Mississippi University for Women SGA Constitutio… · Mississippi University for Women and shall...

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Mississippi University for Women

Student Government Association Constitution

MUW Student Government Association

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We, the students of Mississippi University for Women, in an effort to channel our

actions in a more effective manner do hereby ordain and establish this constitution of the

Student Government Association. We therefore pledge ourselves to promote the general

welfare of the student body, enact and enforce regulations that do not fall exclusively

within the provisions of the administration, uphold the ideals of the University, encourage

loyalty and uphold the pursuit of knowledge.

~Opening lines of the MUW Student Government Constitution

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We, the students of Mississippi University for Women, in an effort to channel our

actions in a more effective manner, do hereby ordain and establish this constitution of the

Student Government Association. We therefore pledge ourselves to:

A. Promote the general welfare of the student body.

B. Enact and enforce regulations that do not fall exclusively within the

provisions of the administration.

C. Uphold the ideals of the University.

D. Encourage loyalty and uphold the pursuit of knowledge.

ARTICLE I

Affirmation of Student Rights

Section 1

Student Rights and Responsibility

1. Students at MUW are members of a community designed to encourage academic

excellence. The privilege of belonging to this community requires that students

assume responsibility for themselves and others. Every student must respect the

rights and privileges of others and federal, state, and local statutes.

2. Upon enrollment at MUW, students must assume the responsibility for being fully

acquainted with published rules and regulations and for complying with them in

the interest of an atmosphere conducive to the pursuit of knowledge.

3. It is the responsibility of students to serve on University committees as appointed

by University officials.

Section 2

Primary Rights of Students

1. The right to read and study free from undue interference in one’s room. One basic

purpose of the University is the dissemination and application of knowledge.

Unreasonable noise and other distractions inhibit the exercise of this right.

2. The right to sleep, the right to one’s personal belongings, the right to free access

to one’s room and suite facilities during the period that the residence halls are

open, and the right to a clean environment in which to live.

3. The right to redress of grievance. If the academic and residential communities are

to function in the most educationally profitable manner, the right to initiate

actions and referrals for impartial and fair adjudication of grievances is

paramount. In exercising this right the student further holds the right to be free

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from fear or intimidation, physical and emotional harm and to be without

imposition of sanctions apart from due process.

Section 3

Subordinate Rights of the Students

1. The right to personal privacy: all persons should have freedom from the

interference with their personal activities within the parameters of university

policies and the Student Code of Conduct and should be able to maintain privacy

for other than academic reasons.

2. The right to host guests: All students should have an opportunity to maintain

personal contacts and friendships with other persons to fulfill their needs for

socialization (in accordance with residence life guidelines).

ARTICLE II

Derivation and Delegation of Power

Section 1

There shall be a Student Government Association of the Student Body of Mississippi

University for Women. This self-governing structure derives its power and authority

from the Board of Trustees and the President of the University under provisions of the

Institute of Higher Learning Board of Trustees and the Attorney General of the State of

Mississippi.

Section 2

The name of this organization shall be the Student Government Association of

Mississippi University for Women and shall henceforth in this text be referred to as SGA.

Section 3

SGA does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, age, sexual

orientation, national origin, disability, or veteran status in admission, in treatment, in or in

access to its programs and activities.

Section 4

In order for the SGA to achieve its purpose, two distinct and separate branches shall be

formed: the Executive and the Legislative senate. These branches shall create a balance

of power, which shall not be altered by any individual holding an office in more than one

branch.

TITLE I

THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH AND CABINET

Section 101

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The primary authority of the Executive Branch shall be vested in the SGA President. All

subsequent powers shall rest in the SGA Vice President, the Programming and the

Activities Coordinator.

Section 102

The Executive Branch shall be composed of the SGA President, the Vice President, the

Programming and the Activities Coordinator.

Section 103

The Executive Cabinet shall be composed of the SGA President, the Vice President, the

Executive Assistant, Programming and Activities Coordinator, Media Coordinator, and

the Director of Community Outreach. The Executive Cabinet shall meet bi-weekly with

additional meetings scheduled at the discretion of the SGA President.

Section 104

The Executive Cabinet shall serve from the end of the spring semester (May) following

Spring Elections and shall remain in office for one academic school year.

Section 105

A. The SGA President shall be elected in accordance with the provision of the SGA

Election Code, Title III, Section 314

B. The SGA President shall have the power:

1. To implement all rules and policies of the SGA.

2. To accept or veto, by signature, all legislation passed by the Student Senate. If the

SGA President chooses to veto legislation passed by the Student Senate, that

legislation shall be returned along with the objections of the SGA President to the

Student Senate. If the SGA President does not exercise this power within five (5)

academic days after having received the legislation, the legislation will be

considered student law with the approval of the University President.

3. To appoint all non-elected executive board positions as prescribed and not in

conflict with this document as well as any other posts deemed necessary.

4. To appoint members to other University Committees and boards as needed by the

University with consultation of the SGA advisor.

5. To call special referendums.

6. To call and preside over the Executive cabinet meetings and to enforce the rules

of its proceedings.

7. To serve as a non-voting member of the SGA Senate.

8. To nominate qualified candidates to be placed on the ballot as stated in the SGA

Constitution, Title III, section-306 of the Election Code.

9. To manage the office hours of the executive branch.

10. To assume and execute any and all powers of the SGA when deemed necessary

by joint written consensus of the Senate and the SGA Advisor in emergency

situations.

C. The SGA President shall be required

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1. To attend at least one (1) session of summer school at MUW with the other

session being optional. His/her tuition, room, and board will be paid by the

University prior to the summer session starting based on the residual funds for

that academic school year. If she/he is receiving other scholarships, the funds will

not be duplicated. She/he is not required to attend if she/he can present in writing

to the SGA advisor that she/he has adequately prepared for the upcoming fall

semester. She/he may also be exempted from the requirement if she/he can

present a reasonable excuse prior to the summer session.

2. To serve as the official representative of the Student Body in all student affairs

and relations with the faculty and administration.

3. To attend all Student Body Presidents Council meeting of the Mississippi

Institutions of Higher Learning.

4. To call sessions of the SGA Executive Cabinet as prescribed in this constitution.

5. To deliver to the Student Government Association information on the State of the

University and to recommend such measures as shall be judged necessary. This

shall be done each semester while in office.

6. To faithfully administer, at all times, this constitution, the student code of conduct

and regulations of the Student Government Association, and to accurately

represent the SGA in all matters.

7. Meet weekly and as needed with SGA advisor.

C. In the event that the office of SGA President is vacated for any reason, the SGA

Vice President shall immediately assume all responsibilities and duties of said

office.

Section 106

A. The Vice President shall be elected in accordance with the provision of the SGA

Election Code, Title III, section-314.

B. The Vice President of the Student Body shall have the power

1. To preside over the Student Senate and enforce the rules of its proceedings.

2. To call sessions of the Student Senate when deemed necessary subsequent to

those sessions prescribed by this Constitution.

3. To determine when all legislation shall be presented to the Student Senate.

4. To appoint an individual to the office of Senator in such cases where an

office has been vacated the SGA executive cabinet will receive nominations

from the senate.

5. To recommend each Senator membership in Student Senate committees as

well as to remove each Senator from Student Senate committees as deemed

necessary.

6. To serve as Acting President in the President's absence.

7. To appoint the Senator Pro Tempore and Parliamentarian, subject to the

approval of the Senate.(Optional)

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C. The Vice President of the Student Body shall be required

1. To attend at least one (1) session of summer school at MUW with the

other session being optional if the SGA President is unavailable to attend

summer school. She/he shall be awarded the opportunity to use the

Presidents allotted summer school performance scholarship. If applicable,

this will be paid by the University prior to the summer session starting. If

she/he is receiving other scholarships, the funds will not be stacked.

She/he is not required to attend if she/he can present in writing to the SGA

advisor that she/he has adequately prepared for the upcoming fall

semester. She/he may also be exempted from the requirement if she/he

can present a reasonable excuse prior to the summer session.

2. To call sessions of the Student Senate as prescribed in this Constitution.

3. To forward all legislation passed by the Student Senate to the SGA

President within five academic days following passage.

4. To serve as Keeper of the SGA Constitution and answer on any

interpretations thereof.

5. To perform such duties as assigned by the SGA President.

6. To complete office hours assigned by the SGA President.

7. Attend all events sponsored by SGA

8. Meet bi-weekly and as needed with the SGA advisor.

D. In the event that the Office of Vice President of the SGA is vacated for any

reason, the Senator Pro Tempore of the Student Senate shall immediately assume

all responsibilities and duties of said office. If a Senator Pro Tempore is not

appointed, the SGA Executive Assistant should assume all SGA Vice President

Responsibilities. At such time the Student Senate shall elect a new Senator Pro

Tempore from its membership.

Section 107

A. The Executive Assistant shall be appointed by the SGA President, and duties shall

be:

1. The Executive Assistant shall be required to

a) To keep accurate minutes of all Senate meetings.

b) To keep accurate minutes of all Executive Cabinet meetings.

c) To send approved minutes of each formal Senate meeting to

all SGA members, The Advisor, student listserv.

d) To give monthly notifications of accrued absences and collect

excuses the thereof.

e) To attend SGA Executive Cabinet Meetings and Senate Meetings.

f) To assist in helping with any services needed by other executives

g) Serve on University Committees as assigned and attend IHL

meeting if needed.

h) To perform such duties as assigned by the SGA President.

i) To complete office hours assigned by the SGA President.

j) To attend all the events sponsored by the SGA.

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In the event that the office of the Executive Assistant is vacated for any reason, it

shall be the duty of the SGA President to appoint an individual to the vacated

office.

Section 108

A. The Programming and Activities Coordinator shall be elected by the student body

and duties shall be:

1. To enforce election regulations as stated by the SGA Election Code.

2. To regulate all campaigning prior to the elections.

3. Work directly with the Executive team as well as other campus offices to

execute elections each fall and spring semester.

4. To check all applications before elections.

5. To post the election results by 10:00pm on Election Day.

6. Serve as lead facilitator of all programs and activities (two programs a

semester, of which one is philanthropic.)

7. To attend SGA Executive Cabinet Meetings and Senate Meetings.

8. Serve on University Committees as assigned.

9. Attend IHL meetings as assigned.



12. To attend all the events sponsored by the SGA.

Section 109

A. The Media Coordinator shall be appointed by the SGA President, and duties shall

be:

1. To design flyers/posters for SGA events.

2. To get flyers stamped/ posted around campus.

3. Design all SGA paraphernalia (i.e. uniforms.)

4. To help with display boards, scrapbook, and banners if needed for event.

5. To promote SGA and its events on campus.


7. To promote SGA and its events on campus.

8. Serve on University Committees and attend IHL meetings as assigned.

9. To attend all events sponsored by the SGA and take pictures at all events.

10. To work with the advisor on managing the SGA website.

11. To represent SGA during all media interviews (as assigned by President.)

12. To contact MUW Public Affairs and The Spectator for major SGA events.



15. To update the SGA social networking sites and the SGA website.

16. To assist in helping with any services needed by other executives.

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Section 110

Director of Finance / Community Outreach shall be appointed by the SGA President and

shall be required to

1. Coordinate all community service events for the year, working

independently or through the Office of Community Service.

2. Keep an accurate record of the SGA budget. Work with the SGA advisor

and the Student Life Administrative Assistant to maintain accuracy.

3. Keep a record of all fund raising, donations and transactions of foundation

funds and money spent out of pocket.

a) Students must have prior approval from the advisor before

purchasing items for reimbursement.

4. Shall organize a minimum of two service projects a semester, one being a

philanthropic event (work with Programming and Activities Coordinator).


6. To assist in helping with any services needed by other executives

7. Serve on University Committees as assigned and attend IHL meetings if

needed


9. To attend all the events sponsored by the SGA.

ARTICLE III

THE SGA CODE

TITLE I

EXECUTIVE CABINET

Section 1

All powers of the Student Government Association shall be vested in a President, Vice

President, Executive Assistant, Programming and Activities Coordinator, Media

Coordinator, and Director of Community Outreach.

Section 2

Duties of the Executive Cabinet:

A. To meet weekly or at the discretion of the SGA President, see Title I, Section 103.

B. Minutes of the Executive Cabinet shall be recorded by the Executive Assistant

and shall be available to anyone upon request.

Section 3

SGA officers’ compensation per semester:

A. SGA officers will receive performance scholarships in the following amounts:

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President… Full time (12-19 credits) half of in-state tuition, double occupancy

room and board.

Vice President… Full time (12-19 credits) in-state tuition

Executive Assistant… Full time (12-19 credits) $900.00.

Programming and Activities Coordinator… Full time (12-19 credits) $900.00

Media Coordinator… Full time (12-19 credits) $900.00

Director of Community Outreach… Full time (12-19 credits) $630.00.

Executive Board Position Fall Semester 2014

Scholarship

Spring Semester 2015

Scholarship

Total Scholarship

President $4,709.50 4,709.50 9,419.00

Vice President $ 2,820.00 2,820.00 5,640.00

Executive Assistant $ 900.00 900.00 1,800.00

Programming and Activities

Coordinator

$ 900.00 900.00 1,800.00

Media Coordinator $ 900.00 900.00 1,800.00

Director of Community

Outreach

$ 630.00 630.00 1,260.00

Total 10,859.50 10,859.50 21,719.00

B. One-half of the scholarship will be awarded at the beginning of the fall semester

and one-half at the beginning of the spring semester.

C. Executive Officers will be evaluated on their performance twice a semester (at

midterm and end of each semester) and if, one fails to meet performance

expectations a probationary period will be enforced after the first evaluation.

Failure to improve performance could result in a loss of performance scholarship.

If officer fail to meet probationary terms, the matter will be presented to the

Senate body and could result in removal from office.

D. Evaluations will be conducted in a 360 manner: Peer, Individual, and Supervisor.

Section 4

Term of office:

A. Executive Cabinet officers shall take office at the end of the Spring semester.

B. They shall be installed by the outgoing President by the following oath:

I do hereby affirm that I will faithfully support the Constitution and bylaws of

The Student Government Association of the Mississippi University for Women

and will endeavor to fulfill my obligations to the student of MUW by performing

my duties to the best of my ability.

OPTIONAL (new president) - You have accepted the challenge of leadership and

the responsibility for not only your individual office but for the entire Student

Government Association. May I congratulate you and wish you the best of luck

for the coming year.

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TITLE II

THE LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

Section 201

All legislative authority shall be herein vested in the Student Government Association

Student Senate. The Student Senate shall consist of all duly elected Senators and those

members of the Executive Branch who are non-voting members of the Senate.

Section 202

A. The SGA Vice President shall determine the rules and operation procedures of

Senate. A journal of all Senate proceedings shall be made available to the

public. The yeas and nays of the members on any question at all shall, at the

desire of 50+1 of those present, be in the journal. A roll call vote shall be taken

and recorded on all bills or resolutions, or where deemed necessary by the Senate

President.

B. The Student Senate shall be composed of representatives from the following

colleges and organizations:

1. Residence Hall Association (1)

2. College of Arts and Sciences(2)

3. College of Professional Studies(1)

4. College of Education and Human Sciences(1)

5. College of Nursing and Speech Pathology(1)

6. Commuters (1)

7. Transfer Students (2)

8. Freshman Senators (4)

C. Each organization listed shall be guaranteed at least one senator.

D. In the event that no candidate is running for a certain organization, candidates

qualified for other senate positions may be offered a senator position for the said

missing office.

E. Senators shall serve from the day of their installation until the last day of the

spring semester in the academic year.

F. The Vice President of the SGA shall preside over the Student Senate as Senate

President, in accordance with Title I, Section 106 of this Constitution, and shall

not cast a vote unless the vote is equally divided.

Section 203

Senate Meetings:

A. The formal sessions of the SGA Student Senate shall be held every two weeks

unless there is a holiday with additional meetings scheduled at the discretion of

the SGA Vice President. The day and time will be set by the SGA Vice President

and the new senators at the installation ceremony and will be printed in the

student handbook for the upcoming school year.

B. During the meetings of the Senate, senators shall sit together by constituencies.

C. An agenda will be provided at all meetings.

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D. Emergency meetings can be called at the discretion of the SGA President and/or

the SGA Vice-President as they deem appropriate, in accordance with Title I,

Sections 105 and106 of this Constitution.

E. The SGA Senate must vote whether or not to convene if a quorum of 50+1 of its

members is not present.

F. All regular formal sessions of Senate shall be opened to the student body.

Section 204

The SGA Senate shall have the power

A. To legislate on all matters necessary to the supervision of all student activities and

the organization of the SGA.

B. To enact by a 50+1 vote, bylaws and amendments or revisions of the Constitution.

C. To confirm or reject, by a 50+1 vote, appointments made by the SGA President

and the SGA Vice President.

D. To impeach any member of the Student Government Association by a 50+1 vote.

E. To overrule, by a 50+1 vote of the entire membership of the SGA Senate, the veto

of a Senate bill by the SGA President.

F. To approve formal resolutions necessary and proper to promote the general

welfare of the student body, by a 50 +1 vote.

Section 205

The SGA Senators shall be required

A. To attend all meetings of the Senate, both formal and emergency. If a Senator

cannot attend these meetings, he/she is required to follow the procedures outlined

in Title II, Section 208 of this Constitution.

B. To attend all SGA events, programs, and initiatives.

C. To represent not only his/her constituency, but the entire student population to the

best of his/her ability.

D. To be in constant contact with their constituent group and report back to the SGA

Senate.

E. To serve on any committees as he/she has been appointed to by the SGA Vice

President.

Section 206

Voting requirements of the SGA Senate:

A. A majority vote of the SGA Senate shall be defined as more than one-half of

voting Senators. Abstention will not count towards the total in determining the

majority.

B. A 50+1 vote of the SGA Senate shall be no less than 50+1of the members of the

SGA present and voting. An abstention will not count towards the total in

determining the 50+1 majority.

C. The Executive Assistant shall include all roll call votes in the minutes of the

session.

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D. The SGA Vice President shall have the power to break all ties in the voting, but

such votes shall not be counted toward a quorum or toward issues requiring a

50+1vote.

E. Executive officers attending Senate sessions shall not be counted toward a

quorum or toward votes requiring 50+1 of a majority.

Section 207

Senate Installation:

A. The members of the Senate shall take office immediately upon installation.

B. Installation shall take place within two weeks of fall elections and all senators-

elect must be present unless excused by the SGA Vice President. Attending

retreat and signing the contract will be part of installation.

C. Senators shall not be eligible to vote until they have been properly installed.

D. The installation shall be conducted by the oath:

“I do hereby affirm that I will faithfully support the Constitution and bylaws of the

Student Government Association of the Mississippi University for Women and will

endeavor to fulfill my obligations to the students of MUW by performing my Senate duties

to the best of my abilities.”

Section 208

Absences:

A. The absence of a Senator, excused or unexcused, from two Senate meetings or

events per semester, shall be brought to the attention of the Executive Cabinet for

action. Three (3) tardies, either excused or unexcused, will constitute one (1)

absence. If excuses are not valid, the Senate may deem that post vacant, under

Title II, Section 205 of this Constitution.

Section 209

Proxies:

A. In the event that the Senator knows in advance that she/he will be absent from a

regular or called session of the Senate, she/he must appoint a student from her/his

Constitutional Group to act as a proxy. This proxy's name shall be submitted, in

writing, prior to the Senate session and is subject to the approval of the SGA

Executive Cabinet. The proxy shall act for the absent Senator, with all of the same

rights and duties the Senator bears. The use of a proxy shall not constitute an

absence by the Senator. The written authorization from the absent Senator will be

kept by the Executive Assistant along with the minutes of the meeting.

B. In the event an emergency requires the absence of a Senator she/he is required to

submit an excuse to the Executive Assistant, to be submitted to the Vice President

for validation and to be recorded as an addendum to the minutes of the missed

session.

Section 210

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A The Senate Pro-Tempore shall serve as presiding officer of the Senate in the absence of

the SGA Vice President.

Pro-Tempore shall take the chair when the SGA Vice President chooses to speak on a bill

or resolution.

The Senate Pro-Tempore is allowed to attend the SGA Executive Board meetings

whenever deemed necessary.

Section 211

A Senate Parliamentarian may be appointed by the SGA Vice President at the first

session of the fall semester, with the approval of the Senate. The Parliamentarian must be

familiar with Robert's Rules of Order and is responsible for the proper adherence to

parliamentary procedures during all sessions of the Senate.

Section 212

Standing Committees:

A. The committees of the SGA Senate shall be determined at the beginning of each

semester by the Vice President with approval of the SGA Senate.

B. The SGA Vice President has the authority to appoint committees and chairmen of

those committees as deemed necessary.

TITLE III

THE ELECTION CODE

Section 301

The Programming and Activities Coordinator will consist of the Election Commissioners

and appointed individuals from the Senate or Student Body.

A. It is the duty of the Elections Commissioners to regulate campaigning prior to the

elections, to conduct elections, to count votes, and to post the results.

B. The Elections Commissioners, under the supervision of SGA Advisor, is

responsible for ensuring that election policies and procedures are enforced. Any

irregularity may result in an invalidation of the election

C. In the event the Programming and Activities Coordinator, or any Elections

Commissioner is unable to fulfill their duties, the SGA President, with the

approval of Senate, will appoint someone to fulfill the vacated position for the

duration of the Election.

Section 302

Nomination procedures for an elected office or campus title:

A. Applications may be obtained from the SGA Office. Completed applications must

be returned to the SGA Office. Failure to submit an application on the designated

form or at the designated time will result in an automatic disqualification from

that election.

B. A nominee's qualifications and classification will be checked by the Office of

Student Life. If a nominee does not meet the qualification for an office, she/he

will be notified by the SGA Advisor.

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C. The formal application form contains, but is not limited to the following

questions:

a. The nominee's full given name with nick-names in parenthesis.

b. The nominee's local address and telephone number.

c. The name of the office or title the nominee seeks.

d. The signature of the person submitting the nomination and the signature of

the candidate.

e. The college to which the nominee belongs.

f. The number of hours of which the student is enrolled.

D. Students who wish to withdraw their candidacy must notify the Programming and

Activities Coordinator or the SGA President prior to the election.

E. A student may not run for more than one (1) Executive Cabinet Office.

F. No student may serve on more than one branch of the SGA during a specified

term.

G. No student may hold more than one SGA office during a specified term,

excluding appointments made by the SGA Vice President in the Senate.

Section 303

Campaign rules and regulations:

A. Campaign expense controls and campaign regulations shall be set by the

Programming and Activities Coordinator approved by the Senate, and Election

Commission. The Election Commission will consist of the SGA Executive

Cabinet.

B. The Programming and Activities Coordinator will post the elections procedures

and eligibility requirements within one (1) week and not less than three days prior

to the date nominations open.

C. Campaign regulations and expense controls are as follows:

1. Posters, handbills, and banners may be displayed fourteen (14) days

before the election.

2. An unlimited number of flyers may be displayed, but they must be

stamped by both the Office of Housing and Residence Life and the

Office of Student Life.

3. Posting must be in accordance with the posting policy of the Office of

Student Life.

4. No more than five (5) banners, which must not exceed a size of 3 feet

by 12 feet, may be displayed.

5. Only one (1) poster, not exceeding standard poster size (11” x 17”),

may be displayed in the Post Office Lobby.

6. Posters and banners may be placed in any University building, and are

subject to the rules governing displays within each building.

7. Posters and banners may be taped with masking or paper tape to wood

and unpainted surfaces only.

8. Posters and banners may be placed on the brick surfaces of any

University building, subject to the rules governing displays within each

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building. (Water based paints should not be used for outside posters and

banners.)

9. Photographs on posters are not to exceed a size of 5 inches by 7 inches.

10. All election materials must be removed within twenty-four (24) hours

following the close of elections. The candidate will be assessed a fine of

a $10 dollar amount, but not exceed $20.

11. The Elections Commission will not assume any responsibility for any

materials posted, i.e. photographs.

12. Newspaper advertisements may be placed in The Spectator.

13. An election rally will be held for the Spring General Election, within

four (4) days of the election.

a) Any candidate for a campus-wide office may speak. Candidates

for SGA President and SGA Vice-President will be given three (3)

minutes; all other candidates will have two (2) minute.

b) The Executive Assistant shall decide in what order speeches shall be

given.

c) Candidates for an individual office will be listed in alphabetical

order.

14. No candidate shall actively campaign within fifty (50) feet of any voting

area.

15. No candidate may have campaign workers also working the voter tables

or wearing any paraphernalia associated with the said candidate.

16. No candidate may use campus letterheads or copiers for campaign

purposes. Failure to comply with the above regulations will result in a

hearing before the Elections Commission to determine whether or not a

candidate is to be fined or disqualified.

17. Candidates can use the social media to campaign.

Section 304

Sponsorship of candidates running for executive offices:

A. Any candidate running for executive office in the spring elections shall be

allowed the opportunity to ask for sponsorship from any club or organization

associated with Mississippi University for Women during his/her campaign. Any

sponsor must fill out the appropriate form to declare sponsorship and must follow

the guidelines as stated in Title III, Section 303 of the Constitution. Any

organization that receives funding from Mississippi University for Women cannot

use university appropriated money to sponsor a candidate (i.e. SGA, SPB, etc.).

B. Each candidate running for an executive office of SGA may only be allowed to

receive sponsorship from a maximum of three (3) clubs/organizations. A

candidate is not required to have one (1) or any sponsor(s) to run for an executive

office in the spring elections.

C. All clubs/organizations will only be allowed to sponsor one (1) candidate per

executive office position being elected in the spring elections.

D. Candidates running for executive office are allowed to publicize sponsors on

campaign material (i.e. banners, posters, stickers, handbills, etc.).

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E. At the end of elections, candidates' documentation of expenditures, whether

personally or sponsorship funded, will be open for examination by the public.

Each candidate must turn an itemized budget into the Election Commission no

later than five (5) working days following the election.

Section 305

Balloting will be conducted as follows:

A. Each candidate must meet the requirements of the office for his/her name to

appear on the ballot.

B. The ballots must be certified as correct by the Elections Commission and the

SGA.

C. The ballot must consist an alphabetical listing of candidates under the office or

position sought. The full given name of each candidate will be listed unless

candidate requests that a nick-name be used instead of his/her given name.

D. Failure to follow the instructions for marking a ballot will result in the ballot

being invalidated.

E. Failure to vote for a candidate for every office will not invalidate a voter's ballot.

Section 306

The following procedures must be followed in every election:

A. The election ballot will be online.

B. Elections will be held as deemed by the Election Commission.

C. The Programming and Activities Coordinator, the SGA President or SGA Vice

President, and the advisor will meet with the candidates and go over the election

rules and regulations.

D. All of MUW’s undergraduate student body may vote by classification. Returning

seniors may vote as a senior.

Section 307

If a member of the election commission is running for election, he/she must submit a

proxy to substitute their membership on the commission until elections are finished.

Section 308

Tabulations of votes will be done by MUW Information Technology Services and sent to

the Election Commission and the SGA advisor.

Section 309

Certification guidelines for all elections will consist of the following:

A. If there are only two (2) candidates for the office, the candidate receiving a

majority shall be declared the winner. A majority will be defined as one more

than half the total votes cast for said office. If there are more than two (2)

candidates for the office, the number of votes for the winning candidate must

exceed the number of votes for the other candidates by five (5).

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B. If there are two (2) positions to be filled for an office, positions will be filled

based on plurality. Plurality shall be defined as the candidates receiving the most

votes, regardless of the margin by which they are received.

C. If there are three (3) or more positions to be filled for an office, positions will be

filled based on a plurality.

D. If there is only one (1) candidate for an office, that candidate will be declared

winner by acclamation.

Section 310

Run-Off Elections:

A. All run-off elections must be conducted within ten (10) days of the regular

election.

B. The run-off election is subject to the same rules and regulations as the regular

election. The run-off election poll hours will be set by the Elections Commission.

C. There shall be no more than two (2) run-off elections after each primary election.

1. If there is an insufficient number of an office to be filled by calling a

second run-off, then the SGA President shall have the power to nominate a

candidate or candidates from the list of nominees from the primary

election.

2. The Election Commission shall have the power to determine if there is an

insufficient number of an office to be filled to require a second run-off.

Section 311

Spring General Election:

A. The spring general election shall be held in the spring on a date pre-determined by

the Student Government Executive Cabinet.

B. The following officers shall be elected for the SGA Executive Branch during the

spring election:

1. SGA President

2. SGA Vice President

3. Programming and Activities Coordinator

C. Elite Positions Elected will include:

1. Hall of Fame

a. Shall have a minimum QPA of 2.50.

b. Shall be a member of the graduating senior class.

c. Candidates must turn in applications, listing their academic standing,

campus involvement, community service, and their contributions to

MUW in order to be considered for nomination. These applications

will be screened by Election Commission under the supervision of the

SGA Advisor.

d. A maximum of twelve (12) names will be nominated.

e. Hall of Fame will consist of eight (8) persons.

f. All MUW students can vote for the Hall of Fame.

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2. Miss MUW

a. Shall have a minimum QPA of 2.50.

b. Shall be a member of the graduating senior class.

a. Must follow guidelines as specified in Title III, Section 303.

b. Miss MUW will be the female candidate in the Hall of Fame that

receives the most votes.

3. Mr. Henry L. Whitfield

a. This Award is to honor a male student who exemplifies the ideals of

the university.

b. Candidates shall have a minimum QPA of 2.50.

c. Candidates shall be a member of the graduating senior class.

d. Must follow the guidelines as specified in Title III, Section 303.

e. Mr. MUW will be the male candidate in the Hall of Fame that receives

the most votes.

f. If no male applicant is deemed worthy of being selected to the Hall of

Fame, the Mr. MUW will not be filled for that year.

Section 312

Fall General Election:

A. The fall general election shall be held within 3 weeks after the first day of class.

B. The following SGA positions will be elected during the fall general election:

1. Senate positions

c. Students will apply for the Senate positions.

d. Senators shall be elected by members of the student body.

Section 313

Other Elections:

All other elections shall be called by the SGA President and directed by the Election

Commission.

Section 314

Specific Qualifications for Officers in the SGA Election:

A. A candidate must be enrolled in twelve (12) hours or more of academic credit at

the time of the election.

B. Transfer students must present the required overall QPA which should include

work completed at a previous school. Mid-term grades are non-applicable.

C. Scholastic eligibility will be based on the minimum QPA of 2.50, unless

designated otherwise by office, and shall be a full time student during candidacy,

as well as during the entire time of the term. Mid-term grades are non-applicable.

D. Students who are currently on social or academic probation are ineligible to run

for any office during their probation period. Students failing to maintain the QPA

requirements of an office will be removed from that office as stated in Article VII,

Impeachment.

E. The following shall be the qualifications for each candidate's specific office to be

elected or appointed during the spring general election:

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1. SGA President

a. Shall have a minimum GPA of 2.50.

b. Shall have two semesters documented experience on an Executive,

Legislative branch of the MUW SGA or two semesters as President or

Vice President in any campus organization.

c. Candidate must be no less than a junior standing.

2. SGA Vice President


b. Shall have two or more semesters of documented MUW SGA experience

3. Programming and Activities Coordinator

a. Shall have a minimum GPA of 2.50

b. Shall have one or more semesters of documented MUW SGA experience

4. SGA Executive Assistant


b. Must be a member of the incoming sophomore, junior, or senior class.

5. SGA Media Coordinator


b. Must be a member of the incoming sophomore, junior, or senior class

6. SGA Director of Finance and Community Outreach


b. Must be a member of the incoming sophomore, junior, or senior class.

7. Hall of Fame


b. Must comply with guidelines of Title III, Section 311

8. Miss MUW:



9. Mr. Henry L. Whitfield



Section 315

The Following shall be the Qualifications for each specific office to be elected during the

Fall General Election:

A. Senate Positions

1. Shall have a minimum QPA of 2.50.

2. Must be a student in the organization to be represented.

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Section 316

If the candidate has prior experience in the Student Government Association but does not

have a good standing record of fulfilling SGA responsibilities during his/her tenure, then

the Election Commission has the discretion to disqualify the candidacy on the basis of

past evaluations performed by the SGA advisor. This section applies to fall as well as

spring elections candidates.

Section 317

Violations of the Election Code:

A. Violation of the Election Code may result in the election being invalidated.

B. Any violations of the Election Code shall be reported to the Election Commission

and the SGA advisor

C. A request to invalidate an election must be made to the Elections Commission

within forty-eight (48) hours after the closing of the polls.

D. The alleged charges will be investigated by the Elections Commissioner who will

determine the validity of the request. If the charges are valid, a re-election date

may be set. Individuals who purposely violate the Election Code will be referred

to the appropriate disciplinary body.

Section 318

Recounts: A student may request a vote to recount if she/he feels that there has been

mistake or a violation of the counting procedure. This recount request must be made to

the SGA advisor or the Elections Commission within forty-eight (48) hours after the

closing of the polls.

TITLE IV

BYLAWS

Section 401

The bylaws of the SGA of MUW shall be called the SGA Constitution.

Section 402

Copies of the SGA Constitution shall be placed in the library, the Office of Student Life,

the University President's Office and the SGA Office.

Section 403

Format:

A. The SGA Code shall be divided by the titles as follows:

1. TITLE I EXECUTIVE BRANCH AND CABINET

2. TITLE II LEGISLATIVE BRANCH

3. TITLE III ELECTION CODE

4. TITLE IV BYLAWS

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B. Whenever the bylaws are created or amended, the date the law or amendment is

approved shall be recorded on the formal bill.

C. The paragraphs of the assembled bylaws shall be numbered consecutively by

hundreds. The first digit of the code shall be the same as the number of the title

under which the section appears.

D. If the section needs to be divided, each division shall be labeled alphabetically.

Further divisions shall be numbered.

E. A 50+1 vote of the Senate with the approval by the SGA President shall be

required for amending the SGA Code.

F. The Senate shall review and oversee all modification each year. Its responsibility

shall be an ongoing research to recommend additions and revisions and

inform Senate of inconsistencies in order to insure clarity.

G. Corrections of grammatical typographical and like errors not affecting the

construction or meaning of the statues may be made by the SGA

President.

Section 404

The Vice President of the SGA shall serve as President of the Senate and shall have no

vote except in the case of a tie. At the first meeting following the Senate election, a

President Pro-Tempore shall be appointed from the Senate membership to serve in the

absence of the Vice President or when the Vice President wishes to temporarily

relinquish the chair in order to voice her/his opinion on a matter before the

Senate.

Section 405

The Senate President shall determine the rules and operation procedures of Senate. A

journal of all Senate proceedings shall be made available to the public. The yeas and nays

of the members on any questions at all shall, at the desire of one-fifth of those present, be

in the journal. A roll call vote shall be taken and recorded on all bills or resolutions, or

where deemed necessary by the Senate President.

Section 406

A 50+1 majority of the Senate voting membership shall constitute a quorum to do

business.

ARTICLE IV

PARLIAMENTARY AUTHORITY

Section 1

Parliamentary authority for this organization shall be Roberts' Rules of Order in all cases

except those in which they are inconsistent with the bylaws of the special rules of order

of this organization.

Section 2

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All executive officers, cabinet, and senators must have a working knowledge of

parliamentary procedure. SGA will supply, at its expense, an instruction booklet on

parliamentary procedure.

ARTICLE V

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENTS AND REVISIONS

Section 1

Amendments and revisions to this constitution must be proposed by the Executive

Branch, Student Senate or by the student body via petition or referendum.

Section 2

Amendments and revisions coming from the Student Senate must be passed by a 50+1

majority vote of the Senate and must be signed by the SGA President.

Section 3

The student body reserves the powers by the means of a petition signed by ten (10)

percent of the student body to purpose revisions and amendments to this constitution

through a referendum which calls for the support of the voting students.

ARTICLE VI

SGA CODE

Section 1

This constitution establishes the authority of the SGA Code which establishes the rules,

regulations, and positions of the SGA in accordance with this constitution.

Section 2

The SGA Constitution shall be the final authority and any code, bill, or resolution in

conflict with it shall be rendered void.

ARTICLE VII

IMPEACHMENT

Any student government elected officer may be impeached for extreme negligence of

duties, conduct unbecoming, or misuse of office. The charge may be brought by any

student to the SGA President and the SGA Advisor, who shall review and act upon in one

of the following ways:

A. The case will be dismissed.

B. The officer will receive a reprimand.

C. The SGA elected officer will be removed from that office and will be required to

pay a fine of $150. Impeachment charges brought forth by the SGA or an Officer

acting in his/her official capacity shall be directed by a vote of the Senate.

Conduct unbecoming shall be defined as any violation of the Student Code of

Conduct.

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ARTICLE VIII

APPROVAL OF CONSTITUTION

Section 1

Upon approval of the 50+1 majority vote of the Student Senate, this Constitution shall be

sent to the SGA President for approval. Upon review and approval by the SGA President,

this constitution shall be sent to the SGA advisor.

Section 2

Upon the Director of Student Life and SGA advisor’s approval, this Constitution shall go

into effect immediately.

Section 3

Upon approval of this Constitution, all previous Constitutions are rendered null and

void.

ARTICLE IX

SGA ADVISOR

Section 1

The Coordinator of Student Engagement in the Office of Student Life is the appointed

advisor for SGA.

See p.14 of Section 3.5 B

Section 2

Shall serve as an advisor to the SGA executive cabinet and SGA Senate

Section 3

Shall evaluate the SGA executive cabinet member’s performance and determine

Performance scholarship eligibility and the SGA advisor shall be evaluated by the

executive cabinet member each term.

Section 4

Meet weekly and as needed with SGA president

Section 5

Meet bi-weekly and as needed with SGA executive cabinet members.

ARTICLE X

ADMINISTRATIVE APPELLATE PROCEDURE

Section 1

The Student Government Association shall at all times retain the right to appeal directly

to the University designated professional staff member. If necessary, the matter may be

appealed in accordance to Section 6 of the student handbook.

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Ratified May 5, 1997: Harper-Harris Administration

Revised September 28, 1998: Warner-Baggett Administration

Revised January 29, 2003: Cockrell-Moses Administration

Revised August 1, 2005: Montgomery-Duffey Administration

Revised February 4, 2007: Dilg-Duffey Administration

Revised October 12, 2007: Dilg-Miller Administration

Revised November 3, 2008: Barnes-Newsome Administration

Revised March 3, 2009: Barnes-Newsome Administration

Revised March 28, 2011: Newsome-Williams Administration

Revised May 9, 2012: Williams-Ban Administration

Revised March 18, 2013: Ban-Becton Administration

Revised March 24, 2014: Mbogo-Wright Administration

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