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Student Life

THE CONSTITUTION
of the Southern Wesleyan University
Student Government Association

ARTICLE I – NAME AND PURPOSE

SECTION A: The name of the organization shall be the Student Government Association (SGA) of Southern Wesleyan University.

SECTION B: The principal purpose of this organization shall be to help meet the general objectives of the university (refer to the school catalog); to represent the will of the traditional-program student body and to act in its best behalf; to maintain a close relationship of mutual understanding and to intercede between the students, administration, and staff; to coordinate purposeful programs; to uphold and to promote the fundamental Christian standards and teachings of the Word of God; and, as progressive leaders, to contribute in any way possible to the well-being of Southern Wesleyan University assisting in her development and growth.

ARTICLE II – ORGANIZATION

SECTION A: OFFICERS

The SGA shall consist of the following positions, each of which shall be elected by the whole student body, unless otherwise indicated:

1. The SGA Council:

A. President
B. Executive Vice President
C. Vice President of Communications
D. Vice President of Finance
E: Vice President of Activities
F: The Student Chaplain (appointed by the University Chaplain and confirmed by SGA)
G: Senator of Clubs
H: Senator of Technology
I: Senator at Large
J: Senator of Humanities
K: Faculty Sponsor

2. SGA Representatives (The following positions shall be elected by their constituents):

A. Commuter Representative
B. Freshman Class President
C. Sophomore Class President
D. Junior Class President
E. Senior Class President
F. Stuart-Bennett/Childs Residence Hall Representative
G. Apartment Residence Representative
H. Minority Student Representative

SECTION B: SGA STIPENDS

The SGA council (excluding the student chaplain) shall receive a stipend from the SGA per semester. Stipends shall be determined at the recommendation of the full SGA and approval by the Student Life Council.

Stipends are granted, pending the fulfillment of obligations and the approval of the faculty sponsor, at the last SGA meeting of the semester.

SECTION C: ANNUAL ELECTION OF THE SGA COUNCIL

PARAGRAPH 1: Before spring break the current SGA shall establish the date of the elections for the SGA Council for the following year.

PARAGRAPH 2. The election for SGA Council members shall occur no later than March 31.

PARAGRAPH 3. The election of SGA Council members shall be determined by a simple majority of the votes cast.

PARAGRAPH 4: Three (3) weeks prior to the established election date, an announcement including the following information shall be made to the student body:

1. Candidates for SGA Council positions shall establish their candidacy by submitting to the SGA president a list bearing the signatures of their supporters.
2. The list must contain the signatures of ten (10) percent or more of the full-time, traditional-program student body.
3. No signature may appear more than once in support of a candidate for the same office.
4. The list must be submitted no later than two weeks before the election.

PARAGRAPH 5. The newly elected SGA Council members shall sit in on the SGA meetings following their election. The current SGA shall assume the responsibility for orienting and training the new SGA members.

SECTION D: ANNUAL ELECTION OF SGA REPRESENTATIVES

The following representatives for the coming year shall be elected by their constituents by April 15:

• Sophomore Class President
• Junior Class President
• Senior Class President
• Commuter Representative
• Stuart-Bennett/Childs Residence Hall Representative
• Apartment Residence Representative
• Minority Student Representative

The Freshman Class President shall be elected in the fall semester in accordance with ARTICLE II, SECTION F.

SECTION E: ANNUAL ELECTION OF CLASS OFFICERS

The SGA shall oversee the election of sophomore, junior and senior class officers for the coming year. Class officers for the coming year shall be elected before the end of the spring semester. Class officers include:

Sophomore Class President Junior Class President Senior Class President
Sophomore Class Vice President Junior Class Vice President Senior Class Vice President
Sophomore Class Treasurer Junior Class Treasurer Senior Class Treasurer
Sophomore Class Secretary Junior Class Secretary Senior Class Secretary
Sophomore Class Chaplain Junior Class Chaplain Senior Class Chaplain

PARAGRAPH 1: Before spring break the SGA shall establish the date of the elections for sophomore, junior, and senior class officers for the following year.

PARAGRAPH 2. The election for sophomore, junior, and senior class officers shall occur no later than April 30.

PARAGRAPH 3. The election of class officers shall be determined by a simple majority of the votes cast.

PARAGRAPH 4: Three (3) weeks prior to the established election date, an announcement including the following information shall be make to the student body:

1. Candidates for class officer positions shall establish their candidacy by submitting to the SGA president a list bearing the signatures of their supporters.
2. The list must contain the signatures of ten (10) percent or more of the full-time, traditional-program students in the respective academic class.
3. No signature may appear more than once in support of a candidate for the same office.
4. The list must be submitted no later than two weeks before the election.
5. Candidates for the office of class chaplain must include the signature of the SWU Chaplain.

SECTION F: ANNUAL ELECTION OF FRESHMAN CLASS OFFICERS

PARAGRAPH 1. The incoming freshman class officers shall be elected during the first four (4) weeks of the fall semester. Freshman class officers include:

Freshman Class President Freshman Class Vice President Freshman Class Secretary
Freshman Class Chaplain Freshman Class Treasurer

PARAGRAPH 2: The SGA executive vice president shall oversee the election of the freshman class officers and the selection of its class sponsors.

PARAGRPAH 3: The SGA executive vice president shall call a meeting of the freshman class during the first week of the fall semester. At this meeting the executive vice president will explain the process of electing class officers and selecting class sponsors.

1. Candidates for class officer positions shall establish their candidacy by submitting to the SGA Executive Vice President a list bearing the signatures of their supporters.
2. The list must contain the signatures of ten (10) percent or more of the full-time, traditional-program freshmen.
3. No signature may appear more than once in support of a candidate for the same office.
4. The list must be submitted no later than one week before the election.
5. Candidates for the office of class chaplain must include the signature of the SWU Chaplain.

PARAGRAPH 4: Freshman class officers shall be elected no later than four (4) weeks after Convocation.

PARAGRAPH 5. The election of class officers shall be determined by a simple majority of the votes cast.

PARAGRAPH 6: Following the election, the SGA executive vice president shall call a meeting of the freshman class officers to explain the process of selecting class sponsors.

PARAGRAPH 7: Until the time that freshman class sponsors are selected, the SGA executive vice president shall advise the freshman class officers.

SECTION G: ELIGIBLE STUDENT VOTERS

All full-time students registered in the traditional program at Southern Wesleyan University shall be eligible to vote on all matters brought before the student body.

SECTION H: SUPERVISION OF ELECTIONS

The SGA Voting Committee shall be in charge of all voting procedures.

SECTION I: SGA FACULTY SPONSOR

The newly elected SGA shall elect a faculty sponsor before the end of the spring semester. The current sponsor will be an automatic nomination. The SGA will accept other nominations and vote by simple majority. The faculty sponsor shall have full voting rights.

SECTION J: ELIGIBLE SGA VOTERS

All members of SGA shall have the right to vote on all issues.

ARTICLE III – DUTIES

SECTION A: TRAINING AND ORIENTATION

All SGA council members shall be required to attend the annual SWU student leadership retreat and the fall orientation meetings.

SECTION B: GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

All SGA Council members and representatives have the following responsibilities:

1. Provide a written monthly report to the SGA Council.
2. Attend all SGA meetings as described in the specific position description.

SECTION C: PRESIDENT

The President shall have the following authority:

1. Power to appoint interim committees for investigative purposes.
2. Power to nominate a replacement for a SGA Council position vacated during the academic year (See ARTICLE IV, SECTION C).
3. Power to call SGA into executive session (See ARTICLE IV, SECTION F, PARAGRAPH 8).
4. Is an ex-officio member of all SGA committees.

The SGA President shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Preside at all SGA meetings, and official meetings of the student body.
2. Announce the meeting business in an appropriate order.
3. Present all questions properly and maintain order and decorum.
4. Provide an active link between the university administration and the SGA.
5. Before the end of the spring semester, the newly elected SGA president shall call a meeting of the newly
elected SGA Council to accomplish the following:
(i) Nominate interested students to serve on the designated faculty/student committees. The newly elected SGA will confirm the nominations by a simple majority vote of the SGA Council. This list will then be distributed to the committee chairs for ratification.
(ii) Elect a faculty sponsor for the coming year. The current SGA faculty advisor will be an automatic nomination (see ARTICLE II, SECTION I).
(iii) Tentatively approve the fall student activity budget.
(iv) Tentatively approve the fall homecoming budget.

SECTION D: EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT

The SGA Executive Vice President shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Assume the duties of the president in his/her absence.
2. Be parliamentarian (See Article IV, Section F).
3. Attend all scheduled meetings of the SGA.
4. Chair the Constitutional Evaluation Committee.
5. Maintain and distribute the current version of the SGA Constitution.
6. Direct the freshman class in selecting class sponsors and the election of class officers (see ARTICLE II, SECTION F).
7. Be the contact person for the SWU Development office regarding Phone-a-Thon and other special events.

SECTION E: VICE PRESIDENT OF COMMUNICATIONS

The Vice President of Communications shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Attend all scheduled meetings of the SGA.
2. Keep a record of all reports and motions made at all SGA meetings and student body meetings on both disk and hard copy.
3. Distribute copies of these minutes to:
(i) all SGA members
(ii) the SGA faculty sponsor
(iii) the student life office liaison
(iv) the president of the university
(v) the vice president for student life
4. Serve as chair of the SGA Voting Committee.
5. Distribute memos pertaining to all SGA events.
6. Handle official SGA correspondence as directed by the president.

SECTION F: VICE PRESIDENT OF FINANCE

The SGA Vice President of Finance shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Attend all scheduled meetings of the SGA.
2. Prepare and present the tentative SGA budget within 4 weeks of the beginning of each semester.
3. Present a final SGA budget within 2 weeks after receiving the official allotment from the SWU business office.
4. Keep the record of SGA finances and the distribution of funds as authorized by SGA on both disk and hard copy.
5. Prepare reports and keep records in harmony with the standards for the handling of organization finance.
6. Prepare and distribute a written monthly report to the SGA.
7. Collect monthly financial statements from recognized clubs and organizations.

SECTION G: VICE PRESIDENT OF ACTIVITIES

Vice President of Activities shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Attend all scheduled meetings of the SGA.
2. Keep an up-to-date calendar of all university events in order to avoid conflicts with SGA events.
3. Plan and sponsor weekly social activities under the supervision of the Student Life Office’s director of student activities
4. Submit a draft of the activities budget for the coming year to the SGA for tentative approval before the end of the spring semester.
5. Submit a revised student activities budget to the SGA for final approval within 3 weeks of the beginning of each semester.
6. Chair the student activities committee.

SECTION H: STUDENT CHAPLAIN

Student Chaplain shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Attend all scheduled meetings of the SGA.
2. Cooperate with residence hall and athletic team chaplains to initiate programs and activities developing the spiritual lives of SWU students.
3. Represent the concerns of students regarding chapel and other spiritual life issues to the university chaplain.
4. Serve on the university’s Spiritual Life Council.
5. Serve as assistant to the university chaplain.
6. Lead in devotions at the weekly SGA meetings.

SECTION I: SENATOR OF CLUBS

The Senator of Clubs shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Attend all scheduled meetings of the SGA.
2 At the first SGA meeting in October, report to SGA concerning all operating clubs, their officers and sponsors, and financial status.
3. Supervise recognized clubs
(i) Collect copies of each club’s minutes on a monthly basis
(ii) Encourage each club to hold at least one fund-raiser each semester
(iii) Moderate any conflicts between clubs.
(iv) Encourage clubs to sponsor activities for the student body.
(v) Call a meeting of any recognized club and class presidents as necessary.
4. Present petitions to the Student Life Council on behalf of clubs and organizations seeking SGA charter approval
5. Report monthly about club activities (including fund raising efforts).

SECTION J: SENATOR AT LARGE

The Senator at Large shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Attend all scheduled meetings of the SGA.
2. Assist the SGA president with special projects.
3. Represent the student body in fulfilling social amenities.
4. Chair the Food Committee.

SECTION K: SENATOR OF HUMANITIES

The Senator of Humanities shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Attend all scheduled meetings of the SGA.
2. Plan and sponsor monthly service project opportunities for the student body.
3. Promote local, national, and international public service opportunities to the student body.
4. Submit a budget to the SGA for final approval within 4 weeks of the beginning of each semester.

SECTION L: SENATOR OF TECHNOLOGY

The Senator of Technology shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Attend all scheduled meetings of the SGA.
2. Maintain and update the SGA web page.
3. Serve as the liaison between SGA and the SWU information technology department.
4. Make recommendations to the SGA regarding updates to computer software and hardware.
5. Submit a budget to the SGA for final approval within 4 weeks of the beginning of each semester.

SECTION M: CLASS PRESIDENTS (4)

The four Class Presidents shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Attend all scheduled meetings of the SGA.
2. Preside over all official class meetings.
3. Provide leadership to the class’ executive committees.
4. Represent the needs of their class to the SGA.
5. Lead their class in planning and sponsoring social and service programs each semester.
6. Direct the fund raising efforts of their class (classes should raise $1,000 each year in preparation for the junior/senior event).
7. Lead their class in planning the annual homecoming activities.

SECTION N: CLASS VICE PRESIDENTS (4)

The four Class Vice Presidents shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Assume the duties of the president in his/her absence.
2. Attend all scheduled meetings of the class officers.

SECTION O: CLASS SECRETARIES (4)

The four Class Secretaries shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Attend all scheduled meetings of the class officers.
2. Keep a record of all reports and motions made at all class officer meetings and general class meetings on both disk and hard copy.
3. Distribute copies of these minutes to:
(i) all class officers
(ii) the class faculty sponsors
(iii) the SGA Senator of Clubs
4. Distribute memos pertaining to all class events.
6. Handle correspondence as directed by the president.

SECTION P: CLASS TREASURERS (4)

The four Class Treasurers shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Attend all scheduled meetings of the class officers.
2. Keep the record of class finances and the distribution of funds as authorized by SGA on both disk and hard copy.

SECTION Q: CLASS CHAPLAINS (4)

The four Class Chaplains shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Attend all scheduled meetings of the class officers.
2. Cooperate with residence hall and athletic team chaplains to initiate programs and activities developing the spiritual lives of SWU students.
3. Lead in devotions at the class officer meetings.

SECTION R: RESIDENCE HALL REPRESENTATIVES (2)

The two Residence Hall Representatives shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Attend all scheduled meetings of the SGA.
2. Represent the needs of their residents to the SGA.
3. Assist the residence director of their building in planning and sponsoring social and service programs each semester.

SECTION S: COMMUTER STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

The Commuter Student Representative shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Attend all scheduled meetings of the SGA.
2. Represent the needs of the commuter students to the SGA.
3. Meet monthly with the vice president for student life to discuss commuter student concerns.
4. Plan and sponsor social and service programs for commuter students each semester.

SECTION T: MINORITY STUDENT REPRESENTATIVE

The Minority Student Representative shall have the following responsibilities:

1. Attend all scheduled meetings of the SGA.
2. Represent the needs of the minority students to the SGA.
3. Meet twice a month with the director of minority student affairs to discuss student concerns.
4. Work with the minority awareness association to plan and sponsor social and service programs for minority students.

ARTICLE IV– ADMINISTRATIVE CONCERNS

SECTION A: MEETINGS

PARAGRAPH 1. Regular meetings of the SGA Council shall be held weekly. Emergency meetings may be called by the president or executive vice president. SGA Council members shall be alerted of such meetings within a reasonable amount of time prior to the meeting.

Those meeting weekly include:

• President
• Executive Vice President
• Vice President for Communications
• Vice President for Student Activities
• Vice President for Finance
• Senator of Clubs
• Senator at Large
• Senator of Humanities
• Senator of Technology
• Student Chaplain
• SGA Advisor

PARAGRAPH 2. SGA Representatives are encouraged to attend all SGA meetings; however, they are only required to attend monthly. In addition, the SGA president or executive vice president may call an emergency meeting of the full SGA as necessary. SGA Representatives shall be alerted of such meetings within a reasonable amount of time prior to the meeting.

Those meeting monthly include the SGA Council and:

• Commuter Representative
• Freshman Class President
• Sophomore Class President
• Junior Class President
• Senior Class President
• Stuart-Bennett/Childs Residence Hall Representative
• Apartment Residence Hall Representative
• Minority Student Representative

PARAGRAPH 3. The first meeting of the fall semester shall take place on the day and time of the previous year's regularly scheduled SGA meeting. At this meeting, a new day and time for the regular meeting shall be determined, if a change is deemed necessary.

PARAGRAPH 4. Attendance shall be taken at the beginning of each meeting. Total absences from regular meetings may not exceed three per semester. Total absences for those members meeting monthly may not exceed one per semester. Exceptions may be made in extenuating circumstances by contacting the SGA president or vice president in advance. Violation of this stipulation may result in the forfeiture of a position on SGA, pending a decision by a quorum of the full SGA.

PARAGRAPH 5. In order to be counted present for an SGA meeting, a member must be present for the roll call and remain the entire meeting unless excused by the president.

PARAGRAPH 6. The right of any student to present any matter before SGA shall not be denied. The presentation shall be in person or through an SGA member.

PARAGRAPH 7. All SGA meetings are open. Any student wishing to attend must observe the rules of conduct or be subject to dismissal.

PARAGRAPH 8. When a discussion involving elements of a sensitive nature (wrongdoing by a student, disciplinary action, etc.) is brought before a regularly scheduled SGA meeting, the SGA president may call the meeting into executive session, thereby excluding non-SGA personnel from attending. The executive session will remain in effect only during the time the stated issue is being discussed.

SECTION B: QUORUM

PARAGRAPH 1. A quorum shall be necessary to bring an issue to vote, or to decide any issue not specifically covered herein by a special rule.

PARAGRAPH 2. A quorum shall be defined as a majority of the members expected at a given meeting (excluding the president).

• At the weekly SGA Council meetings, six (6) of ten (10) eligible voting members (excluding the president) shall constitute a quorum.
• At the monthly meetings of the full SGA (SGA Council and Representatives), ten (10) of eighteen (18) eligible voting members (excluding the president) shall constitute a quorum.

SECTION C: POSITION VACANCIES

PARAGRAPH 1. In case of a vacancy in the office of president, the executive vice president shall assume the duties of president.

PARAGRAPH 2. Vacancies in other SGA Council offices shall be governed by the following procedures.

1. The SGA president shall announce the vacant position at a meeting of the full SGA.
2. The SGA president shall accept nominations for the vacant position from the full SGA for a period of seven (7) days.
3. The SGA president, or designee, shall determine the interest of the nominees in accepting the position.
4. A candidate shall be elected by a simple majority vote of the full SGA.

PARAGRAPH 3. In case of a vacancy by a representative, the constituents affected will elect a successor. Elections must be held within three (3) weeks of the vacancy announcement. Should the constituents fail to elect a successor within three (3) weeks, the SGA president may nominate a replacement. The nominated replacement will be confirmed by a simple majority of the full SGA.

PARAGRAPH 4. Vacancies of class offices shall be governed by the following procedures.

1. The class president shall announce the vacant position at a meeting of the class officers.
2. The class president shall accept nominations for the vacant position from the class’ executive committee for a period of seven (7) days.
3. The class president, or designee, shall determine the interest of the nominees in accepting the position.
4. A candidate shall be selected by a simple majority vote of the class’ executive committee.
5. The class president shall present the name of the proposed officer to the SGA at its next meeting.
6. The SGA shall confirm the new officer by a simple majority of the full SGA.

SECTION D: REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

An officer of SGA who does not fulfill the responsibilities outlined in Article III may be removed from office by the following procedure.

1. The SGA president or other presiding officer may entertain a motion from any member of the full SGA concerning the removal of an SGA officer.
2. If the motion receives a second, the presiding officer will call the meeting into executive session (see ARTICLE IV, SECTION A, PARAGRAPH 8).
3. Evidence shall be heard concerning why the officer in question should be removed.
4. The officer in question will be given opportunity to respond to the issues raised.
5. The SGA may table the motion for a period of no longer than seven (7) days to give the officer in question the opportunity to prepare a defense or for the SGA to consider the motion.
6. The officer may be removed by a two-thirds vote of the full SGA.
7. An officer removed from office will forfeit the position’s stipend.

SECTION E: STUDENT-FACULTY COMMITTEES

Before the end of the spring semester, SGA shall provide sign-up sheets in order to allow interested students to make their names available for service on a faculty/student committee. The newly elected SGA will approve the names by a two-thirds majority vote of the full SGA. This list will then be distributed to the committee chairs for ratification.

SECTION F: PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

The rules contained in the current edition of Robert’s Rules of Orderly Newly Revised shall govern the SGA in all cases in which they are applicable, and do not conflict with anything contained herein. The executive vice president shall be parliamentarian and shall be responsible for having the current edition each meeting.

ARTICLE V – STANDING COMMITTEES

SECTION A: CONSTITUTIONAL EVALUATION COMMITEE

This committee shall interpret the meaning of the constitution when questions arise, study the constitution, and make suggestions to the SGA regarding any changes needed. It shall consist of three (3) members: The SGA executive vice president (who will serve as chair) and two (2) other members chosen by the chair and confirmed by the full SGA.

SECTION B: VOTING COMMITTEE

This committee shall be in charge of all voting-related matters brought before the student body (poll location, vote tally, etc.). The committee shall consist of four (4) members: the SGA vice president for communications (who will serve as chair) and three other members chosen by the chair and confirmed by the full SGA. Candidacy for an SGA position disqualifies that person from the Voting Committee for that particular election.

SECTION C: ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE

This committee shall meet monthly to plan events and assign responsibilities for upcoming events. They shall be responsible for publicizing events as they occur. The committee shall consist of the SGA vice president for activities (who will serve as chair) and six (6) to (10) ten members from the student body. This committee will report monthly through the chair.

SECTION D: FOOD COMMITTEE

This committee shall represent the student concerns about cafeteria food to staff and food service personnel. The committee shall consist of five (5) members, the SGA senator at large (who will serve as chair) and four (4) other students chosen by the chair and confirmed by the full SGA. The senator at large is encouraged to select one representative from each of the four classes.


ARTICLE VI - SPONSORED CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

SECTION A: CHARTERING NEW CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS

Organizations desiring to become chartered by SGA must complete the following process:

1. Submit a charter showing the purpose of the organization and bearing the signatures of at least eight (8) interested students.
2. The SGA Council will consider the proposed charter and may approve it by a two-thirds majority vote.
3. If the SGA Council approves the charter, the organization or club may meet to elect officers and draft a constitution.
4. The SGA Council will consider the proposed constitution and may approve it by a two-thirds majority vote.
5. If the SGA Council approves the constitution, the Senator of Clubs will present the organization or club to the Student Life Council for confirmation.
6. The Student Life Council will notify the SGA Council of its decision regarding the club/organization in question.
7. The SGA Council will then notify the club/organization of its status.

SECTION B: CLUB/ORGANIZATION RESPONSIBILITIES

PARAGRAPH 1. All chartered clubs and organizations must submit the names of their officers and sponsors to the Senator of Clubs within 4 weeks of the beginning of each semester.

PARAGRAPH 2. Clubs and organizations must submit monthly written reports to the Senator of Clubs. The report should include a financial statement, record of active members, and a brief description of the programs and activities sponsored/attended during the month.

PARAGRAPH 3. Unless the conditions of paragraphs 1 and 2 are met, clubs and organizations are ineligible to do the following: access their SGA financial account, conduct fundraising activities, and request funds from SGA.

SECTION C:REQUESTING FUNDS FROM SGA

PARAGRAPH 1. All active clubs and organizations shall be eligible to receive an allotment from SGA if they meet the following requirements:

1. The club/organization meets the requirements outlined in SECTION VI, SECION B: CLUB/ORGANIZATION RESPONSIBILITIES.
2. Request the allotment to the vice president of finance in writing.
3. The club/organization meets at least once a month.
4. The club/organization had at least one fund-raiser the preceding semester.
5. The club/organization has an active membership of at least eight (8) students.

PARAGRAPH 2. The following clubs/organizations are automatically eligible for an allotment:

1. Freshman Class $100.00
2. New Clubs/Organizations $50.00
3. Junior Class $250.00

Additional funds are available to the Junior Class. The Junior Class must follow the procedure outlined in ARTICLE VIII SECTION C: THE JUNIOR/SENIOR SOCIAL. The maximum available to the Junior Class is $750.00.

These organizations must submit a written request to the SGA Council before the funds will be transferred.

SECTION D: SENIOR CLASS ACCOUNT

In April, the current SGA vice president of finance will contact in writing the senior class president and class sponsor(s) regarding the funds remaining in their account. If they fail to give instruction on how the funds are to be used by May 1, the money will be deposited back into the SGA general account.

SECTION E: INACTIVE CLUBS/ORGANIZATIONS

In April, the current SGA vice president of finance will contact in writing the president and advisor(s) of any class or club/organization that has a student account that has been inactive for at least twelve months. If they fail to give instruction on how the funds are to be used by May 1, the money will be deposited back into the SGA general account and the club/organization’s account will be closed.

SECTION F: FUND RAISING

PARAGRAPH 1. Only chartered clubs and organizations are permitted to raise funds. Before raising funds, the club/organization must complete a fund-raising permission form and submit it to the SGA senator of clubs.

PARAGRAPH 2. If off-campus solicitation is desired, written permission must be obtained from the SWU vice president of development. This permission letter must accompany the permission form.

PARAGRAPH 3. The senator of clubs will present the request to the SGA Council for approval. A representative of the club or organization should be present at the meeting where the request is to be presented.

PARAGRAPH 4. Permission to raise funds will be granted by a simple majority vote of the full SGA.

PARAGRAPH 5. Clubs or organizations that raise funds without SGA approval may be subject to forfeiture of their chartered status and lose access to their financial account through SGA.

ARTICLE VII - HOMECOMING

The Student Government Association shall be the governing body over all student-sponsored homecoming activities.

SECTION A: HOMECOMING COMMITTEE

PARAGRAPH 1. By the end of the fall semester, the executive vice president of the SGA shall nominate one student, as approved by a simple majority of the full SGA, to act as the chair of the Homecoming Committee for the following year. It is expected that the current year’s co-chair will be the nominee. However, the SGA reserves the right to consider other nominations. It is recommended that the elected chair have previously served on the Homecoming Committee.

PARAGRAPH 2. The Homecoming Committee Chair is responsible for establishing the homecoming committee, which shall consist of (2) representatives from each class. It is recommended that these representatives be chosen from the class officers. The chair must also nominate to the SGA an assistant chair. SGA Council members are ineligible to serve on the homecoming committee. The Homecoming Committee shall be accountable to SGA, informing it of all actions.

SECTION B: HOMECOMING CHAIRPERSON’S RESPONSIBILITIES

The Chair of the Homecoming Committee shall have the following responsibilities:

PARAGRAPH 1. Represent SGA on the SWU Homecoming Committee.

PARAGRAPH 2. Propose and manage the SGA homecoming budget.

• The chair will submit a draft budget to the current SGA for tentative approval by April 15
• The chair will submit a final budget to the new SGA for approval by September 15

PARAGRAPH 3. Once appointed, report regularly to the SGA

• The chair will report monthly during the spring semester
• The chair will report weekly during the fall semester

PARAGRAPH 4. Record minutes of all SGA homecoming meetings.

PARAGRAPH 5. Arrange and supervise all SGA-sponsored homecoming activities including, but not limited to:

• skits
• pep rally
• homecoming chapel
• field activities
• homecoming court dinner
• float races

PARAGRAPH 6. Coordinate all SGA-sponsored activities with the SWU Director of Alumni Relations

SECTION C: ELECTION OF CLASS REPRESENTATIVES

PARAGRAPH 1. Homecoming representatives shall represent the class of which they are a member according to their academic standing at fall registration. Each representative shall represent a particular class only once.

PARAGRAPH 2. The SGA voting committee shall administer the voting for and tallying of all homecoming court participants.

PARAGRAPH 3. All full-time students in the traditional program may vote for homecoming representatives for their academic class. Prior to the election, the homecoming committee shall publish an official list of eligible students. All full-time students in the traditional program are eligible to serve as class representatives.

PARAGRAPH 4.

• Seniors elect five male and five female representatives.
• Juniors elect four male and four female representatives.
• Sophomores elect three male and three female representatives.
• Freshmen elect two male and two female representatives.

PARAGRAPH 5.

• Each senior has five votes for male candidates and five votes for female candidates.
• Each junior has four votes for male candidates and four votes for female candidates.
• Each sophomore has three votes for male candidates and three votes for female candidates.
• Each freshman has two votes for male candidates and two votes for female candidates.

PARAGRAPH 6. Students may not vote for the same candidate more than once.

PARAGRAPH 7. Spoiled ballots will not be included in the voting tally.

PARAGRAPH 8. Election of the homecoming class representatives must be completed at least two weeks prior to homecoming.

SECTION D: ELECTION OF HOMECOMING COURT

PARAGRAPH 1. Once the class representatives have been selected, the homecoming court is elected. All full-time students in the traditional program may vote for the representatives of their class to the homecoming court. Prior to the election, the homecoming committee shall publish an official list of the eligible students.

PARAGRAPH 2. All students, regardless of academic class, cast a single vote for a male representative and a single vote for a female representative of their class.

PARAGRAPH 3. The homecoming court consists of one male and one female representative from each class.

PARAGRAPH 4. In the event that a senior class representative to homecoming court is also elected as the king or queen, the runner-up becomes the senior class representative.

PARAGRAPH 5. Election of the homecoming court must be completed at least one week prior to homecoming.

SECTION E: ELECTION OF KING AND QUEEN

PARAGRAPH 1. The election of the homecoming king and queen will be concurrent with the election of the homecoming court.

PARAGRAPH 2. All full-time students in the traditional program may vote for the homecoming king and queen.

PARAGRAPH 3. Prior to the election, the homecoming committee shall publish an official list of eligible candidates for king and queen, the ten (10) representatives from the senior class (five males and five females).

PARAGRAPH 4. The votes for homecoming king and queen will be weighted as follows:

• Seniors: votes are multiplied by a factor of four (4)
• Juniors: votes are multiplied by a factor of three (3)
• Sophomores: votes are multiplied by a factor of two (2)
• Freshmen: votes are multiplied by a factor of one (1)

PARAGRAPH 5. Students may not vote for the same candidate more than once.

PARAGRAPH 6. Spoiled ballots will not be included in the voting tally.

PARAGRAPH 7. In the event that the newly elected king or queen is also elected as a senior class representative, the runner-up in the senior class representative election becomes the senior class representative (see ARTICLE VII, SECTION D, PARAGRAPH 4).

PARAGRAPH 8. Election of the homecoming king and queen must be completed at least one week prior to homecoming.

PARAGRAPH 9. If, for any reason, the king or queen does not return to SWU in the spring or fall, the first runner-up shall assume the crown and duties.

ARTICLE VIII - SPECIAL EVENTS

As part of its service to students and the institution, the SGA sponsors or assists with several annual and semi-annual events.

SECTION A: CHRISTMAS DINNERS

Each December the institution sponsors two Christmas dinners, one for students and one for faculty and staff. At the student dinner, SGA assumes responsibility for providing seasonally appropriate entertainment. At the faculty/staff dinner, SGA assumes responsibility for recruiting servers. SGA Council members and representatives are strongly encouraged to participate in each of these events.

SECTION B: LATE NIGHT BREAKFAST

Near the close of each semester, SGA sponsors the Late-Night Breakfast. The SGA vice president for activities works with the breakfast’s faculty sponsor to purchase the necessary supplies, publicize the event, and provide entertainment. Faculty members work as cooks, servers, and the clean-up crew.

SECTION C: JUNIOR/SENIOR SOCIAL

While the Junior Class assumes primary responsibility for the Junior/Senior Social, SGA has a vested interest in the success of the event. Therefore, SGA provides the junior class with an automatic allotment of $250.00 during the fall semester (see ARTICLE VI, SECTION C, PARAGRAPH 2). In addition, SGA will provide further funds during the spring semester in agreement with the following guidelines:

• SGA will provide an additional $1.00 for every $3.00 that the junior class has raised by March 1.
• The additional funds shall not exceed $500.00
• The total amount of funds SGA makes available to the junior class is $750.00

Given the large amount of money needed to finance the junior/senior social, it is strongly recommended that classes raise $1,000.00 per year.

SECTION D: STAFF-OF-THE-YEAR AWARD

SGA shall provide a ballot to the student body by March 31 containing the names of eligible staff members. To be eligible, a staff member must:

1. Have been employed at SWU for at least one year
2. Have not received the award in the last four years

The election shall be weighted as follows:

• Seniors: votes are multiplied by a factor of four (4)
• Juniors: votes are multiplied by a factor of three (3)
• Sophomores: votes are multiplied by a factor of two (2)
• Freshmen: votes are multiplied by a factor of one (1)

SGA shall provide the actual award, usually a plaque.

ARTICLE IX - UNIVERSITY DECISION-MAKING

Student participation in university decision-making shall take place in the following manner.

1. By the election of SGA members as a representative body
2. By semi-annual meetings of their representatives with the university president’s cabinet
3. By semi-annual SGA-sponsored open forums for the students to voice their concerns
4. By student representation on faculty/student committees
5. By voice representation on the SWU board of trustees by the SGA president
6. By responding to semi-annual surveys and evaluations of various aspects of campus life

ARTICLE X - BY-LAWS AND AMENDMENTS

The SGA may set up by-laws and initiate amendments to this constitution, as it deems necessary. Such action shall be by three-fourths majority vote of a quorum of the full SGA and the Student Life Committee.

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