Note: Attached as a Word documnet as well.

Wright State University

Student Government Constitution

Revised April 17, 2013

PREAMBLE

ARTICLE I                        STUDENT GOVERNMENT (SG)

ARTICLE II                       STUDENT GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY AND JURISDICTION

ARTICLE III                      ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

ARTICLE IV                     STUDENT GOVERNMENT MEMBERSHIP

ARTICLE V                      LEGISLATION

ARTICLE VI                     MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA AND COMPENSATION

ARTICLE VII                    ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

ARTICLE VIII                   OFFICER VACANCY & REMOVAL

ARTICLEI IX                    FINANCES

ARTICLE X                      MEETING PROCEDURES

ARTICLE XI                     RATIFICATION & AMENDMENTS

PREAMBLE

The purpose of Student Government (SG) is to advocate for and represent the interests of students at Wright State University. Student Government is committed to promoting student participation in the overall policy and decision-making processes of the University, enhancing the quality and scope of education at the University, and promoting the general welfare of the student body.

ARTICLE I – STUDENT GOVERNMENT

SECTION 1.01

This organization shall be known as the Wright State University Student Government (SG).

SECTION 1.02

The Student Government shall represent the student body, which consists of all full-time and part-time students who are registered at Wright State University. SG shall exercise its authority through this Constitution as hereinafter provided.

SECTION 1.03

The governing structure of Student Government shall consist of four (4) branches: Executive Cabinet, Senate, House of Representatives, and Judicial Branch.

ARTICLE II - STUDENT GOVERNMENT AUTHORITY AND JURISDICTION

SECTION 2.01

Wright State University's Board of Trustee’s Code of Regulations Section 4.01- 4.04 provides for the existence of a student representative body to officially communicate the collective viewpoint of the student body with respect to any aspect of university policy or operations.

ARTICLE III – ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE

SECTION 3.01

THE CABINET

The Cabinet shall consist of the following eleven (14) positions:

President, Vice President, Chief of Staff, Director of Internal Affairs, Director of Academic Affairs, Director of Public Relations, Director of Student Affairs, Director of International Student Affairs, the Director of Diversity Affairs and the Director of Disability Affairs, Associate of Veteran Affairs, Associate of International Student Affairs, Associate of Web Communications, and Associate of Study Abroad (The Chief Justice, the Speaker of the House, and the OSGA Liaison (in applicable years) shall be ex-officio members of the Executive Cabinet).

The Executive Board (E-board) of the Cabinet shall consist of the following five (5) positions:

President, Vice President, Chief of Staff, Director of Internal Affairs, and the Chief Justice

The responsibilities of the E-board shall include the following:

1. Meet a minimum of two times a month, except during the summer term and winter intersession, or whenever the president or designee deems it necessary.
2. Serve as the steering committee for SG by directing issues to the appropriate bodies and coordinating the efforts of SG.
3. Appoint members to the Student Legal Service Board of Directors from a slate of nominated students brought forward by the President.
4. Provides advice and approves the nomination of associates for all Cabinet members and the Chief Justice.

SECTION 3.02

THE SENATE

The Senate shall consist of twelve (12) senators elected by the following constituencies:

Raj Soin College of Business, College of Education and Human Services, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Graduate School, College of Liberal Arts, Boonshoft School of Medicine, College of Nursing and Health, School of Professional Psychology, College of Science and Mathematics, University College, Commuter Students and the Residential Students.

The responsibilities of the Senate shall include the following:

1. Vote on any issues formally proposed to the Senate.
2. Serve as the official forum for representation of the student body.
3. Approve all appointments of Cabinet members and Associates.
4. Meet weekly, unless otherwise directed by the President.
5. Ratify all impeachment proceedings.
6. Ratify all appointments of the Judicial Branch.
7. Amend House legislation.
8. Fulfill legislative responsibility and present legislation to the entire Senate.  

SECTION 3.03

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

All registered Student Organizations have the option of participating in the House of Representatives.

The House of Representatives shall be comprised of one duly appointed representative from each registered student organization that is in good standing with the Office of Student Activities.  For the purpose of meeting attendance, one student may represent up to two organizations.  However, for the purposes of voting, each representative may only cast one vote.

The responsibilities of the House of Representative shall include the following:

a. Serve as the official collective voice of all registered student organizations.
b. Disseminate to student organizations information pertaining to policy changes and other matters of student interest.
c. Adhere to all of its own rules and regulations when not in conflict with SG rules and regulations.
d. Raise concerns and submit legislation to the Senate for action.

SECTION 3.04

JUDICIAL BRANCH

The Judicial Branch shall consist of one Chief Justice and up to two (2) Associate Justices. The President will appoint the Chief Justice with confirmation from the Senate by a majority vote of those senators present and eligible to vote.  The Chief Justice will appoint the Associate Justices with advice and consent of the E-board.

The responsibilities of the Judicial Branch shall include the following:   

1. Serve as the final determiner of all SG constitutional questions and issues.
2. Provide, upon request, mediation services for the purpose of resolving intra-organizational disputes and disputes between organizations.
3. Serve as the final appellate option for any SG election appeal.

ARTICLE IV - SG MEMBERSHIP

SECTION 4.01

CRITERIA

The membership of Student Government shall include the above-mentioned positions as well as associates, interns, committee appointees, and paid employees working within the above areas.

SECTION 4.02

REQUIREMENT

All SG members must adhere to the Wright State University Student Government Constitution and Bylaws.

SECTION 4.03

STUDENT LEADER AGREEMENT

All SG members who sign a leadership agreement with WSU Career Services must abide by the terms of that contract. Compensation under this agreement, including payment of biweekly installments, is subject to sufficient legislative appropriations, the receipt of sufficient funds, and satisfactory academic and job performance on the part of the student.

ARTICLE V - LEGISLATION

SECTION 5.01

HOUSE LEGISLATION   

Any representative of the House may introduce legislation to the House.  All legislation submitted must be in written form.  Legislation originating in the House is of two types:

1. Legislation exclusively pertaining to the House must be approved by a majority vote of those representatives who are present and eligible to vote. Legislation passed by an affirmative majority vote shall be considered enacted.
2. Legislation presented in the House for any other matter must be approved by a majority vote of the House and then forwarded to the Senate for further consideration. If the Senate rejects legislation, the President will not review it. If the Senate amends the legislation, then the House must then approve the amendment(s).  If the House approves the amendments then the legislation is sent to the President for his/her approval.  If the House does not approve the amendment(s) then the legislation fails.

SECTION 5.02

SENATE LEGISLATION

1. Legislation may be introduced to the Senate, in writing, by any representative of one of the four (4) branches of Student Government.
2. Legislation may also be introduced if a student(s) obtains the endorsement, through valid signatures, of at least one hundred (100) currently registered students. 
3. All legislation presented to the Senate must be approved by a majority vote of the Senators who are present and eligible to vote.  Furthermore, any legislation having passed the Senate in its original format shall be enacted, pending the approval of the President.  All legislation receiving the President’s approval shall be considered enacted. If the President takes no action on the legislation after seven (7) academic days of its delivery, the legislation shall be considered enacted.

SECTION 5.03

PRESIDENTIAL VETO AUTHORITY

1. All legislation having passed the Senate shall be presented to the President for approval. In the event that the President vetoes the legislation, he/she shall notify the Senate of the decision in writing and return the legislation to the Senate who may choose to consider it further. 
2. If the Senate chooses to reconsider the legislation, it may, by two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the entire Senate, override the veto and consider the legislation enacted. If such legislation does not receive the required two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote after two (2) business meetings of its return, it shall be considered failed. 
3. If the Senate chooses not to reconsider the legislation, that legislation will be considered failed.  Any legislation that has previously failed may not be reconsidered more than one other time during the same academic term in which it failed.

SECTION 5.04

PASSED LEGISLATION

1. Legislation duly passed by a majority of the Senate and affirmed by the President or duly passed by two-thirds of those Senators present and eligible to vote, both termed passed legislation, shall be published for dissemination to the campus community and those people for whom the resolution is relevant.
2. Any legislation passed after August 2012 shall remain in effect until such time as it is annulled by a subsequent duly passed piece of legislation explicitly ending its tenure

ARTICLE VI – MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA AND COMPENSATION

SECTION 6.01

GENERAL MEMBERSHIP REQUIREMENTS

All members of Student Government shall: 

1. Have attended the main campus of WSU for at least one full term prior to their election, selection, or appointment.  (The University College, School of Graduate Studies.)
2. Be in good academic and judicial standing the term prior to their election or appointment and in every subsequent term in office.
3. Be enrolled in at least six (5) credit hours (undergraduate) or four (3) credit hours (graduate) during each term in office.
4. Volunteer, Intern, Associate, and Secretary positions shall be open to all students in good academic and judicial standing who meet the requirements posted in the released application for such positions, these requirements having been duly approved by the Excutive Board.
5. No student may simultaneously hold more than one paid position within SG.

SECTION 6.02

PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT MEMBERSHIP CRITERIA

The President and Vice President of Student Government shall:

1. Have attended the Dayton campus of WSU for at least two (2) full academic terms prior to their election, selection, or appointment.  (See election and appointment guidelines). 
2.  Be enrolled in at least five (5) undergraduate credit hours or three (3) graduate credit hours during each term in office.
3.  Be in good academic and judicial standing the term prior to their election and every subsequent term including each term of his/her term in office.

SECTION 6.03

COMPENSATION

a. Members of the Executive Cabinet and Senate may receive compensation in accordance with established University policies and procedures.
b. The President and Vice President, with advice and consent of the SG advisor(s), or other appropriate University Officials, may adjust compensation of appropriate members.

SECTION 6.04

DEFINITIONS

All membership criteria stated within article VI shall become effective immediately upon the election or appointment to an office within Student Government.

a. Good Judicial Standing shall be verified by the Office of Community Standards and Student Conduct.
b. Good Academic Standing shall be defined as a cumulative GPA of 2.25 or higher.

ARTICLE VII - ELECTIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

SECTION 7.01

ELECTION PROCEDURES

All elections, nominations, and appointments shall follow the outlined procedures in Article VII of the Constitution and Article XXI of the bylaws of SG.

SECTION 7.02

ELECTION OF PRESIDENT AND VICE PRESIDENT

The positions of President and Vice President of SG shall run as a slate and be elected by a plurality vote of the student body during each spring academic term. The term of the President and Vice President will be for one academic year beginning on the first day of summer term.

SECTION 7.03

ELECTIONS OF STUDENT SENATORS

Members of the Senate shall run individually and be elected by a plurality vote of their respective constituencies in accordance with all SG election procedures and rules. The term of office for all Senators, except the University College and the School of Graduate Studies shall be for one year beginning the first day of Summer Term. The University College and the Graduate School Senators’ terms of office will begin immediately after Fall Term Elections and last into the following academic year until two weeks after the Fall Term Elections.  

SECTION 7.04

NOMINATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

All procedures for nominations and appointments shall comply with all SG policies and procedures (see elections and appointment guidelines).  SG shall provide equal opportunity to any eligible student at WSU regardless of race, sex, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation.

SECTION 7.05

CABINET AND E-BOARD NOMINATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

The procedure for Cabinet appointments shall be as follows: Outgoing members of SG, the SG Advisor (optional, non-voting), and the President and Vice President elect shall interview each candidate. All interviews must have a minimum of three members present. No one who is not a member of SG as defined in Section 4.01 can participate in interviews for any position in SG. All interviews shall be conducted in a consistent manner in order to maintain fairness .  Each nomination for appointment shall be approved by majority vote of the Senate members who are present and eligible to vote. 

SECTION 7.06

UNPAID POSITIONS

Intern, Associate, and Secretary positions in Student Government shall be created temporarily and filled on a needs-basis by recommendation of the member to whom such positions shall report and, except as provided in this Constitution, shall be discontinued at the end of each academic year. The needs-basis shall be adjudged by the Executive Board, who shall, in conjunction with the member to whom such positions shall report, write and publish a description of job duties for such positions. The position shall be filled according to the procedure outlined in Section 7.08 “Vacant Position Appointment”, except for in this Constitution.

SECTION 7.07

COMMITTEE NOMINATIONS AND APPOINTMENTS

The President and Vice President shall make all other appointments for any committee or position not specifically referred to within this constitution.  Any appointment of committee members not already provided for in this constitution who shall serve at the discretion of the Student Government President.

SECTION 7.08

VACANT POSITION APPOINTMENT

The procedure for filling a position that is vacated during an active term or is unfilled at the start of the new academic year is as follows:  The President shall notify the campus of the open position(s) and make an appropriate application available for each open position.  Applications shall be available for no less than one (1) week. At the conclusion of the application process and  in conjunction with the President’s executive cabinet, a person shall be nominated to fill the vacant position.  The Senate must then confirm the nomination with a majority vote of those present and eligible at the meeting.

SECTION 7.09

ELECTION TIE

In the event of a tie during any election, a run-off will determine the winning candidate(s). A run-off will include the top two candidates from the original ballot. In the case that a tie occurs between two or more write in candidates, interviews will take place that are conducted under the same guidelines established in Section 7.05 to determine who will fill the vacant position.

ARTICLE VIII – OFFICER VACANCY AND REMOVAL

SECTION 8.01

PRESIDENTIAL VACANCY                               

If the President is unable or unwilling to serve his/her entire term or is removed from office, the Vice President of SG shall assume the duties.  The Vice President shall have forty-eight (48) hours from the date that the vacancy is announced at a SG meeting to accept or decline the position of Student Government President.  If the Vice President accepts the position, he/she will assume the duties immediately.

In the event that the Vice President agrees to be the permanent replacement and serve as the President, he/she shall forward the name of an acceptable candidate for the Vice President position at the next SG meeting.  Internal nominees are not required to complete an application process, however any external candidate shall be subject to the procedures outlined in Article VII, §7.07, concerning vacant positions.  The Senate, by a majority vote of Senators present and eligible to vote, shall confirm or deny the nomination.  If confirmed, the new Vice President will begin his/her term immediately.  If denied, the new President shall continue to submit candidates until a candidate is confirmed.

If the Senate does not confirm a candidate submitted by the President after two (2) SG meetings, a special election will be held to fill the position.  Any special election for the position of Vice President must be completed by no later than ten (10) business days from the date the election is deemed necessary.

In the event the Vice President is unable to serve as the permanent replacement, he/she shall serve as the acting President until such time as a new President is appointed.  If the Vice President does not choose to assume the responsibilities of the President, he/she will resume his/her Vice Presidential duties immediately following the appointment of the President.  The Chief of Staff shall have twenty-four (24) hours to accept or decline the position of President.  If the Chief of Staff accepts the position, he/she shall appear before the Senate for confirmation by a majority vote of senators present and eligible to vote.

In the event that the Chief of Staff declines the position of President, the Director of Internal Affairs shall have twenty-four (24) hours to accept or decline the position.  If he/she accepts, the Director of Internal Affairs shall go before the Senate for confirmation by a majority vote of senators present and eligible to vote.

If neither position accepts the presidency, the Vice President, Chief of Staff, Director of Internal Affairs, and Chief Justice shall announce, at the next SG meeting, the formation of a committee to find a replacement.  Every effort shall be made to find an internal replacement, however the committee reserves the right to conduct an external search if deemed necessary.  This committee must nominate a candidate within twenty (20) business days. Internal nominees are not required to complete an application process, however any external candidate shall be subject to the procedures outlined in Article VII, §7.07, concerning vacant positions.  If no nomination is presented to the Senate by the following SG meeting, a special election will be held to fill the position.  Any special election for the position of President must be completed by no later than fifteen (15) business days from the date the election is deemed necessary.

SECTION 8.02

VICE PRESIDENTIAL VACANCY

If the Vice President is unable or unwilling to serve his/her entire term, or is removed from the office, the President shall assume the duties.  During this time, internal candidates are to be sought and given first consideration for the position.  If no suitable internal candidate is presented, the procedures in Article VII §7.07, concerning vacant positions, are to be followed.  The Senate, by a majority vote of senators present and eligible to vote, shall confirm or deny the nomination. If confirmed, the new Vice President will begin his/her term immediately.  If denied, the President shall continue to submit candidates until a candidate is confirmed.

SECTION 8.03

SENATE VACANCY

The President shall declare vacant any seat of the Senate for which that individual has three (3) or more unexcused absences from SG meetings during any given academic term.  The vacated position can only be reacquired by the incumbent senator receiving a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the Senate present and eligible to vote.  Only the individual who served in the position declared vacant shall be permitted to be reinstated. 

SECTION 8.04

CABINET VACANCY

The President shall declare vacant any seat of the Cabinet for which that individual has three (3) or more unexcused absences from a SG meeting during any given academic term.  The vacated position can only be reacquired by the incumbent Cabinet member with approval of the President.  Only the individual who served in the position declared vacant shall be permitted to be reinstated by receiving a two-thirds (2/3) affirmative vote of the Senate present and eligible to vote. 

SECTION 8.05

REMOVAL OF PRESIDENT OR VICE PRESIDENT FROM OFFICE

The Senate may remove the President or Vice President from their elected position by obtaining a three-fourths (3/4) affirmative vote of the entire Senate membership.  To initiate the removal of the President or Vice President, one of the following processes must be followed:

1. A petition, stating the reasons for removal from office signed by at least two hundred (200) students or 10% of the students who voted in the most recent election for President and Vice President, which ever is greater;
2. A Senator who has submitted in writing, a resolution calling for the removal of the President or Vice President that includes a description of the rational for the removal from office.

SECTION 8.06

REMOVAL OF SG MEMBER FROM OFFICE

The E-Board may remove, if necessary, any member of SG except the President and Vice President.  Removal from any position shall require a three-fourths (3/4) affirmative vote by the Senate unless the reason for removal falls under the exceptions listed below in this section.

The protocol for the removal of a SG member from office is as follows:

1. Email  and verbal recommendation from any member of the E-Board to address the violation
2. If the violation continues, a written documented warning from the E-Board will be issued as well as a meeting with the individual will be scheduled with a member of the E-Board to discuss the issue.
3. If the violation(s) continues after the first two warnings the E-Board can make a recommendation to the Senate to vote for the removal of that SG member at the next meeting. If the decision is voted on by the Senate, a three-fourths (3/4)) majority must vote in favor of the removal of that member for it to be official.

To initiate the removal of a SG member by the Senate, the following process must be followed:

1. A petition signed by at least twenty (20) students of his or her constituency stating the reasons for removal from office;
2. A Senator who has submitted, in writing, a resolution describing the reasons for that officer’s removal from office.

Special situation exemptions for removal of SG member for a violation of office protocol:

1. Continual direct violation of the Standard Office Procedures even after E-board intervention into the situation.
2. Recommendation by faculty advisor (s) to remove an SG member from office due to special circumstances.

SECTION 8.07

OFFICER RESIGNATION

Any Senator, Cabinet Member, Vice President or President of Student Government may submit their resignation at any time to the Chief Justice in the form of a written letter or email.

SECTION 8.08

JUDICIAL BRANCH PROCESS REVIEW

The members of the Judicial Branch shall verify that all SG procedures have been properly followed when the E-board or Senate has removed any person from office.  If the Judicial Branch determines that proper procedures were not followed, the SG member shall remain in office.  New impeachment proceedings may only be initiated against the same individual a total of one (1) time in any given term.  If the removal process is upheld, that official shall be required to leave office immediately.

ARTICLE IX – FINANCES

SECTION 9.01

EXPENDITURES AND DEPOSITS

All monies belonging to this organization shall be deposited and disbursed through a University account established for this organization. All funds must be deposited within one business day after collection.  The advisor and Director of Internal Affairs must approve and sign each expenditure request before funds are allocated.

SECTION 9.02

BUDGETARY PROCESS

The President, in conjunction with the Director of Internal Affairs, shall create a Student Government budget for the fiscal year. The proposed budget shall be forwarded to the Senate for review and approval. The Senate will review the budget, and any recommendations for changes initiated by the Senate must be completed and approved in advance of any request for funds made to the Student Organization Budget Committee (SOBC).

ARTICLE X – MEETING PROCEDURES

SECTION 10.01

REQUIREMENTS

1. Robert's Rules of Order Revised shall guide the proceedings of SG meetings when not in conflict with any of the provisions of this constitution and bylaws.
2. Regular meetings of the Student Government will be held at least twice per month during the regular academic year. Special meetings may be called by the President. Special meetings must be called when requested in writing by at least four (4) Senators. Notice of special meetings must be provided to all Senators and Cabinet Members at least forty-eight (48) hours prior to the meeting taking place.
3. Quorum must be present and shall be 50% + 1 of the current Senators who are eligible to vote in order to conduct official SG business.

SECTION 10.02

STANDARD OFFICE PROCEDURES      

The Student Government President, with input by the E-board and recommendations by the Senate, shall present a set of Standard Office Procedures ( SOPs) in addition to the SG Bylaws  in order to direct the conduct and environment of the office.  These policies may be enacted at any time throughout the school year, with an initial set of SOPs presented at the first SG meeting of Fall Term. All SG members must adhere to these office polices and SOPs.

ARTICLE XI – RATIFICATION AND AMENDMENTS

SECTION 11.01 

Ratification of the Student Government Constitution is accomplished by a three-fourths (3/4) affirmative vote of the Senate.

SECTION 11.02 

Approval of all amendments to the constitution must originate in the Senate and pass the Senate by a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire senate. If the SG President vetoes the amendment(s), then the Student Senate can override the measure with a three-fourths (3/4) vote of the entire Senate.

SECTION 11.03 

Approval of all amendments to the bylaws must be passed by the Senate with a majority vote of those present and voting. If the President vetoes the amendment(s), then the Senate can override the measure with a two-thirds (2/3) vote of the entire Senate.

SECTION 11.04

All previous constitutions are hereby null and void.

SECTION 11.05

All amendments to the constitution and bylaws that are passed by the Senate are subject to the counsel and approval of the Vice President of Student Affairs or designee.

Approved SG: 

Approved VPSA: