Compare editions
1 line added, 2022 removed
- 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.
+