Revised: 11-28-2006
 

INDIANA UNIVERSITY SOUTHEAST STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION BY-LAWS
 

By-Laws Table of Contents:
 

CHAPTER I:  MEETINGS
 

SECTION III:        EXECUTIVE SESSION

1. Any and all meetings of the Student Senate, with or without a quorum present, shall be open to the University community.  From time to time the Senate may need to go into an Executive (closed) Session.  An Executive Session may only be called for one (or more) of the following reasons

A. Confirmation proceedings for nominees to SGA positions, including legislative, executive, judicial, advisory, officers, and/or committees.

B. Disciplinary proceedings of the Indiana University Southeast Student Government Association.

C. Advisor(s) may privately address the senate.

2.  Procedure for entering Executive Session 

A. When the Senate Chair recognizes a motion to enter Executive Session he will publicly announce the request and read into the minutes the disclosure of topics to be discussed.     

i. Disclosure of topics to be discussed will be defined as a disclosure of “what” topic(s) and (if applicable) “who” they are in regards to.

B.  Motions to go into Executive Session will only pass with a two third majority.

3. Only SGA Members and Advisors may be present during Executive Session. However, the Senate, at its discretion, may permit certain individuals to observe the proceedings by a three quarter majority vote.

4. Executive Session shall only be for the discussion of items in the disclosure of topics to be discussed. 

5. No votes on legislation may occur in Executive Session.

6. Any motion, vote, or final decision occurring in Executive Session will be recorded in the minutes.

7. Discussion occurring in Executive Session is considered privileged information.  Any SGA member violating this privilege will be subject to disciplinary action.  Any other individuals (i.e. non SGA members) violating this privilege will be referred to the Office of Student Affairs for disciplinary action.

8. No recording devices will be permitted during Executive Session.

9. The senate may by a two thirds majority vote allow the Public Relations Chair to issue a press release containing additional disclosure of things said in Executive Session.  The content of  this press release must be approved in advance.

10. Actions taken in violation of this section hereafter will be null and void.

CHAPTER II
STUDENT SENATORS
 

SECTION I:           RESPONSIBILITIES

1.      In general, the responsibilities of the Senator shall be two-fold:

A.      To represent the students and provide a channel of communication for them.

B.       To play an active part in the Senate and its activities.

2.      Attendance is required at all regularly scheduled meetings.  Attendance is defined as being present                for three-fourths of the meeting.

1.        All Senators must hold a minimum of three (3) office hours per week. Only those justified reasons for absence will be considered after informing the Senate Chair or Senate Secretary of one’s intended absence. 

2.        Senators and Probationary Senators will be required to take an active role on at least one standing committee.

3.        Senators will be required to sit on at least one external committee while in office.

4.        A senator will be subject to disciplinary proceedings up to and including impeachment as per the Constitution upon dereliction of any of these responsibilities.

SECTION II:         PROBATIONARY SENATORS

1.     Candidates for Senate positions will be voted into the Senate after a two-week probationary              period.  These candidates will:            

A.      Be assigned a Senate Mentor for the two week probationary period.

B.       Attend all Senate meetings.  Absences will be excused at the discretion of the Senate by majority vote.

C.       Serve three office hours per week in each of these two weeks.

D.      During Special Orders, after the probationary period, the candidates will be voted on by the Senate, during Executive Session.

E.       Upon majority approval of the Senate, the candidates will be sworn in before the opening of Old Business.

SECTION III:        VOTING

1.          Voting shall be the responsibility of every Senator.

2.          Roll call votes shall be printed in the minutes.

3.          All other voting shall be done orally, by the show of hands, or by signed ballots.

4.          There shall be no secret ballot voting on legislative business.

5.          Absentee ballots may be given to the Senate Chair.  These ballots must be written by and signed by the voting Senator.  This absentee ballot vote shall be accepted as regular Senate vote, and read aloud by the Senate Chair.

6.          Use of Signed Ballot Voting 

A.      Signed ballot voting shall be permitted and recommended, but not required, when confirming appointed officials, such as Senate Secretary and Chief Justice.

B.       All signed ballots shall be counted and the results announced by the acting Senate Secretary. In the absence of the Senate Secretary, the Senate Chair shall count and announce the results.

CHAPTER III
OFFICES AND OFFICIALS
 

SECTION I:           SENATE OFFICERS

1.        Senate Chair

A.      The Senate Chair shall be elected by the Student Senate at the first meeting after Student Government elections.  The Senate Chair shall preside over meetings of the Student Senate, and shall be responsible for establishing parliamentary procedure and maintaining order during said meetings.

B.       The Senate Chair shall be responsible for organizing the agenda for Student Senate meetings.

C.       The Senate Chair shall call special meetings of the Student Senate when necessary, or when petitioned by no fewer than six members of the Student Senate.

D.      The Senate Chair shall be responsible for collecting and reading aloud absentee ballots pertaining to Student Senate business.

E.       The Senate Chair shall sign all acts, addresses, or resolutions passed by the Student Senate in order to verify the action taken.

F.       The Senate Chair shall forward within twenty-four hours of passage all Student Senate legislation to the President or Executive Assistant of the Student Government Association.

G.       The Senate Chair shall place before the Student Senate at the next meeting all vetoed legislation for reconsideration.

H.      The Senate Chair shall serve as the chairperson of the Nominating Committee.

I.         The Senate Chair shall serve as a voting member of the Executive Committee, and as a voting member of the Budgetary Committee of the Student Government Association.

J.        The Senate Chair shall appoint one member of the Student Senate to the Advisor Selection Committee, if the committee is formed.

K.      The Senate Chair shall have the power to create ad-hoc committees to serve special projects as required, with the approval of the Student Senate.

L.       The Senate Chair shall be responsible for assigning mentors to all new Student Senators.

M.     The Senate Chair shall serve two more office hours per week than required for Senators.

N.      The Senate Chair shall preside over all disciplinary issues, save those involving his/ her own discipline, in which case the duties of the Senate Chair will be assumed by the Senate Pro Tempore.

O.      These duties are not exclusive.

2.        Senate Pro Tempore

A.      The Senate Pro Tempore shall be elected by the Student Senate at the first meeting after Student Government elections.  The Senate Pro Tempore shall assist the Senate Chair.

B.       The Senate Pro Tempore shall assume the duties of the Senate Chair in cases where the Senate Chair is absent.

C.       The Senate Pro Tempore shall be responsible for keeping a record of how each Student Senator voted in regard to legislation before the Student Senate (yeas, nays, and abstentions) and shall give these results to the Secretary to be included in the minutes.

D.      The Senate Pro Tempore shall serve as a voting member of the Executive Committee, and as a voting member of the Budgetary Committee of the Student Government Association.

E.       The Senate Pro Tempore shall serve one more office hour per week than required for Senators.

F.       These duties are not exclusive.

3.        Senate Treasurer

A.      The Senate Treasurer shall be elected by the Student Senate at the first meeting after Student Government elections.  The Senate Treasurer shall, subject to the direction of the Senate, handle all accounts and financial transaction subject to the authority of the Senate.

B.       The Senate Treasurer shall report all unusual expenditures in the budget and give financial updates.

C.       The Senate Treasurer shall maintain a record of the Student Government Budget and expenditures, including electronic copies of said items to be submitted to the Student Government Technology Officer for posting on the Student Government website.

D.      The Senate Treasurer shall be responsible for bringing financial requests from campus groups who request Student Government Association money for speakers or special programs.  The Senate Treasurer shall be responsible for scheduling oral presentations before the Student Senate for such groups. The Senate Treasurer shall be responsible for notifying the organization of the acceptance or rejection of the proposal.  The Senate Treasurer shall send all approved proposals to the Director of Campus Life.

E.       The Senate Treasurer will be responsible for submitting the annual proposed budget at the final meeting of the Fall semester.

F.       The Senate Treasurer shall serve as the chairperson of the Student Government Budgetary Committee.

G.       The Senate Treasurer shall appoint two members of the Student Senate to the Student Government Budgetary Committee.

H.      The Senate Treasurer, with the Student Body President, shall present the Student Government budget to the administration, upon approval of the budget by the director of Campus Life.

I.         The Senate Treasurer shall serve one more office hour per week than required for Senators.

J.        These duties are not exclusive.

4.        Senate Secretary

A.      The Senate Secretary shall be elected by the Student Senate at the first meeting after Student Government elections.  The Senate Secretary shall be responsible for keeping accurate records of all Student Senate legislation and for recording and printing the minutes of each Student Government meeting.

B.       The Senate Secretary shall maintain hard copies of minutes of Student Government meetings and of all legislation presented to the Student Senate, all of which shall be kept on file in the Student Senate office.  Audio recordings of Student Senate proceedings shall be stored in the Student Senate office for a minimum of three (3) years. The Senate Secretary will also be responsible for providing electronic copies of these documents to the Student Government Technology Officer.

C.       The Senate Secretary shall insure that all Senate records are maintained and remain readily available for public inspection.

D.      The Senate Secretary shall be responsible for counting and announcing results of all signed ballots, in cases where a voice vote is not used.

E.       The Senate Secretary shall serve one more office hour per week than required for Senators.

F.       These duties are not exclusive.

5.        Senate Press Secretary

A.      The Senate Press Secretary shall be elected by the Student Senate at the first meeting after Student Government elections.  The Senate Press Secretary shall be responsible for the release of information to the IUS student newspaper or any other news facility.  The Senate Press Secretary shall also be responsible for providing said information to the Student Government Technology Officer, for posting on the Student Government website.

B.       The Senate Press Secretary shall be responsible for maintaining the Student Government media archive.

C.       The Senate Press Secretary shall serve as chairperson of the Public Relations Committee.

D.      The Senate Press Secretary shall serve one more office hour per week than required for Senators.

E.       These duties are not exclusive.

SECTION II:         EXECUTIVE CABINET

1. The Student Body President, at his/her discretion, shall have the authority to form and appoint a cabinet for assistance in representing the student body and their concerns.  Said cabinet shall be primarily but not exclusively composed of an Executive Assistant and a Secretary of Internal and External Affairs.

2. Qualification, requirements, term, oath of office, and responsibilities of Executive Cabinet Members

A.      Executive Assistant

i.      The Student Body President shall nominate an Executive Assistant to the Executive Branch.  The Executive Assistant shall be approved, in Executive Session, by a 2/3 majority of the Student Senate.  The Executive Assistant’s term shall run concurrently with that of the current Student Body President.

ii.     The Executive Assistant shall be an officially admitted and enrolled student of Indiana University Southeast, and shall have completed two terms (summer sessions included) of academic credit by the end of the semester in which he/she is appointed.  The Executive Assistant shall have a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or above at the time of his/her appointment.

iii.    The Executive Assistant shall not hold elected office in the Senate, nor appointed position in the Judiciary.

iv.    Before undertaking the duties of office, the Executive Assistant shall take the following oath: I . . . . . . . . . . do solemnly take this oath, that I will faithfully execute the Office of Executive Assistant, and will to the best of my abilities serve the students, abiding by the Constitution of the Student Body of Indiana University Southeast, and the Executive Branch with Senate consent.  This oath shall be administered by one of the Student Judiciary members.

v.     The Executive Assistant shall be responsible for assisting the Student Body President as needed; this includes scheduling, duplicating, correspondence, filing, and etcetera.

vi.    The Executive Assistant shall also assist other members of the Executive Branch.

vii.   The Executive Assistant shall attend scheduled meetings of the Student Senate.

viii.  The Executive Assistant shall meet at least once per week with the Student Body President to discuss business and action.

ix.    These duties are not exclusive.

B.       Secretary of Internal and External Affairs

1.        The Student Body President shall nominate a Secretary of Internal and External Affairs.  The Secretary of Internal and External Affairs shall be approved, in Executive Session, by a 2/3 majority of the Student Senate.  The term of the Secretary of Internal and External Affairs shall run concurrently with that of the current Student Body President.

2.        The Secretary of Internal and External shall be an officially admitted and enrolled student of Indiana University Southeast, and shall have completed two terms (summer sessions included) of academic credit by the end of the semester in which he/she is appointed.  The Secretary of Internal and External Affairs shall have a cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above at the time of his/her appointment.

3.        The Secretary of Internal and External Affairs shall not hold elected office in the Senate, nor appointed position in the Judiciary.

4.        Before undertaking the duties of office, the Secretary of Internal and External Affairs shall take the following oath: I . . . . . . . . . . do solemnly take this oath, that I will faithfully execute the Office of Secretary of External and Internal Affairs, and will to the best of my abilities serve the students, abiding by the Constitution of the Student Body of Indiana University Southeast, and the Executive Branch with Senate consent.  This oath shall be administered by one of the Student Judiciary members.

5.        The Secretary of Internal and External Affairs shall be responsible for external and internal affairs of the SGA in general, and the Executive Office in particular.

6.        The Secretary of Internal and External Affairs shall serve as the President’s representative when necessary at conferences, regional university meetings, dealings with other universities, et cetera.

7.        The Secretary of Internal and External Affairs shall serve as the President’s representative when necessary in non-voting committee meetings, internal conferences, et cetera.

8.        The Secretary of Internal and External Affairs shall not represent the President during Faculty Senate meetings, voting meetings, or Presidential committees and conferences.

9.        The Secretary of Internal and External Affairs shall also take up complaints not approached by the Senate.  The Secretary of External and Internal Affairs shall make no action in regard to such complaints without Executive branch approval, which shall obtain consent from the Senate.

       10.    The Secretary of Internal and External Affairs shall ensure that all SGA obligations are being met by the SGA, such as office hours, Senate meeting attendance, committee assignments, et cetera.  When such obligations are not being met, the Secretary of Internal and External Affairs may call for disciplinary action or impeachment.

11.     The Secretary of Internal and External Affairs must make a minimum of one Student Senate meeting per month and report before the Senate on his/her affairs and activities during the President’s report.

12.     The Secretary of Internal and External Affairs shall meet no less than once every two weeks with the Student Body President to discuss business and action.

                                       13.     These duties are not exclusive.

C.       Technology Officer

i.         The Student Body President shall nominate a Technology Officer to the Executive Branch.  The Technology Officer shall be approved, in Executive Session, by a 2/3 majority of the Student Senate.  The Technology Officer’s term shall run concurrently with that of the current Student Body President.

ii.        The Technology Officer shall be an officially admitted and enrolled student of Indiana University Southeast, and shall have completed two terms (summer sessions included) of academic credit by the end of the semester in which he/she is appointed.  The Technology Officer shall have a cumulative grade point average of 2.00 or above at the time of his/her appointment.

iii.      The Technology Officer shall not hold elected office in the Senate, nor appointed position in the Judiciary.

iv.      Before undertaking the duties of office, the Technology Officer shall take the following oath: I . . . . . . . . . . do solemnly take this oath, that I will faithfully execute the Office of Technology Officer, and will to the best of my abilities serve the students, abiding by the Constitution of the Student Body of Indiana University Southeast, and the Executive Branch with Senate consent.  This oath shall be administered by one of the Student Judiciary members.

v.       The Technology Officer shall be responsible for maintaining the official website of the Indiana University Southeast Student Government Association, including the SGA discussion board, the SGA web page, and SGA Oncourse.

vi.      The Technology officer shall assist in the maintenance of all electronic publications of the SGA, including the posting of such items on the SGA website.  Said publications include the Student Body Constitution, Bylaws, all legislation, minutes, announcements, press releases, surveys, rulings of the Student Court, et cetera.  The Technology Officer shall work closely with all Student Government members to acquire such information.

vii.    The Technology Officer shall assist all Student Government members with any difficulties they may have regarding Student Government technology.

viii.   The Technology Officer shall act as Student Government’s liaison to the university’s Office of Information Technology.

ix.       The Technology Officer shall maintain and recommend upgrades to SGA equipment.

x.        The Technology Officer shall be appointed to and serve on the Technology Fee Committee.

xi.       The Technology Officer shall maintain the SGA online voting system, working along with the IUS web administrator, and shall help to administer the voting system during the elections.

xii.     These duties are not exclusive.

3. Appointments and Confirmation of new Executive Offices

1. The Student Body President shall have the authority to form and appoint new Executive Cabinet Offices for assistance in representing the student body and their concerns.
2. All nominees for Executive Offices must be shall be an officially admitted and enrolled student of Indiana University Southeast, and shall have completed a minimum of two terms (summer sessions included) of academic credit by the end of the semester in which he/she is appointed.
3. All nominees for Executive Offices shall have a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.0 or above at the time of his/her appointment.
4. Terms of all Executive Office shall run concurrently with that of the Student Body President.
5. Executive Officers shall not hold elected office in the Senate, nor appointed position in the Judiciary.
6. All further qualifications and requirements, as well as the oath of office and responsibilities of new Executive Offices, shall be determined by the Executive Branch and drafted by the Policies and Procedures Committee.  The final draft shall be approved by a majority of the Student Senate for inclusion in the Bylaws.
7. All nominees for Executive Offices shall be approved, in Executive Session, by a 2/3 majority of the Student Senate.

SECTION III.         REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

1. Any elected or appointed Student Government Officer who fails to meet the qualifications, requirements, or responsibilities of the office held shall be subject to discipline up to and including impeachment per the Indiana University Southeast Student Body Constitution.

CHAPTER IV
STANDING COMMITTEES
 

SECTION I:           GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS AND EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

1. Selection

A.      The Executive Committee will consist of the President, Chief Justice, Senate Chair and the Senate Pro-Tempore.  The Chair of the Committee will be the Chief Justice.

B.       Each committee will contain the number of Senators as specified by the Executive Committee.

C.       The Executive Committee will select chairmen for the Policies and Procedures and University Affairs Committees. 

D.      At the first meeting of the session, each Senator will be given a committee preference sheet.  This sheet should contain first, second, and third committee choices.

E.       The committee members will be selected by the four committee chairmen by the second meeting of the session.  Before placing Senators on a committee, the chairmen will take into consideration the committee preference sheet.  In selecting committee members, the chairmen should avoid a committee of all new SGA members, or all senior SGA members.

F.       Some projects may be planned or organized by one standing committee, but may include the manpower of all SGA members.

2. Reporting to the Senate

A.      Each committee will report at least once a month at weekly Senate meetings and more often if needed.  The chairman of each committee will be responsible for reports.

3. Duties of each of the four SGA standing committee Chairs.

A.      Each committee Chair will be responsible for keeping accurate records of:

1.        Finished committee projects

2.        On-going committee projects

3.        Annual projects

4.        Semester projects

B.       A file in the SGA filing cabinet should contain a copy of the aforementioned information.

SECTION II:         PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE

1. The Public Relations Committee will responsible for promoting SGA awareness.  This includes:

A.      Campus events.

B.       Being responsible for manning a table at orientation.

C.       All other aspects of promoting SGA.

2. The Press Secretary will automatically be the Chair of the Public Relations Committee.  The Press Secretary will be responsible for the release of information to the IUS Horizon or any other news facility.

3. This list of duties is not exclusive.

SECTION III:        UNIVERSITY AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

1. The University Affairs Committee will be responsible for all academic-related affairs including, but not exclusively, any Professor/Course Evaluations, academic program concerns, and faculty changes.

2. The University Affairs Committee will be responsible for being the resource committee for students who come to the Senate with academic issues.

A.      The University Affairs Committee should have a list of steps that can be taken by students when they have a complaint to register concerning a professor.

B.       The University Affairs Committee should be aware of student and academic conflicts and work toward helping resolve these conflicts.

3. Under the direction and assistance of the Executive branch, the University Affairs committee will coordinate programs with other Student Governments of other universities.

4. The University Affairs Committee will be responsible for issues brought to the SGA’s attention. The process shall be as follows:

A.      The Student Judiciary will hold open Court at least once each month during the academic year to collect and hear student complaints and concerns. The Student Court will also monitor and collect suggestions from the SGA suggestion box. The complaints and concerns will be screened by the Student Court, with the most legitimate issues being forwarded to the University Affairs Committee for review.

B.       After further consideration, the University Affairs Committee will bring the issue, a recommendation for action, and the role the SGA will play, to the Senate by means of a motion.  

5. This list of duties is not exclusive.                          

SECTION IV:        POLICIES AND PROCEDURES COMMITTEE

1.        The Policies and Procedures Committee will be responsible for job descriptions.  This will include updating and revising job descriptions as needed.                          

2.        The Policies and Procedures Committee will be responsible for revising disciplinary guidelines as needed.

A.      This includes reviewing all SGA rules and regulations and updating those as needed as per the Constitution.

B.       The Policies and Procedures Committee will recommend disciplinary action for violation of Senate rules or regulations, subject to Senate approval.

3.        The Policies and Procedures Committee will be responsible for reviewing the Constitution and recommending amendments or changes to the Constitution where needed.

4.        All legislation and resolutions must be submitted to the Policy and Procedures Committee before being presented to the Senate.  The Chair of the committee will assign numbering to new legislation.

5.        Policies and Procedures will be responsible for making legislation available for public review at least seven days prior to the next Senate meeting.

6.        The Policy and Procedure Chair shall be responsible for recording amendments to the By-Laws.

7.        This list of duties is not exclusive.

CHAPTER V
LEGISLATION
 

SECTION I:           NOTICE OF LEGISLATION

1. All legislation must be distributed to members of the Senate and campus media and posted for public review at least seven days prior to the next Senate meeting before any action shall be taken.

2. In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the Senate, by 2/3 vote of Senators present; can grant emergency status to the legislation, thereby allowing the Senate to take immediate action on such legislation.

SECTION II:         PROCESS

1. New legislation must be first submitted to the Policies and Procedures Committee for approval, and the Policies and Procedures Committee Chair will assign numbering to the legislation.

2. Any Senator may present legislation to the Senate.  This should take place under the agenda topic of “New Business.” Presentation shall consist of presenting a copy to each Senate member. Legislation may be read aloud, but is not required.

3. Thereafter, said legislation shall be voted on under the agenda topic of “Old Business.”

4. All legislation shall be passed by a majority vote of the Senate unless further stipulated in the Constitution, the By-Laws, or by special motion of the Senate.

SECTION III:        STYLE OF LAW

1. The style for all legislative acts shall be as follows: “Be it enacted by the Student Senate of Indiana University Southeast. . .”

2. The style for all formal resolutions shall be presented in “Whereas” or “Be it resolved” and concluded with “Therefore”

CHAPTER VI
SPECIAL COMMITTEES, COMMISSIONS, AND COUNCILS
 

SECTION I:           NOMINATING COMMITTEE

1. Structure:

A.      The SGA Nominating Committee will interview all applicants for open Senate Positions.

B.       The structure of the four-member Nominating Committee will be as such: The Student Senate Chairman (who will chair the committee), one Executive officer, one Judicial member, and one other Senator other than the Senate Pro-Tempore.  The Executive officer, Judicial member, and second Senator will be appointed by the President and approved by simple majority of the Senate.

C.       At least three of the four members of the Nominating Committee must attend each interview.

D.      The Executive member of the Nominating Committee will chair the Nominating Committee in the absence of the Senate Chairman.

E.       A member of the Nominating Committee must be present at the interview in order to vote to present a candidate to the Senate for confirmation.

2. Process:

A.      A candidate shall be presented to the Senate for confirmation only if the majority of the Nominating Committee votes to present the nominee to the Senate.

B.       In the case of a split vote, the candidate will be presented to the Senate for confirmation.

C.       If a candidate is to be presented to the Senate for confirmation, he/she shall be notified of the date of the SGA meeting at which the Senate confirmation will take place.  In order to be considered for confirmation, the candidate must attend the aforementioned meeting.  The candidate will have a chance to present himself to the Senate at this meeting.  If a candidate does not show up for confirmation, he/she will still be eligible to apply for future Senate and Associate Justice positions without being subject to the interview process.

D.      The Senate will vote on each candidate by voting “Yes” to accept the candidate or “No” to not accept the candidate.  In order for a candidate to be accepted, the majority of the Senate present must vote “Yes”.

SECTION II:         ELECTION COMMISSION

1.        The Election Commission may request from the Student Senate adequate funds for conducting the Student Government Elections.

2.        The Chair of the Election Commission shall report to the Student Senate on the activities of the Commission.

3.        Campaign Rules:

A.      No candidate shall campaign within twenty feet of the polling area

B.       Candidates may receive funds from organizations and private donations as long as those funds do not exceed the amount of fifty ($50) dollars.

C.       All candidates shall follow proper university procedures for the posting of signs, banners, or other campaign material.

D.      Endorsements of a candidate from a student organization shall be official only by written declaration from that organization.  No candidate shall claim endorsement without written proof.  An organization may withdraw an endorsement at any time during the election, also by written declaration.

E.       No candidate shall be allowed to use student government supplies for campaign purposes.

4.        Dates of the election shall be posted in a timely manner.

SECTION III:        PRESIDENT’S STUDENT INVOLVEMENT BOARD

1.        Structure:

A.      Membership:            

a.        The Student Involvement Board shall be composed of one representative from each student organization with an office in the Student Involvement Center.  Attendance is mandatory for these groups, although the meetings are open to any University recognized student group. The selection method of the representatives shall be at the discretion of each student organization, or by designation of the Board.

b.       Representative shall serve on the Board for a period of one academic year, and shall not be limited to the number of terms they may serve.

B.       The President of the Student Body shall serve as the Board’s presiding officer. In his or her absence, his or her delegate shall serve as the presiding officer. Any subsequent offices shall be added at the Board’s discretion.

C.       The chief duty of the Board shall be, but not restricted to, ensuring clear communication between the student organizations, promoting student involvement on campus, and assisting the Student Body President and the Associate Director of Campus Life in overseeing the general management of the Student Involvement Center.

D.      The Board may recommend action and/or policy to the Student Senate.  The Student Senate shall retain the right to address policy issues to the Board, or review its recommendation before further action.

E.       All organizations shall retain their individual autonomy and shall only be required to attend three of the four Board meetings per academic semester.

F.       The Board shall meet no less than four times per semester during the academic year. Further meetings may be called by the Student Body President, or by a majority of the student organizations.

G.       The Board shall record and make available for review, the proceedings of its meetings. Said record shall be kept on file in the Student Government Office.

H.      The Board shall retain the right to formulate further rules of order.

2.        Funding:

A.      The Board may request special funding for projects, et cetera, from the Student Senate.

B.       Upon a majority vote of the Board, the Board may serve as a sponsor, or co-sponsor for programs and activities.

C.       The university shall retain the right to grant the Board financial resources gathered from activities related to Student Involvement and the Student Involvement Center.

3.        Grievances concerning the Board shall be directed to the Student Judiciary, as shall the interpretation of any and all of the Council’s governing rules.

CHAPTER VII
STUDENT GOVERNMENT BUDGETARY COMMITTEE
 

SECTION I:           STRUCTURE

1.        The Student Government Budgetary Committee will recommend a budget for the Student Government of Indiana University Southeast.

2.        The structure of the five-member Budgetary Committee will be as such: the Student Senate Treasurer (who will chair of the committee), the Student Body Vice President, the Senate Chair, the Chief Justice, and one other Senator will be selected by the committee chair.

3.        At least three of the five members of the Budgetary Committee must be present to vote on particular budgetary proposals.

4.        The Senate Chair will chair the Budgetary Committee in the absence of the Senate Treasurer.

5.        A member of the Budgetary Committee must be present in order to vote to send a budgetary proposal before the Senate. No absentee votes will be counted.

SECTION II:         PROCESS

1.        The Budgetary Committee will begin their meetings at the beginning of the each Session and continue to meet until the budgetary proposal is completed and accepted by the Student Senate.

2.        The Student Body President will submit a budgetary proposal to the Budgetary Committee one week before the first meeting.

3.        A budgetary proposal will be presented to the Student Senate for confirmation only if 2/3 majority of the Budgetary Committee votes to present the budgetary proposal to the Senate.

4.        The Senate will vote on the budgetary proposal by voting “Yes” to accept the proposal or “No” to deny the proposal. In order for a proposal to be accepted, a 2/3 majority of the Senate present must vote “Yes.”

5.        After the Student Senate has passed the budgetary proposal, the Student Body President, the Senate Chair, and one other member of the Budgetary Committee will present the Budget to the Director of Campus Activities.

6.        After the Director of Campus Activities approves the budgetary recommendation, the Student Government Budget will be presented to the administration by the Student Body President and the Student Senate Treasurer (Budgetary Committee Chairperson).

CHAPTER VIII
CREDIT CARD ROYALTIES
 

SECTION I:           ACCOUNTS INTO WHICH FUNDS SHOULD BE DEPOSITED

1.             The first fund to be established is the Savings Fund which will consist of 35% of the IU credit card royalties.

2.             The second fund established from the credit card royalties is the General Fund which will consist of 45% of the IU credit card royalties.

3.             The third fund to be established is the Assistance Fund which will consist of 20% of the IU credit card royalties.

            4.             These accounts do not become active until passage of a guideline policy.

SECTION II:         GUIDELINES FOR DISPERSING FUNDS FROM EACH ACCOUNT

                1. The Savings Fund

A.      The purpose of the Savings Fund is established in recognition of the possibility that income from the credit card royalties may not continue at an even level or may cease altogether. These funds may not be withdrawn except under the following conditions:

                                     i.      The withdrawal would be made to meet a vital student need;

ii.      The size of the balance in the Savings Fund would warrant any withdrawal.

B.       Two thirds (2/3) of the SGA Senate members present and voting must approve before any funds can be withdrawn from the Savings Fund.

C.       If income from the credit card royalties ceases altogether, money in the Savings Fund will be reallocated to the General Fund and be used only by the SGA.

                2. The General Fund

A.      The purpose of the General Fund is to support projects and programs that benefit the student body or community, including funding of the Student Government Association Scholarship.

                                B.       Only SGA may allocate money from the General Fund.

C.       The money must be used for legal purposes and must not violate any university policies.

D.      Money is to be withdrawn from the General Fund by normal legislative procedure and by a majority vote.

                3. The Assistance Fund

A.      The purpose of the money allocated to the Assistance Fund is to assist student organizations that are not funded by the University with specific programs or events.

B.       The organization must be an active organization at Indiana University Southeast and must meet all the requirements of organizations as established by the Office of Campus Life.

C.       An organization must submit a detailed proposal and an itemized list of how the money will be spent before the SGA Senate, including an oral presentation that informs the SGA Senate of how the money will be spent, how it is helping the organization, the student body and/ or community during which the Senate reserves the right to question the organization’s representative on any matter pertaining to proposal in question.

D.      Items listed as miscellaneous expenses, extras, etc, are not permitted.  Any items classified as such will not be considered and the amount(s) will be deducted from the total amount requested.  An organization cannot request more than is itemized.

E.       All proposals for money in the assistance fund are to be submitted to the SGA Treasurer, who is responsible for scheduling the oral presentation to the SGA Senate.

F.       The money must be used for legal purposes and must not violate any university policy.

G.       This proposal must have the signature of the organization’s faculty advisor and at least one officer.

H.      The organization must show beyond doubt that this money will benefit the Student Body or the community through a specific program or event. The program or event must be open to all students of Indiana University Southeast and the community.  Each proposal will be judged for merit by the SGA Senate on a case-by-case basis.

I.         Any organization that receives money from the Assistance Fund must acknowledge SGA as a co-sponsor of the event or project and in any promotion thereof.

J.        An organization is entitled to come before the Senate no more than two times per academic semester and may not request more than $300.00 per academic year.

K.      It is the responsibility of the Treasurer to notify the organization of the acceptance or rejection of the proposal and if approved to send the proposal to the Director of Campus Life, who is the account manager.

L.       If an organization’s proposal fails, they are entitled to one more opportunity to resubmit that proposal after two weeks have elapsed.

M.     Organizations that are to be reimbursed must supply receipts amounting to the total of the amount requested.  Organizations requesting reimbursement shall still be held to all other requirements.

N.     Organizations that do not meet all of these criteria will not be eligible for use of the Assistance Fund.

O.      Should the organization be found to abuse said funds, it will be ineligible for funding from the Assistance Fund for a period of one year.

CHAPTER IX
ADVISORS
 

SECTION I:           GENERAL DESCRIPTION & DUTIES

1.        The Advisors to Student Government Association shall:

                                                               i.      Provide continuity to the SGA’s policies, programs, and traditions.

                                                              ii.      Aid in the development of leadership skills of SGA members.

                                                            iii.      Encourage students to maintain a balance between academic and co-curricular activities.

                                                            iv.      Provide guidance and intervene during unusual circumstances.

                                                             v.      Advise the SGA through constructive criticism, positive reinforcement, and suggestions.

                                                            vi.      Attend the meetings of the Student Senate, and of other such events which are sponsored by the SGA.

                                                          vii.      Encourage each individual to participate in his or her respective branch of the SGA.

2.        There shall be no limit to the number of advisors to Student Government Association.  However, at no time shall the number of SGA advisors be less than three.

3.        An Advisor’s term shall be two (2) years, beginning after spring elections.   An outgoing advisor who wishes to serve another term may have his/her term renewed upon a two thirds majority vote by the Student Senate.

SECTION II:         SELECTION

1.        The selection of Advisors to Student Government Association shall be by an Advisor Selection Committee composed of three (3) students, two (2) faculty, and two (2) administration members.

2.        The Advisor Search Committee shall be formed:

A.      Whenever the number of advisors falls short of three (3).

B.       Upon majority vote of the Student Senate.

3.        The committee shall be constituted by a joint act of the Student Body President and the Chancellor to select any new advisor(s). 

4.        Students to the Advisor Selection Committee shall be selected by each branch of SGA.  For members to be eligible, they must have at least one year membership in SGA. In such a case where there is no member with one year’s membership in a particular branch, then all members of that branch will be eligible.  The President shall appoint a member of the Executive branch, the Senate chair shall appoint a member of the Senate, and the Chief Justice shall appoint a member of the Judicial branch to the committee.

5.        Faculty and Administration members of said committee shall be selected by the Chancellor.

6.        In the case where the Campus Life Office directly states in ones of its personnel job descriptions that whomever holds that particular Campus Life Position will be an advisor to the Student Government Association, then that person will not need to go through the Advisor Selection Committee, they will automatically be an official advisor to the Student Government Association.

SECTION III: REMOVAL OF ADVISORS

1.        Any SGA Advisor who fails to meet his/her obligations to the SGA, or who loses the confidence of the SGA, shall be subject to removal as per the Constitution.

CHAPTER X
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
 

SECTION I:           GENERAL STRUCTURE

1.        The Student Government Association shall offer a minimum of one scholarship to be selected by the Student Judiciary.

2.        Once the Student Judiciary has selected the scholarship recipient(s), they will report that information to the Student Body President and Senate Treasurer to handle the financial transaction and any other required procedures. The Student Judiciary will also inform the Student Senate of its decision.  Funding of the scholarships shall be through General Fund of the Credit Card Royalty Account.

                        3.        The recipient(s) will have the following options for payment:

A.      Option One: The recipient will be paid $500.00 in the fall semester and $500.00 in the spring semester.

B.       Option Two: The recipient will be paid $400.00 in the fall semester, $400.00 in the spring semester, and $200.00 in the summer.

SECTION II:         SCORING SYSTEM AND QUALIFICATIONS

1. In order to be eligible for the SGA Scholarship, students must have a 2.7 Grade Point Average or higher.

2. In order to be eligible for the SGA scholarship, a student must take at least nine credit hours per semester, except during the summer sessions.  For a recipient to receive funds during the summer session, the student must be enrolled for three credit hours.

3. A point system will be used to determine the winner of the scholarship(s).  Points will only be awarded for accomplishments during the applicant’s time at Indiana University Southeast.  All off-campus accomplishments listed should be accompanied by proper documentation and/or references.

            A.      Points will be awarded for Grade Point Average in the amount of the student’s rage.

B.       One point will be awarded for each year of membership in a campus, student, or community organization.

C.       A tiered point system will be used to award points for leadership roles in both community and campus organizations.             The tiered system will be as follows: four points for President, three points for Vice President, and two points for all other leadership

positions.

                                    D.      Two points shall be awarded for honor societies.

E.       One point will be awarded to a student for each semester he or she is listed on the Chancellor’s List.

F.       One half of a point (½) will be awarded to a student for each semester he or she is listed on the Dean’s List.

                                   G.       All other awards and honors will be awarded one point.

4.             The scholarship(s) will be awarded based on the highest number of points received by an applicant. Ties in points will be broken by the Student Judiciary through reviewing the overall strength of the person. If necessary, the Student Judiciary may request interviews with tied applicants. 

CHAPTER XI
SENATE OFFICE RULES AND REGULATIONS
 

SECTION I:          PURPOSE AND PRESENTATION OF THE SGA SENATE OFFICE

1.     The primary purpose of the SGA Senate office is to serve as a place for the SGA to conduct official SGA and student business.  Any other activity taking place in the Senate Office should not prevent nor interfere with such business.

2.     As the SGA Senate Office is a reflection of SGA, it should always be presentable.  All senators will be responsible for ensuring that is office is always clean, trash is taken out, and unnecessary clutter is removed.  Cleaning assignments, when necessary, shall fall under the purview of the Policies and Procedures Committee.

SECTION II:         SENATE OFFICE ACCESS AND GENERAL SECURITY

1.     Only SGA members, including probationary Senators, may be allowed in the Senate office unescorted.  Any non-members must be accompanied by an SGA member at all times.

2.     All sworn senators will have keys to the Senate Office.  In addition, the Student Body President, Student Body Vice President, Executive Assistant, Technology Officer, and Chief Justice will have keys to the Senate Office.  Probationary senators and other SGA members will have to sign a key out from the Information Desk in the University Center (Room 101).  All members present in the office shall be responsible for the security of the office at that time.

3.     The SGA Senate office will be kept locked at all times when it is not being used. Upon entering the office, the door should be should re-locked.  When Senators are serving office hours between 8:00 am and 9:00 pm, the door should be kept open if possible, in order to facilitate a welcoming environment for students. When serving office hours on weekends, holidays, or from 9:00 pm to 8:00 am, the door may remain closed.

4.     The SGA Senate office shall be equipped with a log to track all who enter and exit the SGA Senate Office.  This will be contained in a binder.

A.    All SGA members entering or exiting the Senate Office will be required to sign their name and fill out the log.  The log will incorporate their name, title, and time and date of their visit, along with total tally of hours spent in office.

B.    During the time that they are logged in, all SGA members are to be held accountable for the Senate Office.  They may choose to remain logged in while in the immediate vicinity of the office, including the Student Organization area, restrooms, food service, and bookstore, as long as their time away does not exceed fifteen minutes.  However, they will still be held accountable during this time.

C.    The SGA Senate office, when vacant, shall always remain locked.

SECTION III:        SGA SENATE OFFICE COMPUTERS

1.    Should an SGA member notice any malfunctions with any computer related facilities in the SGA Senate office, the Senator will be required to present their computer related issue directly to the SGA Technology Officer in a written document upon the first notice of the malfunction.  In the event that there is no Technology Officer, the Help Desk should be contacted.

2.    To deter physical damage to SGA Senate Office computers, there will be physical deterrents in place on all said computers.  These deterrents will be in the form of locks that will not allow any unnecessary user to gain entrance into the inner-working of any of the SGA Senate Office Computers. 

SECTION IV:        ACCOUNTABILITY

1.     All SGA members shall be responsible for ensuring that these guidelines are followed.   If any individual notices a problem with office security, they should follow the disciplinary guidelines as outlined in the Constitution for dealing with the responsible party.  Also, if the Executive Committee sees any problems with the management of the office, they may follow these disciplinary procedures, or delegate tasks to individual senators as needed.

CHAPTER XII
CAMPUS LIFE PROCUREMENT CARD
 

SECTION I: TERMS OF USE

1.     Only the following members of the Indiana University Southeast Student Government Association shall have access to the procurement card: the Student Body President, Executive Assistant, Senate Chair, and Senate Pro-Tempore.

2.     The author of a bill requiring SGA funds should supply all necessary information, such as price, vendor, phone number, model number, et cetera, to the aforementioned officers.