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.
4.1.2LEGISLATIVE 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
4.1.2.1.4.1.1Deals 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
4.1.2.1.4.7.1.5EnsuresthatUniversityresources,
includingusageoftheHopkinslogos,funding,
facilitiesandotherresourcesareusedonlyby
approvedstudentgroupsandthatsuchresourcesare
distributedfairlyandutilizedresponsibly.
4.1.2.1.4.7.1.6Ensuresthatapprovedstudent
organizationsremainingoodstandingwiththeSGA
andtheUniversity,andtorecommendcorrective
actionstotheSenatewhengroupsviolateSGA,
University,local,state,and/orfederalrules,
regulations,and/orlaws.
4.1.2.1.4.7.1.7Establishesprotocolsforapplyingtobe
anapprovedstudentorganizationandregulations
governingthetypesandstandardsofsuch
organizations.
4.1.2.1.4.7.1.8WorkswithUniversityofficials,
includingtheCoordinatorforStudentOrganizations;
theAssociateDeanofStudentEngagement;
administratorsofprogramshousingstudent
organizationssuchastheOfficeofMulticultural
Affairs,theInterfaithCenter,theDepartmentof
AthleticsandRecreation,theCenterforSocial
Concern,theHomewoodArtsPrograms,andthe
DigitalMediaCenter;andotherUniversity
personnel,toadvancecollaborationand
standardizationofexpectationsforstudent
organizations.
4.1.2.1.4.7.1.9Takesupothermeasuresrelatingto
studentorganizations.
4.1.2.1.4.8COMMITTEEONSTUDENTSERVICES
4.1.2.1.4.8.1EvaluatesproposalsforSGAsponsorship
ofevents.
4.1.2.1.4.8.2WorkstoprovideSGA-sponsoredservices
tofillneedsthattheUniversityadministrationcannotor
willnotprovide.
4.1.2.1.4.8.3Workstowardsimprovingexistingservices
availabletostudents. 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
4.1.2.4.5.2.1.2.2Requestsmustbesentinanemail
totheVicePresidentandtheirco-chair/chairor
vicechair,andcooperationplansmustbecreated
andsubmittedtotheVicePresidentwithin10
daysoftherequest.
4.1.2.4.5.2.1.3TheVicePresidentmayrejectany
cooperationplandeemedtobeinsufficient.
Rejectionscanbeoverturnedbya4/5thsvoteofthe
committeethattheagreementappliesto.
4.1.2.4.5.2.1.4Forcooperationplansconcerningthe
InternalAffairsCommittee,theStudentBody
PresidentshallfilltheroleoftheVicePresidentin
theprocessesoutlinedinthissectionoftheBylaws.
4.1.2.4.5.2.1.5Cooperationplansmustbesharedwith
senatecommitteemembers.
4.1.2.4.5.2.1.6Cooperationplansmaynotbechanged
withouttheapprovaloftheVicePresident.
4.1.2.4.5.2.1.7Failuretofollowtheruleswithinthis
sectionoftheBylawsisaformalviolationofthe
Bylaws,andmayleadtotheconsequencesassociated
withsuch.
4.1.2.4.5.2.1.8Bothco-chairs/chairandvice-chair
mustexpresstheirapprovalofthecooperationplan
inwritingoremailtotheVicePresident.
4.1.2.4.5.2.1.9Ifcooperationplansarenotsubmitted
andarenotwaived,theco-chairs/chairandvicechair
shallbeautomaticallyremovedandanewelectionfor
co-chairs/chairorvicechairwillbeheld. 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:
4.1.3.1.1.2.1Rules 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
4.1.4SENATORIAL 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:
4.1.4.3.1.1.1RSO 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
4.3.1MEETINGS
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.