STUDENT GOVERNMENT ASSOCIATION CONSTITUTION

 

ARTICLE I: NAME AND PURPOSE

 

Section 1: Name
The name of this organization shall be the Student Government Association of Longwood University, here after referred to as the SGA.

 

Section 2: Mission
The mission of this organization shall be to advance the student's interests. To achieve this mission, the Student Government Association shall:

 

ARTICLE II: MEMBERSHIP


All students of Longwood University shall be members of this organization as they are governed by it.

 

ARTICLE III: STATEMENT OF RIGHTS

 

Section 1: Discrimination
All students shall be free from discrimination on the basis of: Gender, Race, Origin, Religious Preference, Physical Disability, Sexual Orientation, Political Ideology, Age, Creed, Marital Status, or Social-Economic Background.

 

Section 2: Freedom of Assembly, Organization, Speech, and Press
All students shall have the freedom of assembly, organization, speech, and the press.

 

Section 3: Right to Due Process
All students' rights to procedural due process shall not be violated.

 

Section 4: Ex Post Facto
No Ex Post Facto laws shall be passed.

 

Section 5: Bills of Attainder
No Bills of Attainder shall be passed.

 

Section 6: Freedom of Information
All members of this organization as defined in Article II of this Constitution shall have freedom of information with regards to all proceedings of the Student Government Association.

 

Section 7: Non-Recognition of Limiting Policies
Any member of this organization shall have the right not to recognize as valid any university statute, policy, or directive that violates the liberties outlined in Article III of this Constitution.

 

ARTICLE IV: ORGANIZATION

 

Section 1: Separation of Powers
This governing body shall be composed of three branches: a legislative branch, an executive branch, and a judiciary. Those who choose to serve in the Student Government Association, in order to maintain a separation of powers, will only be able to serve on two branches at one time.

 

A. The Legislative Branch

  1. The Student Senate shall be the legislative branch and policy making body of the SGA. The Student Senate will be the body responsible for the formulation, communication, dissemination, and execution of student interests and shall serve as the official voice of the student body.
  2. The Student Senate will have the final vote on all issues and shall be a self-governing body.
  3. The Student Senate will have the final say on all financial issues pertaining to the SGA.
  4. The Student Senate shall have the power to: 
    1. Vote on all issues affecting the services and interests of Student Life.
    2. Interpret this Constitution.
    3. Propose, review, and establish policies and procedures necessary to fulfill the Mission of SGA as stated in Article I, Section 2 of this Constitution.
    4. Establish and abolish committees.
    5. Discuss business in executive session as provided for within the Code of Virginia under Section 2.1-344.a and with the consent of 2/3rds of the members present and voting.
    6. Choose its advisor(s).
    7. Recommend policy to the University Administration and the Board of Visitors.
    8. Conduct investigations on issues affecting student welfare.
    9. Establish a time and place of election of all offices of the SGA, within the limitations of this Constitution.
    10. Approve and review the Constitutions of all Student Organizations.
    11. Make all rules necessary and proper to the execution of this Constitution.
    12. Override a presidential veto with two-thirds (2/3) majority of the membership, which is present and voting.
  5. The membership of the Student Senate shall consist of the:
    1. President, who shall have the right to make motions but not vote,
    2. Vice-President, who shall preside over the Student Senate.
    3. Treasurer- who shall oversee all financial matters
    4. Secretary- who shall take minutes of all Student Senate, Executive, and Student Finance Committee meetings.
    5. Two executive senators; one chosen by the president and one elected by the senate.
    6. B.S.A President or his/her representative, either of which shall be designated for the entire term of office and who shall serve as a voting member of the Student Senate.
    7. Multicultural Affairs Representative, who will be chosen by the Multicultural Affairs Committee under the Multicultural Affairs Director, and who will serve as a voting member of the Student Senate.
    8. RCL Advisory Board Representative- The President of this organization shall also serve as a representative on the senate.
    9. One (1) Representative of the Greek Community as designated by the Pan-Hellenic Council, Inter-Fraternity Council and the national Pan-Hellenic Council.
    10. Senior Class President, which shall be designated for the entire term of office. The only exceptions will be class, work-study time conflicts, or appointments to the executive committee of the SGA.  In this instance, the Vice President of that class shall be appointed as the representative to sit for the Class President and so on to the Treasurer and Secretary.
    11. Junior Class President, which shall be designated for the entire term of office. The only exceptions will be class, work-study time conflicts, or appointments to the executive committee of the SGA.  In this instance, the Vice President of that class shall be appointed as the representative to sit for the Class President and so on to the Treasurer and Secretary.
    12. Sophomore Class President, which shall be designated for the entire term of office. The only exceptions will be class, work-study time conflicts, or appointments to the executive committee of the SGA.  In this instance, the Vice President of that class shall be appointed as the representative to sit for the Class President and so on to the Treasurer and Secretary.
    13. Freshman Class President, which shall be designated for the entire term of office. The only exceptions will be class, work-study time conflicts, or appointments to the executive committee of the SGA.  In this instance, the Vice President of that class shall be appointed as the representative to sit for the Class President and so on to the Treasurer and Secretary.

o. Commuter Student Association President or his/her representative, either of which shall be designated for the entire term of office and who shall serve as a voting member of the Student Senate.

    1. Sixteen (16) Student Senators-at-Large, two (2) of which are to be appointed by the President; subject to the confirmation of the Student Senate.
    2. Historian, whom the student body at the general election shall elect.
    3. Graduate Student Representative; to be chosen from the Graduate Student population of Longwood University by the Graduate Council or their representatives to serve for the entire term of office.
    4. One (1) Representative of the Honor Board. The Honor Board Chairperson would be disqualified from sitting on the Student Senate.
    5. One (1) Representative of the Judicial Board. The Judicial Board Chairperson would be disqualified from sitting on the Student Senate.
    6. Two (2) freshman class representatives will be elected to sit on the Student Senate as voting members of the Student Senate.
    7. Webmaster, who shall be appointed by the executive council as a voting member.
    8. Auditor- Who shall oversee the Audit and Oversight Committee. The Auditor will also serve on the Student Finance Committee as well as be a voting member of the Student Senate. The Auditor shall be elected by the Student Body in the Spring Election.
    9. One (1) Representative of the Student Athletic Association Committee.
  1. Standing Committees of the Student Senate:
    The Chair of each Standing Committee of the Student Senate, whose term as chair shall last one (1) year, shall be selected from the Student Senate through an application process to be conducted by the Executive Board during the break between spring and fall semesters. Should a chair become vacant, the vacancy must be filled at the next meeting of the Student Senate by a nomination and election procedure from within the Student Senate. Each Standing Committee of the Student Senate must maintain at least two Senate members; however, membership of these standing committees is open to all members of the organization as defined in Article II of this Constitution. The committee will be required to meet outside twice a month.
    1. The Academic Affairs Committee (AAC)
      The Academic Affairs Committee (AAC) shall act as the liaison between the SGA and the Vice-President for Academic Affairs. The AAC shall work with the Vice-President for Academic Affairs to promote academic affairs. The AAC shall have the power to enact programs concerning academic affairs, with the consent of the Student Senate. The committee chair shall also be the student representative to the faculty senate.
    2. The Legislative Affairs Committee
      The Legislative Affairs Committee shall increase campus awareness of state and national issues with special regard to national, state, and local elections, financial aid concerns, and other matters of legislative interest to Longwood College students. All programs and actions taken by the Legislative Affairs Committee are subject to the approval of the Student Senate.
    3. The Student Services and Physical Environment Committee shall be responsible for insuring that student services fulfill their obligations to the student body. These services will include, but not be limited to, the Registrar, Cashiering and Student Accounts, Financial Aid, Dining Services, and Library Services. This committee will also promote and increase awareness of student rights and defend these rights to their utmost abilities. In addition, this committee will gather information regarding matters affecting the Longwood community that which the Student Senate feels has not been adequately addressed by the Longwood University Administration, Faculty, Staff, and/or previous administrations of the Student Government Association. This committee shall also be responsible for improving the general interior of Longwood University's campus. This shall include, but not be limited to issues of lighting, safety, security, access, beautification, and parking.  This committee will have a chair and co-chair.
    4. Recruitment and Elections Committee
      The Recruitment and Elections Committee shall execute all SGA elections. The REC shall be responsible for polling place personnel, counting ballots, and posting election results. The membership of the REC shall consist of one (1) member of the Honor Board, one (1) member of the Judicial Board and one (1) member of the Student Senate. These members shall not include those serving on the Student Arbitration Board as provided for within Article IV, Section 1, and C, 3.
    5. The Publicity Committee & Social
      Membership of this committee shall include the Publicity Chair who shall serve as chair. This committee shall be responsible for publicizing Executive Council meetings, SGA Senate meetings, elections, SGA functions, issuers, office hours, meeting spaces, and the Mission of SGA as stated in Article I, Section 2 of this Constitution, in an appropriate and timely manner. Membership within this committee is open to other members of the association as defined in Article II of this Constitution. The committee shall also plan all SGA Social events, including but not limited to the End of Year banquet.
    6. The Audit and Oversight Committee
    7. The Audit and Oversight Committee (AO) is to be chaired by a member of the senate, henceforth to be referred to as the Auditor. The AO Committee will be responsible for meeting with students and other concerned Longwood community members, and for investigating financial/monetary concerns presented to, or by, the Senate. The Auditor will be responsible for reporting to the Senate with any recommendations or current issues before the AO committee and for reporting the findings of the committee on issues before the committee. When concerns are raised they will be handed to the AO committee for resolution, investigation or recommendation. The committee will then report back to the Senate their findings so that the issue can be resolved. They will meet and review the financial matters of the SGA and of organizational funding, and will raise any concerns they have to the Senate, SFC, or Treasurer for action. They will be used, in part, to review how funding is allocated, and further, to report how the money could be better allocated to both the organization and the SGA. The committees’ help can be requested in reviewing any financial issue. AO will always act in an unbiased manner, and will report without prejudice. The AO Committee will publish a report to the Senate once a semester.

 

B. The Executive Branch

 

  1. The Executive Branch is composed of the Executive Council, which shall be the agenda making body of the SGA. The Executive Council shall act on behalf of the Student Senate, when it is not possible to convene the Senate. The Executive Council shall be responsible for daily governance, allocating finance of the organization, policy review, and investigating student concerns. All actions of the Executive Council are subject to approval of the Student Senate.
  2. The membership of the Executive Council shall consist of the President, Vice-President, Treasurer, Secretary, two (2) Executive Senators, one to be appointed by the president and one to be appointed by the senate and the Historian.
  3. Standing Committees of the Executive Council:
    1. The Student Finance Committee
      The Student Finance Committee (SFC) shall act on behalf of the SGA to determine allotment of Student Activity Fee funds. The membership of the SFC shall consist of the Treasurer, who shall act as chair of the (SFC); the other members of the SGA Executive Council; one representative of each class; the Auditor; and other appointments when deemed necessary by the Treasurer. This committee shall conform to those regulations concerning student activity fee allotments as provided for in the SFC Bylaws, which have been established by the SGA and confirmed by the Student Senate. All actions of the SFC are subject to the approval of the Student Senate.

 

C. The Judiciary


The Judiciary is composed of the Honor Board and the Judicial Board.

A. Honor Board

1.    The purpose of the Longwood University Honor Board is to sustain and protect a community of trust where students can grow intellectually, spiritually, and personally without limitations. The Honor System is not intended to punish offenders, but to educate them so that the traditionally high standards of trust and honor are not weakened by a dishonest few.

2.    The membership of the Honor Board shall consist of: a Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary, Sergeant-at-Arms, and eight (8) associate members. There shall also be an advisor to the Board.

3.    Elections. 

a.    The Chair and Vice-Chair, who shall have served on the Board for at least one (1) academic year, are elected from and by the current sitting Board in the spring semester. Their terms shall be for one (1) calendar year, beginning June 1st.

b.    The Secretary and Sergeant-at-Arms, who have served on the Board for at least one (1) semester, are elected from and by the current sitting board in the spring semester. Their terms shall be for one (1) calendar year, beginning June 1st.

c.    The associate members of the Honor Board shall be elected at-large from the student body, in the spring SGA elections. They shall have a term of one (1) calendar year.

4.    The Honor Board shall have the power to:

a.    Act on behalf of SGA in the promotion and enforcement of the Honor Code.

b.    Determine, interpret, and publish what constitutes and Honor Code violation; under the Constitution and Bylaws of the Honor Board.

c.    Establish procedural guidelines for the effective adjudication of all cases brought before the Honor Board. These procedures must be consistent with the standards of fairness and due process established in the Statement of Student Rights and Responsibilities adopted by the Longwood University Board of Visitors.

d.    Establish programs, policies, and guidelines for the publicity, maintenance, and operation of the Honor System.

e.    Shall also have power to appoint new members as needed.

5.    Amendments
Motions to amend the Longwood University Honor Board Bylaws will be proposed by two-thirds (2/3) of the Longwood University Honor Board and ratified by a referendum vote of the Student Government Senate.

 

B. The Judicial Board

 

1.    The purpose of the Longwood University Judicial Board shall be to foster and promote appropriate behavior by the Student Body.

2.    The membership of the Judicial Board shall consist of: a Chair, two (2) Vice-Chairs, three (3) Secretaries, three (3) Sergeants-at-Arms, and thirty-six (36) associate members. There shall also be advisors to the board.

3.    Elections.

a.    The Chair and Vice-Chairs, who shall have served on the Board for at least (1) academic year, are elected from and by the current sitting Board in the spring semester. Their terms shall be for one (1) calendar year, beginning on August 1st.

b.    The Secretaries and Sergeants-at-Arms, who shall have served on the Board for at least (1) academic semester, are elected from and by the current sitting Board in the spring semester. Their terms shall be for one (1) calendar year, beginning on August 1st.

c.    The associate members of the Board shall be elected at-large by the student body in the Spring SGA elections. Their terms shall be for one (1) calendar year.

4.    The Judicial Board shall have the power to:

a.     Act on behalf of the SGA in the promotion and enforcement of University Conduct Standards.

b.    Determine, interpret, and publish what constitutes and violation of the University Conduct Standards.

c.    Establish procedural guidelines for the effective adjudication of all cases brought before the Board. These procedures must be consistent with the Standards of Fairness and Due Process established by the Board of Visitors.

d.    Create and implement any policies, procedures, or Bylaws necessary for the maintenance, operation, and advancement of the Judicial System.

e.    Recommend to the Vice-President of Judicial Affairs additions, deletions, and revisions to the Conduct Standards.

5.    Amendments:
a. Motions to amend the Longwood University Judicial Board Constitution will be proposed by two-thirds (2/3) of the Longwood University Judicial Board and ratified by a referendum vote of the Student Government Senate.

 

C. The Student Arbitration Board

 

1.    The purpose of the Student Arbitration Board (SAB) is to provide an impartial forum for the arbitration of disputes involving campus organizations, and to foster and promote appropriate behavior by campus organizations as a whole. The primary goal of SAB is to arrive at equitable solutions to problems, which may involve campus organizations. The secondary goal of SAB is to enforce the University Conduct Standards as it applies to non-Greek organizations.

2.    The membership of the SAB shall consist of: two (2) associate members of the Judicial Board, elected by the Judicial Board; two (2) associate members of the Honor Board, elected by the Honor Board; and two (2) Senators currently serving on the Student Senate. The Student Government Association Vice-President shall serve as Chair of all Student Arbitration Board hearings.

3.    The term of SAB members shall be one (1) year, beginning with the spring semester.

4.    The SAB shall have the power to: 

a.    Arbitrate disputes between two or more organizations, two or more students and between students and organizations.

b.    Act on behalf of the SGA in the promotion and enforcement of University Conduct Standards as it applies to groups and organizations recognized by the College.

c.    Determine, interpret, and publish what constitutes a violation of the University Conduct Standards as it applies to groups and organizations recognized by the college.

d.    Establish procedural guidelines for the effective adjudication of all cases brought before the Board. These procedures must be consistent with the Standards of Fairness and Due Process established by the Board of Visitors.

e.    Create and implement any policies, procedures, or Bylaws necessary for the maintenance, operation, and advancement of the Judicial System as it applies to groups and organizations.

f.     Recommend to the Vice-President of Student Affairs, the Director of Student Services, and the Dean of Students additions, deletions, and revisions to the Conduct Standards as it applies to groups and organizations recognized by the University.

g.    Establish guidelines for the effective arbitration of cases brought before the SAB, consistent with the Standards of Fairness and Due Process established by the Board of Visitors.

h.    When necessary, the SAB shall have the authority to restrict organizational privileges (i.e.; posting privileges, reserve meeting space, ability to recruit, and revoke the privilege of being a recognized campus organization), impound or revoke Student Activity Fee moneys, and impose sanctions upon a group such as community service, fines payable to the Office of Student Services, and educational assignments.

5.    The SAB shall not supersede the authority of the Honor or Judicial Boards in matters pertaining to Adjudication Procedures or Conduct Standards except where it involves a recognized non-Greek campus group or organization.

6.    Complaints involving only Greek organizations shall first be referred to the appropriate representative body: Pan-Hellenic Council, the Inter-Fraternity Council or the National Pan-Hellenic Council. Any disputes between a non-Greek individual or organization and a Greek individual or organization shall be handled by the SAB. The Greek Judicial Board shall hear violations of University Conduct Standards by social Greek Organizations.

 

D. The Greek Judicial Board

 

1.    The purpose of the Longwood University Greek Judicial Board shall be to foster and promote appropriate behavior by the Greek Fraternities and Sororities as distinct groups within the Student Body.

2.    The membership of the Greek Judicial Board shall consist of: (1) member chosen from the current membership of each of the recognized Inter-Fraternity Council Fraternities, (1) member from the current membership of each of the recognized Pan-Hellenic Council Sororities, and (1) member from the current membership of each of the recognized National Pan Hellenic Council Fraternities and Sororities. The term of office for a justice of the Greek Judicial Board is one academic year. The members are to be chosen and their names presented to the Coordinator of Greek Affairs no later than the second week of September, and they will serve as justices to the board until the following September.

3.    The qualifications for being selected as a justice are as follows: a cumulative GPA of 2.0 at time of selection by the member Fraternity or Sorority, must have been an initiated member of that Fraternity or Sorority for a minimum of one semester prior to selection to the board, and be in good disciplinary standing with the University.

4.    Elections. 

a.    Once the board has been chosen, they will then meet to elect the following positions internally: (1) Chair, who shall preside over all cases heard by the Greek Judicial Board, (1) Vice-Chair, who shall preside when the chair is in disposed, (1) Sergeant-at-Arms, who shall assist the chair at his/her leisure, and (1) Secretary who shall keep the minutes and a tape recording of all transcripts of hearings.

b.    The Coordinator of Greek Affairs shall be an advocate to and for the accused Fraternity or Sorority and shall have no involvement in the boards decisions or makeup.

c.    The Greek Judicial Board shall have one Faculty Advisor who shall serve as an administrative liaison and in an advisory role to the board. The Faculty Advisor shall be present at all board hearings.

d.    The Student Government Association Greek Representative shall serve as an ex-officio (non-voting) member of the Greek Judicial Board and serve as the liaison between the Student Government Senate, the Inter-Fraternity Council, the Pan-Hellenic Council, and the National Pan-Hellenic Council.

5.    The Greek Judicial Board shall have the power to: 

a.    Act on behalf of the SGA in the promotion and enforcement of University Conduct Standards, Greek Standards of Conduct, and the promotion and enforcement of FIPG policies.

b.    Determine, interpret, and publish what constitutes a violation of the University Conduct Standards and FIPG policies to all member Fraternities and Sororities.

c.    Establish procedural guidelines for the effective adjudication of all cases brought before the Board. These procedures must be consistent with the Standards of Fairness and Due Process established by the Board of Visitors.

d.    Create and implement any policies, procedures, or Bylaws necessary for the maintenance, operation, and advancement of the Greek Judicial System.

e.    Recommend to the Vice-President of Student Affairs, the Director of Student Services, and the Dean of Students additions, deletions, and revisions to the Conduct Standards and what might constitute a risk management violation.

f.     For the proper adjudication of cases brought before the board, minimum of (7) Members (including The Chair) must be present before a case can be heard and the justices must stay the entire session. The Chair is a non-voting member of the board except in the event of a tie.

g.    The Greek Judicial Board shall have the authority to levy sanctions against Greek Fraternities and Sororities found responsible of the charges brought against them. These sanctions can include restriction of social activities, restriction of chapter room use, appropriate educational activities assigned to the offending Fraternity or Sorority, and possible fines to be paid to the Office of the Coordinator of Greek Affairs.

6.    Amendments:
Motions to amend the Longwood University Greek Judicial Board Constitution will be proposed by two-thirds (2/3) of the Longwood University Greek Judicial Board and ratified by a referendum vote of the Student Government Senate.

Section 2: Meetings

  1. Statement of Robert's Rules of Order
    All meetings of the Executive and Legislative Branches shall operate under the guidelines set forth in Robert's Rules of Order Newly Revised or the latest version thereof.
  2. Time and Date of Meetings

a.    The Student Senate shall meet on Tuesdays at 3:45pm.

b.    The Executive Council shall meet once a week and as deemed necessary by the SGA President.

 

ARTICLE V: ELECTIONS

 

Section 1: Time of Elections

  1. All SGA sponsored elections will be held in the Spring for the following positions:
    1. Executive Board
    2. Senate Members
    3. Honor Board
    4. Judicial Board
    5. Class Officers
  2. Applications for SGA sponsored elections will go out on a Monday, during the month of March, as determined by the Elections Committee.
  3. Applications for SGA sponsored elections will be due exactly two weeks from that Monday at 5:00 P.M, no exceptions will be made.
  4. SGA sponsored elections will be held exactly on the Monday one week after the deadline and end on Friday at 5:00 P.M.
  5. The SGA shall hold elections for Freshman Class officers within the last two weeks of September.

 

Section 2: Term of Office

  1. Officers elected in the Spring SGA elections shall serve a term of one (1) calendar year, beginning June 1st of the same year.
  2. Freshman officers elected in the Fall SGA elections shall serve a term of (1) academic year beginning the week after they are elected and ending on June 1st of the following year.
  3. Two freshman class representatives will be elected in conjunction with freshman class officer elections to sit on the Student Senate.

 

Section 3: Qualifications for Office

  1. Students running for, appointed to, or holding the following offices must be at least a rising sophomore, have served on the Student Government Senate for at least one full semester, may not have below a 2.3 cumulative GPA, and must be in good standing with the University: 
    1. President
    2. Vice President
    3. Treasurer
    4. Secretary
    5. Executive Senator
  2. Students running for, appointed to, or holding the following offices may not have below a 2.0 cumulative GPA, and must be in good standing with the University: 
    1. RCL Advisory Board Representative
    2. Publicity Chair
    3. Class Officers
    4. Associate Members of Honor Board
    5. Associate Members of Judicial Board
    6. Sixteen (16) Student Senators At-Large
    7. Multicultural Affairs Representative
    8. Historian
  3. Students having been involuntarily separated from the institution as a result of disciplinary action are not considered to be in good standing with the university. Students who are currently on academic probation or disciplinary probation are also considered to not be in good standing with the university.
  4. Qualifications for officers of the Honor Board and Judicial Board are to be decided by the respective board with the confirmation of the Student Senate.
  5. Qualifications for SGA officers, not aforementioned, are to be decided by the Student Senate.

 

Section 4: Officer Elections

  1. Elections of Honor and Judicial Board officers shall be held in the spring semester two (2) weeks before SGA elections.
  2. Elections of Associate Members of the Honor and Judicial Boards shall be held in the Spring SGA elections.
  3. Election of Senior, Junior, and Sophomore class officers shall be in the Spring SGA elections.

 

Section 5: Vacancy of Office

  1. Should an office of the SGA become vacant, the body in question shall appoint another qualified student to serve out the remainder of the unexpired term. The appointment must be confirmed by the Student Senate.
  2. Should the office of Chair of Honor Board, or Chair of Judicial Board become vacant, the Vice-Chair of the respective board shall become Chair, for the remainder of the unexpired term.
  3. Should an office of the Student Senate become vacant, the President shall appoint another qualified student, subject to the confirmation of the Student Senate, to serve out the remainder of the unexpired term.
  4. Should the office of President become vacant, the Vice-President shall become President for the remainder of the unexpired term.

 

Section 6: Run Off Elections

  1. The following SGA officers must be elected by a majority vote: 
    1. President
    2. Vice-President
    3. Treasurer
    4. Class Presidents
  2. Should no majority be won by a single candidate in an election for one of the aforementioned offices; then there shall be a run-off election within one week of the posting of election results. The two (2) candidates receiving the most popular votes shall be the only two candidates on the run-off ballot.
  3. A majority vote is fifty-one percent (51%) of the votes cast in any election.

 

Section 7: Concurrent Offices

No student shall be allowed to serve in more than one student body elected office of the Student Senate.

 

Section 8: Campaigning

  1. Campaign rules shall be as follows:
    1. Campaigning, including the use of printed materials, personal contact, and the wearing of costumes or uniforms, is permitted from the first day of the campaigning period, continuing until the closing of the polls.
    2. On days that the polls are open, no campaigning of any kind is allowed within 50 feet of a computer where voting is taking place. This includes both verbal campaigning and printed campaign materials.
    3. All organizations or candidates organizing official election rallies and/or debates must notify the Elections Chair at least 48 hours before the event.
    4. All campaigning materials, debates, and rallies, are to be confined to the Longwood campus.
    5. Campaign period begins the day following the mandatory election meeting, lasting until the last day of the polling period.
  2. Expenditures for the candidates are subject to the following provisions:
    1. Candidates are limited to the following levels of spending:

                                         i.    Student Body Officers: $100.00

                                        ii.    Representatives: $50.00

  1. Campaign methods and materials used by candidates are subject to the

following provisions:

    1. Candidates are responsible for the activities of their campaign workers.
    2. Campaign materials must be removed within 24 hours after the closing of the polls.
    3. Materials shall not have adhesive backing, with the exception of masking tape.
    4. Any alteration of the settings of University-owned computers to display a candidate and/or campaign materials includes but not limited to screensavers, wallpapers, Internet home pages is also prohibited.
    5. Signs or posters larger than 187 square inches are prohibited. Posters may not be combined to exceed the 187 square inch limit, and must convey a complete word or thought.
    6. Campaign materials in residence halls shall only be placed on surfaces or glass permitted by each residence hall or academic building.
    7. Signs or posters of the same candidate may not be placed within 5 feet of each other.
    8. Campaign signs or posters may not be placed on trees, benches, tables, or sidewalks.
    9. All campaigning posters or signs, etc. that are to be posted on campus must be approved by the Longwood Student Union.
  1. Violations of the Election Code include but are not limited to the following:
    1. Exceeding the campaign spending limits;
    2. Intentional misstatement of campaign expenses;
    3. Use of illegal campaign materials or methods;
    4. Improper distributions or posting of campaign materials by candidate or campaign worker.
    5. Campaigning before the opening of the formal campaign period. The distribution of any printed materials, and holding rallies or debated before the opening of the campaign period is also prohibited;
    6. Campaigning within 50 feet of a poll and/or grouping of 3 or more computers on a voting day
    7. Removing or defacing an opponent's campaign materials;
    8. Use of slanderous or libelous material against an opponent, or use of speech or actions not in accordance with the Student Code of Conduct;
    9. Tampering with ballots, or interfering in any way with the operation of a poll;
    10. Failure to remove campaigning materials within 24 hours after the completion of an election.
  2. Violations may be charged by a candidate or a member of the Elections Committee.
    1. Charges must be submitted in writing to the Elections Chair no later than 24 hours after polls close.
    2. Charges against candidates in violations of article 3.11 must be submitted in writing no later than 48 hours after the polls close.
    3. A copy of the charges must be made available when requested to the candidate charged.

 

Section 9: SGA Presidential Candidate Open Forum

  1. The candidates for the office of SGA president will take part in a debate/question and answer session in front of the student body.
  2. The forum will take place during the election period, the exact time and location will be decided upon by the Elections Chairman.
  3. The Forum will be mediated by either an SGA Adviser, or by a faculty member chosen by the elections Chairman
  4. The outline of the forum will be drafted by the elections chairman and can be subject to change.

 

Section 10: Recounts

Recounts shall be made as follows:

  1. All recount requests must be made in writing to the Chair of the Elections and Regulations within 24 hours after the announcement of the results.
  2. All recounts shall be conducted no later than 24 hours after a request has been made.
  3. All candidates affected by the recount shall be notified of the results as soon as possible after the recount has been completed.
  4. Results of the recount shall be made aware to the candidates within 2 hours of completion of the recount;
  5. Candidates may request a second recount no later than three hours after the completion of the first recount. The request shall be submitted in writing to the Elections and Regulations Chair, and the recount shall be conducted as soon as possible;
  6. The Chair of the Elections and Regulations Committee shall reserve the right to allow no more then two recounts per candidate.
  7. Ballots shall be kept in a secure place to prevent tampering for 24 hours in the case a recount is called;
  8. Ballots shall be destroyed after the interval for recounts had concluded.

 

Section 11: Officer Transition

          Following the completion of elections, an officer transition workshop shall be held. This workshop should be planned by the Vice President.

 

ARTICLE VI: DUTIES OF OFFICERS

 

Section 1: President

 

Section 2: Vice President

 

Section 3: Treasurer

 

Section 4: Secretary

 

Section 5: The Executive Senators

 

Section 7: Chair of Honor Board

 

Section 8: Chair of Judicial Board

 

Section 9: Publicity & Social Chair

 

Section 10: Historian

 

Section 11: Committee Chairs

 

 

Section 12: Webmaster

 

Section 13: Other Offices

The duties of other SGA officers, not aforementioned, are to be decided by the branch in question, with consent of the Student Senate.

 

Article VII: REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

 

Section 1: GROUNDS FOR IMPEACHMENT

 

A.     Executive Council Officers, Auditor, Historian, Senators, Representatives, Class presidents and Webmaster

1.    May be impeached for not meeting the eligibility requirements, qualifications, and/or powers and duties stipulated in the constitution and/or bylaws.

2.    May also be impeached for neglect of duty of that office stipulated by the constitution

3.    Class Council Officers may be impeached by the Student Senate for any of the previously stated offenses.

B.  Executive Support

Executive support and all other appointed officials not otherwise mentioned in the constitution may be removed by a two-thirds majority vote of the executive council without impeachment proceedings.

C.  Class Officer

1.      Class officers may be removed from office for neglect of duty as stated in the SGA Constitution and /or Class officer Rules.

2.      Class officers may be removed from office after an impeachment committee meets to hear the case and two-thirds of the impeachment committee votes to remove said officer from office.

3.      The impeachment committee shall be formed of all remaining members of the Class Council. The Vice President shall not vote except in the case of a tie.        

4.  In the event that a Class Council Officer is impeached by the Student Senate, he/she may retain his/her position by a two thirds vote of the above Class Council Impeachment Committee

 

Section 2: REMOVAL FROM OFFICE

 

A.  Executive Council Officers, Senators, Representatives, Class Officers, and Historian, Auditor, and Webmaster shall be removed from office following a guilty verdict at an impeachment trial.

 

Procedures

1.      Investigation and Preliminaries to the Trial

a.       To begin impeachment proceedings against any Executive Council officer, senator, a motion to begin an investigation must originate in the Student Senate and must carry a majority vote.  If said motion is directed at the presiding officer, he/she must vacate the chair in favor of the next officer in the order of succession.
b.      An investigating committee shall be named by the presiding officer which shall decide whether there is evidence to impeach and formulate the charge(s) and specifications, if said committee finds it desirable to proceed with the trial.
c.       The accused Executive Council officer, senator, shall receive written notice that informs him/her of the time and place of and all the charges and specifications against him/her.
d.      The accused Executive Council officer, senator, or other senate member tempore shall be given at least two weeks to prepare his/her defense.

                        Trial

e.       A petition of impeachment shall be drawn up by the committee and copies made available to all member immediately prior to the trial.
f.        The Student Senate shall try the accused Executive Council officer, senator or other senate members.
g.       The proceedings of the trial shall be held in utmost secrecy and the decision of the Student Senate is final.
h.       The order of the trial shall be set forth in Robert's Rules of Order, Newly Revised.

 

Section 3: IF AN OFFICER IS REMOVED

         

    1. If a class president or executive officer (excluding the executive senators) is removed from office there shall be a campus wide election to replace the officer.
    2. If a senator, representative, executive senator is removed; the SGA President shall appoint someone to replace that office pending the approval of the SGA senate.
    3. If a class officer is removed that class president shall appoint a new officer pending the approval of the SGA Senate.

 

ARTICLE VIII: ATTENDANCE

Any member of the SGA may be removed from their position following Article VII Impeachment Guidelines if they are unexcused from: More than 3 Senator Meetings or Mandatory Meetings; 3 SGA office hours; or any combination of the two aforementioned qualifications that equals three absences within one semester.

 

 

ARTICLE IX: STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS

 

Section 1: Requirements
An organization is defined as a group comprised of at least four (4) students and at least one (1) faculty/staff advisor. In order to be considered as a registered organization, the organization must file a Registered Student Organization form with the Student Union Main Office. In order to fulfill these registration requirements, an organization must list at least one (1) faculty/staff advisor, and at least (4) officers of the organization as well as where these persons can be contacted. A current copy of an organization's Constitution is also required for consideration as a registered student organization. Both parts A and B, and/or the Registered Student Organization Form must be on file at all times and must contain current information. Secondly, all Constitutions must be first approved by the Constitution Committee provided for within the SGA Constitution and then approved by the Student Senate. Upon compliance with these measures, an organization is considered registered. The benefits of registration include: eligibility for student activity fees (unless prohibited by law, Longwood University, and/or SGA policy), space reservation and faculty rental privileges, Longwood University fleet vehicle use, and approval to post on the Longwood University campus.

 

ARTICLE IX: THE OATH
The official oath of all officers of the SGA, to be administered at the commencement of the officer's term, is:
"I, (State Your Name), do solemnly swear that I will, to the best of my abilities, promote the Mission of the SGA, as defined in Article I, Section 2 of this Constitution, and faithfully execute, the duties of, the office of, (State the Office being sworn in.)"

 

ARTICLE X: SUPREMACY ARTICLE

 

Section 1: The Supremacy Clause
This Constitution shall be the supreme authority over the student body. All acts made in pursuance thereto shall take precedence over all other Constitutions, Charters, rules, enactment, or actions of other organizations, classes, divisions, or students at Longwood University.

 

ARTICLE XI: AMENDMENTS

 

Section 1: Proposal
Amendments to this Constitution may be proposed by two-thirds (2/3) of the Student Senate, or by petition of one-fifteenth (1/15) of the Student Body. All amendments must be submitted in proper form to the President and the Vice-President twenty (20) days before any scheduled SGA elections.

 

Section 2: Ratification
Amendments to this Constitution must be ratified by two-thirds (2/3) of the Student Body in any scheduled November or April SGA election as provided for in Article V, Section 1, Sub-sections A and B of this Constitution.

 

ARTICLE XII: RATIFICATION


Upon its acceptance by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the student body, present and voting in general referendum, this Constitution shall become the governing law of the Student Body as of the ratified year.

 

Article XIII: QUORUM

 

Quorum at the senate meetings is two/thirds (2/3) of the filled senate positions.

 

As Approved by 2/3 of the voting student body:

April 2008