Constitution
ST. AMBROSE UNIVERSITY
STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION
CONSTITUTION
Preamble
We, the undergraduate students of St. Ambrose University, by understanding our right to govern ourselves, hereby assemble to represent the undergraduate student body of this institution. With full knowledge of this premise, we set out to assist in the formulation of university policy and to express the opinions and recommendations of the undergraduate St. Ambrose community. Furthermore, the St. Ambrose University Student Government Association strives to support the various campus clubs and organizations in order to create a more participatory community. As a means to achieve these goals we hereby ordain this constitution, by which we will abide, and establish the St. Ambrose University Student Government Association.
Article I
Name and Purpose
Section 1
Name
The name of this organization shall be the St. Ambrose University Student Government Association (SGA).
Section 2
Purpose of the Senate
The purpose of the SGA shall be:
1. To be the representative organization with the purpose of expressing the opinions, concerns, and recommendations of the undergraduate student body.
2. To assist in the formulation of university policy.
3. To support the various campus clubs and organizations recognized by the SGA.
The SGA shall be responsible for investigating and reporting on all matters of student concern and shall be the representative and negotiating body for all areas of student interest.
Mission Statement
The mission of the St. Ambrose University Student Government Association is to advocate for students and to advise the university administration of pertinent concerns. The elected senate shall strive to utilize their power to better serve the undergraduate student body and enrich the Ambrosian experience.
Article II
Membership and Position Descriptions
Section 1
Membership
The officers of this organization shall be President, Vice President, Secretary, and Treasurer. The voting members of this organization shall consist of senators of the three colleges, and representatives of each class.
Section 2
Requirements for Membership
All members of the student body shall qualify to be members, and chairpersons, of all student boards or committees. The President and/or a Senator shall nominate chairpersons.
1. Executive Board
In order to be eligible to hold an office a student must be enrolled in at least twelve (12) credit hours per semester throughout his/her term of office, unless he/she is a graduating senior. All officers must maintain a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average while in office. If an executive board member does not maintain the 2.5 cumulative grade point average, he/she may appeal to the SGA Advisor.
2. Legislative Body
A. In order to be eligible to hold a senate seat, a traditional student must be enrolled in at least twelve (12) credit hours per semester throughout the term of office, unless he/she is a graduating senior.
B. Non-traditional students must carry no less than six (6) credit hours in each semester during his/her term.
C. Those who fail to meet election requirements or any issues occurring within the election process shall appeal to the Elections Committee.
Section 3
Academic Standards
All senators must maintain a minimum 2.25 cumulative grade point average while in office. If a senator does not maintain the 2.25 cumulative grade point average, he/she may appeal to the SGA Advisor.
Section 4
Position Descriptions
1. Executive Board
A. President
1. The President shall receive compensation in the amount of $6,820 from Financial Aid The money is to be applied to tuition, room, board, or book costs, and is subject to financial aid guidelines.
2. The President shall be the chief executive officer of the Student Government Association. He or she shall also, under invitation from the President of the University, serve as a non-voting member of the St. Ambrose University Board of Trustees.
3. The President shall complete a budget along with the Treasurer, the Finance Committee, and with the consultation of the advisor. The budget must then be presented to the Senate for simple majority approval at the first meeting of the new academic year.
4. The President shall submit a list of all committee chairs to the Senate for majority approval. The committee chair, in conjunction with the President, shall submit all committee appointments to the Senate for simple majority approval.
5. The President may remove at his/her discretion any appointment with the simple majority vote of the Senate.
6. The President shall be an ex-officio member of all committees and boards of the SGA.
7. The President shall be chief administrator of all legislation enacted by the Senate.
8. The President shall have a veto power as follows:
a. All Senate legislation shall be presented to him/her in writing.
b. The President shall approve or veto legislation by signature within seven (7) days of its enactment by the Senate.
c. All legislation not approved or disapproved by signature within seven (7) days of its enactment shall be considered approved. He/ She shall have the power to sign SGA checks in the absence of the Treasurer.
9. The President shall sign all SGA checks in addition to the treasurer.
10. The President shall keep ten (10) regular, posted office hours in the SGA office. These hours shall be set in a timely manner (between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.).
B. Vice President
1. The Vice President shall receive compensation in the amount $4,500 from Financial Aid for up to eighteen (18) credit hours. The money is to be applied to tuition, room, board, or book costs, and is subject to financial aid guidelines.
2. The Vice President shall assume the duties of the President in his/her absence or by his/her request.
3. The Vice President shall be the official chairperson of all SGA meetings. In the case that the Vice President is not present, the President Pro Tem shall control the chair.
4. The Vice President shall appoint the chairpersons of all ad hoc committees with a simple majority approval.
5. The Vice President shall develop an accurate and working knowledge of all parliamentary procedures used by the SGA.
6. The Vice President shall keep ten (10) regular posted office hours in the SGA office. Hours will be set in a timely manner (between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.).
C. Secretary
1. The Secretary shall receive compensation in the amount of $1,280 from Financial Aid for up to eighteen (18) credit hours. The money is to be applied to tuition, room, board, or book costs, and is subject to financial aid guidelines.
2. The Secretary shall be responsible for the clerical duties of the SGA.
3. The Secretary shall record and distribute an official record of each meeting of the Senate.
4. The Secretary shall distribute and post an agenda for each Senate meeting.
5. The Secretary shall distribute the electronic weekly minutes to the technical coordinator to post on the SGA website.
6. The Secretary shall carry out all correspondence of and for the SGA.
7. The Secretary shall be in charge of all SGA paper and electronic files.
8. The Secretary shall provide information to committee chairpersons concerning the handling of past functions.
9. The Secretary shall be responsible for informing senators if they are subject to recall by sending a letter of that effect to such senators.
10. The Secretary shall keep five (5) regular posted office hours in the SGA office. Hours will be set in a timely manner (between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.).
Treasurer
1. The Treasurer shall receive compensation in the amount of $1,280 from Financial Aid for up to eighteen (18) credit hours. The money is to be applied to tuition, room, board, or book costs, and is subject to financial aid guidelines.
2. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the collection, safekeeping, and expenditures of SGA funds.
3. The Treasurer shall sign checks of the SGA in addition to the President.
4. The Treasurer shall submit an overview of the budget of all SGA transactions to the Senate at least once monthly.
5. The Treasurer shall submit a full financial report to the Senate no less than twice a semester.
6. The Treasurer shall submit a complete financial report to the General Accounting Office for audit each semester.
7. The Treasurer shall serve on, but not necessarily chair, the Clubs and Organizations/Finance Committee.
8. The Treasurer shall keep five (5) regular posted office hours in the SGA office. Hours will be set in a timely manner (between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.).
9. The Treasurer shall be responsible for the purchase of discount movie tickets.
E. President Pro Tem
1. The President Pro Tem shall develop an accurate and working knowledge of all parliamentary procedures used by the SGA. Have a presentation in order for senate to fully understand parliamentary procedure.
2. The President Pro Tem shall regularly update Senate and new senators on the working knowledge of existing Senate policies and procedures regarding committees, parliamentary procedure, and other items as deemed necessary.
3. The President Pro Tem shall chair all SGA meetings in the absence of the Vice President. If both the Vice President and President Pro Tem are absent, the duties of the chair will fall upon the President, followed by the Senate member elected with a simple majority by the senators present.
4. The President Pro Tem shall chair the Internal Affairs Committee.
F. Advisor
1. The SGA Advisor shall be the Dean of Students or a designate of the Dean of Students. Senate must approve any designee by a vote of 2/3.
2. The Advisor shall report at each meeting, as necessary.
3. The Advisor shall serve as a resource for general information and guidance during the meetings.
4. The Advisor shall communicate the activities and progress of the SGA to interested members of the administration.
5. The Advisor shall check cumulative grade point averages of all officers and senators at the end of each semester in order to make certain they are maintaining the academic standards required by the constitution.
2. Legislative Body
1. The legislative powers of the SGA shall reside within the Senate.
2. The Legislative Body shall have the power to create Senate Committees.
3. The Legislative Body shall have the power to appropriate all money of the SGA.
4. The Legislative Body shall have the power to recognize all student organizations whose merits have been investigated and approved.
5. The Legislative Body shall have the power to approve its own President Pro Tem at the beginning of the term.
6. The Legislative Body shall have the power to override a presidential veto by a two-thirds (2/3) majority of the Senate.
7. The Legislative Body shall have the power to approve the appointments of the positions of Secretary and Treasurer by a simple majority vote.
8. The Legislative Body shall have the power to approve any appointments made by the President to permanent committees as the need arises or at the recommendation of the President. Such appointments shall be approved with a simple majority vote of those of the Senate present.
9. Each Senator shall hold one (1) regular posted office hour a week. Hours will be set in a timely manner (between the hours of 7 a.m. and 10 p.m.).
10. Each College and class shall be required to draft a letter, and each Senator will be required to sign such a letter in order that it be presented to the constituents of their college or class within two (2) weeks following fall elections.
11. Each Senator will be required to meet the requirements of the attendance policy, listed in Article VI, Section 2.
12. Each Senator will be required to attend and participate in at least one (1) service project organized by SGA, between the dates of April 1 and December 31, and between the dates of January 1 and March 31.
13. Each Senator will be required to be actively involved in at least one (1) project of SGA, between the dates of April 1 and December 31, and between the dates of January 1 and March 31. Each Senator’s involvement must be deemed acceptable and sufficient by the committee chairs.
A. College Senators
The College Senators shall be twelve (12) senators from the university’s three academic colleges. Each candidate must have declared a major within the division of the office sought, and shall be elected by a majority of the votes cast by students with declared majors in that college. Direct, regular communication with the Deans from each college is asked of the College Senators in order to keep up to date on any changes within the college. There will be up to:
1. Four (4) senators from the College of Arts and Sciences.
2. Four (4) senators from the College of Business.
3. Four (4) senators from the College of Education and Health Sciences.
B. Class Representatives
The President, Vice President, and Senator of each class will be in charge of having direct and indirect communication with their respective class. Written or electronic communication is required to be presented at the beginning of each semester, followed by the responsibility of seeking class concerns and issues during their term.
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Three (3) – A President, Vice President, and one senator from the Freshman Class.
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Three (3) – A President, Vice President, and one senator from the Sophomore Class.
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Three (3) – A President, Vice President, and one senator from the Junior Class.
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Three (3) – A President, Vice President, and one senator from the Senior Class.
3. Standing Committees
A. Internal Affairs Committee
a. This committee shall be under the direction of the President Pro Tem.
b. This committee shall review the constitution and bylaws and submit all recommendations to the Senate for approval.
c. This committee shall coordinate all internal matters of the SGA.
d. Chairperson shall be responsible for collecting and updating project write-ups from committee members for the Project Binder for the projects of the Internal Affairs Committee.
B. Public Relations Committee
a. This committee shall be involved with the communications aspect of the SGA and work to inform students of the discussion topics and results of SGA meetings.
b. This committee shall coordinate initiatives to reach the undergraduate student body.
c. This committee shall assist in the coordination of the Cultural Diversity Festival along with CAB and MACA.
d. Chairperson shall be responsible for collecting and updating project write-ups from committee members for the Project Binder for the projects of the Public Relations Committee
e. This committee shall delegate specific positions and duties.
i. Technical Coordinator.
1. The Technical Coordinator shall maintain the SGA webpage with pertinent information including: news and events, minutes, SGA member information, class and college letters, student discounts, forms, committees, constitution, SGA budget, and archives.
2. The Technical Coordinator shall maintain an open dialogue with the Information Technology Department, the Department of Communications and Marketing, and other departments in the technological field.
ii. Deputy Secretary.
1. The Deputy Secretary shall be responsible for producing a publication to inform the SAU community of the progress of SGA one time per semester at the end of each semester.
2. The Deputy Secretary shall assist the secretary in any way necessary, including taking the responsibility for the duties of the Secretary in his/her absence.
C. Student Concerns Committee
a. This Committee shall investigate and address concerns that closely affect the student body.
b. This Committee shall organize “open mic nights” when necessary.
c. This Committee shall be in regular contact with the Department of Residence Life to address concerns of residential students.
d. Chairperson shall be responsible for collecting and updating project write-ups from committee members for the Project Binder for the projects of the Student Concerns Committee.
e. This Committee shall delegate specific positions and duties.
i. Off Campus Liaison.
1. The Off Campus Liaison shall communicate with off campus students to better address their concerns.
2. The Off Campus Liaison shall help to foster a better relationship between on campus and off campus students.
3. The Off Campus Liaison shall be filled by an off campus undergraduate student if applicable. If not applicable, the position may be filled by an on-campus student.
ii. Facilities Coordinator.
1. The Facilities Coordinator shall address campus maintenance and facilities improvement issues, with the exception of Athletic facilities and recreation facilities.
2. The Facilities Coordinator shall keep in regular communication with the Physical Plant.
iii. Recreational Facilities and Campus Recreation Liaison
1. The Campus Recreation Liaison shall address campus concerns and improvements in the areas of Campus Recreation, athletic facilities, and other recreational facilities.
D. Community Committee
a. This committee shall work with SAU and surrounding communities to foster an improved sense of community and spirit.
b. This committee shall participate in three community service projects each semester to benefit and include the surrounding community.
c. This committee shall promote diversity and assist in the coordination of diversity projects.
d. This committee shall have the responsibility of coordinating Bee the Difference Day during the fall semester
e. This committee shall coordinate one additional service project during the spring semester.
f. Chairperson shall be responsible for collecting and updating project write-ups from committee members for the Project Binder for the projects of the Community Committee.
g. This committee shall delegate specific positions and duties.
i. Campus Ministry Liaison
1. Appointment
a. The President of SGA and the University Chaplain shall nominate the Campus Ministry Liaison and have him/her approved by a simple majority vote by the governing Senate.
2. Duties
a. The Campus Ministry Liaison shall promote spirituality in the SAU community through all faiths and denominations, by reaching out to the various student ministries while remembering the St. Ambrose Catholic heritage.
b. The Campus Ministry Liaison shall be responsible for Wednesday night Fun and Fellowship.
E. Clubs and Organizations/Finance Committee
a. Review money requests.
b. Meet with the Treasurer monthly to help oversee the budget.
c. Address other financial concerns of SGA.
d. Uphold SGA financial archive of money request items (keep records updated monthly and during transition of senate terms) in conjunction with the Treasurer.
e. Be a liaison for all of the university’s recognized clubs and organizations.
f. Meet with clubs and organizations prior to money requests to discuss criteria for approval.
g. Be responsible for contacting clubs and organizations to report back to Senate after receiving monetary assistance.
h. Chairperson shall be responsible for collecting and updating project write-ups from committee members for the Project Binder for the projects of the Clubs and Organizations/Finance Committee. Be responsible for contacting clubs to send in recommendations for club of the year
i. The club of the year shall receive a $200 award at the end of March.
ii. Designate and carry out specific positions and duties.
i. CAB/SGA Liaison
1. Appointment
a. The presidents of SGA and CAB shall nominate the CAB/SGA Liaison.
b. The CAB/SGA Liaison shall be approved by a simple majority vote by the governing Senate.
2. Duties
a. Attend scheduled CAB and SGA meetings.
b. Report to SGA about upcoming CAB activities and concerns raised by CAB.
c. Report to CAB about student concerns and issues raised at all SGA meetings.
d. Plan the CAB/SGA speakers for the Fall and Spring Semesters.
e. Plan the annual SOMDay events with the help of a committee represented by both CAB and SGA.
F. Elections Committee
a. This committee shall coordinate Fall and Spring Elections, review all candidates’ petition forms, and enforce election guidelines.
b. The Elections Committee Chair position for Fall Elections will be filled by the Internal Affairs Committee Chair (President Pro Tem). The Elections Committee Chair position for Spring Elections will be filled by the Internal Affairs Committee Chair (if position is held by a member of the senior class or a non-returning member of SGA) or shall be appointed by the Chair of the Internal Affairs Committee (in the event that the Internal Affairs Committee Chair is not filled by a member of the senior class or non-returning member of SGA).
c. The Elections Committee shall consist of the Advisor, graduating seniors and/or senators of any class who are not returning to SGA as appointed by the Elections Committee Chair for the spring elections. In the event that there are no non-returning senators to serve, the Elections Committee Chair may appoint leaders of other campus clubs and organizations to serve on the Elections Committee.
G. Specific Position Appointments and Coordination
a. Specific positions under a committee shall be nominated by the SGA President and approved by a simple Senate majority vote.
b. Specific positions may request the aid of other committee members as needed for their particular areas of responsibility
Article III
Election, Removal and Replacement
Section 1
Election of Members
1. All students registered for undergraduate classes are eligible to be members of the SGA and are welcome at all meetings.
2. The voting members shall be elected as college senators, and class representatives.
3. The presidential and legislative elections will take place by April 1. On April 5, the transition of offices will take place at 12:00 p.m. (noon). This will include the transfer of duties to the newly elected cabinet. All books and all accounts will be handed over to the new Treasurer. April 5 will be the date the yearly audit will be performed by the St. Ambrose University General Accounting Office. A copy of the report will be given to Senate.
Section 2
Executive Board Election and Appointment
1. The President shall be elected, along with a running mate, the Vice President, by receiving a simple majority of valid student votes.
2. A committee composed of the President and President-elect; the Vice President and Vice President-elect; the current Secretary and Treasurer; and the current President Pro Tem will select the secretary. The Advisor will serve as an alternate if the committee is of an even number. The current Secretary will not be allowed to vote if he/she is applying for a second term.
3. A committee composed of the President and President-elect; the Vice President and Vice President-elect; the current Secretary and Treasurer; and the current President Pro Tem will select the Treasurer. The Advisor will serve as an alternate if the committee is of an even number. The current Treasurer will not be allowed to vote if he/she is applying for a second term.
4. President Pro-Tem shall be a senator who will then be nominated by the President and elected yearly with a simple majority vote by the governing Senate.
Section 3
Removal from Office
1. Executive Members
Officers who fail to uphold their responsibilities, as listed in Article II, Section 4, Number 1, Part B, are subject to impeachment. In order for an office to be impeached the following must occur; 1) must have completed an act outside of their realm of their position, 2) by failing to meet the requirements of their position, or 3) must have broken another rule put forth by the Senate. In order to impeach an officer, it requires a two-thirds (2/3) vote from Senate.
2. Legislative Body
The executive board shall review those not meeting the requirements, as listed in Article II, Section 4, Number 2, of their office. The appropriate action of a said senator will be left to the discretion of the executive board. Resignation shall be made official when a letter to that effect is submitted to the presiding office of the senate.
Section 4
Replacement
1. President/Vice-President
a. In the case that a vacancy occurs in the office of SGA President, the Vice President shall assume the office of President.
b. In the case that a vacancy occurs in the office of SGA Vice President, the President Pro-Tem shall assume the office of Vice President.
2. Secretary/Treasurer/President Pro-Tem
a. In the case that a vacancy occurs in the office of Secretary, a replacement will be chosen according to the rules stated in Article III, Section 2, Number 2.
b. In the case that a vacancy occurs in the office of Treasurer, a replacement will be chosen according to the rules stated in Article III, Section 2, Number 3.
c. In the case that a vacancy occurs in the office of President Pro-Tem, a replacement will be chosen according to the rules stated in Article III, Section 2, Number 4.
3. Legislators
a. Senate seats and/or class officer seats which fail to be filled at the time of the annual Spring Elections will then be left vacant until eligible students can be elected in the Fall Elections. After the Fall Elections, any open seat or any seat declared vacant during the year, shall be voted on by the Senate.
b. Vacancies that occur in the position of class president will be filled by the current Vice President of that class. Vacancies that occur in the position of class vice president will be filled by the current senator of that class.
c. Those seeking an open position must fill out a standard petition form and must address the Senate upon completion of said form. (See Bylaws, Section C). No petition will be accepted after March 1st.
d. A simple majority vote is required for appointment.
e. Student petitions for an open seat must be received and validated by the Friday prior to the respective week’s meeting in order to present themselves at that meeting.
f. In the case that there is more than one person running for a particular seat, at any chosen meeting, the candidates must present themselves to the Senate and the Senate will take a closed ballot vote. The candidate receiving the majority of the votes shall fill the position.
Article IV
Meetings
1. Regular Meetings
a. All meetings of the Student Senate are open to the public.
b. No meeting of the Senate shall be held without the presence of quorum. A quorum shall consist of one-half (1/2) plus one (1) of the elected members of the Legislature.
c. Meetings shall be held weekly at a standard time and place throughout the school year unless the Senate is notified otherwise.
d. All business of the Senate is to be conducted according to Robert’s Rules of Order, newly revised, except when in conflict with the constitution or its bylaws.
e. A set schedule of all the regular meetings shall be presented by the executive board at the beginning of every term and approved with a simple majority vote by Senate. Meetings are subject to change throughout the term as determined by the executive board and approved by a simple majority vote by Senate.
2. Special Meetings
a. Special meetings may be called at any time by the Vice President or by five (5) members of the Senate. An attempt to contact all members of the Senate must be made to validate the meeting.
b. Special meetings shall be confined to the business for which they were called.
Article V
Voting
Each member shall have one (1) vote.
Article VI
Bylaws
1. General Rules
a. No smoking or chewing of tobacco is allowed during SGA meetings.
b. No alcoholic beverages may be present at SGA meetings.
c. Any senator may request a roll call vote on any motion.
d. During general discussion, no adjournment motion will be recognized until all matters in the category are concluded.
2. Attendance Policy
a. All members of SGA shall be allowed three (3) absences for his/her entire term of office.
b. Upon any member’s fourth absence that member shall be subject to evaluation by the executive committee.
c. A member may appeal to the Executive Committee one (1) time to have an absence due to extenuating circumstances, as determined by the Executive Committee, stricken from his/her attendance record. This must occur within one week of the missed meeting.
d. Any person not present previous to the recognition of his/her name during “Roll Call” will be considered absent. Any person who must leave prior to the closing of “Old Business” will also be considered absent.
e. There will be no declaration of a tardy for any person or persons that arrive after recognition of his/ her name during “Roll Call” or who leave prior to the closing of “Old Business” during the course of a meeting.
3. Elections
a. General Rules
i. A candidate may only run for one position.
ii. All persons planning to run for any SGA position must sign and complete a valid petition form.
iii. A valid petition for college senators must consist of thirty (30) signatures and student ID numbers from any undergraduate student declared within the same academic college. Class officers’ petitions must consist of thirty (30) signatures and student ID numbers from students with the same academic class (no graduating seniors). A valid petition for SGA President and Vice President must consist of two-hundred (200) signatures and student ID numbers from all undergraduate students.
iv. Candidates for all SGA positions must abide by the election guidelines set by the Elections Committee and approved by two-thirds (2/3) of the voting Senate.
v. No write-in ballots are allowed.
b. Penalties for Breaking Rules
i. All candidates must attend a mandatory meeting, which serves as their warning for any election rule violations, unless a legitimate reason is provided to the elections committee 48 hours before the meeting. All proven rule violations will result in disqualification from the election. An appeal within twenty-four (24) hours is available.
c. Students enrolled in their last semester of university work shall not be eligible to vote in the SGA election.
4. Money Issues
a. Money Requests
i. When money is requested over $50 by the administration, campus organizations, clubs, honor societies, and all community organizations, they must submit a standard SGA money request form. Any representative from an outside club or organization must submit a money request no less than four (4) days prior to the SGA meeting. These requests must be accompanied by an itemized budget.
ii. For funds requested by a group or individual not represented by the above mentioned, Senate shall decide if the money request is a benefit to the undergraduate student body and determine whether they shall receive funding on a case-by-case basis.
iii. For all matters over $50, a simple majority will constitute approval.
iv. Only money requests $50 or under need not be voted on, if met with presidential approval.
v. The criteria used for considering money requests shall include, but not be limited to: fundraising activities, organizational efforts, timeliness, the amount of the St. Ambrose University student body affected, and the quality or educational value of the request. SGA will not be responsible for personal expenses, with the exception of expenses included in registration or fees for events.
vi. When debating whether to approve a money request, a Senator should consider the following criteria:
vii. Precedent: When SGA makes a decision, that decision must be used as a standard in subsequent similar cases. Similarly, SGA must consider previous precedents when making any decision. SGA must remain fair and consistent and avoid arbitrariness.
viii. Important Precedents:
1. Has the group fundraised or made a good-faith attempt at fundraising for items contained in its request?
2. Is/was the group or its proposed activity open to the entire Ambrose student body?
3. Are items in the proposal vague or insufficiently described?
4. ii. Fiscal Responsibility: SGA must also act with good judgment and sound thinking with regard to the students' Clubs and Organization budget. As the representatives of the student body, the Senate is trusted to handle the budget. That said, in order to avoid bias, SGA generally considers money requests as though it is dealing with the same budget at the end of the year as it does at the beginning of the year.
ix. Clubs and organizations shall meet with the Finance Committee to discuss the above criteria prior to formal request at the SGA meeting.
x. Clubs shall have ten school days after an event to turn in receipts for reimbursement. Allowances will only be made for extraordinary circumstances as deemed by the Treasurer and the Chairperson of the Clubs and Orgs/Finance Committee
b. Budget
i. The President’s Fund must not exceed $150 per semester. Any additional appropriations to this budget will require a two-thirds (2/3) majority vote by the Senate.
ii. A two-thirds (2/3) majority will be required to approve any proposal which exceeds the budget allocation, or was never budgeted for.
c. Mileage Reimbursement Policy
i. The mileage reimbursement policy applies to any person who has used or lent his/her car in order to perform a service that pertains to the SGA.
ii. The above policy excludes personal transportation to and/or from SGA meetings, SGA related meetings, Cabinet meetings, and/or SGA events.
iii. The proper manner to submit a mileage reimbursement request:
iv. The person in question must obtain a standard mileage reimbursement form from the Treasurer of the SGA.
v. The mileage reimbursement form must be filled out and returned to the Treasurer of SGA within a two (2) week period following either use of the car, the event, or both.
vi. The mileage reimbursement form must be approved by the Treasurer of the SGA and the Committee Chairperson(s), the latter when applicable.
vii. When mileage reimbursement is made, the reimbursement rate will be the same as the current St. Ambrose University rate as established by the General Accounting Office.
5. Club Approval
a. Clubs will be required to have presented all paperwork to Student Activities and received approval from the Director of Student Activities.
b. Clubs must come to a SGA meeting prepared to discuss with senate the need for the club.
c. Clubs must be voted on by Senate, and will be acknowledged by a simple majority vote.
d. Clubs must meet all requirements that are set forth in the Student Handbook.
6. Senate Time Limit Rule
a. A time limit for discussion on a certain topic may be set by the presiding officer and will be announced in the agenda. The presiding officer, prior to discussion of the topic, will set the time limit for items not appearing in the agenda. At the end of the allocated time, the floor will be opened up for motions to: table for a specific time, table indefinitely, or continue discussion.
b. If tabled, the item will be discussed as appropriate at a later meeting. The presiding officer will set the time limit when the tabling motion is accepted. A motion to table takes a simple majority vote.
c. If the tabling motion fails, the presiding officer will ask for a motion to vote. If there is no motion to vote, the subject is “dead”. If the motion wins approval, voting will take place without discussion.
Article V
Changes to the Constitution
A change in the constitution can be presented by either:
1. Approval by two-thirds (2/3) of the voting Senate. A proposal must be read at two consecutive meetings. The Senate vote on the proposal will be taken at the second meeting, OR
2. A petition signed by 25 percent of the total undergraduate student body, as determined by the Registrar of that date.
Changes to the constitution made by either number 1 or 2 listed above must be ratified by two-thirds (2/3) of the voting undergraduate student body within four (4) weeks.
(Revised March 29, 2009)
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