Preamble

We, the students of Mary Washington College, having established a Student Government Association to promote communication, cooperation, and understanding among students, faculty, and administrators, do ordain and establish this our Constitution.

Article I. Purpose

The purpose of the Student Government Association (SGA) shall be to work for a better College community through the development and strengthening of individual responsibility and citizenship. The SGA shall share with the faculty and the administration the obligation of respecting and promoting the tradition, standards, and objectives of the College and instilling the principles of self-government and democracy in every student.

Article II. Membership

Upon matriculation into the College, a student automatically becomes a member of the Student Government Association. All students holding elected and appointed SGA positions shall maintain a minimum 2.2 cumulative GPA, and shall be in good social standing as defined by the Dean of Student Life and the Student Handbook.

Article III. Organization

The Executive, Legislative, and Judicial branches comprise the governing bodies of the SGA. All elected and appointed officers of the Executive Cabinet shall have the responsibility for the efficient operation of the SGA, under the direction of the President of the Student Government Association.

Article IV. Authority

Section 1.

The Student Government Association derives its authority from the student body exercising their Constitutional rights guaranteed by the First Amendment to the Constitution of the United States of America and from delegation by the President of the College. The elected representatives of the SGA shall have the sole authority to act in the name of the student body. The SGA commits itself to uphold and enforce only those regulations made through mutual agreement and understanding between the SGA and the administration of the college.

Section 2.

Members of the Executive Cabinet and other representatives of the SGA shall have the responsibility to study any matter affecting the welfare of the student body and the College. These representatives have the responsibility to make recommendations which will foster the best interests of the student body and the College.

Article V. Ratification

A decision made upon the plurality of votes cast marks the ratification of the SGA Constitution.

Article VI. Executive Branch

Section 1.

The Executive Cabinet of the Student Government Association holds all executive power under the direction of the SGA President.

Section 2.

The Executive Cabinet, a body comprised of members, represents the student body on all matters of joint concern between the administration of the College and the student body. The Executive Cabinet is the highest elected body on campus. The members of the Executive Cabinet include: the President (elected, voting member), the Vice President (elected, voting member), the Judicial Review Board President (elected, voting member), the Honor Council President (elected, voting member), the Legislative Action Committee Chairperson (elected, voting member), the Academic Affairs Council Chairperson (elected, voting member), the Association of Residence Halls President (elected, voting member), the Commuting Student Association President (elected, voting member), the Executive Coordinator (appointed, non-voting member), the Treasurer (appointed, non-voting member), the Press Secretary (appointed, non-voting member), the Secretary (appointed, non-voting member), and the Technology Coordinator (appointed, non-voting member). Each member of the Executive Cabinet has a full voice at all meetings. These officers have a term of office until the next transition period is completed.

Section 3.

The student body shall elect the President, Vice President, Judicial Review Board President, Honor Council President, Legislative Action Committee Chairperson, the Academic Affairs Council Chairperson, the Association of Residence Halls President, and the Commuting Student Association President by a secret ballot based on a plurality of votes cast.

Section 4.

The Executive Cabinet of the Student Government Association shall have the authority to regulate all SGA activities. Upon advice from the Executive Cabinet, the Judicial Review Board shall be the final interpreter of the SGA constitution. The Executive Cabinet shall also serve as an advisory body to the President of the College.

Section 5.

The Executive Cabinet, in consultation with the Inter-Club Association, shall have the sole authority to recognize student organizations. Recognition from the Cabinet is necessary prior to the allocation of financial assistance.

Section 6.

The specific areas of duties and responsibilities of each member of the Executive Cabinet shall be as follows:

Position: Student Government Association President

The President of the Student Government Association is the official spokesperson for the SGA and the student body. The President shall call and preside over all meetings of the Executive Cabinet as well as any open student body meeting. The President shall appoint the SGA Secretary, Treasurer, Executive Coordinator, Technology Coordinator and the Press Secretary of the Executive Cabinet with the approval of the Student Senate. The President shall nominate students to serve on any student/faculty committees and designate students to represent the SGA at official College functions. The President is also responsible for the efficient operation of the daily activities of the organization. The President is responsible to the President of the College and shall act as a liaison for the SGA to the Board of Visitors.

Position: Student Government Association Vice President

The Vice President of the SGA shall act as SGA President in his/her absence. The Vice President shall serve as President of the Senate. The Senate President shall call and preside over all meetings of the Senate, voting only in a tie situation. The Vice President shall call and preside over all meetings of the Board of Senate Officers. The SGA Vice President shall appoint the Secretary and Parliamentarian of the Senate and shall choose all co-chairpersons of the standing committees and ad-hoc committees of the Senate with the Senate’s approval. Only elected Senators may be appointed to be co-chairs of the standing and ad-hoc committees of Senate. The Vice President is responsible for the daily operations of the Senate.

Position: Judicial Review Board President

The Judicial Review Board President shall be the official representative of the SGA on all matters of judicial concern. The JRB President (elected, non-voting) shall preside over Judicial Review Board hearings and is responsible for coordinating all judicial trials. The JRB President is responsible for maintaining records of all judicial proceedings and shall appoint a Secretary and a Recorder to the Board.

Position: Honor Council President

The Honor Council President shall be the official representative of the SGA in all matters relating to the Honor System. The Honor Council President must have one year’s experience as either an elected Honor Council Representative or as an Honor Council Advisor. Said President shall communicate developments of the Honor system to the Cabinet members. This time may also be used as a forum for discussion concerning Honor Code matters. The President (elected, non-voting) shall preside over all Honor Council hearings. The President is responsible for coordinating all honor trials and for maintaining records of all Honor Council proceedings.

Position: Legislative Action Committee Chairperson

The Legislative Action Committee Chairperson shall call and preside over all meetings of the Legislative Action Committee (LAC). The LAC concerns itself with all lobbying efforts on legislative, political, and community concerns that affect the College as a whole. The Chairperson shall appoint a Vice Chairperson, Chairpersons of the standing subcommittees of LAC along with a Secretary and Press Secretary. The LAC represents the student body interests on all local, state, and federal government levels as well as to the administration of the College.

Position: Academic Affairs Council Chairperson

The Academic Affairs Council (AAC) Chairperson shall be the official representative of the SGA in all matters of academic concern. The Chairperson shall attend all faculty Senate and full faculty meetings and shall be the only recognized student speaker at these meetings. Said Chairperson shall call and preside over meetings of the Academic Affairs Council and shall cooperate with the Academic Services Office in areas of academic concern, advising and registration in the student body interests.

Position: Association of Residence Halls President

The Association of Residence Halls (ARH) President shall be a full time on-campus student who presides over all meetings of the ARH Executive Council. The ARH President shall be a liaison between the Office of Residence Life and the student body and represent ARH to the Mary Washington College Offices. The Association of Residence Halls constitution and all ARH procedures shall be found in the by-laws of the SGA.

Position: Commuting Student Association President

The Commuting Student Association (CSA) President (elected, voting) is responsible for representing the commuting students to the SGA, all Mary Washington College Offices and the Fredericksburg community. The CSA President shall be a commuter for the duration of his/her term and provide an effective means of communication between the above mentioned groups, and shall assimilate the commuting students into the mainstream of Mary Washington campus life through activities. The Commuting Students Association constitution and all CSA procedures shall be found in the by-laws of the SGA.

Position: Executive Coordinator

The Executive Coordinator (EC) is appointed in the spring by the newly elected SGA President with the approval of the current Senate. The EC shall attend all Executive Cabinet meetings with full voice but as a non-voting member. The EC is responsible for planning and coordinating all SGA events along with assisting the endeavors undertaken by other members of the Executive Cabinet. The EC is also responsible for the Freshman Record.

Position: Treasurer

The Treasurer is appointed in the spring by the newly elected SGA President with the approval of the current Senate. The Treasurer shall attend all Executive Cabinet meetings with full voice but as a non-voting member. The Treasurer is responsible for the effective, timely, and accurate bookkeeping of all monetary transactions. Moreover sound financial advice as well as monetary records ought to be provided to the Executive Cabinet.

Position: Secretary

The Secretary is appointed in the spring by the newly elected SGA President with the approval of the current Senate. The Secretary shall attend all Executive Cabinet meetings with full voice but as a non-voting member. The Secretary is responsible for the accurate recording of the minutes of the Executive Cabinet meetings. The Secretary is responsible for the upkeep of all SGA Bulletin Boards.

Position: Press Secretary

The Press Secretary is appointed in the spring by the newly elected SGA President with the approval of the current Senate. The Press Secretary shall attend all Executive Cabinet meetings with full voice but as a non-voting member. The Press Secretary is responsible for all publicity for the SGA. The Press Secretary shall work with the Senate for publicity reasons whenever necessary.

Position: Technology Coordinator

The Technology Coordinator is appointed in the spring by the newly elected SGA President with the approval of the current Senate. The Technology Coordinator shall attend all Executive Cabinet meetings with full voice but as a non-voting member. The Technology Coordinator is responsible for maintaining the SGA website in a timely manner.

Section 7.

The Executive Cabinet shall formulate, organize and clearly state in writing the goals, policies and procedures of the SGA for the upcoming administrative year.

Section 8.

The Executive Cabinet shall meet once a week on a day and time agreed upon by the Cabinet. All students are allowed to attend open meetings with full voice. Attendance of all Executive Cabinet members shall be mandatory. Any excuses should be cleared with the SGA President prior to the meeting. If the President or Chair of an organization cannot attend a meeting, he/she may send their Vice-President or Vice-Chair and he/she may have a vote in the Cabinet meeting.

Section 9.

In case of the removal of the SGA President from office or his/her resignation or inability to discharge his/her duties, the powers and duties shall devolve to the SGA Vice President. In case of the removal of the SGA Vice President from his/her office, the powers and duties shall devolve temporarily to the Vice President of the Senate. In the event of the removal of both SGA President and Vice President, Executive Cabinet will take over, as a whole, the duties of the President. In case of the removal of the Judicial Review Board President, Honor Council President, Legislative Action Committee Chairperson, Academic Affairs Council Chairperson, Association of Residence Halls President, or Commuting Student Association President from office, the powers and duties shall devolve temporarily to the respective Vice President or Vice Chairperson. A campus-wide election shall immediately be held by the Senate Election Rules and Procedures Committee for the purpose of electing successors to the vacant offices.

Section 10.

Robert’s Rules shall govern the Executive Cabinet in all cases to which they are applicable and in which they are inconsistent with the SGA Constitution.

Section 11.

No member of the Executive Cabinet may temporarily appoint another student to his/her position, if not already provided for in the Constitution.

Section 12.

Presidential Standing Committees of the SGA:

Inter-Club Association

The purpose of the Inter-Club Association (ICA) is to coordinate an overall program of organizational activities for all members. The ICA shall act as an agency for discussion of problems or concerns between its members. The ICA shall assist in the development of new organizations to meet the student body’s needs. The ICA shall work in cooperation with all organizations to carry out its purposes. The Chairs shall work in cooperation with the Director of Student Activities whenever possible. The ICA shall receive funding from the Student Finance Committee. The Senior Co-chair shall attend Executive Cabinet meetings with full voice and no vote. Two unexcused absences shall lead to disciplinary actions. All procedures and rules for this association shall be contained in the by-laws of the SGA.

Section 13.

Senators can hold one appointed position outside of Senate and Senate Board. Senators are able to also hold membership positions within AAC, ARH, CSA, HC, ICA and LAC excluding elected Executive Cabinet members and officers within above said organizations. JRB representatives cannot hold positions within Executive Cabinet.

Article VII. Legislative Branch

Section 1.

All legislative powers shall be vested in a student represented body, the Student Senate.

Section 2.

The Senate shall have the responsibility to legislate with regard to all issues of student concern. It shall require a vote of fifty percent plus one of quorum of the Senate to approve any legislation before the Senate. Any legislation approved by the Senate shall be presented to the Executive Cabinet by the President of the Senate for approval or veto. The Executive Cabinet shall approve or veto any legislation enacted by the Senate within two weeks, lest the legislation is appropriated to the correct body. The Senate may override a veto of the Executive Cabinet only by the vote of at least two-thirds of its membership.

Section 3.

The Vice President of the SGA shall be President of the Senate and its official spokesperson. The Senate President shall call and preside over all meetings of the Senate and shall have no vote, except to decide a tied vote.

Section 4.

The Vice President of the Senate shall be elected from the Senate body during the third meeting of the Senate each fall. The Vice President shall be an officer of the Senate Board.

Section 5.

The Student Senate shall be comprised of the following Standing Committees:

Committee: Academic and Faculty Affairs

The Academic and Faculty Affairs Committee (AFA) shall be comprised of one Chairperson and committee members. The AFA shall be the liaison between the Student Senate and the Academic Affairs Council (AAC). This committee shall make sure that all Student Senate motions given to the AAC are processed in a timely manner. The AFA has the authority to call in any appointed member of the AAC to report twice a month. The AFA Chairperson shall attend all meetings of the AAC or choose a committee member to go in the event that they are unable to attend. The AFA shall be well informed on any and all issues of academic concern to better discuss these issues in the Student Senate.

Committee: Buildings and Grounds

The Buildings and Grounds Committee (BGC) shall be comprised of one Chairperson and committee members. The BGC shall make sure that all Student Senate motions relating to the maintenance of the campus property are processed in a timely manner and act as liaison with the LAC. The BGC shall be well informed on any and all issues of residential concern to better discuss these issues in the Student Senate. The BGC shall prepare and present all motions and concerns to the Legislative Action Committee for the Safety Walk.

Committee: Constitutional Order

The Constitutional Order Committee (COC) shall be comprised of two Co-Chairpersons and committee members. The COC shall be the authoritative body in the Legislative Branch on Senate rules and the SGA Constitution. In the Parliamentarian’s absence, a member of the committee shall fulfill the role of Parliamentarian until he/she returns or the position is filled. All inquiries concerning the SGA Constitution in regards to the Student Senate by the COC shall be efficiently sent to the Judicial Review Board for review. The COC shall maintain a working knowledge of Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised.

Committee: Dietary Concerns

The Dietary Concerns Committee (DCC) shall be comprised of one Chairperson and committee members. The DCC shall be the liaison between the Student Senate and the Presidential Dining Committee. This committee shall make sure that all Senate motions delivered to the Presidential Dining Committee are processed in a timely manner. The Chairperson shall attend all Presidential Dining Committee meetings or choose a committee member to go in the event that he/she is unable to attend. The DCC shall be well informed on any and all issues of dietary concern for better discussion in the Student Senate. The Chairperson and all Committee members must hold at least the minimum meal plan available.

Committee: Election Rules and Procedures

The Election Rules and Procedures Committee (ERPC) shall be comprised of two Co-Chairpersons and committee members. The ERPC shall run executive cabinet elections and oversee all other SGA campus wide elections and handle all matters pertaining to SGA elections. The ERPC must organize a Voter Information Night or similar event to be held a reasonable amount of time prior to the election. The Executive Cabinet can by a plurality of votes, take control of any campus wide election, thus removing all powers from the ERPC. The ERPC shall also handle any election contestations.

Committee: Ethics and Conduct

The Ethics and Conduct Committee (ECC) shall be comprised of two Co-Chairpersons and nine committee members. The ECC shall be responsible for the revision and enforcement of the Senate Code of Ethics and committee bylaws. The Ethics and Conduct Committee shall ensure that all members of the Senate and Senate Board are performing the duties of their office. Any breach of the Senate Code of Ethics or failure to fulfill duties shall be reported to the ECC. The Ethics and Conduct Committee shall enforce attendance policies in conjunction with the Vice-President. At the discretion of the committee, the ECC may elect to keep the proceedings within the committee or bring proceedings before Senate. ECC hearings shall not be held unless all eleven members are present. The Senate may remove any member of Senate from office by a two-thirds vote in favor of removal. If a two-thirds vote is reached, the individual may not be a member of the SGA for one year starting at the time of removal. If a two-thirds vote is not reached, then the acquitted Senator remains in his/her position and may not be charged with the same violation again.

Committee: Legislative and Administrative Affairs

The Legislative and Administrative Affairs Committee (LAA) shall be comprised of one Chairperson and committee members. The LAA shall be the liaison between the Student Senate and the Legislative Action Committee (LAC). This committee shall make sure that all Student Senate motions delivered to the LAC are processed in a timely manner. The LAA has the authority to call any of the appointed members of the LAC Executive Board to report to the committee twice a month. The LAA Chairperson shall attend all meetings of the LAC or choose a committee member to go in the event that he/she are unable to attend. The LAA shall be well informed on any and all issues of legislative or political concern for better discussion in the Senate.

Committee: Publicity

The Publicity Committee shall be comprised of two Co-Chairpersons and committee members. The Publicity Committee shall be responsible for advertising all Student Senate or SGA sponsored events as deemed necessary by the members of the Senate Board or SGA Press Secretary. In cooperation with the Vice-President the Publicity Committee shall be responsible for coordinating Student Senate events.

Committee: Telecommunications

The Telecommunications Committee shall be comprised of one Chairperson and committee members. The Telecommunications Committee shall be responsible for filming all Student Senate or SGA sponsored events at the committee’s discretion. The Telecommunications Committee is also responsible for maintaining the Senate webpage, which includes posting the weekly Student Senate minutes. The Chairperson is responsible for filming said events and maintaining said webpage. If a Senator goes abroad and wishes to remain an active member of Senate, said Senator shall be acquired by the Telecommunications Committee for communicative purposes.

Committee: Film Festival

The Film Festival Committee (FFC) shall be comprised of one chairperson (non-voting in Senate Board) and committee members. Both the chair and the members may sit on another committee. The Chair will have the power to appoint non-Senators to the Committee. The FFC shall be responsible for organizing and running The Spectacle (the Student Film Festival).

Section 6.

The Student Senate shall have the following positions:

Position: President

The SGA Vice-President shall serve as President of the Student Senate and shall call and preside over all meetings of the Student Senate, voting only in a tie situation. The President shall call and preside over all meetings of the Senate Board. The President shall appoint all of the Senate Co-Chairpersons of standing and ad-hoc committees with the Senate’s approval. The SGA Vice-President is responsible for the daily operations of the Student Senate and for maintaining records of all Student Senate legislation.

Position: Vice-President

The Vice-President shall assume the powers and duties of the President of the Student Senate in his/her absence. The Vice-President shall attend all meetings of the Senate Board and have full voice and vote. The Vice-President must be a Senator and shall be elected by his/her fellow Senators during the third meeting of the Senate in the Fall Semester and hold no other office within Senate. Once elected the Vice-President will remain as a member of his/her committee with the exception of the Ethics and Conduct Committee. If an Ethics and Conduct Committee member chooses to run for the position of Vice-President and is elected, he/she must resign from his/her position in the committee and shall be appointed to another Student Senate committee by the President of the Student Senate. The Vice-President shall be responsible for supervising the attendance of the Senators. The Vice-President shall be responsible for coordinating at least one community service project during each semester.

Position: Parliamentarian

The Parliamentarian shall be appointed in the Spring Semester by the SGA Vice- President and shall attend all meetings of Senate and the Senate Board serving as a member with full voice. The Parliamentarian shall have a vote within Senate Board but not within Senate. The Parliamentarian is the foremost authority on Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised and acts as an advisor on such matters to the Student Senate President whenever necessary. The Parliamentarian shall maintain his/her position until transition.

Position: Secretary

The Secretary shall be appointed in the Spring Semester by the SGA Vice-President and shall attend all meetings of the Senate and the Senate Board serving as a member with full voice. The Secretary shall have a vote within Senate Board but not within Senate. The minutes of the Student Senate and Senate Board shall be in accordance with Robert’s Rules of Order Newly Revised. The Secretary is responsible for the accurate recording and efficient, expedient distribution of the minutes of Student Senate and of the Senate Board meetings. The Secretary shall maintain his/her position until transition.

Section 7.

The Duties of the Senators shall be: 1) Senators shall represent their constituents’ viewpoints to the very best of their ability. Senators should be proactive in talking and asking constituents of their opinions and views on any issue the SGA is dealing with. This proactive stance will make Senators better informed to cast more informed votes in Senate. 2) Senators must attend all Senate meetings. 3) Senators shall attend all committee meetings. 4) Senators shall publicize anything deemed necessary to be publicized by the Senate or by the Senate President. 5) Senators should make every effort to acquire a good working knowledge of Senate procedure. 6) Senators must notify the Handbook and Ethics Committee if a fellow Senator is not properly performing his/her duties. 7) All Senators shall meet the requirements of being in good academic standing and attending a mandatory Senate workshop. 8 ) All commuting student Senators shall attend the meetings of the Commuting Student Association, and be subject to the attendance policy of that organization. 9) Office hours will be determined by Senate Board at the beginning of the year. All hours must be registered with the Senate Vice President.

Section 8.

Excuses for absences shall be cleared by the Senate Vice President prior to the Senate meetings. After a Senator incurs two absences, he/she shall be required to meet with the Senate Vice President as well as receive a letter of warning. After accruing three unexcused absences per academic semester a Senator shall be removed from the Senate. Any excuses for absences to committee meetings shall be cleared by one of the two co-chairs of that committee prior to the meetings. After accruing two absences from these meetings, the Senator shall meet with the co-chairs of that committee and it shall be counted as one absence in the Senate.

Section 9.

The members of the Senate Board are required to attend all Board meetings as well as all Senate meetings. Any absences should be excused by the Vice President of the Senate before the meeting occurs. In the event that an officer accrues two unexcused absences from both bodies’ meetings, the said officer shall be required to meet with the President of the Senate. If the said officer accrues three absences from both bodies’ meetings then the President shall remove that officer from the Board and the Senate.

Section 10.

The Senate may form at any time ad-hoc committees to augment the activities of the standing committees or to study and investigate a specific problem area that requires special attention. The Senate shall not abridge the right of students to form ad-hoc committees which do not fall under the direct jurisdiction of the Senate. The Senate may place regulatory condition only on the expenditures of SGA funds granted to these committees. Ad-hoc committees shall be defined as impermanent committees whose chairperson(s) is a member of Senate with all conditions applying. The committee shall clearly state its purpose and its goals which are to be submitted to the Board and the Senate body. Ad-hoc committee membership is open to all students. The ad-hoc committee shall be dissolved whenever its purpose is fulfilled.

Section 11.

The entire Student Senate body shall be made up of a total number of voting members equal to the College student population divided by fifty. Each residence hall shall have at least one Senator notwithstanding the number of residents in said residence hall. Each residence hall containing more than fifty students will add one additional Senator when thirty students exceed an increment of fifty. Residential Senators shall be elected within their residence halls. Commuters are also entitled to the right of one Senator per fifty commuting students and shall be elected by the commuting student population. All vacant positions may be filled by any member of the College student body through a petition of fifty signatures which once confirmed by the Student Senate would establish them as voting members.

Section 12.

The Senate Board shall consist of the Student Senate Vice-President, Secretary, Parliamentarian, and the Chairperson(s) of each Student Senate standing committee, as well as any ad hoc committee Chairpersons who may be added throughout the year. A member of Senate Board may only hold one position within Senate Board. Those holding Senate Board Chairperson positions and the Vice-President of the Student Senate must first be Senators and shall have a term of office until the next academic year. The members of the Senate Board, with the exception of the Senate President, shall have full voice and vote in meetings of the Senate Board as a whole.

Article VIII. Judicial Branch

Section 1.

The Judicial Branch shall not have a separate constitution from the SGA. The official rules and procedures of the JRB can be found in the SGA by-laws.

Section 2.

The JRB shall be the official interpreter of the Constitution.

Article IX. Recall

Section 1.

Any student official may be recalled by his/her constituency if he/she has failed to perform satisfactorily the duties of, or uphold the standards of, the office.

Section 2.

The following recall procedure shall be utilized by all members of the SGA. This may also be used unless it is contradictory to the means of recall as set forth in the constitution of the particular group considering the question.

Section 3.

Upon petition of twenty percent of the electorate for said office to the Handbook and Ethics Committee, the question of recall shall be considered before that electorate. Two-thirds of the specified electorate must vote in favor of recall in order for the motion to be carried and a student official to be recalled by his/her constituency.

Article X. Repeal and Referendum

Section 1.

The student body has the right to call for a referendum on any issue within its jurisdiction and to repeal any piece of legislation which has been passed by the Senate.

Section 2.

A petition of ten percent of the student body shall call the question.

Section 3.

A plurality of the electorate is required to repeal legislation.

Article XI. General Provisions

Section 1.

Eligibility for any office within the Student Government Association shall be dependent upon a 2.2 cumulative grade point average to run for office and the achievement of at least a 2.O semester average for each semester while in office, a good social standing, and a full-time student status throughout the tenure of office. Any appointed offices within the SGA shall be of good academic standing (2.0).

Section 2.

The oath of office for all elected and appointed representatives of the SGA shall be as follows: I do hereby solemnly promise to support and maintain the Constitution of the Student Government Association of Mary Washington College, and I pledge my best efforts to the efficient performance of the duties of ________ to which I have been elected/appointed.

Section 3.

The oath of office shall be administered by the out-going Judicial Review Board President and witnessed by the newly elected SGA President. The only exception is the SGA President who is sworn in by the out-going Judicial Review Board President and witnessed by the out-going SGA President.

Article XII. Bill of Rights

The following rights shall be the standards by which the Student Government Association shall formulate and conduct its policies:

Section 1.

Statement of Non-Discrimination: The SGA shall not discriminate against, nor tolerate any discrimination of any member of the Mary Washington College community on the basis of race, color, religion, physical or mental disability, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, or age.

Section 2.

The right of students to be secure in their persons, houses, or living quarters, papers, and effects against any unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated by any student.

Section 3.

No student in any student judicial case shall be compelled to be a witness against himself/herself, nor shall he/she be deprived of liberty, or social or student status without due process. No disciplinary sanction shall be imposed by the student judiciary on any student without notice to the accused of the nature and cause of the charges and a fair hearing which shall include confrontation of witnesses against him/her. The accused shall have the right to a speedy and public trial, to have ample time to obtain witnesses in his/her behalf, and to have the assistance of counsel for his/her defense.

Section 4.

Clubs may be established for any legal purpose consistent with policy of the College. Any such organizations shall not be denied membership into the Inter-Club Association, should it desire it, without justifiable reason.

Article XIII. Amendments

Section 1.

An amendment to this constitution may be proposed by any student. A petition of ten percent of the student body must accompany all proposed amendments to the Senate. The amendment shall then be handled by the Senate Handbook and Ethics Committee. The Senate must approve the amendment by a three-fourths majority. If the amendment passes the Senate then it will become effective if passed by a vote of fifty percent plus one majority of the student electorate.

Section 2.

An amendment to the By-Laws of the SGA Constitution may be proposed by any student. A petition of five percent of the student body must accompany all proposed amendments to the Senate. The amendment shall then be handled by the Senate Handbook and Ethics Committee. The Senate must approve the amendment by a three-fourths majority. If the amendment passes the Senate, it will then become effective if passed by a fifty percent plus one majority of votes cast in a campus wide election.

Senate By-laws

Article I. Qualifications for Campus-wide Elections

1. All candidates must have a 2.2 Cumulative Grade Point Average to run for an office.
2. a. All candidates are required to attend one mandatory workshop. If it is not feasible for a candidate to attend, he/she must contact the Senate Rules and Procedures Committee Chairperson(s) within twenty-four (24) hours before nominations.
b. Nominations will be held during a Senate meeting, as designated by the Rules and Procedures Committee. All candidates must be nominated by a senator and must accept the nomination in order to qualify for the election.
c. Nomination by petition may be accomplished if a student submits a petition of support of his/her nomination, which has been signed by ten percent (10%) of the student body, to the Rules and Procedures Committee Chair within twenty-four (24) hours of closing of nominations.

1. On-campus campaign material is considered to be posters, fliers, banners, an advertisement in any campus publication, buttons, stickers, t-shirts, clothing, and anything that’s purpose is to support a candidate’s campaign. The Rules and Procedures Committee will make any decisions pertaining to campaign material.
a. A limit of $50 is hereby established on campaign expenditures and donations. All materials used in publicizing the campaign are subject to “Fair Market Value System.” Campaign donations are only to be made by members of the Mary Washington College community.
b. All candidates must complete and submit the Campaign Expenditure Form to the Rules and Procedures Committee within twenty-four (24) hours of the closing of elections. The Campaign Expenditure Form is a list of expenditures which includes all donations and all purchases. The list of donations should include the name of donors, the amount donated, and the dates of all donations. The list of purchases should include the amounts and dates of purchases.
c. Campaign material is limited to forty-five (45) pieces. Fliers on Seacobeck and Eagle’s Nest tables are limited to one (1) half-sheet flier per table and are not counted as part of the forty-five (45) piece limit. Buttons and stickers do not count as part of the forty-five (45) piece limit unless attached to campus property.
d. Banners are only to be placed on the front of Lee Hall and must be of oil cloth or other suitable fabric and may only be strung or wired to the building.
e. No campaign material may be attached to or strung from trees or lampposts.
f. No campaign material is allowed in or on academic buildings.
g. Any campus publication advertisements may be used as campaign material with the advertisement being placed at the candidate’s expense.
h. Campaigning is not allowed on personal message boards, through mass mail (e.g.: postal mail, email, voice mail), or through mass distribution without consent.
i. Each candidate is required to submit a one page qualification platform sheet to the Rules and Procedures Committee Chairperson(s) no later than forty-eight (48) hours prior to the start of elections.
j. No one may reserve banner spaces. No one is allowed to drop a banner until the nomination period for all offices has been closed.
k. All campaign material for all candidates must be taken down within 48 hours after the final election announcements. There will be a $5.00 fine per day for all material not taken down within this period and all fines will be deposited into the Student Government Association account. Any candidate whose fine exceeds $15.00 shall be required to appear before the Rules and Procedures Committee. If the offender is the new office holder, it is the committee’s responsibility to decide if disqualification is in order.
l. Candidates must follow all rules of the Student Activities Organization including approval-stamping of all posters and fliers with the exception of all Senator campaign materials used in residence halls.
m. Decoration of the Spirit Rock in any way for campaigning purposes is strictly prohibited.
n. Campaigning in Seacobeck Hall is permitted in the form of Seacobeck table fliers, t-shirts, buttons, answering informed questions, and other closely related forms.
2. a. No Executive Cabinet member, Rules and Procedures Committee member, or Parliamentarian currently in office may endorse any election candidates with the exception of themselves. Executive Cabinet members are able to give informed answers that are germane to the candidates and their positions, but under no circumstances shall they initiate such a conversation. Due to the nature of the office, any Legislative Action Committee candidate may not use endorsements by local, state, or national politicians or by a specific party.
b. Loitering or campaigning on the days of elections is not allowed within the Woodard Campus Center. All campaign material in this area must be removed before final voting begins. This includes any fliers in the Eagle’s Nest.
c. Any deliberate attempt by the candidate or his/her supporters to disqualify another candidate will result in the disqualification of the first-mentioned candidate.
d. Slander is not permitted from any of the candidates. Slander is defined as an oral utterance of false charges or misrepresentations which defame and damage the reputation of another.
3. Any violation of these regulations and restrictions will result in the following procedures:
a. The candidate will receive (1) one phone call and (1) one email notifying him/her of the violation. The Rules and Procedures Committee will then determine if the violation is minor or major. If it is a minor violation, he/she will have (12) twelve hours from the time he/she is contacted to remedy the situation. If it is a major violation, he/she will have (2) two hours to remedy the situation.
b. If the candidate does not remedy the situation within the allotted time limit, the Rules and Procedures Committee will meet to decide upon a further course of action.
c. All violations on Election Day will be considered major violations.

Any candidate who violates any regulations or restrictions listed in Section II will be disqualified from the election as determined by the Rules and Procedures Committee.

1. If any election is to be contested, a formal written complaint accompanied by an email must be made to the Rules and Procedures Committee Chairperson(s) within twenty-four (24) hours after the election results are announced. A decision shall be rendered by the Rules and Procedures Committee within two (2) school days after the complaint has been filed. The contestation is only to be read and reviewed by the Rules and Procedures Committee. The Rules and Procedures Committee may request any person to stand before the committee for questioning in order to assist in their decision-making process. After the Rules and Procedure Committee has reached their conclusion, they will send their decision to the official committee within JRB that interprets the SGA Constitution for final approval.
2. Any appeal to the Rules and Procedures Committee’s decision on the contestation must be presented to the Board of Senate Officers within twenty-four (24) hours of the contestation being presented. If the appeal is declined, the Rules and Procedures Committee’s original decision stands. If accepted, the results of the election stand. The appeal may only be read and reviewed by the Senate Board. The Rules and Procedures Co-Chairperson(s) are to have voice during the Senate Board discussion but no vote. The decision on the appeal by the Senate Board must be presented within forty-eight (48) hours of the presentation of the appeal.
3. All candidates are to be excluded from decisions regarding contestations and appeals.
4. If a Rules and Procedures Committee member chooses to run in an Executive Cabinet election, he/she must resign from his/her position on the Rules and Procedures Committee.
5. The Rules and Procedures Committee must organize a Voter Information Night or similar event to be held a reasonable amount of time prior to the election day.
6. Only the Rules and Procedures Committee and the Senate Parliamentarian are allowed to be present in the room and participate in the counting of election ballots.
7. Non-compliance with any of the above rules will result in disqualification as determined by the Rules and Procedures Committee.
8. Exceptions to any of the above rules for any election must be approved by the Rules and Procedures Committee.

1. The SGA Vice President may decide to hold an additional Senate training session if he/she deems necessary.
2. At least one senator must attend all Hall Council meetings.
3. Senators will perform desk hours as defined by Senate Board.
4. Once a commuting senator is absent from two Commuting Student Association meetings he/she will receive an absence from Senate.
5. In Handbook and Ethics Committee cases, the accused party and the committee must submit a written statement explaining their positions. Each party will be allotted equal time to answer clarification questions.
6. Senate meetings will follow parliamentary procedure as dictated by the most updated version of Robert’s Rules.

7. In the case that the Senate must vote a motion passes by 50% +1 of the senators present voting in favor.
8. If a senator is misbehaving in a Senate meeting, the Parliamentarian or any senator may call a Point of Order, and the Parliamentarian can correct the senator, or a senator from the floor can move to have the senator removed from the meeting. This motion is undebatable, and must be passed by 50% +1 of the senators present.
9. Quorum is designated as 50% +1 of the voting membership of the Senate.
10. Motions to change the Senate bylaws must be approved by 2/3 of the Senate voting membership.
11. In order to speak, a senator must be recognized by the presiding officer. If a senator speaks out of order, the Parliamentarian or any senator may call a Point of Order.
12. Senators will direct all discussion to the presiding officer. Back and forth discussion between senators is not allowed.
13. When a motion moves to debate, no more than three addenda are allowed. If more than three addenda are proposed, the motion must be recalled, and presented at the next meeting under old business.