ensure high contrast (a contrast ratio of at least 4.5:1 for normal text) between the background color and foreground except in images where alternative text is provided.

-

- > > > > > > 5.1.2.1.2.1 Online tools can be used to [calculate the contrast ratio](https://webaim.org/resources/contrastchecker/) and determine if it meets accessibility guidelines for various font formats including large texts.

- 5.1.2.1.4 Strive for a Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level of approximately 9 or lower after names or titles are removed.

-

- > > > > > > 5.1.2.1.4.1 Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level can be calculated by enabling readability statistics in Microsoft Word’s “Proofing” settings, or by using a [third party tool](https://goodcalculators.com/flesch-kincaid-calculator/).

- 5.1.3.1.6 Strive for a Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level of approximately 9 or lower after names or titles are removed.

-

- > > > > > > 5.1.3.1.6.1 Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level can be calculated by enabling readability statistics in Microsoft Word’s “Proofing” settings, or by using a [third party tool](https://goodcalculators.com/flesch-kincaid-calculator/).

- > > > > > > 5.2.1.3.1.2.1 Accessible transportation options.

- > > > > > > 5.2.1.3.1.3 List of discussion topics or presentation material.

- > > > > > > 5.2.1.3.1.4 Menu.

- > > > > > > 5.2.1.3.1.5 Expectations of attendees.

- > > > > > > 5.2.1.3.1.6 Content and/or health warnings.

- > > > > > > 5.2.1.3.1.7 Method of requesting accommodations.

- 6.1.2 Should any part of this article be found unconstitutional, such part shall be considered severable and the rest of the article shall remain in effect.

- 6.2.2.1 All JHU student organizations currently categorized as: Academic and Research, Center for Social Concern, Dean of Student Life Charter Organizations, Sports Clubs and Fraternity and Sorority Life will be eligible for additional recognition by the SGA as a group “not eligible for semesterly allocations”, allowing such groups granted this classification to be eligible for SAC event funding applications. For annual semesterly grant eligibility, they must drop their recognition outside of SGA.

- 6.2.4.2 The Committee’s decision shall be referred to the SGA Treasurer and the Student Activities Commission to give new organizations access to start-up funds and student group grants.

- 6.3.2 All student organizations recognized as funded organizations by the SGA Senate shall undergo a yearly review of their operations by the Committee on Student Organizations, upon which their eligibility for semesterly allocations from SAC shall be contingent.

- 6.3.3 A decision to revoke recognition of an existing student organization by the Committee on Student Organizations can be appealed by any SGA Senator with a simple majority vote, at which point the General Body will evaluate the student organization and vote on a final determination of its recognition.

- 6.3.6 All laws passed by the SGA governing approved student organizations shall be compiled into a singular document and sent to the leaders of the student organization at the beginning of each school year.

-

- 6.4.1 The SGA shall strive to keep students and student organizations apprised of the status of their applications to itself or its constituent bodies – including committees, class councils, the SAC, and the CMC.

- > > > > > > 6.4.1.1.2.1 The SGA shall email the aforementioned timeline to all application submissions’ authors.

- ***ARTICLE 7, SECTION 2\.*** The SGA, in conjunction with the Office of the Dean of Student Life shall appoint one (1) SGA Advisor for the SGA at large, one (1) Class Council Advisor for each council, one (1) Finance advisor for the Committee on Finance, and one (1) Student Organizations Advisor for the Committee on Student Organizations.

- 8.2.1.1 The Internal Affairs Committee will notify the Senate of these changes.