USG 31st Legislation

Date Created: 2-10-2008

Rules Committee
Date Proposed: 4-09-2008
Date of Vote: 4-16-2008

Vote: Yea: Ney: Abs:

Judicial Council
Date Proposed: 4-09-2008
Date of Vote: 4-16-2008

Vote: Yea: Ney: Abs:

Senate
Date Proposed: 4-22-2008
Date of Vote: 4-29-2008

Vote: Yea: Ney: Abs:

Written by:
Francesco Greco, USG Rules and Regulations Chair

WHEREAS: The USG Constitution was updated and improved dramatically with Student Bill 7 in the 30^th legislation, this bill will complete the improvements and organization.

THEREFOR: Be it enacted by the USG Senate of the State University of New York at Buffalo that:

at Buffalo State College

Updated May 10, 2007

Description of

The United Students’

Government Structure

The United Students’ Government (the USG) of the State University College at Buffalo (Buffalo State College) represents the interests of the students of the college and encourages their active participation in the campus community. The USG sponsors activities funded by the mandatory student activity fee.

The Executive Branch of the USG is made up of the following officials: the President, Executive Vice President, Treasurer, Vice Treasurer, ~~Vice President for Community Affairs, Vice President for Academic, Vice President for Communication, and Vice President for Student Life~~. This body is responsible for establishing the long-term capital goals for the Student Government and for eliciting the support of the Legislative branch in formulating directions in achieving these goals.

The Legislative Branch of the USG consists of 20 elected Senators, the Senator President Pro Tempore, Community Affairs Chair, Academic Affairs Chair, Communications Chair, Student Life Chair. This body develops and coordinates recreational, educational, social and cultural activities, approves actions of the Executive Branch, passes legislation for the general welfare of the student body and approves constitutions of all groups seeking USG recognition.

The Judicial Branch of the USG, consisting of a Chief Justice, an Assistant Chief Justice, five Associate Justices, the Attorney General, and the USG Advisor determines the constitutionality of all legislation brought before them. The Judicial Branch also hears cases brought before them involving students, USG organizations and branches of the USG.

Positions in the Executive and Legislative Branch of the USG are open to all undergraduate activity fee-paying students through all-college elections held in the spring of the year. The Legislative Branch appoints Justices in the Judicial Branch of the USG.

The USG organizations’ primary purposes are to serve the needs and wishes of the student body and are dependent on the mandatory student activity fee. The USG recognizes independent organizations that are recreational, professional, cultural, religious, honorary, social and political in nature.

THE CONSTITUTION

Of The

UNITED STUDENTS’ GOVERNMENT

PREAMBLE

We, the activity fee-paying students of the State University College at Buffalo (Buffalo State College), may join in common endeavors, welcome the future of good order and create an adequate self-repairing government to allow students to participate more actively and effectively in their education, and within the college community to develop support activities which provide students with an opportunity for educational, recreational, and social development. We, the students defined above, do establish the United Students’ Government, herein provided to be ours, and that all acts of the United Students’ Government created hereby shall be consistent with the rules and regulations of the Board of Trustees of the State University of New York.

ARTICLE I – NAME

The name of the organization shall be the United Students’ Government Service Group Inc. (USGSG, Inc.) of Buffalo State College

All parts of the United Students’ Government and all organizations under its auspices shall provide to all activity fee paying members access to and participation in all of their activities, and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, marital status, veteran status, sexual orientation, and non-relevant mental or physical challenges.

ARTICLE III – MEMBERSHIP

A. Each undergraduate activity fee-paying student of Buffalo State College shall be a member of the USG.

B. All members of the USG Executive, Judicial, and Legislative branches, and all organizations, committees or any other sub-division of the USG must fit the membership requirements stipulated in this constitution.

C. All elected and appointed officers of the USG when installed in office shall take the following oath of office:

Section I

Membership

A. The Senate shall be composed of 20 elected Senators, The Senator President Pro-Tempore, four (4) Committee Chairpersons, the Attorney General and the Executive Branch as non-voting members which includes the President, Executive Vice President, Treasurer and Vice Treasurer.

B. The senate shall have no more than five (5) less Students-At-Large than Senators.

1. Students-At-Large must fill out an application and be approved by the senate before assuming office.

2. All legislative branch members must have and maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0, with the exception of the Senator President Pro-Tempore who is required to have and maintain a 2.5

C. Senator President Pro-Tempore

1. Shall be nominated by the Senate and confirmed into office with a 2/3 vote of members present.

a. Nominations shall be held no later than the second Senate meeting of the legislative year.

b. Unless a new chair is nominated by the Senate and confirmed with a 2/3 vote of members present.

5. Shall Appoint Senators and Students at Large to the Standing Committees of USG and notify the Executive Branch of all appointments.

6. Shall be the communicative link between the Senators and the Executive Branch.

8. ~~Shall perform the duties of the Executive Vice President in their absence.~~

9. Shall coordinate with the USG President on formulating the Senate weekly agenda.

10. Shall attend at least two different committee meetings each month in order to be updated on progress.

13. Shall not be a voting member of any committee unless appointed or assigned by the president with the senates approval with the exception of the Food Service Committee of which they shall be the Chairperson.

1. The Senate may investigate and act on all matters that may affect the USG members.

2. The USG has the right to tax its membership to provide funds for educational, recreational, cultural, and social programs and to provide funds for the general welfare of the student body.

3. Meetings will be scheduled at least once a week on a date set by the members of the Senate.

4. Special meetings may be called by the USG President or in the absence of the President by the Vice President or by a majority (14) of the Legislative branch, or by two percent (2%) of the USG membership by petition.

1. A quorum consisting of a majority (14) of the voting members of the Senate shall be required to conduct business.

2. In a meeting where the active voting membership is affected by vacancies, quorum shall be a majority of the current active voting members.

2. Oversee income and expenses of the USG funded organizations through the Budget Committee.

a. Approve all line item changes in excess of $1,000.00 or which are in excess of 20% of the organization’s entire budget.

c. The President of the college or his designee must approve all changes in the USG Budget if the SUNY Board of Trustees requires it.

d. Referendum shall not be held to determine financial allocations to organizations recognized or otherwise. This provision shall only be affected or amended by a 4/5 vote of three successive legislations.

4. Confiscate books and withdraw the right to use the USG funds of any group upon the suspension or withdrawal of the constitution of that USG organization.

6. The Senate may overrule any action of the Treasurer and/or the Budget Committee by a majority of members present.

7. Conduct referendums and polls to determine student opinion on relevant matters.

8. Develop the USG activities – recreational, educational, social and cultural.

10. Ratify constitutions and amendments to existing constitutions for all organizations and groups who are currently recognized or are working toward becoming a USG recognized organization.

11. Complete and return all liaison reports. (Not to exceed two groups per senator with no more than two reports a semester per group)

D. The Senate for the purpose of expediting the affairs of the Senate shall make the House Rules.

a. All Senators and Student at Larges are required to attend all Senate and/or respective committee meetings.

b. All Senators and Student at Larges are required to attend any event that the Executive Branch deems necessary.

c. The Attorney General and Senator President Pro Tempore shall monitor committee and Senate absences and inform the President of any Violations.

a. Any member of the USG holding an office that has three (3) absences in one semester shall be immediately dismissed from office. After two (2) absences, the Attorney General shall issue a warning to the said Senator or Student at Large.

b. Anyone arriving after the conclusion of roll call to a Senate meeting will be charged with ½ an absence. Anyone leaving a Senate meeting early will be charged with ½ an absence; attendance to be taken before adjournment.

1) Only the Senator President Pro Tempore, or President if one has not been nominated, may excuse an individual from a Senate meeting.

c. For each liaison report not completed and turned in not completed the senator shall receive a ½ absence on due date.

1) Only the Senator President Pro Tempore may excuse an individual from a liaison report.

d. For any function a Senator or Student at Large fails to attend when he/she has previously committed to the function, they shall be charged a ½ absence.

e. Any Senator or Student at Large shall have 7 days to contest an absence from the date the absence occurred.

2. Senators must have and maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0.

3. Must resign any officer position they may have in any of the USG organizations.

a. Keep constituent organizations informed of Senate activities and legislation’s by making available the minutes and other relevant documents.

c. Attend this respective organization’s meetings when appropriate, but no less than once every month.

d. Provide the organization with aid in the development of its purpose and goals as well as with the overall maintenance of the organization.

e. Complete and return all liaison reports. (Not to exceed two groups per senator)

B. If the number of Liaisons exceeds the number of Senators and Student-at-Large available, the Senator President Pro-Tempore, with the guidance of the Executive Branch will develop a liaison plan to accommodate all USG organizations.

C. The President, Executive Vice President and members of the Budget ~~and Rules and Regulations~~ Committees may not serve as Liaisons, unless a situation occurs that warrants their assignment as Liaisons.

ARTICLE VI – COMMITTEES AND CHAIRPERSONS

Section I

Standing Committees

A. The Executive Branch, with the approval of the Senate, shall create standing committees that deal with matters of concern to the members of the USG.

D. Each standing committee shall report to the Senate on a weekly basis and all legislation is subject to the approval of the USG Senate.

E. Committee chairperson shall call meetings, as they deem necessary but no less than twice (2) a month.

F. Minutes shall be taken for all committee meetings by a Secretary, appointed by the committee, and submitted to the Service Group, Inc. Secretary no later than one (1) week after the meeting.

G. All standing committees can have Students-at-Large, the number to be determined as necessary, with the exception of the Budget, ~~and Rules~~ Committee which will have one (1) less Students-at-Large than the number of Senators on that committee. Students-at-Large shall have a vote on their respective committees.

1) To coordinate the activities of the committee chairpersons to ensure that all USG programs, goals and initiatives are realized.

2) To create concepts for programs that can be recreational, professional, cultural, honorary or social in nature and present them to the Senate for approval.

3) Shall receive and review applications for the position of Senator and Student at large should vacancies occur.

b. Membership shall consist of all four Standing Committee Chairpersons, chaired by the Senator President Pro Tempore and the USG Program Coordinator in ex officio.

1) Review the activities and programs of the following year and access there effectiveness.

2) Create a time table for all programs and activities for the following semester

1) To investigate and address current academic issues and to gather student opinion on those issues.

2) To formulate and recommend student policy on issues of an academic nature to the USG Senate.

b. Membership shall consist of appointed Senators as well as Student-at-Larges, chaired by the Academic Affairs Chairperson.

2) To investigate any discrepancies brought before them between students and professors.

3) To evaluate academic resources for students and to recommend suggestions on how to improve them.

(ii) The Committee will be made up of Students from USG Recognized Organizations and any other organization as deemed necessary by the provost and the Committee Chair.

(2) Students must be elected or appointed by their respective organization, program, or department.

(3) Students must have attended Buffalo State College for a minimum of two (2) Semesters.

1) To work with all USG media services to promote communication between the student body and USG.

b. Membership shall consist appointed Senators and Student-at-Larges, chaired by the Communications Chairperson.

1) To act as a liaison and to promote a good relationship between the USG and the student body.

2) Shall be the communicative link to the student body regarding USG goals and achievements.

5) Shall promote student leadership throughout the Buffalo State College campus community.

1) To present to the Senate the proposed USG budget for the ensuing year for its approval.

2) To approve all line item changes under $1,000.00 or which are less than twenty percent (20%) of the organization’s entire budget.

3) Review all matters pertaining to finance that are presented to the USG Senate.

4) Compile, edit, and condense all current written and underwritten financial policy.

5) No organizational officers shall serve as a voting member of this committee. (i.e. members of the Executive Branch except the Vice Treasurer who is a voting member)

1) Shall serve as the liaisons for the student body with various campus departments.

2) Shall cultivate on campus partnerships with various Buffalo State College departments to assist with the implementation of services and programs offered through the USG and its organizations.

3) To represent and communicate with the Community Relations Advisory Council on any matters that surface.

4) Shall orchestrate student performance ratings of the various campus departments.

b. Membership shall consist of appointed Senators as well as Student-at-Larges, chaired by the Community Affairs Chairperson.

3) Shall communicate with the Residence Hall Association and the Inter-Greek Association on various campus issues.

1) ~~The Rules and Regulations Committee shall evaluate any problems within or between the USG boards, organizations and the USG that the Senate or committee feels necessitate an evaluation.~~

2) ~~This committee shall draw up a basic form of a constitution for the USG organizations.~~

3) ~~This committee shall work with all the USG organizations in establishing new constitutions or modifying existing constitutions.~~

4) ~~This committee shall evaluate any new organization requesting the USG recognition.~~

5) ~~This committee shall evaluate all current USG organizations and shall recommend to the USG Senate that they remove recognition when they deem necessary.~~

6) ~~To approve all events of the USG funded organizations where alcohol will be distributed.~~

7) ~~Shall review and recommend for approval any amendments to this constitution with the assistance of the Chief Justice who is an ex-officio member of the Rules and Regulations Committee.~~

b. ~~Membership shall consist of appointed Senators as well as Student-at-Larges, chaired by the Attorney General.~~

1) ~~The first task of this committee will be evaluating all the USG current organizations.~~

2) ~~It is the responsibility of this committee to enforce Article VIII, of the USG Constitution.~~

b. Membership shall consist of appointed Senators as well as Student-at-Larges, chaired by the Student Life Chairperson.

1) To obtain factual information, both pro and con, about USG and USG organization programming.

(a) All individuals contacted, and when during the program process they were contacted.

1) Meet at least once a month with the VP of Campus Life and food service support staff.

1) Shall be voluntary and consist of no less than 7 USG members. The Senator President Pro-Tempore shall serve as the Committee Chair.

1) To obtain factual information, both pro and con, of the issues concerning food service on campus and submit possible resolutions to the Senate and Students.

3) Present different ideas to better the USG Game Room experience and atmosphere.

b. Membership shall be voluntary and consist of no less than 7 USG members. The chair shall be nominated by the President, with confirmation of the Senate.

1) To obtain student interest and satisfaction surveys regarding the USG Game Room.

3) Research any additional gaming equipment that would enhance the student experience and atmosphere.

1) Meet at least once a month with the Chief of the University Police Department

3) Present ideas for the improvement of campus safely to the Chief of Police and USG Senate

b. Membership shall be voluntary. The chair shall be nominated by the President, with confirmation of the Senate.

1) Obtain factual information, both pro and con, on the issues concerning safety on campus and submit possible resolution to the USG Senate for considering and notification of the student body.

3) Research any additional safety modifications that would enhance the student safety and create a more secure atmosphere on campus

Ad-Hoc Committees

A. The Executive Branch shall create Ad-Hoc Committees, with the approval of the Senate, to assist in dealing with matters of concern to the members of the USG.

B. The President of USG with the approval of the Senate shall appoint the chairperson of the Ad-Hoc Committee, with the exception of the Elections Committee.

C. Ad-Hoc Committee meetings shall be called by the chairperson when the need arises. A majority of committee members will constitute quorum.

D. The Ad-Hoc Committee Guidelines shall be amended by a majority vote of the Senate.

E. If no Ad-Hoc Committee Guidelines exist, the Ad-Hoc Committee shall create committee guidelines to submit to the Senate for approval at the first Senate meeting following the Ad-Hoc Committee’s creation.

Section III

1. Shall be the officer responsible for the promotion of all-academic programs and affairs offered to the membership of the USG.

2. Shall act as the liaison among the student body, faculty and administration for academic policy.

3. Shall make weekly progress reports to the Senate on the activities of their office.

5. Shall be responsible for the collection and evaluation of the student body’s academic concerns.

6. Shall attend at least two different organization meetings each month in order to be updated on their respective organizations.

7. Shall be a voting member of the Senate ~~and Executive Council.~~ and the Senate Cabinet

2. Shall act as liaison among the student body, faculty, and administration regarding any all campus event publicity.

3. Shall make weekly progress reports to the Senate on activities of their office.

4. Shall attend at least two different organization meetings each month in order to be updated on their respective organizations.

a. Shall be a voting member of the Senate ~~and Executive Council.~~ and the Senate Cabinet

7. Shall be the student representative on the institutions Technology Committee.

2. Shall act as liaison among student body, faculty, and administration regarding campus events.

4. Shall make weekly progress reports to the Senate on activities of their office.

5. Shall serve as a voting member of the Inter-Collegiate Athletic Board. If removed from Inter-Collegiate Athletic Board, the Executive Council of USG shall appoint a Senator from the Community Affairs Committee with the approval of the Senate to fill the position.

6. Shall attend at least two different organization meetings each month in order to be updated on their respective organizations.

7. Shall be a voting member of the Senate ~~and Executive Council~~. and the Senate Cabinet

1. Shall be the officer responsible for the execution of all USG campus wide programs of interest to commuter and resident students.

2. Shall coordinate with the Weigel Health Center and the Counseling Center about areas concerning student health and safety.

3. Shall act as liaison among the student body, faculty and administration regarding programs concerning the interests of commuter and resident students.

4. Shall assist all USG organizations with the planning and execution of campus wide programming events.

5. Shall make weekly progress reports to the Senate on the activities of their office.

6. Shall attend at least two different organization meetings each month in order to be updated on their respective organizations.

8. Shall be a voting member of the Senate ~~and Executive Council~~. and the Senate Cabinet

A. Any vacancy in any position of a Senate Committee Chairperson shall be filled by a nomination of a USG Senator by the USG President with the confirmation of the USG Senate.

ARTICLE VII – EXECUTIVE BRANCH

Section I

Executive Officers

A. The President

2. May call special meetings of the executive and legislative branches of the USG.

3. Has the right to act in ex-officio capacity in any body commissioned by the USG.

6. Shall serve as the Chair of the Senate in the absence of the Senator President Pro Tempore.

a. Unless another member of the Senate is nominated and confirmed as chair with a 2/3 vote of members present

a. Emergency being defined as a situation that is in need of a resolution with in a 24 hour time frame that immediately threatens the survival of the USG.

8. Has no financial authority pertaining to the dispersement of USG funds, unless a signing designee is not available to perform the duty and/or the contract/agreement requires it.

11. Shall coordinate the various areas of the Executive Branch and provide for the efficient function of all divisions of the USG.

12. Shall compile and send to print the legislation and minutes passed by the USG Senate, along with all Judicial Council cases in accordance with USG’s document retention policy.

13. Shall enforce all decisions of the USG Judicial Council after informing the Senate of the decision.

~~14.~~ ~~Shall nominate a USG senator for the position of Rules Chair with the approval of the Executive branch and Senate.~~

15. Shall appoint a USG senator to the position of Vice Treasurer with the approval of the Executive branch and Senate.

~~16.~~ ~~Shall nominate a USG senator to the position of Pro-Tempore with the approval of the Executive branch and Senate.~~

17. Shall coordinate with the Senator President Pro-Tempore on formulating the Senate weekly agenda.

B. The Executive Vice President

1. Shall assist in the duties of the President and shall perform said duties in their absence.

2. Shall assist in the coordination of the long term capital goals of the USG along with the President.

3. ~~Shall Appoint Senators and Students at Large to the Standing Committees of USG with the joint consideration and agreement of the Senator Pro-Tempore~~.

6. Shall be the Executive Chairperson of all existing committees of the Senate and co-sign committee reports along with the Senator President Pro Tempore in the absence of a committee chair.

7. Shall attend at least two different committee meetings each month in order to be updated on progress.

8. Shall not be a voting member of any Committee unless appointed by the president and approved by the USG senate.

9. Shall orchestrate a mandatory training for the President and Vice-President of all USG organizations to be held by the third week of the fall semester.

C. The Treasurer

1. Shall have the power to confiscate books and withdraw the right to use student funds of any group using the USG funds. This motion shall be presented to the Budget Committee and Senate for approval immediately following the Treasurer’s action and written justification must be immediately submitted to the organization concerned.

2. Shall request financial reports from all the USG organizations at their discretion.

3. Shall present the annual budget to the Executive Branch and Senate for approval.

7. Shall insure that the business of the USG is carried out through the fiscal year.

10. Shall orchestrate a mandatory training for the Treasurer of all USG organizations to be held by the third week of the fall semester.

11. Shall report to the Senate weekly on all changes, withdrawals and allocations made to the budget overall

D. Vice Treasurer

1. Shall be nominated by the President with the approval of the Executive Branch and Senate.

1. The President shall nominate a USG Senator as Secretary with the approval of the Executive Branch and the Senate.

5. Shall be responsible for taking a written record (minutes) at all official USG meetings (Senate, Executive Branch, Bi-Semester, Judicial, and Corporate).

F. Succession of Office

1. In case of resignation or dismissal of the President, the Executive Vice President, shall assume the position.

2. In case of resignation, dismissal or promotion of the Executive Vice President, the Senator President Pro-Tempore shall assume the position.

3. In case of resignation, dismissal or promotion of the Senator President Pro-Tempore, the Senate shall nominate and confirm a USG Senator to assume the position.

4. In case of resignation or dismissal of the Treasurer, the Vice-Treasurer shall assume the position.

5. Incase of the resignation, dismissal or promotion of the Vice Treasurer the President shall appoint another Senator to the position with the confirmation of the Executive Branch and Senate.

6. In case of simultaneous vacancy in the office of President and Vice President due to resignation, or dismissal, the Senator President Pro-Tempore shall be acting President until a new election can be held, no longer than one month after the vacancy occurs.

7. In case of simultaneous vacancy in the offices of Treasurer and Vice Treasurer due to resignation, or dismissal, the President shall nominate a USG Senator as acting Treasurer until a new election can be held, no longer than one month after the vacancy occurs.

Section II

Executive Branch Powers

A. The day-to-day administrative and management functions within the USG shall reside with the Executive Vice President.

1. All officers (The President, Executive Vice President, Treasurer, Vice Treasurer, ~~Senator Pro-Tempore~~)

3. ~~All standing Committee Chairs and any other persons that body shall choose by 2/3 vote.~~

1. Implement, create and coordinate the various programs and services of the USG as well as the long term goal and capital projects.

3. Create committees and appoint individuals to aid in the administrative function of the USG. Such action shall be presented for approval to the Senate.

2. Special meetings of the Executive Branch may be called by the President or by a majority of the members of the Executive Branch.

3. A quorum shall be required to conduct business. Quorum shall consist of a majority of the members of the Executive Branch.

a. All Executive Branch members are required to attend all Senate and/or respective committee meetings.

b. All Executive Branch members are required to attend any event that the Executive Branch deems necessary.

c. The Attorney General and Executive Vice President shall monitor committee and Senate absences and inform the President of any Violations.

1) Only the Senator President Pro Tempore, or President if one has not been nominated may excuse an individual from the Senate

c. For each liaison report not completed and turned in not completed the senator shall receive a ½ absence on due date.

1) Only the Senator President Pro-Tempore may excuse an individual from a liaison report.

d. For any function an Executive Branch member fails to attend when he/she has previously committed to the function, they shall be charged a ½ absence.

e. Any Executive Branch member shall have 7 days to contest an absence from the date the absence occurred.

2. All executive branch members must have and maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.5.

3. Must resign any officer position they may have in any of the USG organizations.

1. The President of USG is required to develop and recommend, with the cooperation of the Executive Branch and Senate, an appropriate transition plan and training program for the officers of the incoming legislation.

2. The Treasurer until approval of a transition plan and training program shall withhold the final three stipend payments of all stipend executive officers.

3. This plan and program is to be presented and approved by the Senate no later than the meeting at which the annual budget is presented to the Senate for approval.

5. All executive officers of the proceeding legislature shall have concurrent powers to implement the training program.

6. All executive officers, Chairpersons, and Senators shall partake in the training program.

ARTICLE VIII – JUDICIAL COUNCIL

2. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment of the President with the confirmation of the Senate.

3. Once appointed, a Justice shall remain on Judicial Council for their remaining time as member of the USG.

4. Judicial Council members shall not hold office in the USG or any of the USG recognized organizations.

1. The justices shall elect a Chief Justice and Assistant Chief Justice. The Chief Justice shall be the presiding justice over all cases heard by Judicial Council.

2. The Assistant Chief Justice shall preside over cases in the absence or inability of the Chief Justice to perform the duties of the office.

1. Shall follow all Policy and Procedure set forth in the USG Judicial Council Bylaws.

2. Justices must have at time of appointment at least a 2.50 and must maintain a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.25.

1. Shall review and interpret the constitution of organizations that are recognized or requesting recognition and submit approved organizations to the Senator President Pro Tempore for Senate consideration for USG Recognition

2. Resolve any conflict or arbitrate any dispute between the USG and all branches of College government and any organization or individual of the USG.

3. Determine the constitutionality of legislation brought before them by one or more activity fee-paying members.

4. Shall send to the senate no later than seven (7) days after receipt, their recommendation on any recommendations for impeachment received.

7. Shall develop guidelines and procedures that are necessary to the proper function of the Council subject to the approval of the USG Senate.

1. Justices shall not have more than three (3) total absences per academic year.

G. Attorney General

1. The Judicial Council shall nominate a USG senator as Attorney General with the approval of the Senate.

2. Shall enforce this constitution and all rules and regulations of the USG and prosecute offenders before the USG Judicial Council.

3. Shall be subordinate to both this constitution and the USG Judicial By-Laws where applicable.

5. Shall serve as general solicitor for the USG before the USG Judicial Council.

a. Unless the Senate, on a case by case basis, nominates another person to represent the USG et al.

6. Shall ensure the Executive and Senate meetings are run according to the newest edition of Roberts Rules of Order.

12. Shall make weekly progress reports to the senate on the activities of the Judicial Council and their office.

ARTICLE IX – The USG Organizations & Student Services

1. To serve the student body in areas that is of an academic, athletic, recreational, cultural, professional, religious, social, and/or political nature.

1. All the USG organizations shall be open to every activity fee-paying student.

2. The activity fee is the only fee that a student must pay in order to be a full member of an organization.

4. There must be at least one faculty/staff/auxiliary services advisor to each organization. Each advisor may advise a maximum of two (2) USG organizations.

7. Each organization shall provide for the fair and democratic election of officers.

9. Leaders of the organization shall be elected before Study Day of the Spring semester, with the election term running from June 1 to May 31.

10. The group must submit election results to the USG office no later than study day of the Spring Semester.

a. Failure to submit election results will result in the organizations budget being frozen until the information is submitted.

11. The group must submit a list of current officers and members to the USG office annually no later than the second week of the fall semester.

C. Requirements to become and remain a USG recognized Organization & Student Service

1. The group must demonstrate that the USG recognition would significantly benefit its ability to carry on these services or activities.

2. The group must provide for meaningful participation of all its members in good standing.

3. The group may not arbitrarily and/or unjustifiably discriminate against any students in accordance with Article II of this constitution.

4. An organization cannot charge fees, nor can they require that a student be a member of a national or local organization that does require fees.

5. The group does not have comparable activities, functions, goals, interests, or purposes, which threatens to draw members from an already existing organization.

6. The group must not promote any action or situation, which recklessly or intentionally endanger the mental or physical health, or involves forced consumption of liquor or drugs for the purpose of initiation into, or as a function of, any organization.

7. The group must complete the re-recognition process every three (3) years and/or after the first semester of inactivity.

2) Failure of the executive board to respond to the Rules and Regulations Committee correspondence.

1) 3 activities (collaborations included) a month or more is the minimum requirement to be considered an active organization

2) Can be waived due to extraneous circumstances, in which case the activity will be determined by the Rules and Regulations Committee

1) In the case that an organization has not elected/appointed an executive board the previous academic year, the organization will be considered inactive

3) If the organization does not hold proper elections by November 1^st for the fall semester or April 1^st for the spring semester, the organization forfeits its recognized status as a USG organization

9. If the Senate recognizes an organization before November 15^th they may apply for a budget during the budget process of that year, otherwise they must wait until the following year to apply for a budget. (i.e. An organization is recognized between September 1^st and November 15^th 2003 they may apply for a budget for the 2004-2005 fiscal year, an organization is recognized between November 16^th 2003 and April 30^th 2004 they must wait until the 2005-2006 fiscal year to apply for a budget.)

10. A Student Service shall be defined as a USG Recognized organization that has the sole purpose of generating and distributing consumable media and information for the benefit of the entire student population.

1. Shall abide by USG’s Non-Discriminatory Statement, Article II of this Constitution.

2. The group’s President is required to develop and recommend with the cooperation of the group’s elected E-board an approved transition and training program for the newly elected officers.

4. All money raised through the USG funds by organizations shall belong to the USG.

5. The organization shall keep a complete list of its active membership and shall keep adequate records of its proceedings and also make them available to any activity fee-paying student upon reasonable request.

6. The group will perform an adequate amount of activity, which contributes educationally or socially to the campus environment, and support the organizations constitutional purpose.

7. Organizations CAN NOT hold a Major event at the same time as a major event of another Organization or USG.

8. The entire E-board of the organization shall attend the USGSG’s Corporate Meeting.

9. USG mandatory meetings will be held twice a semester. The first meeting will be held on the 4^th Friday in September and the second meeting will be held on the 4^th Friday in November for the fall semester. For the spring semester the mandatory meetings will be held on the 4^th Friday in February and the 4^th Friday in April. If there is a conflict with College Senate then the meeting date and time will be changed at discression of the Attorney General. This meeting will be held to discuss progress of USG and its organizations.

b. At least two (2) E-Board members of the organization must attend every bi-semester meeting with the USG Executive Branch.

(a) The first missed meeting: will result in the organizations budget being frozen for a minimum of 7 days. An organization or student service has 7 days from the mandatory meeting to file a grievance with the Judicial Council. If no grievance has been filed with the Judicial Council, the organization or student service forfeits their right to dispute a 5% budget cut. Organizations or student services that have filed a grievance will have their budget remain frozen until the Judicial Council rules on an appropriate budget cut.

(b) The second missed meeting will result in the loss of their budget for the rest of the fiscal year.

(a) The first missed meeting: the USG organization must report to Judicial Council.

(b) If the organization misses two meetings, the organization cannot submit any proposals for any funds for the rest of the present fiscal year.

e. All Presidents and Vice-Presidents must attend the mandatory training orchestrated by the USG Executive Vice-President.

f. All Treasurers must attend the mandatory training orchestrated by the USG Treasurer.

g. Failure for either the organizations President, Vice-President, or Treasurer to attend the mandatory training sessions;

(a) This will result in the organizations budget being frozen until that respective officer is trained.

(a) This organization will be investigated by the Rules and Regulations Committee to determine if said organization must undergo the re-recognition.

10. In the course of any organization / club event where 50 tickets are sold for cash or cash attendees, professional accountable person(s) must collect and account for income.

a. A professional accountable person is defined as a paid USG employee, on site employer of location of event, staff or faculty of Buffalo State College, or a paid outsourced person.

1. The Judicial Council and the Senate must approve an organizations’ constitution.

2. The USG Constitution takes precedence over the constitution of all the USG approved organizations.

3. The group must adhere to the provisions of its own constitution. Any changes in an organizations’ constitution must be passed by the organization in a manner consistent with the provision in that constitution. Furthermore, the Judicial Council and a 2/3 vote of the Senate must approve these changes prior to implementation.

1. Failure to adhere to one or more of the USG organizational requirements stated in Article VIII Section C and D will be sufficient grounds for the removal of recognition.

a. The Attorney General may investigate any organization that may not be following the USG rules or guidelines. During the investigation the following steps must be taken:

1) The Attorney General must hold hearings with all of the following: the organization in question and their advisor as well as all persons who brought a grievance forward against the organization in question.

2) If the Attorney General finds sufficient grounds for removal of organizational recognition, the Rules and Regulations Committee must supply this recommendation for removal in writing to the Senator President Pro Tempore and the organization in question.

3) If the Senate passes the recommendation by a 2/3 vote, the organization in question will be notified in writing and will lose its recognition and funding.

b. To change or edit this provision in the USG constitution it requires a unanimous vote by the Rules Committee, then a ¾ majority vote by the Senate.

c. This cap shall be evaluated by the Budget Committee every two years, starting in 2007, and their findings presented to the Senate for consideration.

2. No USG club or organization shall receive larger than a 10% annual increase in their overall budget without a 2/3 majority vote by the senate.

b. To change or edit this provision in the USG constitution, it requires a unanimous vote by the Rules Committee, then a ¾ majority vote by the Senate.

ARTICLE X – MEETINGS

All meetings of any branch of the USG shall be public with the exception of executive sessions.

ARTICLE XI – EXPULSION

A. USG Officers, Senators, Justices of the Judicial Council and Officers of any USG Organization may be removed from office for excessive absences (per Article IV, Section II, Sub-Section E, Article V, Section II, and Sub-Section E) by impeachment, or withdrawal from college. Organization officers may be removed according to their constitution and with approval of the senate.

B. Any of the USG Officers, Senators, Judicial Council Justice and any officer of a USG Organization may be recommended for impeachment by a 2/3 vote of the body of government of which that person is a member, not including that individual.

C. The reason(s) for impeachment must be presented in writing to the Senate, Judicial Council and to the person in question The Senate cannot vote on any recommendation of impeachment until 24 hours after Judicial Council’s recommendation has been received.

D. The Senate must vote on the recommendation to impeach and it must pass by a 2/3rds vote seven (7) days before the impeachment trial can proceed.

E. The Chief Justice shall reside over the Trial and vote, except when a member of Judicial Council is being impeached, and then the President shall preside.

F. The Senate shall try all members whom have been recommended for impeachment. Both sides shall have 15 minuets to state their case after which the Senate shall vote by secret Ballot.

G. A ¾ vote is necessary to impeach, not including the person in question for conviction and removal from office.

H. A person thus impeached shall never be eligible to hold an office in any of the USG organizations.

A. Elections for all the USG officers shall be at the end of the spring semester, five (5) weeks prior to CEP week starting on Tuesday and ending on Friday of that week. When spring break figures into this time frame, do not count spring break as a week only count the week’s school is in session.

B. Elections to all the USG offices must be in compliance with the standards stated in Article IV, Section II, Sub-Section F and Article V, Section II, Sub-Section F. The term of office for all the USG officer positions shall be from June 1^st of the election year until May 31^st of the following year.

C. There shall be an election ad-hoc committee. The election committee shall conduct all elections for the USG and any other elections deemed appropriate. The USG Judicial Council shall nominate a staff member from Buffalo State College to be the chairperson of the committee, with the approval of the USG Senate before the last regular meeting of the fall semester.

D. After the elections all elected officers are required to attend all USG Senate and Executive board meetings and complete half of their predecessor’s office hours in addition to a transition period.

1. The Election Committee shall consist of seven members: three of which must be impartial students not affiliated with offices or committees of the student government and not an active candidate or supporter of a candidate for student office; one of which shall be a faculty member of the State University College at Buffalo; one of which must be the USG Attorney General(if the RRC is a candidate, the USG Chief Justice will fill the seat, if the Chief Justice is also a candidate, the Senator Pro-Tempore shall fill the seat, if the Senator Pro-Tempore is also a candidate, then the elections committee chair shall select a member of the USG Judicial Council who is not a candidate to fill the seat); one of which must be the advisor to the student government; and one chair.

2. The Committee Chair shall nominate and submit the names of the five remaining members of the Election Committee to the USG Senate for approval by the second regular meeting of the spring semester.

3. The Committee Chair must follow verbatim the guidelines listed in the Election Manual.

6. Meetings of the committee will be held at a time as agreed upon by the committee members. A majority of the voting members will constitute quorum.

7. The Committee Chair shall convene the Committee in its entirety one week prior to the candidates’ mandatory meeting.

8. The Committee Chair shall convene the Committee in its entirety one week prior to the first day of voting.

b. The USG Chief Justice shall present a grievance report to the elections committee, concluding the election grievances process.

9. The Committee Chair shall convene the committee in its entirety one week after the conclusion of the elections to compile the election report.

10. The Election Committee shall conduct all elections for the USG and any other elections deemed appropriate. They shall publicize the offices being contested (at least 21 days before petitions are due), the deadline for completed election application packets, the purpose of all referenda, and the time and place of election, and they shall determine the eligibility of the candidates and the validity of petitions.

11. The Election Committee shall make a committee report at the USG Senate meetings on the operation of elections and shall present at the next regular Senate meeting following the elections an evaluation of the elections.

12. The Election Committee shall distribute election information through the campus media (including a copy of the ballot, as it will read to be published in the campus newspaper) prior to the election.

1. All elections shall be conducted using the same equipment as State and Local Elections, unless a more sophisticated (i.e. computer based elections) method is approved by the Senate.

2. The placement of names on the ballot shall be done by drawing the names of the candidates out of a container at random, corresponding to the order in which the names are drawn. Write-In Candidates’ names will not appear on the ballot, but will be written into the election booth while voting.

a. A poster shall be placed by the polls indicating the fact that an election is being held, times that a person may vote, and a sample ballot.

b. Rosters shall be available indicating eligible voters: activity fee-paying students if applicable.

4) Persons whose names do not appear on the roster must present receipt of registration and activity fee payment.

4. The candidates will fill vacancies in the office of Senator no later than the third regular meeting of the fall semester with the next highest number of votes in the regular student elections. Failure to attend will result in your seat being filled by other applicants.

1. Each candidate must be in compliance with the requirements of USG office as stated in Article IV, Section II, Sub-Section F and Article V, Section II, Sub-Section F. First semester freshman or transfers must also meet the same requirements by the end of the spring semester of a given election year. Candidates for College Senate, F.S.A., College Council and Student Assembly need not be activity-fee paying students.

2. Candidates for positions on the Executive Branch (the USG President, Vice President, Treasurer and Administrative Vice Presidents) and the USG Senate must be matriculated undergraduate students enrolled for a minimum of nine hours.

3. Candidates may not run for more than one Executive Branch Office. In the event of a candidate winning both an Executive Branch and a Senate position, written notification of which position will be accepted shall be submitted to the Election Committee by 4:00 pm, no later than four business days after election polling closes.

4. If a candidate misses the deadline of the application and still wishes to run, they may still run if they have a petition of one hundred undergraduate student signatures and comply with the below:

1) Must submit a completed election application packet to the Elections Committee no later than twenty-four (24) hours after the missed mandatory meeting.

2) Must turn in their completed list of one hundred undergraduate student signatures within seventy-two (72) hours of the missed mandatory meeting.

3) Write-In Candidates – If a candidate misses the deadline for the applications and still wishes to run they may as a write-in candidate.

a. A party (ticket) candidate shall be defined as any individual for nomination in an election running on a common slate with one or more individuals. An independent candidate shall be defined as any individual running singly on a slate.

1) Each party candidate for the USG Executive Branch Offices (President, Executive Vice President, Treasurer) will have a seventy-five dollar ceiling on the total amount that may be expended on campaign materials (posters, flyers, buttons, media advertising, balloons, etc.) Each independent and write-in candidates running for the USG Executive Branch Offices shall have a one hundred and fifty dollar ceiling.

2) Each party candidate for the USG Administrative Vice Presidents offices shall have a fifty-dollar ceiling on the total amount that may be expended on campaign materials. Each independent and write-in candidate running for the USG Administrative Vice Presidents offices shall have a one hundred dollar ceiling.

3) Each party candidate for a USG Senator position shall have a twenty five-dollar ceiling on the total amount that may be expended on campaign materials. Each independent and write-in candidates running for the USG Senator position shall have a fifty-dollar ceiling.

c. Individuals lacking sufficient funds to run may request to enter into the election contest in forma pauperis: this would entitle the candidate to fifty standard election posters and 200 flyers (provided through USG Press Services). This candidates spending limit will then be half that of a party candidate for the corresponding office. (USG only provides copies for the 50 posters and 200 flyers. USG does not provide financial assistance to the candidate)

d. Each party or independent candidate will be required to submit copies of all receipts of campaign material purchases to the Election Committee for verification forty-eight hours prior to the beginning of the election.

e. Donations of campaign materials are permitted but receipts of their actual costs must be submitted and will count against their respective ceiling.

f. Failure to submit all receipts in accordance with the 48-hour rule, falsifying receipts or exceeding the respective limit will result in Election Committee action and possible disqualification of a candidate. Each candidate will be given a copy of the Ad-Hoc Committee Guidelines upon picking up his/her petition for candidacy.

1. Of the 12 student seats on the Senate, 10 shall be filled by undergraduate activity fee paying students, and the remaining 2 shall be reserved for graduate students.

a. Should no graduate students win election for the 2 seats, they shall be filled by nomination of the USG President, with confirmation of the USG Senate, by undergraduate activity fee paying students.

a. Only undergraduate students with two years remaining in their respective course of study are eligible for a two year seat.

b. If no eligible two year seat undergraduate students file election paperwork by the election deadline, the remaining seat(s) shall revert back to a one year term seat(s).

1. All election grievances shall be handled by the USG Judicial Council (in which case, the Election Committee Chair shall be an ex-officio member of the Council).

2. Election grievances shall be filed standard grievance procedures no later than one week prior to the official voting dates.

3. Any election irregularities may be filed with the USG Judicial Council following standard grievance procedures within once week of notice of the irregularity.

1. The Election Committee shall compile election results. Results of elections shall not be released until all votes have been counted and verified, but final certification shall be effective no latter than five business days after the last day of polling. Counting of ballots will not commence until the polls for that election are closed.

2. The exact number of votes shall be determined from the roster of voter’s initials. The ballots are counted to determine the exact number of ballots cast. If there are more ballots cast than voter initials on the roster, it will be determined if the excess ballots affect the outcome of an Executive Council race. If they might affect the outcome, the election will be invalidated.

3. If more than 20% of the votes in a specific election are certified invalid, the entire election shall be declared invalid.

The rules contained in the last published edition of Robert’s Rules of Order Revised shall govern the USG in all cases to which they are applicable in which they are not consistent with this constitution or the accepted rules of each branch of the organization.

A. All amendments or changes must be presented in writing to the Rules and Regulations Committee at least one week prior to voting.

B. Once passed by a 2/3 vote of the Rules and Regulations Committee, the amendment or change must then be presented to the Judicial Council in writing at least one week prior to voting, for judicial approval. Judicial approval is acquired by a 2/3 vote of the Judicial Council.

C. The Attorney General must present all amendments or changes which have Judicial approval, to the Senate at least one week after approval has been received.

D. All amendments or changes shall be presented in writing to the Senate at least one week prior to voting.

E. An amendment to this constitution may only be approved by a 2/3 vote of the voting members of the Senate present. An amendment shall be defined as an addition to the current standing constitution.

F. Any changes in the main body of the constitution other than by amendment shall require a 3/4 vote of the Senate present.

1. Awarded to any individual who has had documented long-standing meritorious service to the students of Buffalo State College.

2. Nominations may come from any activity fee-paying student at any time during the academic year.

3. Approval of nominations shall be by majority vote of the USG Senate upon recommendation of the Executive Branch; the vote shall be by secret ballot.

1. Awarded to the instructor who has demonstrated timeless service to the students at Buffalo State College.

2. Nominations may come from any activity fee-paying student at any time during the academic year.

3. Approval of the nominations shall be by majority vote of the USG Senate upon recommendation by the Executive Branch; the vote shall be by secret ballot.

1. Awarded to the USG Senator who has demonstrated a record of superior service over the course of his or her term of office.

2. Nominations may be accepted from a USG Senator or Executive Branch member in writing starting at such time that would be two months prior to the final USG Senate meeting.

3. The body shall vote by secret ballot no later than two weeks before the last scheduled USG Senate meeting.

1. Awarded to the USG Chairperson who has demonstrated superior service over the course of their term.

2. Nominations may be accepted from a USG Senator or Executive Branch member in writing starting at such time that would be two months prior to the final USG Senate meeting.

3. The body shall vote by secret ballot no later than two weeks before the last scheduled USG Senate meeting.

1. Awarded to any individual who has demonstrated life-long meritorious service to the students at Buffalo State College.

2. Nominations may be accepted from a USG Senator or Executive Branch member in writing starting at such time that would be two months prior to the final USG Senate meeting.

3. The body shall vote by secret ballot no later than two weeks before the last scheduled USG Senate meeting.

1. Awarded to the USG Justice who has demonstrated superior service over the course of the legislative session.

2. Nominations are held and overseen by the Judicial Council and coincide with all other award nominations.

1. Awarded to any individual that has performed above and beyond the normal requirement of his/her office.

1. Awarded to the USG organization(s) that have demonstrated superior organizational efficiency in accomplishing said organization’s stated goals.

2. Nominations are to be made by the Executive Branch and approved by the USG Senate.

A. A committee of the whole must be in session before members of the gallery can be recognized.

B. The author of a motion may speak first and last to his/her motion, concluding remarks not exceeding five minutes.

D. All other rules of procedure will be followed according to Robert’s Rules of Order Revised.