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349 lines added, 213 removed
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**JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY**
- *Last Updated September 2023*
+ *Last Updated March 2026*
**ARTICLE 1\. TITLE AND PURPOSE**
... 51 unchanged lines
> > > > > > 3.1.2.2.3.2 Aiding undergraduate student organizations in conducting policy research, development, and statistical analysis in their own activities.
- 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.
+ 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.
> > > > > > 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.
... 107 unchanged lines
> > > > > > 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.
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- > > > > > > 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.
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- > > > > > > 3.2.1.1.7.2 The meet and greet session must be at least one hour long.
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- > > > > > > 3.2.1.1.7.3 The meet and greet session must have all newly elected representatives present.
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- > > > > > > 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.
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- > > > > > > 3.2.1.1.7.5 Meet and greet session will be widely publicized by SGA.
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- 3.2.1.1.8 Organizes SGA Tabling Events.
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- > > > > > > 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.
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- > > > > > > 3.2.1.1.8.2 Tabling events must be at least one hour long.
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- > > > > > > 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.
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- > > > > > > 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.
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- > > > > > > 3.2.1.1.8.5 All senators and the Executive Board must attend at least one tabling event throughout the year.
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- > > > > > > 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:
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- 3.2.1.1.8.6.1 Breezeway.
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- 3.2.1.1.8.6.2 Brody Learning Commons and Tyler Terrace.
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- 3.2.1.1.8.6.3 Milton S. Eisenhower Library.
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- 3.2.1.1.8.6.4 Charles Commons.
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- 3.2.1.1.8.6.5 In front of Hopkins Café.
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- 3.2.1.1.8.6.6 Levering Café and Courtyard.
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- > > > > > > 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.
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- > > > > > > 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.
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- > > > > > > 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.
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- > > > > > > 3.2.1.1.8.10 Once the freshmen are elected, they will be held accountable for these above guidelines.
+ > > > > > > 3.2.1.1.6.2 The Student Body President, in collaboration with the Vice President and Chair of Programming, shall organize at least one mandatory SGA retreat per semester to clarify its goals and promote group development.
***3.2.1.2 STUDENT BODY VICE PRESIDENT***
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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.
+ > > > > > > 3.2.1.2.9.1 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.
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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***
+ 3.2.1.4.8 Works alongside the Student Body Chair of Programming and the Chair of RSOs as the liaison for communication between RSOs and LEED, assisting with questions regarding RSO finances, registration, and event creation.
+ ***3.2.1.5 DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS***
+
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.
... 20 unchanged lines
3.2.1.6.3 Ensuring creation of reports for each tabling event.
+ ***3.2.1.7 STUDENT BODY CHAIR OF PROGRAMMING***
+
+ > > > > > > 3.2.1.7.1 Heads the Committee on Programming and presents all bills regarding SGA Events, including but not limited to Tabling Events, Workshops, Retreats, meet and greets, and general events.
+
+ > > > > > > 3.2.1.7.1.1 The Chair of Programming will lead the organization for S.I.F Presence, Meet-and-Greets and Semesterly Retreats.
+
+ 3.2.1.7.1.1.1 Organizes SGA Tabling Events
+
+ 3.2.1.7.1.1.1.1 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 fewer school days compared to others. Explicitly, months that must have a tabling event include September, October, November, February, March, and April.
+
+ 3.2.1.7.1.1.1.2 Tabling events must be at least one hour long.
+
+ > > > > > > 3.2.1.7.8.2 Tabling events must be at least one hour long.
+
+ > > > > > > 3.2.1.7.1.1.1.3 Tabling events must be staffed by a minimum of four members from the SGA Committee on Programming, alongside four members from the Committee in charge of tabling that session.
+
+ > > > > > > 3.2.1.7.1.1.1.4 Each tabling session will be led by either a Committee or Class Council \- each class council must host one tabling session per academic school year, partnered with the Committee of Programming.
+
+ > > > > > > 3.2.1.7.8.5 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:
+
+ 3.2.1.7.8.5.1 Breezeway.
+
+ 3.2.1.7.8.5.2 Brody Learning Commons and Tyler Terrace.
+
+ 3.2.1.7.8.5.3 Milton S. Eisenhower Library.
+
+ 3.2.1.7.8.5.4 Charles Commons.
+
+ 3.2.1.7.8.5.5 In front of Hopkins Café.
+
+ 3.2.1.7.8.5.6 Levering Café and Courtyard.
+
+ > > > > > > 3.2.1.7.8.6 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.
+
+ > > > > > > 3.2.1.7.8.7 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.
+
+ > > > > > > 3.2.1.7.8.8 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.
+
+ > > > > > > 3.2.1.7.8.9 Once the freshmen are elected, they will be held accountable for these above guidelines.
+
+ 3.2.1.7.1.1.2 Organizes the Post-Election Meet and Greet
+
+ > > > > > > 3.2.1.7.1.1.2.1 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 14 days after election decisions are released.
+
+ > > > > > > 3.2.1.7.1.1.2.2 The meet and greet session must be at least one hour long.
+
+ > > > > > > 3.2.1.7.1.1.2.3 The meet and greet session must have all newly elected representatives present.
+
+ > > > > > > 3.2.1.7.1.1.2.4 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.
+
+ > > > > > > 3.2.1.7.1.1.2.5 Meet and greet sessions will be widely publicized by SGA.
+
+ 3.2.1.7.2 Chairing, appointing, and managing the Committee on Programming
+
+ > > > > > > 3.2.1.7.2.1 The Student Body Chair of Programming shall have the freedom to appoint additional officers to the Office of Programming at the Chair’s discretion.
+
+ > > > > > > 3.2.1.7.2.2 Within the first month of each Programming Council member’s term, uses campaign material, a form, and/or discussion with the member to determine their primary short- and long-term plans for their term in SGA.
+
+ 3.2.1.7.3 Collaborates with the Student Body Treasurer to create a budget for the administrative year.
+
+ 3.2.1.7.4 Collaborates with the Student Body President, Student Body Vice President, and SGA Advisors to organize semesterly retreats.
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+ 3.2.1.7.5 Collaborates with the Director of Research to ensure the creation, dissemination, and preservation of reports for each tabling event.
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+ 3.2.1.7.6 Collaborates with other student organizations and school governance bodies to create co-sponsored events that will either enhance campus life or promote the common good of all Homewood undergraduate students.
+
+ > > > > > > 3.2.1.7.6.1 Student organizations hoping to collaborate with SGA and other members of SGA must first meet with the Student Body Chair of Programming and the Student Body Treasurer before a funding bill is presented at first reading
+
+ > > > > > > 3.2.1.7.6.2 It is the responsibility of the Student Body Chair of Programming to establish co-sponsorship rules with the Student Body Treasurer and send them to student organizations before funding is delivered.
+
+ 3.2.1.7.7 Works alongside the Student Body Treasurer and the Chair of RSOs as the liaison for communication between RSOs and LEED, assisting with questions regarding RSO finances, registration, and event creation.
+
**ARTICLE 4\. THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH**
***ARTICLE 4, SECTION 1\. STRUCTURE OF THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH***
... 8 unchanged lines
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.
+ 4.1.1.1.3 Five Student Organization Senators 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.
... 5 unchanged lines
4.1.1.5 Senators may be considered in bad standing if they do not fulfill the aforementioned guidelines and subsequently may be subject to an impeachment hearing under Article IX of the Constitution.
+ 4.1.1.6 ACADEMIC SENATORS
+
+ 4.1.1.6.1 75% of Academic Senators (9 out of the 12\) must be on the Committee of Academic Affairs, without distinction of school affiliation. The decision for which academic senators are on the Committee of Academic Affairs will be made by the President of the Senate. This law will go into effect in the 2024-2025 school year.
+
+ 4.1.1.6.2 Of the Academic Senators on the Committee of Academic Affairs, 2 of them must be from the Whiting School of Engineering and 3 of them must be from the Krieger School of Arts and Sciences. This law will go into effect in the 2024-2025 school year.
+
+ 4.1.1.6.3 All Academic Senators are required to meet with their respective academic vice deans (KSAS, Whiting) at least twice a year for the purpose of discussing student affairs.
+
+ 4.1.1.6.4 Each academic senators should at minimum meet with vice deans twice a year, with the first meeting to discuss goals for the upcoming year and the last meeting to report progress and update the new senators about ongoing initiatives.
+
+ 4.1.1.6.5 Academic Senators should work on distinct goals as the Committee on Academic Affairs. Academic Senator goals should be catered to their respective schools problems. Academic senators should focus on department specific problems, communication within the school, faculty and general Advising offices within the school, and/or course evaluations.
+
**4.1.2 LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES OF THE SENATE**
***4.1.2.1 STANDING LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES***
... 6 unchanged lines
> > > > > > 4.1.2.1.3.1 The Committee on Finance and Committee on Student Organizations shall each have at least 14 members.
- 4.1.2.1.4 The following Standing Legislative Committees of the Senate shall be established:
+ 4.1.2.1.4 Initiatives born in committees must be documented and presented to a GBM by the author / senators working on the initiative, and those initiatives must have proposed action items and deadlines. Each action item must have a deadline by which the action item must be completed, with the only exception being that of sickness or physical inability to do so. If feedback from any party isn’t given to an action item before its deadline, the Senator holds the right to continue forward with their action item, without waiting for the feedback. The Senator(s) in charge of the initiative will present updates of their legislation at every GBM following each deadline of their proposed action items. Once an action item is completed, the Senator(s) may strike through, but not remove, the action item on the piece of legislature.
- 4.1.2.1.4.1 COMMITTEE ON ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
+ 4.1.2.1.5 The author / Senator(s) must provide an update about their initiative’s action items at the GBM following the action item deadline. The Senate holds the right to ask about updates to an initiative each week if the Senator(s) heading the initiative fails to present an update about their action items after the proposed deadline.
- 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.6 The following Standing Legislative Committees of the Senate shall be established:
- 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.1 COMMITTEE ON ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
- 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.1.1 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.
- 4.1.2.1.4.1.4 Takes up other measures relating to academic affairs.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.1.2 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.
- > > > > > > 4.1.2.1.4.2 COMMITTEE ON CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
+ 4.1.2.1.6.1.3 Works with the Executive Board and the Senior Class Council on matters related to Convocation, Commencement, and other University academic ceremonies.
- 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.1.4 Takes up other measures relating to academic affairs.
- 4.1.2.1.4.2.2 Collaborates with JHU student groups focused on civic engagement and aid them in their efforts.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.1.5 Works on goals of importance pertaining to all students of the undergraduate academic wings within the University, namely Krieger School of Arts and Sciences and the Whiting School of Engineering.
- 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.1.6 The vice chair of the Committee on Academic Affairs will assist the chair of Academic Affairs and also act as a liaison between the Committee on Academic Affairs and the Academic Senators.
- > > > > > > 4.1.2.1.4.3 COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
+ 4.1.2.1.6.1.6.1 The vice chair will be elected by the Committee on Academic Affairs.
- > > > > > > 4.1.2.1.4.3.1 Membership
+ 4.1.2.1.6.1.6.2 The vice chair will be responsible for the sharing of information and knowledge transfer between the Committee and the Academic Senators.
- 4.1.2.1.4.3.1.1 The membership of the Committee on Finance is restricted to duly serving members of the Senate.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.1.6.3 The vice chair will ensure that the goals of the Academic Senators are represented fairly for the Committee on Academic Affairs.
- 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.2 COMMITTEE ON CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
- 4.1.2.1.4.3.2 Responsibilities
+ 4.1.2.1.6.2.1 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.
- 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.2.2 Collaborates with JHU student groups focused on civic engagement and aid them in their efforts.
- 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.2.3 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.
- 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.3 COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
- 4.1.2.1.4.3.4 To review and approve the SAC Bylaws and criteria for funding student organizations updated by the SAC.
+ > > > > > > 4.1.2.1.6.3.1 Membership
- 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.3.1.1 The membership of the Committee on Finance is restricted to duly serving members of the Senate.
- 4.1.2.1.4.3.6 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.3.1.2 The Executive Treasurer is the Chairman of the SAC and shall serve as an ex-officio member of the Committee on Finance.
- 4.1.2.1.4.3.8 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.
+ > > > > > > 4.1.2.1.6.3.2 Responsibilities
- > > > > > > 4.1.2.1.4.4 COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, SAFETY, AND SUSTAINABILITY
+ 4.1.2.1.6.3.1 To deal with all financial matters of the Student Government Association, including appropriations, funding procedures, and financial management.
- 4.1.2.1.4.4.1 Deals with matters pertaining to the health and safety of the student body.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.3.2 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.
- 4.1.2.1.4.4.2 To take up measures related to sustainability and facilities, as applicable to the Johns Hopkins community.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.3.3 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.
- 4.1.2.1.4.4.3 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.3.4 To review and approve the SAC Bylaws and criteria for funding student organizations updated by the SAC.
- 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.3.5 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.
- > > > > > > 4.1.2.1.4.5 COMMITTEE ON INTERNAL AFFAIRS
+ 4.1.2.1.6.3.6 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.
- 4.1.2.1.4.5.1 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.3.8 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.
- 4.1.2.1.4.5.2 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.4 COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, SAFETY, AND SUSTAINABILITY
- 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.4.1 Deals with matters pertaining to the health and safety of the student body.
- 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.4.2 To take up measures related to sustainability and facilities, as applicable to the Johns Hopkins community.
- 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.4.3 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.
- 4.1.2.1.4.5.6 Helps facilitate the impeachment process by holding proceedings to make findings of fact and regulation and providing an informed perspective to the Senate.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.4.4 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.
- 4.1.2.1.4.5.7 Conducts ethical or disciplinary hearings of SGA members and refers to the Senate such cases with its recommendations.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.5 COMMITTEE ON INTERNAL AFFAIRS
- 4.1.2.1.4.5.8 Deals with all other legislation that relates to the internal affairs of the Senate.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.5.1 The Vice President and the Parliamentarian shall serve as ex-officio members of the Committee on Internal Affairs, voting only in the case of a tie, unless the Parliamentarian is a Senator of SGA, in which case they will have a standard say and can vote on the committee.
- > > > > > > 4.1.2.1.4.6 COMMITTEE ON STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
+ 4.1.2.1.6.5.2 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.
- 4.1.2.1.4.6.1 To conduct hearings with leaders of proposed student organizations to evaluate and determine their funding eligibility and recognition status within the SGA.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.5.3 Deals with matters related to amendments of the SGA Constitution, the SGA Bylaws and the Senate Procedural Rules.
- 4.1.2.1.4.6.2 Works to ensure inter-organizational collaboration among the clubs, groups, and organizations of the undergraduate population at Hopkins.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.5.4 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.
- 4.1.2.1.4.6.3 Works with student organizations to advance their goals and to help facilitate their continued success.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.5.5 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.
- 4.1.2.1.4.6.4 Works with other organs of the SGA, including the SAC and the CMC, to ensure and promote the success of student organizations.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.5.6 Helps facilitate the impeachment process by holding proceedings to make findings of fact and regulation and providing an informed perspective to the Senate.
- 4.1.2.1.4.6.5 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.5.7 Conducts ethical or disciplinary hearings of SGA members and refers to the Senate such cases with its recommendations.
- 4.1.2.1.4.6.6 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.5.8 Deals with all other legislation that relates to the internal affairs of the Senate.
- 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.
+ > > > > > > 4.1.2.1.6.6 COMMITTEE ON STUDENT 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.6.1 To conduct hearings with leaders of proposed student organizations to evaluate and determine their funding eligibility and recognition status within the SGA.
- 4.1.2.1.4.6.9 Takes up other measures relating to student organizations.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.6.2 Works to ensure inter-organizational collaboration among the clubs, groups, and organizations of the undergraduate population at Hopkins.
- > > > > > > 4.1.2.1.4.7 COMMITTEE ON STUDENT SERVICES
+ 4.1.2.1.6.6.3 Works with student organizations to advance their goals and to help facilitate their continued success.
- 4.1.2.1.4.7.1 Evaluates proposals for SGA sponsorship of events.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.6.4 Works with other organs of the SGA, including the SAC and the CMC, to ensure and promote the success of student organizations.
- 4.1.2.1.4.7.2 Works to provide SGA-sponsored services to fill needs that the University administration cannot or will not provide.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.6.5 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.
- 4.1.2.1.4.7.3 Works towards improving existing services available to students.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.6.6 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.
- 4.1.2.1.4.7.4 Works with student organizations, the University, and businesses to advance the aforementioned responsibilities.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.6.7 Establishes protocols for applying to be an approved student organization and regulations governing the types and standards of such organizations.
- 4.1.2.1.4.7.5 Takes up other measures relating to student services.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.6.8 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.6.6.9 Takes up other measures relating to student organizations.
+
+ > > > > > > 4.1.2.1.6.7 COMMITTEE ON STUDENT SERVICES
+
+ 4.1.2.1.6.7.1 Evaluates proposals for SGA sponsorship of events.
+
+ 4.1.2.1.6.7.2 Works to provide SGA-sponsored services to fill needs that the University administration cannot or will not provide.
+
+ 4.1.2.1.6.7.3 Works towards improving existing services available to students.
+
+ 4.1.2.1.6.7.4 Works with student organizations, the University, and businesses to advance the aforementioned responsibilities.
+
+ 4.1.2.1.6.7.5 Takes up other measures relating to student services.
+
+ 4.1.2.1.6.7.6 Liaison Program
+
+ 4.1.2.1.6.7.6.1 The Chair of the Committee on Student Services will administer the Liaison Program in conjunction with the SGA advisor, LEED, and the Office of the Dean of Student Life.
+
+ 4.1.2.1.6.7.6.2 The outgoing Chair of the Committee on Student Services shall be entrusted with the task of creating a transition document for the use of the successor Senate Committee on Student Services. In this document, the outgoing Chair will describe the initiatives that they pursued during the semester, administrator meetings, and correspondence with administrators/coordinators participating in the Liaison Program. The outgoing Chair will send out an email to these administrators/coordinators introducing their successor.
+
+ 4.1.2.1.6.7.6.3 Each member of the Committee on Student Services will be paired with an administrator or their coordinator from a department that Student Services works with based on their interests at the first Student Services meeting of the semester. The Chair reserves discretion over the pairings.
+
+ 4.1.2.1.6.7.6.4 After the pairings are made, the Chair will send out emails of introduction to each administrator/coordinator to introduce the senator who will act as their liaison for the academic year.
+
+ 4.1.2.1.6.7.6.5 The senator is expected to correspond with their administrator/coordinator on a monthly basis in order to share student feedback as well as to receive updates on initiatives. The senator should try to meet in-person once each semester, along with the Chair or Vice-Chair.
+
+ 4.1.2.1.6.8 COMMITTEE ON PROGRAMMING
+
+ 4.1.2.1.6.8.1 Creates SGA Tabling Events, Workshops, and general SGA events.
+
+ 4.1.2.1.6.8.2 The Chair of Programming will lead this Committee, with assistance of a vice-chair that is elected from within the committee.
+
+ 4.1.2.1.6.8.3 All Programming Council Members must be on this committee. Additional members from all of the Student Government may join this committee.
+
+ 4.1.2.1.6.8.4 Class specific events, such as formals, will be led by the respective Class Council of Programming members with assistance from the Committee of Programming and other Student Government constituents.
+
***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.
... 22 unchanged lines
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.
+ 4.1.2.3.1.2.2.1 At the discretion of the President of Senate, this requirement can be waived if the Student Organization Senator cannot attend either committee’s meeting times. To accommodate, the RSO Senator is expected to be active with the virtual tasks provided and in greater communication with the Chair of their respective committee.
+
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.
... 10 unchanged lines
> > > > > > 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.
+ 4.1.2.4.2.1.1 If a chair of a Standing Legislative Committee shall resign before a vice chair or non-executive co-chair of the respective committee has been selected, the new chair shall be elected through the procedure described by 4.1.2.4.2.1.
+
> > > > > > 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 unchanged lines
> > > > > > 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.
+ > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.2.6 Any candidate shall be required to win an absolute majority vote of all Senators duly elected to 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.
+ 4.1.2.4.2.6.1 In the case of an election consisting of only 2 candidates that didn’t win an absolute majority vote, the Senate shall repeat the elections for the committee chair until an absolute majority can be reached by 1 candidate.
- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.2.8 If no candidate receives a plurality, the President of the Senate shall cast a tie breaking vote.
+ 4.1.2.4.2.6.2 In the case of an election consisting of more than 2 candidates that didn’t win an absolute majority vote, the candidate that won the least amount of votes shall be removed as a candidate for their respective committee chair, and any candidate that wishes to drop out as a candidate shall be allowed to rescind their name as a candidate. Another vote shall take place and the process described above shall continue until either there are 2 candidates remaining or a candidate wins an absolute majority of the vote.
- > > > > > > 4.1.2.4.2.9 The Committee Chair’s term of office shall extend for the term of the Senate.
+ 4.1.2.4.2.6.3 If no candidate receives an absolute majority due to a tie, the President of the Senate shall cast a tie-breaking vote.
+ 4.1.2.4.2.6.4 In the event that there are 2 candidates that have not won a n absolute majority vote for the committee chair after 2 rounds of voting, any Senator may move to reduce the absolute majority vote needed to a plurality vote needed, which shall require a simple majority vote of the Senate to pass.
+
+ > > > > > > 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 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.
... 30 unchanged lines
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
... 59 unchanged lines
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.
+ > > > > > > 4.1.2.5.5.1 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 votxfes 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.
... 43 unchanged lines
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.
+ 4.1.3.2.1.2.7 The Chair shall be responsible for reserving rooms and spaces for all meetings and events.
+
> > > > > > 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.
... 30 unchanged lines
> > > > > > 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).
+ 4.1.3.3.2.1.1 In order to work on events and initiatives, caucuses can present their initiative to a GBM. Caucuses must document their initiatives, which must have proposed action items and deadlines that will be shared with the Senate (to ensure awareness within the Senate). Each action item must have a deadline by which the action item must be completed, with the only exception being that of sickness or physical inability to do so. If feedback from any party isn’t given to an action item before its deadline, the Senator holds the right to continue forward with their action item, without waiting for the feedback. Once an action item is completed, the caucus may strike through, but not remove, the action item on the initiative document.
- 4.1.3.3.3.1.1.1 Any relevant legislative committees can comment / provide feedback.
+ 4.1.3.3.3.1.1.1 Any relevant legislative committees can comment / provide feedback, including suggesting new action items.
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.
+ 4.1.3.3.3.1.2.1 A committee simple majority vote can approve said initiative/event, and the caucus must provide updates on their initiative(s) after the deadline of each action item.
> > > > > > 4.1.3.3.2.2 The Caucus Chair, in their capacity as a Senator, may introduce any necessary funding bills to the Senate.
... 243 unchanged lines
4.1.5.5.1 In the event that all elected positions in a Programming Council are vacant, a special election shall be held by CSE to fill the Programming Council.
+ **4.1.6 ELECTIONS FOR SENATORIAL LEADERSHIP POSITIONS**
+
+ ***4.1.6.1 PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT OF THE SENATE***
+
+ 4.1.6.1.1 For the elections of the President and Vice President, an absolute majority of all Senators duly elected shall be required for any candidate to be chosen as President or Vice President of the Senate
+
+ 4.1.6.1.2 In the case of an election consisting of more than 2 candidates that didn’t win an absolute majority vote, the candidate that won the least amount of votes shall be removed as a candidate for their respective position, and any candidate that wishes to drop out as a candidate shall be allowed to rescind their name as a candidate. Another vote shall take place and the process described above shall continue until either there are 2 candidates remaining or a candidate wins an absolute majority of the vote.
+
+ 4.1.6.1.3 In the case of an election consisting of only 2 candidates that didn’t win an absolute majority vote, the Senate shall repeat the elections for the President or the Vice President of the Senate until an absolute majority can be reached by 1 candidate.
+
+ 4.1.6.1.4 In the event that there are 2 candidates that have not won an absolute majority vote for President or Vice President of the Senate after 2 rounds of voting, any Senator may move to reduce the absolute majority vote needed to a plurality vote needed, which shall require a simple majority vote of the Senate to pass.
+
+ ***4.1.6.2 VICE PRESIDENT PRO-TEMPORE***
+
+ 4.1.6.2.1 Should the elected president of the senate request a Vice President Pro-Tempore, they can add a plurality vote for this position to the agenda following the electoral process outlined in 4.1.6.1.2 through 4.1.6.1.4.
+
+ 4.1.6.2.2 The order of succession for presiding officer over the senate meeting shall follow President of the Senate, Vice President of the Senate, then Vice President Pro-Tempore respectively.
+
+ 4.1.6.2.3 The Vice President Pro-Tempore must be a duly elected member of the senate.
+
***ARTICLE 4, SECTION 2\. LEGISLATION OF THE SENATE***
4.2.1 Legislation shall be written by any elected member of SGA.
... 20 unchanged lines
4.2.3.4.1 During the first reading of legislation, the legislation is briefly explained and the Senate votes to send the legislation to the Committee.
- 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.
+ 4.2.3.4.2 During the first reading, the legislation must also include action items, which must be a detailed account of what follow-up steps will be taken following the approval of the legislation. Each action item must have a deadline by which the action item must be completed, with the only exception being that of sickness or physical inability to do so. If feedback from any party isn’t given to an action item before its deadline, the Senator holds the right to continue forward with their action item, without waiting for the feedback. Once an action item is completed, the Senator may strike through, but not remove, the action item on the piece of legislation.
+ 4.2.3.4.3 Debate during the first reading should focus on the purpose of the bill, major issues for the committee to discuss, any overarching ideas of the bill, and action items of the bill and their deadlines, not small details. Nevertheless, topics of debate are not restricted by this clause.
+
+ 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. Upon adoption, the Committee may also suggest new action items, and the author of the legislator may decide whether to include them, and must include proposed deadlines for them. 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, as well as the suggestion of new action items.
+
4.2.3.5.1 A plurality vote shall be necessary to recommend legislation’s adoption or rejection, or to undertake other committee actions.
4.2.3.5.2 A committee may also elect to advance legislation to the Senate with no recommendation, if after significant deliberation, the committee elects to do so.
... 4 unchanged lines
4.2.3.6 After passage by a committee, the President of the Senate will add the legislation to the next Senate Meeting agenda under the second reading section.
- 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.
+ 4.2.3.6.1 Bills cannot have committee consideration waived, unless by a Motion to Discharge Committee, in which case a 2/3 vote is needed to pass the motion.
+ > > > > > > 4.2.3.6.1.1 A Motion to Discharge Committee must be placed on the Agenda by the President of the Senate if the bill is time-constrained or is a pressing matter of utmost urgency. However, the President of the Senate must give their reasoning to the Senate as to why committee consideration of the bill should be waived and the Senate shall be allowed to debate the Motion to Discharge Committee before voting on the motion, which shall require a simple majority vote only when placed on the Agenda. No Senator can bring a Motion to Discharge Committee without it being on the agenda.
+
4.2.3.7 Upon receiving the report of a Committee of the Senate, the Vice President shall introduce the legislation to the Senate and call upon its introducer to discuss its merits and field questions from the Senate, and call upon the Committee chair to present their report.
4.2.3.8 The legislation shall then be deliberated upon, pursuant to the Senate’s rules and procedures, and the Senate shall eventually vote for the legislation’s adoption or rejection.
... 2 unchanged lines
> > > > > > 4.2.3.8.1.1 For ceremonial purposes, the introducer(s) and co-sponsors shall have the right to sign the legislation as well.
+ > > > > > > 4.2.3.8.1.2 If the Senate votes to adopt the legislation, the introducer holds themself accountable to accomplish their proposed action items. Each action item must have a deadline by which the action item must be completed, with the only exception being that of sickness or physical inability to do so. The author of the legislation will present updates of their legislation at every GBM following the deadline of each of their proposed action items. The Senate holds the right to ask about updates about the legislation if the Senator fails to present an update about their action items after the proposed deadline. Once an action item is completed, the Senator(s) may strike through, but not remove, the action item on the piece of legislation.
+
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.
4.2.4 All legislation, pursuant to the Constitution, must be adopted by the full Senate. A Committee alone is not empowered to take any direct action other than to recommend and refer action to the Senate as a whole.
... 24 unchanged lines
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 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.
+ 4.3.1.2.2.3.2 The Presiding Officer shall yield the chair to a successor any time the item of discussion is his or her confirmation, elections, impeachment, or removal.
***4.3.1.3 ORDER***
4.3.1.3.1 The Senate shall follow the most current version of Robert’s Rules of Order in its general body meetings, subservient to any provisions of the SGA Constitution, Bylaws, or Senate Procedural Rules Bill.
- 4.3.1.3.2 Moving the Motion
+ > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.1.1 The Parliamentarian shall be tasked with ensuring the Senate follows Robert’s Rules of Order and advise the President of the Senate on how to act.
- > > > > > > 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.
+ > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.1.2 The Parliamentarian’s role shall be an advisory role to the President of the Senate and to the Senate as a whole, and the President of the Senate shall be tasked with enforcing the rules of proper procedure and any advice made of it from the Parliamentarian.
- 4.3.1.3.3 Discussion on the Motion
+ > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.1.3 The Senate may override any ruling made by the Parliamentarian with a 2/3 vote.
- > > > > > > 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.
+ 4.3.1.3.2 The Chair of the meeting shall be the only one who can bring the meeting to order. No other member can move to start the GBM, as per Robert’s Rules of Order.
- > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.3.2 During debate, filibusters are not permitted.
+ 4.3.1.3.3 Moving the Motion
- 4.3.1.3.4 Voting
+ > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.3.1 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.
- > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.4.1 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 Discussion on the Motion
- > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.4.2 Votes become final when the Chair announces the vote.
+ > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.4.1 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.
- > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.4.3 The use of “straw poll” votes is highly discouraged.
+ > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.4.2 During debate, filibusters are not permitted.
- > > > > > > 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.
+ > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.4.3 The types of debate permitted are followed as such: Q\&A, Moderated Caucus, and Round Robin
- > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.4.5 Proxy Voting
+ 4.3.1.3.4.3.1 Q\&A shall require a definitive time for when the motion will expire and a definitive speaking time for how long members can speak. During a Q\&A, members are allowed to ask questions to the speaker(s) present and answer questions, if they have an answer.
- 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.
+ 4.3.1.3.4.3.2 Moderated Caucus shall require a definitive time for when the motion will expire but not require a definitive speaking time. The Chair shall decide for how long a member may speak. During a Moderated Caucus, members are allowed to speak on the debated topic at hand.
- 4.3.1.3.5 Suspension of Rules
+ 4.3.1.3.4.3.3 During a Round Robin, members are asked to give their brief opinion on the topic at hand with speaking times at the Chair’s discretion. Members shall be called in alphabetical order or as ordered on the SGA roster. Non-voting members are only allowed to speak at the Chair’s discretion.
- > > > > > > 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 Voting
- > > > > > > 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.
+ > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.5.1 Abstentions, used at the individual Senator’s discretion, should only be used in the rare case of a direct conflict of interest.
- > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.5.3 Can be applied to any rule of the assembly except those in the Constitution.
+ > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.5.2 Votes become final when the Chair announces the vote.
- > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.5.4 Must be seconded.
+ > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.5.3 The use of “straw poll” votes is highly discouraged.
- > > > > > > 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.
+ > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.5.4 Per the Constitution, all votes and discussions shall be public, except for those permitted to be closed by the Constitution.
- > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.5.6 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.
+ 4.3.1.3.5.4.1 Per the Constitution, the Motion to Rescind or Expunge from Minutes shall be prohibited.
- 4.3.1.3.5.6.1 The rules are unsuspended upon the completion of the specific purpose, as determined by the chair.
+ > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.4.6 Proxy Voting
- 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.
+ 4.3.1.3.4.6.1 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.
- > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.5.7 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.
+ > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.5.6 Motions to change the voting method shall require only a second to be passed and a vote on the motion will not be needed.
- > > > > > > 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.
+ 4.3.1.3.5.6.1 If a member wishes to challenge the motion for changing the voting method that has been passed, they may move for Reconsideration of the motion, at which the meeting will take a standard vote on the motion and shall be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order.
+ > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.5.7 A motion to vote shall not be necessary unless debate happens on the item or motion, or the item in question is a bill or resolution.
+
+ 4.3.1.3.6 If the case of an emergency, the Chair shall have the power to recess the meeting subject to the call of the Chair.
+
+ > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.6.1 Any member can challenge the Chair’s decision to recess by appealing the Chair’s decision, at which time a vote will immediately commence on appealing the Chair’s decision, and the Chair’s decision can be overturned with a 2/3 vote.
+
+ 4.3.1.3.7 Suspension of Rules
+
+ > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.7.1 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.
+
+ > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.7.2 When business is pending, Suspend the Rules takes precedence over any motion if it is for a purpose connected with that motion.
+
+ > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.7.3 Can be applied to any rule of the assembly except those in the Constitution.
+
+ > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.7.4 Must be seconded.
+
+ > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.7.5 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.
+
+ > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.7.6 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.
+
+ 4.3.1.3.7.6.1 The rules are unsuspended upon the completion of the specific purpose, as determined by the chair.
+
+ 4.3.1.3.7.6.2 The rules can be unsuspended at any time with a majority vote following a motion to Unsuspend the Rules.
+
+ > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.7.7 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.
+
+ > > > > > > 4.3.1.3.7.8 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 MEMBERSHIP PRIVILEGES**
4.3.2.1 Only Members of the Senate, including Executive Board officers in an ex-officio capacity shall have speaking privileges when the meeting is in session, with the exception of speaking privileges granted by the Rules Bill for certain sections of the meeting.
... 14 unchanged lines
***4.3.3.1 REQUIRED***
- 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.
+ 4.3.3.1.1 Attendance at Senate General Body Meetings and Committee meetings is mandatory for all legislative Senators.
- 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.
+ 4.3.3.1.2 Attendance at Senate General Body Meetings, Executive Cabinet meetings, and advisor meetings is mandatory for the Student Body President, Student Body Vice President, Student Body Secretary, Student Body Treasurer, and Student Body Chair of Programming.
+ > > > > > > 4.3.3.1.2.1 The Student Body Treasurer is required to attend Finance Committee meetings.
+
+ 4.3.3.1.3 Attendance at Executive Cabinet meetings is required for all Cabinet members.
+
+ 4.3.3.1.4 Attendance at Class Programming Council meetings is required for all members of a respective Class Programming Council, with the exception that attendance shall be optional for members of the Class Council who are also legislative Senators.
+
+ 4.3.3.1.5 Attendance by at least one Johns Hopkins University staff member who serves as the advisor to SGA at-large at GBMs is mandatory. The SGA reserves the right to petition the Dean of Students to appoint a new SGA advisor upon absences by the designated advisor.
+
+ 4.3.3.1.6 At the discretion of the Student Body President or the President of the Senate, meetings with administrators on behalf of SGA that conflict with other SGA meetings may be recognized ahead of the meeting such that the member is not given an absence.
+
+ ***4.3.3.2 EXCUSED ABSENCES***
+
+ 4.3.3.2.1 The President of the Senate shall be permitted to grant a total of 8 excused absences to a member of SGA per academic semester (where the meetings that occur at the end of Spring are counted in the Fall semester of SGA), with an additional 4 excused absences for every additional committee beyond 1 committee that the member of SGA serves on.
+
+ > > > > > > 4.3.3.2.1.1 All unexcused absences will be counted in totaling the number of excused absences a member of SGA has been granted.
+
+ > > > > > > 4.3.3.2.1.2 If a member of SGA reaches half of the maximum number of excused absences, they will be informed of their attendance status by the Student Body Secretary.
+
+ > > > > > > 4.3.3.2.1.3 If a member of SGA exceeds the maximum number of excused absences, they will be thanked for their service and summarily dismissed from SGA. 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 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 and Student Body President.
+
> > > > > > 4.3.3.1.2.1 This requirement can be overturned by a two-thirds vote of the Senate.
> > > > > > 4.3.3.1.2.2 In such cases, legitimate, previously held time conflicts shall be accommodated with an excused absence.
- 4.3.3.1.3 Attendance at another SGA event beyond the required Senate and Committee meetings can be required by the Vice President.
+ ***4.3.3.3 TAKING ATTENDANCE***
- > > > > > > 4.3.3.1.3.1 This requirement can be overturned by a two-thirds vote of the Senate.
+ 4.3.3.3.1 Roll call shall be taken no later than 5 minutes after the start of each Senate GBM and be recorded in the minutes. This roll call shall be counted for half of the attendance of each GBM.
- > > > > > > 4.3.3.1.3.2 In such cases, legitimate, previously held time conflicts shall be accommodated with an excused absence.
+ 4.3.3.3.2 Roll call shall be taken at the end of each Senate GBM and be recorded in the minutes. This roll call shall be counted for half of the attendance of each GBM.
- ***4.3.3.2 TAKING ATTENDANCE***
+ 4.3.3.3.3 Members must stay for the entire meeting unless previously excused or in cases of emergency.
- 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.
+ > > > > > > 4.3.3.3.3.1 For the duration of the 111th Senate of SGA only, members who have communicated scheduling conflicts to the President of the Senate before the start time of the GBM shall be excused to leave at 9:00 p.m. with full attendance.
- 4.3.3.3 Members must stay for the entire meeting unless previously excused or in cases of emergency.
+ ***4.3.3.5 RECORDING ATTENDANCE***
- ***4.3.3.4 RECORDING ATTENDANCE***
+ 4.3.3.5.1 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.
- 4.3.3.4.1 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.
+ 4.3.3.5.2 The general body meeting attendances shall be recorded by the Student Body Secretary, who have the authority to delegate the task to another member of the Senate (e.g. Vice President of the Senate) if necessary.
- ***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.
+ 4.3.3.5.3 The Student Body Secretary shall have the authority to set a deadline for when all SGA group leaders must submit their groups’ attendances.
- ***4.3.3.6 ONE-TIME MEDICAL LEAVE AND ONE-TIME FAMILY EMERGENCY LEAVE***
+ ***4.3.3.6 DOCUMENTING AND VERIFYING ABSENCES***
+ 4.3.3.6.1 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.
- 4.3.3.6.1 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.
+ ***4.3.3.7 ONE-TIME MEDICAL LEAVE AND ONE-TIME FAMILY EMERGENCY LEAVE***
- 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.
+ 4.3.3.7.1 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.
- 4.3.3.6.3 Senators must do their best to communicate as soon as possible with the executive board, so that they can be applied retroactively.
+ > > > > > > 4.3.3.7.1.1 During the duration of a medical leave, the SGA member shall not accumulate excused or unexcused absences.
+
+ 4.3.3.7.2 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.
+
+ > > > > > > 4.3.3.7.2.1 During the duration of a family emergency leave, the SGA member shall not accumulate excused or unexcused absences.
+
+ 4.3.3.7.3 Senators must do their best to communicate as soon as possible with the executive board, so that they can be applied retroactively.
+
+ ***4.3.3.7 ATTENDANCE INCENTIVES***
+
+ 4.3.3.7.1 The Student Body President and President of the Senate shall be empowered to recognize the performance of certain duties on behalf of SGA with attendance incentives
+
+ > > > > > > 4.3.3.7.1.2 Any event after 10/1/2023 that is eligible for receiving attendance incentives shall be announced publicly to the Senate.
+
+ > > > > > > 4.3.3.7.1.3 Events that satisfy attendance incentives prior to 10/1/2023 may be retroactively recognized.
+
+ 4.3.3.7.2 The specific attendance incentive shall be the following:
+
+ > > > > > > 4.3.3.7.2.1 The attendance incentive shall be the de-escalation of no more than 1 unexcused absence to the same number of excused absences, or the removal of no more than 1 excused absence.
+
+ 4.3.3.7.2.1.1 If the member of SGA has 0.5 or more unexcused absences, they cannot use an attendance incentive to remove excused absences until they have had all of their unexcused absences de-escalated.
+
+ > > > > > > 4.3.3.7.2.2 The Student Body President and President of the Senate shall be able to define the duration of attendance or performance of duties required to receive an attendance incentive.
+
+ > > > > > > 4.3.3.7.2.3 The installment of an attendance incentive may be overturned by a ⅔ majority vote of the senate.
**ARTICLE 5\. ACCESSIBILITY**
... 185 unchanged lines
Amendments between these editions
- SGA-B-2324.X - SAC Removal Bylaws Amendment Act — Bill / Bylaws amendment · November 2023 · 111th session