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+ 1
+ BYLAWS OF THE SENATE
+ OF THE
+ STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
+ AT
+ JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
+ 2
+ ARTICLE 1. TITLE AND PURPOSE
+ ARTICLE 1, SECTION 1. These Bylaws of the Student Government
+ Association, also referred to as the Bylaws, enacted pursuant to Article
+ II, Section 3 of the Constitution of the Student Government
+ Association at Johns Hopkins University, contains all regulations
+ currently and permanently affecting the Student Government
+ Association.
+ ARTICLE 2. SUPREMACY
+ ARTICLE 2, SECTION 1. The Constitution, these Bylaws, and the
+ Senate Procedural Rules, respectively, shall supersede legislation of the
+ Senate and shall retain supremacy, in conjunction with the
+ Constitution, over any other SGA laws and governing documents of
+ subsidiary bodies and student organizations.
+ ARTICLE 2, SECTION 2. Should any part of these Bylaws be ruled
+ unconstitutional, such part shall be considered severable and the rest
+ of the document shall remain valid and enforceable.
+ ARTICLE 3. THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH
+ ARTICLE 3, SECTION 1. STRUCTURE OF THE
+ EXECUTIVE BRANCH
+ 3.1.1 Article III of the Constitution describes the structure and basic roles
+ of the members of the Executive Branch.
+ 3.1.2 EXECUTIVE COMMISSIONS
+ 3.1.2.1 COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING
+ COMMISSION
+ 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.
+ 3.1.2.1.2 The CMC shall operate according to a set of CMC
+ Bylaws set by the Senate.
+ 3.1.2.1.3 MEMBERSHIP
+ 3.1.2.1.3.1 The CMC shall be comprised of at least five voting
+ Communications and Marketing Aides.
+ 3.1.2.1.3.2 The Director of Social Affairs shall chair the CMC
+ but shall only vote when a tie exists.
+ 3.1.2.1.4 RESPONSIBILITIES
+ 3
+ 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
+ 3.1.2.1.4.1.2Website maintenance and construction
+ 3.1.2.1.4.1.3Graphic design.
+ 3.1.2.1.5 The Senate shall, under the Constitution, retain its
+ oversight prerogatives over the CMC.
+ 3.1.2.2 POLICY RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
+ COMMISSION
+ 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.
+ 3.1.2.2.2 MEMBERSHIP
+ 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.
+ 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.
+ 3.1.2.2.3 RESPONSIBILITIES
+ 3.1.2.2.3.1 Conducting research on an issue on the behalf of
+ any organ of the SGA.
+ 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.
+ 3.1.2.2.3.3 Producing at least 2 policy reports per semester,
+ which shall be published publicly with the majority consent
+ of the Senate.
+ 4
+ 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.
+ 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.
+ 3.1.2.2.3.4 Harnessing advanced research tools to execute its
+ duties, including but not limited to:
+ 3.1.2.2.3.4.1 Articles obtained from accredited
+ academic institutions or publications
+ 3.1.2.2.3.4.2 Government reports or publications
+ 3.1.2.2.3.4.3 Documents in the JHU Sheridan Libraries
+ Special Collections and Archives
+ 3.1.2.2.3.4.4 Computer code (Java, C, C+, Python, R,
+ MatLab, etc.)
+ 3.1.2.2.3.4.5 ArcGIS
+ 3.1.2.2.3.4.6 Stata
+ 3.1.2.2.3.4.7 SPSS
+ 3.1.2.2.3.4.8 ERDAS
+ 3.1.2.2.3.4.9 ENVI
+ 3.1.2.2.4 The Senate shall, under the Constitution, retain its
+ oversight prerogatives over the PRDC.
+ 3.1.2.3 STUDENT ACTIVITIES COMMISSION
+ 3.1.2.3.1 The Student Activities Commission, hereafter referred
+ to as SAC, shall be a subsidiary of the SGA Finance Committee
+ chaired by the SGA Treasurer.
+ 3.1.2.3.2 MEMBERSHIP
+ 3.1.2.3.2.1 The SAC shall be comprised of eight (8) voting
+ Commissioners.
+ 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.
+ 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.
+ 5
+ 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.
+ 3.1.2.3.2.4 The SGA Treasurer shall have the right with
+ approval of a ⅔ majority vote of the Senate to remove any
+ member of SAC.
+ 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 ⅔ vote to
+ then be approved by a ⅔ majority vote of the Senate.
+ 3.1.2.3.3 VOTING
+ 3.1.2.3.3.1 All SAC Commissioners and voting finance
+ committee members shall be eligible to 1 vote in every
+ decision.
+ 3.1.2.3.3.2 The SGA Executive Treasurer shall only vote in the
+ case of a tie.
+ 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.
+ 3.1.2.3.3.4 All votes shall be a simple majority vote.
+ 3.1.2.3.3.5 The Senate can overturn any decision of the SAC by
+ a ⅔ majority vote.
+ 3.1.2.3.4 RESPONSIBILITIES
+ 3.1.2.3.4.1 The SAC will evaluate grant proposals based on the
+ following four criteria:
+ 3.1.2.3.4.1.1The SAC Funding Guidelines.
+ 3.1.2.3.4.1.2 Feasibility.
+ 3.1.2.3.4.1.3 Impact.
+ 3.1.2.3.4.1.4 Other funding sources that the club is
+ receiving for the proposal.
+ 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.
+ 6
+ 3.1.2.3.4.3 SAC has the right to revoke funding by a ⅔ majority
+ vote of the SAC for violation of SAC funding guidelines or
+ policies.
+ 3.1.2.3.4.4 SAC is responsible to provide budgets and balances
+ to student organizations if requested.
+ 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.
+ 7
+ 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.
+ 8
+ 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 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 Fresh Food 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 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.
+ 9
+ 3.2.1.2.4 Fosters community within the Senate
+ 3.2.1.2.4.1 Collaborates with the Student Body President to
+ organize semesterly retreats
+ 3.2.1.2.5 Serves as the Presiding Officer or President of the
+ Senate
+ 3.2.1.2.5.1 Reviews legislation before it is presented to the
+ Senate
+ 3.2.1.2.5.2 Assists new members with writing legislation
+ 3.2.1.2.5.3 Creates agendas for Senate meetings
+ 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.
+ 3.2.1.3.2.1.1Ensures 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:
+ 3.2.1.3.3.1.1The 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.
+ 10
+ 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 an SGA work log shall be created at the
+ beginning of the school year, no later than the first Senate
+ Meeting, and publishes this work log on the SGA website
+ 3.2.1.3.4.1 The SGA work log shall compile all the legislation,
+ non-legislative projects, roles, and responsibilities of
+ individual SGA members.
+ 3.2.1.3.4.2 Ensures that the work log is continually updated by
+ SGA members and posted on the SGA website. It is the
+ responsibility of individual SGA members to fill out the
+ work log.
+ 3.2.1.3.4.3 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 of 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.
+ 11
+ 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.
+ ARTICLE 4. THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH
+ ARTICLE 4, SECTION 1. STRUCTURE OF THE LEGISLATIVE
+ BRANCH
+ 4.1.1 CLASS COUNCILS
+ 4.1.1.1 Per the Constitution, there shall exist four (4)
+ Class Councils that shall represent each of the four (4)
+ undergraduate classes.
+ 4.1.1.2 Class Councils, which are comprised of one (1)
+ Class President and six (6) Class Senators, shall strive to:
+ 4.1.1.2.1 Understand the sentiments of their class via outreach
+ methods (e.g. surveys).
+ 4.1.1.2.2 Serve as primary SGA liaisons to their class by
+ communicating what the SGA is doing.
+ 4.1.1.2.3 Utilize proper programming to facilitate class-specific
+ unity events.
+ 12
+ 4.1.1.3 Class Councils shall meet weekly.
+ 4.1.1.4 At the first Class Council meeting, one member
+ shall be designated to take minutes for all Class Council
+ meetings.
+ 4.1.1.5 CLASS PRESIDENTS
+ 4.1.1.5.1 Per the Constitution, four (4) Class Presidents shall be
+ elected for every one-year term to serve as primary class
+ representatives on the Senate.
+ 4.1.1.5.2 Class Presidents shall exercise general superintendence
+ over all class affairs.
+ 4.1.1.5.3 Class Presidents shall ensure proper and regular
+ communication between their respective councils and classes.
+ 4.1.1.5.4 Class Presidents shall set every Class Council meeting
+ agenda and lead all Class Council meetings.
+ 4.1.1.5.5 Class Presidents shall also be considered as Senators
+ and perform all regular Senatorial duties.
+ 4.1.1.5.6 Class Presidents shall be empowered to appoint and
+ direct representatives in an Office of the Class President, which
+ shall work with them, their respective Class Council, and all of
+ the JHU SGA Senate to fulfill their duties in event planning,
+ student advocacy, and outreach.
+ 4.1.1.6 SENATORS
+ 4.1.1.6.1 Per the Constitution, twenty-eight (28) Senators shall
+ be elected for every oneyear term.
+ 4.1.1.6.2 Senators participate within SGA as members of the
+ Senate, Standing Legislative Committees, and Class Councils.
+ 4.1.1.6.3 Senators shall be proactive in pursuing student
+ interests and concerns, in addition to actively lobbying relevant
+ administrators.
+ 4.1.1.6.4 Senators shall prioritize their commitments to SGA and
+ strive to attend all SGArelated meetings.
+ 4.1.1.6.5 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.
+ 4.1.2 LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES OF THE SENATE
+ 4.1.2.1 STANDING LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEES
+ 13
+ 4.1.2.1.1 Standing Legislative Committees of the Senate shall be
+ established in these Bylaws and shall exist in perpetuity.
+ 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.3 The number of members of Standing Legislative
+ Committees shall be at the discretion of the Executive Vice
+ President when sorting Senators into committees, but shall
+ allow for the efficient functioning of the committees.
+ 4.1.2.1.4 The following Standing Legislative Committees of the
+ Senate shall be established:
+ 4.1.2.1.4.1 COMMITTEE ON ACADEMIC AFFAIRS
+ 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.1.2 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.1.3 Works with the Executive Board and the
+ Senior Class Council on matters related to Convocation,
+ Commencement, and other University academic
+ ceremonies.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.1.4 Takes up other measures relating to
+ academic affairs.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.2 COMMITTEE ON CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
+ 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.2.2 Collaborates with JHU student groups
+ focused on civic engagement and aid them in their
+ efforts.
+ 14
+ 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.3 COMMITTEE ON FINANCE
+ 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.4 Responsibilities
+ 4.1.2.1.4.4.1 To deal with all financial matters of the
+ Student Government Association, including
+ appropriations, funding procedures, and financial
+ management.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.4.2 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
+ 4.1.2.1.4.4.3 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.4.4 To review and approve the SAC Bylaws
+ and criteria for funding student organizations updated
+ by the SAC.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.4.5 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.4.6 To inform student organizations of
+ available funding resources, including but not limited to
+ grants from the SAC, external grants and sponsorships
+ 15
+ from the Senate.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.4.7 To advise the Executive Treasurer on
+ matters related to funding.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.4.8 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 COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, SAFETY, AND
+ SUSTAINABILITY
+ 4.1.2.1.4.5.1Deals with matters pertaining to the health and
+ safety of the student body.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.5.2 To take up measures related to
+ sustainability and facilities, as applicable to the Johns
+ Hopkins community.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.5.3 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.5.4 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.6 COMMITTEE ON INTERNAL AFFAIRS
+ 4.1.2.1.4.6.1 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.6.2 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.6.3 Deals with matters related to amendments
+ of the SGA Constitution, the SGA Bylaws and the Senate
+ Procedural Rules.
+ 16
+ 4.1.2.1.4.6.4 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.6.5 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.6.6 Helps facilitate the impeachment process
+ by holding proceedings to make findings of fact and
+ regulation and providing an informed perspective to the
+ Senate.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.6.7 Conducts ethical or disciplinary hearings
+ of SGA members and refer to the Senate such cases with
+ its recommendations.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.6.8 Deals with all other legislation that relates
+ to the internal affairs of the Senate.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.7 COMMITTEE ON STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS
+ 4.1.2.1.4.7.1.1 To conduct hearings with leaders of
+ proposed student organizations to evaluate and
+ determine their funding eligibility and recognition
+ status within the SGA.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.7.1.2 Works to ensure inter-organizational
+ collaboration among the clubs, groups, and
+ organizations of the undergraduate population at
+ Hopkins.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.7.1.3 Works with student organizations to
+ advance their goals and to help facilitate their
+ continued success.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.7.1.4 Works with other organs of the SGA,
+ including the SAC and the CMC, to ensure and
+ promote the success of student organizations.
+ 17
+ 4.1.2.1.4.7.1.5 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.7.1.6 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.7.1.7 Establishes protocols for applying to be
+ an approved student organization and regulations
+ governing the types and standards of such
+ organizations.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.7.1.8 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.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.7.1.9 Takes up other measures relating to
+ student organizations.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.8 COMMITTEE ON STUDENT SERVICES
+ 4.1.2.1.4.8.1 Evaluates proposals for SGA sponsorship
+ of events.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.8.2 Works to provide SGA-sponsored services
+ to fill needs that the University administration cannot or
+ will not provide.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.8.3 Works towards improving existing services
+ available to students.
+ 18
+ 4.1.2.1.4.8.4 Works with student organizations, the
+ University, and businesses to advance the
+ aforementioned responsibilities.
+ 4.1.2.1.4.8.5 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 ⅔ 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 ⅔ 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
+ 19
+ 4.1.2.3.1.1 Each member of the Senate shall serve on at least
+ one (1) of the two Essential Standing Legislative Committees
+ of the Senate: Finance or Student Organizations, but may
+ serve on more than one (1) Essential Committee at the
+ discretion of the Executive Vice President.
+ 4.1.2.3.1.2 Pursuant to the Constitution, the Vice President
+ shall sort Senators into Standing Legislative Committees of
+ the Senate, and confirmation of these appointments shall
+ require ratification by a plurality of the Senate. Half of the
+ Senate will be placed on the Committee on Finance and
+ Student Organizations respectively. At least two members of
+ each graduating class must be on each committee.
+ 4.1.2.3.1.3 Finance and CSO Chairs and Co-Chairs will have at
+ minimum monthly coordination meetings outside of their
+ respective committee meetings.
+ 4.1.2.3.1.4 In executing the Constitutional duty to sort Senators
+ into committees, the Vice President shall solicit the wishes
+ 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 Vice President, will
+ allow individual Senators to flourish and will best serve the
+ students and community of the Johns Hopkins University.
+ 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 Vice President and confirmed by a
+ plurality of the Senate.
+ 4.1.2.3.2.2 Any vacancies within Standing Legislative
+ Committees of the Senate or Ad-hoc Committees of the
+ Senate created by the departure of a non-member of the
+ Senate shall be left vacant unless filled by Senate legislation.
+ 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.
+ 20
+ 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 The Vice President, in their capacity as President of
+ the Senate, shall schedule and preside over the first meeting
+ of each Standing Legislative Committee in order to facilitate,
+ and until, the election of the committee’s chair.
+ 4.1.2.4.2.2 Within one (1) week of the Senate’s second General
+ Body meeting, each Standing Legislative Committee of the
+ Senate shall meet to elect its Chair or co-chair.
+ 4.1.2.4.2.3 At this first committee meeting, the Vice President
+ shall call to order the committee. The Vice President shall
+ then ask for secret paper ballot nominations of committee
+ members to serve as chair of the committee. Only duly
+ serving members of the Senate may be nominated as
+ committee chairs. Individuals may not serve as chair of
+ more than one (1) committee, or as the chair of a committee
+ if they are the vice-chair for another committee.
+ 4.1.2.4.2.4 Upon collecting the nominations, the Vice President
+ shall read the nomination aloud and ask each nominee if he
+ or she would like to perform the service of committee chair.
+ 4.1.2.4.2.5 Those responding in the affirmative shall each give
+ short speeches outlining their qualifications and priorities.
+ 4.1.2.4.2.6 Without a discussion, each Senate member on the
+ committee shall then cast a vote for the chair by confidential
+ paper ballot.
+ 4.1.2.4.2.7 Any candidate receiving a plurality of votes will then
+ be installed as committee chair or co-chair and will be sworn
+ in by the Vice President.
+ 4.1.2.4.2.8 The Vice President and 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.
+ 4.1.2.4.2.9 If no candidate receives a plurality, the Vice
+ President shall cast a tie breaking vote.
+ 4.1.2.4.2.10The Committee Chair’s term of office shall extend
+ for the term of the Senate.
+ 4.1.2.4.3 SELECTION OF THE VICE-CHAIR
+ 21
+ 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 ⅔rds 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:
+ 4.1.2.4.5.1.1To issue a committee report at General Body
+ meetings, informing the Senate of relevant projects and
+ actions of the committee and its members.
+ 4.1.2.4.5.1.2 To submit legislation with
+ recommendations to the Vice President and Secretary.
+ 4.1.2.4.5.1.3 To create the agenda for each committee
+ meeting and publish these agendas to the Senate.
+ 4.1.2.4.5.1.4 To appoint a member of the respective
+ committee to take the minutes of each meeting.
+ 4.1.2.4.5.1.5 To send a copy of the committee minutes
+ to the Secretary in a timely manner.
+ 4.1.2.4.5.1.6 To perform certain other functions as
+ situations necessitate.
+ 4.1.2.4.5.1.7 To maintain suggestion boxes as needed to
+ provide for the needs of the student body
+ 22
+ 4.1.2.4.5.1.7.1 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.
+ 4.1.2.4.5.2 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:
+ 4.1.2.4.5.2.1 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
+ 4.1.2.4.5.2.1.1 Plans must include but are not limited
+ to:
+ 4.1.2.4.5.2.1.1.1 Means of communication and
+ response time
+ 4.1.2.4.5.2.1.1.2 Workflow in terms of planning
+ committee meetings and projects
+ 4.1.2.4.5.2.1.1.3 Means of conflict resolution
+ 4.1.2.4.5.2.1.1.4 Limited-use Mental Health and
+ Academic Stress related provisions under which
+ responsibilities can temporarily be waived
+ 4.1.2.4.5.2.1.2 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.
+ 4.1.2.4.5.2.1.2.1 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.
+ 23
+ 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 4/5ths 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.
+ 24
+ 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
+ 25
+ 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 ⅔ 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 ⅔
+ 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 Vice President.
+ 4.1.2.4.6.3.1.1 When there is an odd amount of
+ senators in the committee, the number of signatures
+ required shall be rounded up.
+ 4.1.2.4.6.3.2 The Vice President 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.
+ 26
+ 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 Vice President 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 Vice President.
+ 27
+ 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 judgement 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 ⅔rds 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 Vice President.
+ 4.1.2.5 COMMITTEE MEETINGS
+ 28
+ 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, at the first committee meeting of the term, discuss
+ with committee members times to meet at least once every two
+ (2) weeks.
+ 4.1.2.5.3 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.
+ 4.1.2.5.4 In accordance with the Constitution, any student is
+ welcome to observe any committee meetings.
+ 4.1.2.5.4.1 Committees may, in accordance with the
+ Constitution, close meetings to discuss sensitive personnel
+ matters by a ⅔ 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 Any member of the three SGA branches is welcome to
+ attend committee meetings, even those closed by the committee
+ itself.
+ 4.1.3 CAUCUSES OF THE SENATE
+ 4.1.3.1 FORMATION OF CAUCUSES
+ 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
+ supercede the general guidelines of caucuses)
+ 4.1.3.1.1.2.2Purpose of the caucus
+ 4.1.3.1.1.2.3Goals of the caucus
+ 4.1.3.1.1.2.4 Why there is a need for this caucus on
+ campus
+ 4.1.3.1.1.2.5List of at least 10 interested individuals
+ 29
+ 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 2/3rds vote of the
+ Senate
+ 4.1.3.2 CAUCUS LEADERSHIP
+ 4.1.3.2.1 Each caucus must have, at a minimum, a Chair and a
+ Vice-Chair
+ 4.1.3.2.1.1 The Chair of the caucus must be an elected member
+ of SGA.
+ 4.1.3.2.1.2 The Vice Chair must be an elected or appointed
+ member of SGA or a former elected SGA member.
+ 4.1.3.2.1.3 The Chair of the caucus shall be responsible for the
+ following duties:
+ 4.1.3.2.1.3.1The Chair shall serve as the chief executive
+ officer of the caucus.
+ 4.1.3.2.1.3.2 The Chair shall be the official
+ spokesperson of the caucus.
+ 4.1.3.2.1.3.3 The Chair shall preside at and lead all
+ meetings of the caucus and shall prepare the meeting
+ agendas.
+ 4.1.3.2.1.3.4 The Chair shall coordinate elections within
+ their caucus by the end of September.
+ 4.1.3.2.1.3.5 The Chair shall be responsible for
+ overseeing all administrative duties for the caucus.
+ 4.1.3.2.1.3.6 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.
+ 4.1.3.2.1.4 The Vice Chair shall be responsible for the following
+ duties:
+ 4.1.3.2.1.4.1 Record detailed minutes at all meetings for
+ the caucus and shall keep them on file.
+ 4.1.3.2.1.4.2 The Vice Chair shall manage any and all
+ internal and external organizational correspondence, as
+ requested by the Chair.
+ 4.1.3.2.1.4.3 The Vice Chair shall maintain all
+ membership records for the caucus, including updating
+ the roster and member attendance sheet.
+ 30
+ 4.1.3.2.1.4.4 The Vice Chair shall be responsible for
+ reserving rooms and spaces for all meetings and events.
+ 4.1.3.2.1.4.5 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.
+ 4.1.3.2.1.4.6 Upon resignation of the Chair of a caucus,
+ the Vice-Chair shall serve as interim chair until new
+ elections are held.
+ 4.1.3.2.1.4.6.1 Eligibility rules of interim
+ chairmanship shall follow that of Vice Chair and not
+ Chair.
+ 4.1.3.2.2 Each caucus may specify additional leadership roles in
+ their Caucus Rules Bill.
+ 4.1.3.2.3 LEADERSHIP ELECTION PROCEDURES
+ 4.1.3.2.3.1 The Chair and Vice-Chair of the caucus must be
+ elected by the SGA Senate in a General Body Meeting.
+ 4.1.3.2.3.1.1This must be completed within one month of the
+ approval of a caucus
+ 4.1.3.2.3.1.2 In order to run for a leadership position, a
+ candidate must be nominated by a Senator during the
+ General Body Meeting in which the election shall take
+ place.
+ 4.1.3.2.3.1.2.1 Incumbent Chairs or Vice-Chairs in the
+ Caucus for which the election is for, may not
+ nominate candidates for either position.
+ 4.1.3.2.3.1.3 Each candidate must speak for up to five
+ minutes on why they should be elected to the position
+ they are running for.
+ 4.1.3.2.3.1.3.1 If there is only one candidate
+ nominated for a position, the Senate shall move
+ directly into voting procedure for the nominee.
+ 4.1.3.2.3.1.3.2 If there are multiple candidates, after
+ the speeches, Senators may motion for a Q&A, a
+ Moderated Caucus, or to move into voting procedure.
+ 31
+ 4.1.3.2.3.1.3.2.1 If there are no motions for a
+ moderated caucus or a Q&A, the Senate shall
+ move directly into voting procedure for the
+ position being discussed.
+ 4.1.3.2.3.1.3.3 After speeches and optional discussion,
+ the Senate shall move into voting procedure.
+ 4.1.3.2.3.1.4 A candidate for a position must win a
+ majority of the votes to obtain the position they are
+ running for.
+ 4.1.3.2.3.1.4.1 If there are more than two candidates
+ and neither gets a majority of the vote, the Senate
+ shall move into a second round of voting, with the
+ candidate who got the least votes in the prior round
+ of voting taken out of consideration for the position.
+ 4.1.3.2.3.1.4.1.1 This process shall continue until a
+ candidate gets a majority of the vote.
+ 4.1.3.2.3.1.5 Elections for each position shall be held during
+ one of the first three Senate Meetings of each year’s
+ Senate. New elections shall be held during the academic
+ year upon the resignation of the Chair or Vice-Chair of
+ the caucus, or upon the receipt of the signatures of ⅔rds
+ of the Senate.
+ 4.1.3.2.3.1.5.1 Upon resignation of Chair or
+ Vice-Chair, new elections must be held within two
+ weeks of resignation. If the resignation occurs during
+ a time in which the next GBM is farther than two
+ weeks away (for example, during winter break), the
+ election shall be carried out at the next GBM.
+ 4.1.3.2.3.1.5.2 Between the resignation of the Chair
+ and the election of a new chair, the Vice Chair will
+ serve as interim Chair, and the caucus will vote on a
+ temporary replacement for the Vice Chair.
+ 4.1.3.2.3.1.5.3 Upon resignation of the Vice Chair, the
+ chair will determine who will serve as interim Vice
+ Chair until a new election can be held.
+ 4.1.3.3 POWERS AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF CAUCUSES
+ 32
+ 4.1.3.3.1 Caucuses shall work to advance, represent the needs
+ and concerns of, and promote greater equality for the
+ community that they represent.
+ 4.1.3.3.2 Actions that caucuses are authorized to carry out
+ include without Senate Approval include:
+ 4.1.3.3.2.1 Endorsing, suggesting, or otherwise encouraging
+ legislation aimed to help the constituency they represent
+ 4.1.3.3.2.2 Reviewing and providing feedback on whether
+ legislation passed by SGA is as inclusive of and mindful to
+ the needs of the constituency they represent as possible.
+ 4.1.3.3.2.3 Acting as a safe space for the constituency they
+ represent, and providing meaningful opportunities for the
+ constituency they represent to convene and discuss
+ pertinent issues.
+ 4.1.3.3.2.4 Holding General Body Meetings with interested
+ students and interested student groups to discuss whatever
+ issues are deemed relevant by the caucus.
+ 4.1.3.3.2.5 Running a Social Media Account
+ 4.1.3.3.2.6 Any actions not included in this list require further
+ action before the caucus may carry them out, which shall be
+ described within these bylaws.
+ 4.1.3.3.3 EVENTS AND INITIATIVES
+ 4.1.3.3.3.1 There are two routes for initiatives to be approved:
+ 4.1.3.3.3.1.1In 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
+ 4.1.3.4 INTERNAL RULES OF CAUCUSES
+ 33
+ 4.1.3.4.1 Caucuses shall define their structure, operating rules,
+ and any other leadership not specified by these bylaws by
+ creating an annual Caucus rules bill that must be approved by
+ the Senate every academic year.
+ 4.1.3.4.2 Annual Caucus Rules bills shall be approved by a
+ majority vote of the Senate by end of September at the latest.
+ 4.1.3.4.3 Rules Bills must stay within the structure provided in
+ these bylaws, and may not outline any responsibilities,
+ leadership election procedures, or anything else that contradicts
+ these bylaws.
+ 4.1.3.4.4 Rules Bills should include a potential caucus logo if
+ applicable
+ 4.1.3.4.5 Annual Rules Bills must be posted publicly on the SGA
+ website. The Caucus shall not be allowed to carry out any of its
+ responsibilities and shall be considered null and void until the
+ Rules Bill is posted on the website.
+ 4.1.3.5 CAUCUS MEMBERSHIP
+ 4.1.3.5.1 Caucus membership shall be open to all interested
+ students of any background or demographic, accordance with
+ our Constitution
+ 4.1.3.5.2 Caucuses may further define in their Rules bill the
+ specifics of “membership” within their caucus
+ 4.1.4 SENATORIAL VACANCIES
+ 4.1.4.1 POST-ELECTORAL VACANCIES
+ 4.1.4.1.1 A vacancy is designated as “Post-electoral” if it is
+ identified after electoral results for the next SGA session (except
+ for freshman Senators) have been published and before the next
+ SGA session has been inaugurated.
+ 4.1.4.1.2 CSE will hold a special election as defined in their
+ constitution for the Post-electoral vacancies
+ 4.1.4.1.2.1 If a senatorial position is still vacant following the
+ special election, the vacancy will become either “Regular
+ session” or “Special” depending on the circumstances.
+ 4.1.4.2 REGULAR SESSION VACANCIES
+ 4.1.4.2.1 A vacancy is designated as “Regular session” if it occurs
+ outside of the timeframe specified for post-electoral vacancies
+ and does not fit the criteria for special vacancies.
+ 34
+ 4.1.4.2.2 The President of the Senate will notify the respective
+ Senator/Class President as soon as they receive confirmation of
+ the vacancy from the Student Body President.
+ 4.1.4.2.3 Regular session vacancies will be broken up into the
+ following categories: RSO Representatives, Caucus Chairs, Class
+ Representatives, School Representatives, and Class
+ Programming Councils
+ 4.1.4.2.4 RSO REPRESENTATIVES
+ 4.1.4.2.4.1 Within 48 hours of notification of the vacancy from
+ the President of the Senate, the Chair of the Committee on
+ Student Organizations will send out an email to the
+ presidents/co-presidents and treasurers/co-treasurers of all
+ RSOs under the category represented by the vacant position,
+ informing them of the vacancy with a description of the role
+ and SGA requirements with an application form.
+ 4.1.4.2.4.2 Each RSO president/team of co-presidents may
+ nominate up to two interested students, including but not
+ limited to the leadership of that RSO. The applicants will
+ submit a short bio and why they are interested in the role.
+ 4.1.4.2.4.3 All Senators will have access to all of the applicants’
+ responses prior to the start of the voting period. No
+ applicants will be added after the voting period begins.
+ 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.
+ 4.1.4.2.4.5 This entire process must be completed (defined as
+ the candidate being voted on by the Senate, which is
+ separate from the selection of the applicant) by the third
+ GBM after the vacancy is announced by the President of the
+ Senate.
+ 4.1.4.2.5 CAUCUS CHAIRS
+ 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.
+ 35
+ 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.
+ 36
+ 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.
+ 4.1.4.2.6.1.2 The Class President and Class Senators for
+ the respective Class will convene and review the
+ applications for the position.
+ 4.1.4.2.6.1.3 Optionally, the Class President and Class
+ Senators may decide to hold a round of interviews by
+ majority vote if they deem it necessary to identify the
+ best candidate.
+ 4.1.4.2.6.1.4 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.
+ 37
+ 4.1.4.2.6.2.3 After the a new Class President is chosen
+ through this mechanism and has been successfully voted
+ on by the Senate at the first GBM after they have been
+ selected, the start time of that GBM shall serve as the
+ start of the 48 hours of notification for the Class Senator
+ vacancy their succession leaves.
+ 4.1.4.2.6.2.4 If no successor has been chosen by 7 days
+ after the time of notification, the position will become
+ open to the entire graduation class to run for and a
+ special election will be proctored by CSE.
+ 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
+ 4.1.4.2.7.1 Within 48 hours of notification of the vacancy from
+ the President of the Senate, the Chair of the Committee on
+ Academic Affairs will send out an email to the entire
+ undergraduate membership of the Krieger School of Arts
+ and Sciences (KSAS) or Whiting School of Engineering
+ (WSE) informing them of the vacancy with a description of
+ the role and SGA requirements with an application form.
+ The school emailed depends on the vacancy.
+ 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.
+ 4.1.4.2.8 FAILED CONFIRMATION
+ 4.1.4.2.8.1 In the event that a prospective Senator/Class
+ President is not confirmed by the Senate, the Senate may
+ choose, by majority vote, to have CSE proctor a special
+ election for the position.
+ 38
+ 4.1.4.2.8.2 If the Senate does not motion for a special election,
+ the start time of that GBM shall serve as the start of the 48
+ hours of notification for the vacancy and the process will
+ begin anew.
+ 4.1.4.3 SPECIAL VACANCIES
+ 4.1.4.3.1 A vacancy is designated as “Special” if it meets one of
+ the following criteria:
+ 4.1.4.3.1.1 Less than a quorum of the selecting body exists for
+ that position. This is defined as half of the maximum
+ membership plus one. For caucuses, quorum will be defined
+ as the constitutionally mandated minimum number of
+ members for that caucus to be recognized. The standing
+ quorum for each selection group is listed below:
+ 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.
+ 4.1.4.3.1.1.3Class Representatives: 3 Class Senators/Class
+ Presidents of the respective Class.
+ 4.1.4.3.1.1.4 School Representatives:
+ 4.1.4.3.1.1.4.1 WSE: 3 WSE Senators
+ 4.1.4.3.1.1.4.2 4 KSAS Senators
+ 4.1.4.3.1.1.5The Committee on Internal Affairs is
+ empowered to edit the numbers reported for quorum
+ under §4.1.4.3.1.1 without a Senate vote if any of the
+ populations of senators or caucuses change. The Chair of
+ the Committee on Internal Affairs will include the
+ change in their next GBM update.
+ 4.1.4.3.1.1.6 If the selecting body lacks quorum, CSE
+ will hold a special election for all the vacant positions in
+ the selection body.
+ 4.1.4.3.1.1.7In the case of there being fewer than 24
+ members in the entire Senate, CSE will hold a special
+ election for all vacant Senate positions.
+ 4.1.4.3.1.2 Vacancies occur in the current Senate within two
+ weeks of the first electoral info session for the next Senate
+ and before the next Senate’s inauguration.
+ 39
+ 4.1.4.3.1.2.1 The non-incumbent(s) who receive the
+ most votes for the currently vacant position(s) they are
+ running for will be invited to immediately assume their
+ position(s), subject to a confirmation vote. 4.1.4.3.1.2.2 If
+ they refuse, the position(s) will remain vacant until their
+ formal term begins. ]
+ 4.1.4.3.1.3 A new, elected position in the Senate is created.
+ 4.1.4.3.1.3.1CSE will hold a special election for the new
+ position if the new position is created before January 1st
+ of the election year.
+ 4.1.4.4 PROCEDURE FOR PROCESS DEVIATIONS
+ 4.1.4.4.1 A Senator may request deviations from the
+ confirmation process for a certain position by a 2/3 vote of the
+ entire Senate. All intended deviations must be presented in
+ advance.
+ 4.1.4.4.2 If a Senator intends to request deviations, they must
+ notify the President of the Senate within 48 hours of
+ notification of the vacancy.
+ 4.1.4.4.3 The start time of the GBM at which process deviations
+ are requested and approved or denied shall serve as the start of
+ the 48 hours of notification.
+ 4.1.4.4.4 Senators may also modify any part of the bylaws that
+ govern the vacancy process by a 2/3 vote of the entire Senate in
+ the same fashion as any other bylaws amendment.
+ 4.1.4.5 EXTENSIONS
+ 4.1.4.5.1 Extensions may be granted on a case-by-case basis at
+ the discretion of the President of the Senate. Requests for
+ extensions must be made before the deadline, and all requests
+ for extensions will be given a provisory 24hr extension if they
+ are not to be granted in full.
+ 4.1.4.5.2 The maximum length of an extension that may be
+ granted is 7 days or 1 additional GBM, whichever is longer. If
+ the extension necessary due to circumstances is longer than a
+ week/1 GBM, CSE will hold a special election for the position.
+ 4.1.4.5.2.1 An exception to this rule is when a University break
+ overlaps with the vacancy filling schedule. These breaks are
+ Summer Break, Fall Break, Thanksgiving Break, Winter
+ Break, Intercession, and Spring Break.
+ 40
+ 4.1.4.5.2.2 For the purposes of these §4.1.4.5.2.1, the start of
+ Winter Break shall be recognized as the first reading day of
+ the Fall semester.
+ 4.1.4.5.2.3 For the purposes of §4.1.4.5.2.1, the entirety of
+ Intercession shall be recognized as a break period.
+ 4.1.4.5.2.4 For the purposes of §4.1.4.5.2.1, the start of Summer
+ Break shall be recognized as the first reading day of the
+ Spring Semester.
+ 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 RESPONSIBILITIES
+ 4.1.4.6.1 The President of the Senate is tasked with ensuring that
+ notification of the vacancy is fully and clearly communicated to
+ the respective group that will be voting on the position’s
+ replacement at their soonest possible convenience.
+ 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 The selection group is responsible for recruiting,
+ identifying, and electing qualified applicants.
+ 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.
+ 41
+ 4.1.4.7 COMPLAINTS
+ 4.1.4.7.1 If a member of SGA or applying student has complaints
+ about the fairness of the process, especially related to
+ improper/unapproved deviations from the procedure
+ prescribed by the bylaws herein or SGA Constitution, they are
+ empowered to confidentially bring their concerns to the Chair of
+ Internal Affairs, the Vice President of the Senate, or the SGA
+ Judiciary Board.
+ 4.1.5 PROGRAMMING COUNCIL VACANCIES
+ 4.1.5.1 The Chair of Programming will notify the remaining
+ members of the respective Class Programming Council as soon as
+ they receive confirmation of the vacancy from the Student Body
+ President.
+ 4.1.5.2 CHAIR VACANCY
+ 4.1.5.2.1 In the event that the position of Chair of a Class
+ Programming Council is vacant, the Treasurer of the respective
+ Programming Council will be offered the opportunity to ascend
+ to the role of Chair.
+ 4.1.5.2.2 Should the Treasurer decline or not reply within 48
+ hours, the Chair position will be offered to the Secretary of the
+ respective Programming Council.
+ 4.1.5.2.3 Should the Secretary decline or not reply within 48
+ hours, the Chair of Programming will meet with the remaining
+ members of the Class Council, as well as the ex officio members
+ of the Class Council (the respective Class Senators and Class
+ President) to create an application form for the position.
+ 4.1.5.3 TREASURER VACANCY
+ 4.1.5.3.1 In the event that the position of Treasurer of a Class
+ Programming Council is vacant, the Chair of Programming will
+ meet with the remaining members of the Class Council, as well
+ as the ex officio members of the Class Council (the respective
+ Class Senators and Class President) to create an application
+ form for the position.
+ 4.1.5.4 SECRETARY VACANCY
+ 42
+ 4.1.5.4.1 In the event that the position of Secretary of a Class
+ Programming Council is vacant, the Chair of Programming will
+ meet with the remaining members of the Class Council, as well
+ as the ex officio members of the Class Council (the respective
+ Class Senators and Class President) to create an application
+ form for the position.
+ 4.1.5.5 SPECIAL VACANCIES
+ 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.
+ ARTICLE 4, SECTION 2. LEGISLATION OF THE SENATE
+ 4.2.1 Legislation shall be written by any elected member of SGA.
+ 4.2.2 Legislation shall take one of two forms:
+ 4.2.2.1 A bill, which formally enacts a law within the scope defined by
+ the Constitution; or
+ 4.2.2.2 A resolution, which formally declares the opinion of the Senate
+ and thus the Student Body.
+ 4.2.3LEGISLATIVE PROCESS
+ 4.2.3.1 Legislation shall require and document the presence of:
+ 4.2.3.1.1 At least one (1) introducer (also known as an author or
+ composer);
+ 4.2.3.1.2 At least two (2) co-sponsors who are elected members
+ of SGA and are not introducers;
+ 4.2.3.2 Legislation shall be written in any mainstream serif font
+ (Times New Roman, Palatino, Garamond, Baskerville, etc.) and, by
+ precedent, be headed with the seal of the SGA.
+ 4.2.3.3 Upon two (2) co-sponsors, the introducer of the Bill or
+ Resolution shall submit the legislation to the Vice President.
+ 4.2.3.4 The Vice President shall then add the legislation to the next
+ Senate Meeting agenda under the first reading section.
+ 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
+ Committee.
+ 43
+ 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.
+ 4.2.3.5.1 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.
+ 4.2.3.5.2.1 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 After passage by a committee, the Vice President 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 Vice President
+ shall be empowered to waive the committee consideration
+ requirement to allow the Senate to quickly address pressing
+ matters.
+ 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.
+ 4.2.3.8.1 If the Senate votes to adopt the legislation, the Vice
+ President shall affix the Seal of the Senate to the legislation. The
+ Student Body President, Vice President, Treasurer, and
+ Secretary will then place their signatures at the bottom of the
+ legislation so as to confirm its adoption. The legislation will
+ then have the full force and effect of law.
+ 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.
+ 44
+ 4.2.3.8.2 If the Senate votes to reject the legislation, the Vice
+ President shall indicate its rejection and place their signature at
+ the bottom so as to confirm its rejection. The Vice President
+ 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.
+ ARTICLE 4, SECTION 3. PROCEDURAL RULES OF THE
+ SENATE
+ 4.3.1 MEETINGS
+ 4.3.1.1 AGENDA OF SENATE MEETINGS
+ 4.3.1.1.1 The Vice President shall set the agenda according to the
+ needs of the SGA.
+ 4.3.1.1.2 Committee reports shall consist solely of reports – any
+ pending committee action must be reported in advance and
+ dealt with later in the meeting.
+ 4.3.1.2 CHAIR OF SENATE MEETINGS
+ 4.3.1.2.1 The Chair of a meeting shall also be referred to as the
+ Presiding Officer of that meeting.
+ 4.3.1.2.2 The Vice President shall chair the meetings of the SGA
+ 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 President of the Senior Class 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
+ nonamendable, 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
+ 45
+ 4.3.1.2.2.3.1 The Vice President 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 Vice President
+ shall use his or her discretion in speaking on issues
+ provided they maintains objectivity and fairness in the
+ manner of the meeting.
+ 4.3.1.2.2.3.2 The Vice President 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
+ Roberts 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
+ 4.3.1.3.2.1 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.
+ 46
+ 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 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
+ 47
+ 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.
+ 4.3.2MEMBERSHIP 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
+ 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
+ 4.3.2.1.1.3.1The 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
+ 4.3.3ATTENDANCE
+ 4.3.3.1 REQUIRED
+ 48
+ 4.3.3.1.1 Attendance at Senate general body meetings,
+ committee meetings, and Class Council meetings is mandatory
+ for all Senators. The Executive Vice President shall be permitted
+ to grant a total of 12 excused absences per senator per year,
+ with an additional 4 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
+ 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 ⅔ 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
+ 49
+ 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.
+ ARTICLE 5. ACCESSIBILITY
+ ARTICLE 5, SECTION 1. SGA VIRTUAL CONTENT
+ STANDARDS
+ 5.1.1 These standards will apply to all digital content produced by SGA for
+ both external and internal use.
+ 5.1.2 ACCESSIBLE DOCUMENTS
+ 5.1.2.1 All documents produced by SGA, including legislation,
+ must meet the following guidelines:
+ 5.1.2.1.1 Provide alternative text for visual content.
+ 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 and determine if it meets accessibility guidelines for
+ various font formats including large texts.
+ 5.1.2.1.3 Use accessible text options. This document
+ recommends Georgia or Verdana as a typeface with no smaller
+ 50
+ than 14 point font.
+ 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.
+ 5.1.2.1.5 Use headings that follow a logical order.
+ 5.1.2.1.6 Ensure that data is presented according to above WCAG
+ guidelines.
+ 5.1.3 SOCIAL MEDIA AND WEBSITE
+ 5.1.3.1 All content published on SGA social media platforms or the
+ SGA website must meet the following guidelines:
+ 5.1.3.1.1 Provide alternative text for non-text content.
+ 5.1.3.1.2 Provide captions for pre-recorded audio content.
+ 5.1.3.1.3 Explain graphical content through text.
+ 5.1.3.1.4 Ensure background audio in audio content is at least 20
+ decibels lower than foreground content.
+ 5.1.3.1.5 Use accessible text options. This document
+ recommends Georgia or Verdana as a typeface with no smaller
+ than 14-point font.
+ 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.
+ ARTICLE 5, SECTION 2. SGA EVENT STANDARDS
+ 5.2.1 All events hosted by the SGA must meet the following guidelines:
+ 5.2.1.1 All private and public events held on- or off-campus must
+ be in physically accessible locations.
+ 5.2.1.1.1 Use the Accessibility Map created by SDS to determine
+ the accessibility of an on-campus location.
+ 5.2.1.1.1.1 Locations directly accessible through an accessible
+ building entrance on an ADA-compliant pathway are
+ preferred.
+ 5.2.1.1.1.2 If the location is not on the same level as an
+ accessible building entrance, elevator(s) must be available.
+ 5.2.1.1.2 Communicate with event coordinators of off-campus
+ 51
+ venues to ensure accessibility.
+ 5.2.1.2 Use adequate clear signage around the venue to direct
+ attendees to your event and to accessible pathways/entrances.
+ 5.2.1.3 Events must be planned in an inclusive and accessible way,
+ including cognitive accessibility. These procedures vary but may
+ include:
+ 5.2.1.3.1 Distributing event details at least 48 hours in advance
+ of the event and before any deadline for cancellation. Event
+ details may include:
+ 5.2.1.3.1.1 Itinerary
+ 5.2.1.3.1.2 Location
+ 5.2.1.3.1.2.1Accessible 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
+ 5.2.1.3.2 Providing space and time for guests to take breaks.
+ This is particularly important when the event includes sensory
+ stimulation, emotional labor, and/or physical or mental
+ exertion.
+ 5.2.1.3.3 Providing multiple methods of participating in activities
+ such as feedback gathering or discussion. This is particularly
+ important when time spent on the activity is limited.
+ 5.2.1.3.4 Allowing a pause for processing between topics or when
+ asking for questions
+ 5.2.1.3.4.1 Consider allowing questions throughout/after the
+ event rather than only during discussion
+ 5.2.1.3.4.2 Providing adequate and diverse seating for all
+ attendees
+ 5.2.1.3.4.3 Providing printed copies of digital material
+ 5.2.1.3.4.4 Ensuring that the physical space can accommodate
+ mobility aids and service animals
+ 5.2.1.3.4.5 Providing live transcription or ASL interpretation
+ 5.2.1.3.4.6 Providing adequate lighting, electrical outlets, and
+ microphones
+ ARTICLE 5, SECTION 3. SGA PROCEDURE STANDARDS
+ 52
+ 5.3.1 ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS
+ 5.3.1.1 Accommodation requests may be made for any SGA event,
+ policy, or procedure.
+ 5.3.1.2 Information on how to request accommodations should be
+ easily visible when registering for an event. Event communications
+ and advertisement should also include a clear method to request
+ accommodations.
+ 5.3.1.3 To request an accommodation regarding wider-SGA
+ policies and procedures, an individual can contact the Student
+ Body Vice President.
+ 5.3.1.4 This information must be available on the SGA website and
+ in communications about joining SGA.
+ 5.3.1.5 To ensure confidentiality, accommodation requests will be
+ made through an SGA advisor. The SGA advisor will work with SDS
+ to confirm that the accommodation is reasonable and inform SGA
+ on what accommodations to implement.
+ 5.3.1.5.1 The identity of the requesting individual will only be
+ shared with SGA members as needed for the implementation of
+ the accommodation.
+ 5.3.1.6 Confidentiality of accommodations must be maintained.
+ This includes during and after any events.
+ ARTICLE 6. STUDENT GROUPS
+ ARTICLE 6, SECTION 1. SCOPE
+ 6.1.1 This article shall apply to all dealings with current and proposed
+ student organizations by the Committee on Student Organizations and
+ the SGA Senate.
+ 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.
+ ARTICLE 6, SECTION 2. RECOGNITION OF PROPOSED STUDENT
+ ORGANIZATIONS
+ 6.2.1 The SGA Senate has, under the Constitution, jurisdiction over the
+ appointment process of new student organizations.
+ 6.2.2 The Committee on Student Organizations shall receive applications
+ for proposed student organizations and determine, along with the
+ Coordinator of Student Organizations, which Category these groups
+ fall under.
+ 53
+ 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
+ annualsemesterly grant eligibility, they must drop their recognition
+ outside of SGA.
+ 6.2.2.2 They will be reviewed and confirmed by a majority vote of the
+ Committee on Student Organizations on a rolling basis.
+ 6.2.3 The Committee on Student Organizations shall conduct hearings
+ with the Coordinator of Student Organizations and leaders of proposed
+ groups to evaluate the uniqueness and feasibility of their mission, the
+ establishment of a longitudinal organizational structure, the level of
+ risk, the necessity of funding within their organization, and their
+ contribution to on-campus student life.
+ 6.2.4 The Committee on Student Organizations shall vote on whether to
+ recognize the existence and provide funding for proposed student
+ organizations. Committee quorum and a simple majority is required
+ for the committee’s determination to be in effect.
+ 6.2.4.1 The Committee’s decision shall be referred to the Coordinator
+ of Student Organizations, by the end of the academic term at which the
+ application was submitted, to finalize the new group registration
+ process.
+ 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.
+ 6.2.5 A decision to recognize or deny a proposed 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 proposed student organization and vote on a final
+ determination of its recognition.
+ ARTICLE 6, SECTION 3. CURRENT STUDENT
+ ORGANIZATIONS
+ 6.3.1 The SGA Senate is, under the Constitution, empowered to pass
+ legislation governing student groups.
+ 54
+ 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.
+ 6.3.4 Student groups may not disallow any member the right to vote with
+ regard to race, color, creed, religion, national or ethnic origin, gender,
+ sexual orientation, age, marital status, citizenship, or disability status.
+ This requirement may be waived in circumstances in which an
+ individual group has a specific reason – related to the impending
+ graduation of group members – as to why members set to graduate in
+ the academic year following the election should not be allowed to vote
+ in a group election.
+ 6.3.4.1 If the group wishes to waive this requirement, they must
+ present a case to the SGA Senate explaining why graduating members
+ should not be allowed to vote in an election. If the SGA rules in the
+ group’s favor, then the class of graduating members will not be allowed
+ to vote. The disallowance of graduating members, if approved, must
+ apply to every member of the group, without exception, who is to
+ graduate in the semester following the election.
+ 6.3.5 Student groups must ensure that all students have the right to
+ express their chosen pronoun, chosen name, and gender identity in all
+ documents, programs, and material.
+ 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.
+ ARTICLE 6, SECTION 4. STUDENT AND STUDENT
+ ORGANIZATION APPLICATION UPDATES
+ 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.
+ 55
+ 6.4.1.1 For applications requiring two or more weeks to approve or
+ deny, the following measures shall be used to maintain these channels
+ of communication:
+ 6.4.1.1.1 Students shall have the right to request an update on
+ their application’s progress every two weeks, even if a final
+ outcome cannot be provided at that time.
+ 6.4.1.1.2 For each application process, the SGA shall publish an
+ estimated timeline with general stages and timeframes on the
+ process of approval and denial, as well as relevant points of
+ contacts, on the SGA website.
+ 6.4.1.1.2.1 The SGA shall email the aforementioned timeline to all
+ application submissions’ authors.
+ ARTICLE 7. ADVISORS
+ ARTICLE 7, SECTION 1. There shall exist SGA advisors who shall be
+ resources when called upon by the SGA.
+ 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.
+ ARTICLE 8. AMENDMENTS AND RATIFICATION
+ ARTICLE 8, SECTION 1. These Bylaws, unless specified below, may
+ only be amended and ratified by a two-thirds vote of the entire
+ membership of the Senate.
+ ARTICLE 8, SECTION 2. SEMANTIC AMENDMENTS
+ 8.2.1 Amendments that do not change the intention of a line in the Bylaws
+ may be made by the Internal Affairs without a Senate vote.
+ 8.2.1.1 Internal Affairs Committee will notify the Senate of these
+ changes.
Amendments between these editions
- SGA Bylaws Amendments 2023 — Bill / Bylaws amendment · March 2023 · 111th session