SG Constitution 1

8/15/2019 SG Constitution 1

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STUDENT G OVERNMENT C OMPILED C ODE

University of Michigan-Dearborn

Table of ContentsPREAMBLE

ARTICLE I ich leib

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT ARTICLE II

SENATE

Section 2.01 Membership

Section 2.02 School / College Representatives

Section 2.03 Incoming Freshman / Transfer Student Representatives

Section 2.04 At Large Representatives

Section 2.05 Powers and Functions of the Senate

Section 2.06 Speaker of the Senate

Section 2.07 Senate Clerk

Section 2.08 Student Government Fellows (Bylaw)

Section 2.09 Petitioning into the Senate

ARTICLE III

EXECUTIVE BOARD


Section 3.02 Membership (Bylaw)

Section 3.03 President

Section 3.04 Duties of the President (Bylaw)

Section 3.05 Vice President

Section 3.06 Duties of the Vice President (Bylaw)

Section 3.07 Treasurer

Section 3.08 Duties of the Treasurer (Bylaw)

Section 3.09 Director of Clubs and Organizations

Section 3.10 Duties of the Director of Clubs and Organizations (Bylaw)

Section 3.11 Student Organization Advisory Council Representative (Bylaw)

Section 3.12 Secretary

Section 3.13 Duties of the Secretary (Bylaw)

Section 3.14 Director of Public Relations

Section 3.15 Duties of the Director of Public Relations (Bylaw)

Last Amended Friday, March 28, 2014 Page 1 | 22


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Section 3.16 Director of Greek Affairs (Bylaw)

Section 3.17 Director of Inclusion (Bylaw)

ARTICLE IV

SUCCESSION

Section 4.01 Executive Succession

Section 4.02 Senate Succession (Bylaw)

ARTICLE V

ACCOUNTABILITY

Section 5.01 Attendance

Section 5.02 Excused Absences (Bylaw)

Section 5.03 _ Leaves of Absence (Bylaw)

Section 5.04 Committee Absences (Bylaw)

Section 5.05 Dress Code

Section 5.06 Office Hours

Section 5.07 Technology

ARTICLE VI

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

Section 6.01 Robert’s Rules of Order

Section 6.02 General Assembly and Senate Meeting Structure (Bylaw)

Section 6.03 Committee Meetings (Bylaw)

Section 6.04 Special Meetings (Bylaw)

Section 6.05 Spring and Summer Meetings (Bylaw)

Section 6.06 University of Michigan Student Governments’ Council (Bylaw)

ARTICLE VII

INAUGURATION

Section 7.01 Inauguration Ceremony

ARTICLE VIII

ETHICS Section 8.01 Ethics

ARTICLE IX

THE JUDICIARY

Section 9.01 Structure




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Section 9.03 Jurisdiction

ARTICLE X

ADVISOR

Section 10.01 Duties of the Advisor

ARTICLE XI

STANDING COMMITTEES

Section 11.01 Committee Structure

Section 11.02 Appropriations Committee

Section 11.03 Rules and Ethics Committee

Section 11.04 Student and Academic Affairs Committee

Section 11.05 Research and Development Committee

Section 11.06 Public Relations Committee

ARTICLE XII (Bylaw)

STUDENT ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN

Section 12.01 Student Association of Michigan (SAM) Council

Section 12.02 SAM Council Structure

Section 12.03 SAM Council Member Duties

Section 12.04 Term of Office

Section 12.05 Removal of SAM Council Members

Section 12.06 SAM Council Reimbursements

ARTICLE XIII

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROCESS

Section 13.01 Amending the Constitution

Section 13.02 Amending the Bylaws



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PREAMBLEWe, the students, in order to construct and promote a common voice; to encourage the continuous

exchange of ideas between students, faculty, and administration; to recommend policies and

procedures concerning the University; to enhance the students' academic and social environment;

and to promote the welfare of the student body, do hereby establish this Constitution of the Student

Government of the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

ARTICLE I

NON-DISCRIMINATION STATEMENT

The Student Government of the University of Michigan-Dearborn shall not discriminate based upon

race, sex, color, religion, national origin nor ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender

identity, gender expression, disability, height, weight nor veteran status.

ARTICLE II

SENATE


a) The Senate shall be composed of students of the University of Michigan-Dearborn elected to

one-year terms by the student body.

b) A student may petition for a vacant seat in their respective school or at large provided that

the Senate deems it necessary to fill the vacancy as stipulated in the bylaws.

c) The Senate of the University of Michigan-Dearborn shall consist of representatives based on

the criteria listed in Sections 1.02-1.04.

Section 2.02 School / College Representatives

a) Two representatives per academic college/school (Total of 8)

Section 2.03 Incoming Freshman / Transfer Student Representatives

a) A total of 4 additional senate seats shall remain open until the fall semester to allow for

incoming freshman and/or transfer students to petition into the senate.

Section 2.04 At Large Representatives

a) Additionally, for each 500 students enrolled at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, one

additional representative will be added.

b) Population numbers will be gathered and used from the Fall Semester of the current academic

year during which the Student Government of the University of Michigan-Dearborn electionsare held.

c) In the event of a decimal fraction for representation, using the formula outlined above, the

number will always be rounded down.

d) Each Senator must be a currently enrolled student at the University of Michigan-Dearborn,

maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 and be enrolled in at least (6)

credits if they are an undergraduate student or (5) credits if they are a graduate student.



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Section 2.05 Powers and Functions of the Senate

a) All policies pertaining to the student body shall be brought forth, debated and voted on at

General Assembly Meeting.

b) Unless otherwise provided for by rule or parliamentary procedure, all proposed policies must

be approved by a simple majority of Senators voting in order to be enacted.

c) Each Senator shall represent and investigate the concerns of the student body.d) Each Senator must serve on at least one internal Student Government committee or external

University committee. They shall have a vote on one Student Government committee, the one

to which they are a standing member.

I. (Bylaw) All committees enumerated as Standing Committees, with the exception of

the Appropriations Committee, shall be included in this rule.

e) The Senate shall have the sole power to try all impeachments.

f) The power to override a Presidential veto must be exercised by the next meeting of the

Senate, either General Body or Senate, whichever occurs first.

g) Vote to censure - To censure any member of the Senate shall require two-thirds vote of the

total voting membership. Senators being charged shall not receive a vote on their censure

h) Resignations – Any resignation written by a member of the Senate shall take effect

immediately, unless otherwise stipulated by the resignation letter. Senators, who have

resigned, may not re-petition for a senate seat vacancy until the following semester.

Section 2.06 Speaker of the Senate

a) The Senate shall elect a Senator to be the Speaker of the Senate by a majority of the votes

cast by the Senate.

b) The Speaker of the Senate will serve a term of one semester or until the Speaker’s successor is

elected. Nominations will be taken and voting will be conducted at the first meeting of each

fall and winter semester.

c) The Speaker of the Senate shall appoint a Senator to be the Senate Clerk within seven days,

including weekends, of taking office.

d) The Speaker of the Senate shall preside over the Senate meetings.

e) The Speaker of the Senate has the power to call a recess during Student Government General

Assembly Meetings without debate.

f) The Speaker of the Senate shall seek feedback from each Senator of the body to help facilitate

their interests in committees and bring their issues forth to the Executive Board.

g) The Speaker of the Senate shall appoint Senators to their committees. The Speaker of the

Senate will facilitate a process to allow each Senator to express interest in committee

appointments and bring their issues forth to the Executive Board.

h) The Speaker of the Senate shall have the power to appoint the Chair and Vice Chair of all

internal committee within Student Government.

i) Vote of no confidence - Any member of the Senate may motion for a vote of no confidence to

remove the Speaker of the Senate. A two-thirds vote of the total voting membership is

required to carry the motion. Nominations and voting for the new Speaker of the Senate will

be conducted at the next Senate meeting, with their term expiring at the end of the semester

in which they are elected.



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Section 2.07 Senate Clerk

a) The Senate Clerk shall keep attendance records of the Senate meetings and distribute and/or

collect all correspondence.

b) The Senate Clerk shall keep detailed minutes of all Student Government Senate meetings. The

minutes must be posted in the Student Government office and forwarded to the Webmaster

no later than one day before the Senate meeting at which they will be presented, andapproved.

Section 2.08 Student Government Fellows (Bylaw)

a) Each Fellow must be a currently enrolled student at the University of Michigan-Dearborn,

maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.00 and be enrolled in at least (6)

credits if they are an undergraduate student or (5) credits if they are a graduate student.

b) Student Government Fellows should provide the Vice President with a letter of intent and a

Fellowship Application.

c) All students seeking membership in the Fellowship program shall present themselves in front

of the Senate for review and/or questioning

d) The Senate shall vote on all students seeking entrance into the Fellowship Program. A majorityvote is necessary for admittance.

e) Upon being approved to enter the Fellowship Program, all Fellows will be assigned to an

internal or external committee and will be required to adhere to the same rules and

regulations regarding meeting attendance, but are not required to hold office hours.

f) Fellows seeking to fill an open seat in the Senate must have attended a minimum of (2) Senate

and (2) General Body meetings before being considered for a Senate seat.

g) Fellows will be provided with full access to the Student Government office and resources.

h) Additionally, attending a Robert’s Rules orientation is required to be a senator. Fellows that

fill an open senate seat have until the fourth meeting after being sworn in to attend an

orientation or have a one on one, and failure to do so will result in removal from the seat.

i)

Section 2.09 Petitioning into the Senate

a) Incoming freshmen, transfer students and current Fellows seeking to petition into the Senate

must first enter the Fellowship program. Upon completing the necessary requirements, a

Freshman or Transfer Fellow may then begin the application process for admission into the

Senate.

Section 2.10 Robert’s Rules Information sessions

a. The VP must hold at least one Robert’s Rules orientation in September, October, November,

January, February, and March. Additionally, the VP must also hold at least one Robert’s Rulesorientation for the newly elected administration before the fifth meeting after inauguration.

b. In the event that a member required who is required to attend a Robert’s Rules orientation

cannot, a one on one session may be held instead. A one on one session may be held with the

VP, Speaker, President, Parliamentarian, or Chair of Rules. The session will function exactly

like a Robert’s Rules meeting



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ARTICLE III

EXECUTIVE BOARD

Section 3.01 Membershipa) The Executive Board shall consist of the President, Vice President, Director of Clubs and

Organizations (DCO), Treasurer, Secretary, and Director of Public Relations.

b) Each Executive Board member must be a currently enrolled student at the University of

Michigan-Dearborn, maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.75 and be

enrolled in at least (6) credits if they are an undergraduate student or (5) credits if they are a

graduate student.

c) The President and Vice President shall be elected by the student body as a joint ticket, and

shall serve a term of one year.

d) The term of office for the Director of Clubs and Organizations (DCO), Treasurer, Secretary, and

Director of Public Relations shall end with the term of the President by whom they were

appointed.

e) The Executive Board shall coordinate the activities of student government, with advisement

from the Advisor and advise the Student Government on matters of policy.

Section 3.02 Membership (Bylaw)

a) The term of office for all Executive Board appointees shall end with the term of the President

by whom they were appointed.

Section 3.03 President

a) The President shall appoint themself or another Executive Board member to chair the General

Assembly meetings.

b) With confirmation of the Senate, the President shall appoint a Director of Clubs andOrganizations (DCO), Treasurer, Secretary, Director of Public Relations.

c) The President shall chair the Executive Board and shall be an ex-officio member of all Student

Government committees.

d) The President shall assign Student Government members to serve on all external University

Committees, with the confirmation of the Senate.

e) The President shall serve as the chief liaison between Student Government and University

Administration.

f) The President shall appoint a member of Student Government to act as Parliamentarian of the

General Assembly meetings.

g) The President shall have the power to veto acts of the Senate. The power to veto must be

exercised within seven days, including weekends, after the act is presented to the presiding

President. If not vetoed within seven days, the act becomes policy.

h) The President shall have the power to call special Student Government General Assembly

meetings in case of emergency, provided that all Student Government members have been

notified at least 48 hours in advance, as stipulated in the bylaws.

i) The President shall serve as an Authorized Signer on all financial activity within the Office for

Student Engagement.



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j) The President shall act with the advice and consent of Senate. The President shall not chair

any internal Student Government committees.

Section 3.04 Duties of the President (Bylaw)

a) The President shall serve a minimum of ten office hours per week.

b) The President shall be the sole authority responsible for sending out emails to the student

body on behalf of the Student Government.

c) The President shall serve as the University’s delegate to the Board of Regents in Ann-Arbor.

d) State of the University Address: The President shall present two States of the Senate

Addresses – one nearing the end of the fall semester, and one at the last General Assembly

meeting in the winter. Each State of the Senate Address shall be a published document, which

should include goals and accomplishments pertaining to the concluding semester.

e) The president will lead an audit for every semester within four weeks before or four

weeks after the end of each semester. The audit shall be conducted by the president,

speaker of the senate, chair of appropriations, and the Chair of Rules and Ethics. The

audit will be a complete line-by-line audit, and shall comprehensively check the

treasurer’s budget.

f) The position of President is exclusive and limited to one USO; holding two advisor

positions forfeits your Student Government position as President.

g) The President shall serve as a primary authorized signer on all financial activity within

the office of student engagement.

Section 3.05 Vice President

a) The Vice President shall assist the President in the administration of the Student Government.

b) The Vice President shall cast the deciding vote in the event that the Senate is equally divided

on any issue.

c) The Vice President shall serve as the head of the Fellowship program.

Section 3.06 Duties of the Vice President (Bylaw)

a) The Vice President shall swear in all newly elected Senators within two weeks of the

inauguration ceremony.

b) The Vice President shall preside at General Assembly meetings in the absence, or incapacity of

the President.

c) The Vice President shall serve a minimum of ten office hours per week.

d) The Vice President shall carry out the duties assigned to him by the President.

e) In the incapacity of the Vice President, the President shall have the authority to swear in

newly elected Senators.

f) The Vice President shall be responsible for educating members regarding StudentGovernment policies and procedures (e.g., parliamentary procedure, member rights and

responsibilities, etc.).

Section 3.07 Treasurer

a) The Treasurer shall have the authority to conduct financial transactions on behalf of the

organization and shall keep all financial records of the Student Government Project/Grant in

accordance with University policy.



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b) The Treasurer shall serve on the Appropriations Committee.

c) The Treasurer shall assist in the preparation of Student Government's annual budget.

d) The Treasurer shall present a current balance audit of Student Government funds at each

General Assembly meeting.

Section 3.08 Duties of the Treasurer (Bylaw)

a) The Treasurer shall allocate funds and resources deemed necessary by the Senate.

b) The Treasurer shall present a comprehensive report of all financial activities within the Office

for Student Engagement.

c) The Treasurer shall investigate and suggest alternative methods of acquiring additional

sources of funding, income and stability.

d) The treasurer is required to remain apprised regarding the university’s reimbursement

policies, and also is required to inform the general assembly of said policies.

e) The treasurer’s report shall include any expenditures and an updated budget since the last

update. This shall include the changes to the line, section, and overall budget.

f) The Treasurer shall prepare a comprehensive report before the beginning of the nextsemester. The report shall include spending rates, month-over-month and projected

spending, and an updated line-by-line report including all total expenses.

g) The Treasurer sits on the committee, but may not attend the meetings.

h) The position of Treasurer is exclusive and limited to one USO; holding two treasurer positions

forfeits your Student Government position as treasurer.

i) The treasurer shall serve as a primary authorized signer on all financial activity within the

office of student engagement.

Section 3.09 Director of Clubs and Organizations

a) The Director of Clubs and Organizations shall act as chief liaison between Student

Government and all student clubs and organizations and shall serve as Chair of the Student

Organization Advisory Council (SOAC).

Section 3.10 Duties of the Director of Clubs and Organizations (Bylaw)

a) The Director of Clubs and Organizations shall organize two day-sale lotteries for all Registered

Student Organizations (RSO’s).

b) The Director of Clubs and Organizations shall host at least one meeting per semester with all

Registered Student Organization leaders as a means for them to gather and convey their

issues, concerns and ideas to the Senate.c) The Director of Clubs and Organizations shall work with the OSE to facilitate the presentation

of new clubs and organizations to the Senate.

d) After the Senate has approved a new organization, the Director of Clubs and Organizations

shall notify the Office for Student Engagement to finalize the organization’s recognition as a

Registered Student Organization.



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e) The Director of Clubs and Organizations shall appoint a member of Student Government to be

a representative at the Student Organization Advisory Council, with the confirmation of the

Senate.

Section 3.11 Student Organization Advisory Council Representative (Bylaw)

a) The new President elect shall appoint two SOAC representatives who shall carry out duties on

behalf of Student Government within the Student Organization Advisory Council.

b) Duties of both SOAC representatives shall begin at the start of the new fiscal year, and

terminate after the Director of Clubs and Organizations has been appointed, and confirmed by

the Senate.

Section 3.12 Secretary

a) The Secretary shall keep detailed minutes of all Student Government General Assembly

meetings. The minutes must be posted in the Student Government office and forwarded to

the Webmaster no later than the day before the General Assembly meeting at which they will

be approved.

b) The Secretary shall keep all official correspondence and documents of Student Government

including the archival of relevant the Student Government e-mails account upon their

discretion.

c) The Secretary shall be responsible for duties as requested by the President.

d) The Secretary shall be responsible for maintaining a schedule of all university committee

meetings and all meetings with university administration and campus community.

Section 3.13 Duties of the Secretary (Bylaw)

a) The Secretary shall present minutes at the General Assembly meetings.

b) The Secretary shall be responsible for making room reservations for all Student Government

activities.

c) The Secretary shall organize and assign mailboxes in the Student Government office for all

members.

d) The Secretary shall update the member contact list when appropriate.

e) The Secretary shall keep an up-to-date list of all active members and their attendance to

General Assembly, Senate and Committee meetings.

f) The Secretary shall be responsible for purchasing necessary office supplies for the Student

Government office.

g) When an absence is accrued the member must be notified via email ,by the Secretary, prior to

the next meeting. Failure to do so renders the absence null and void

Section 3.14 Director of Public Relations

a) The Director of Public Relations shall serve on the Public Relations Committee.

b) The Director of Public Relations shall create and update the Student Government webpage as

needed.

c) The Director of Public Relations shall be responsible for carrying out any initiative approved by

the Public Relations Committee.

d) The Public Relations Committee Chair and the Public Relations Director shall work together to

delegate tasks and responsibilities to the members of the committee.



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Section 3.15 Duties of the Director of Public Relations (Bylaw)

a) The Director of Public Relations shall oversee the Student Government’s social networks.

b) The Director of Public Relations shall maintain Student Government domain space with the

University.

Section 3.16 Director of Greek Affairs (Bylaw)a) The Director of Greek affairs shall be required to attend both Student Government Meetings

and Greek Leadership Council meetings

b) The Director of Greek Affairs shall serve as an Ex-Officio member of Greek Leadership Council

(GLC) with no voting privileges, but as a liaison.

c) The Director of Greek Affairs shall be responsible for coordinating any events between the

Greek Leadership Council and Student Government upon the request of the Presidents.

d) The Director of Greek Affairs has the power to relay information to Student Government from

the Greek Leadership Council or to Greek Leadership Council from Student Government.

e) The Director of Greek Affairs may not be the president of their Greek chapter while they are

holding the position as Director of Greek Affairs.

f) The President of Student Government should consult with the President of Greek LeadershipCouncil prior to the appointment of the Director of Greek Affairs.

g) The Director of Greek Affairs shall be a member in good standing of a Greek Leadership

Council-recognized fraternity or sorority at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

h) Greek Leadership Council meeting absences shall count toward the Director of Greek Affairs’

Student Government absence limit.

Section 3.17 Director of Inclusion (Bylaw)

a) The Director of Inclusion shall work to assure that all University of Michigan-Dearborn

students, staff, faculty, and organizations observe University and Office for Inclusion

guidelines regarding non discrimination and inclusion.

b) The Director of Inclusion shall work to eliminate all forms of prejudice, discrimination, and/orbias at the University of Michigan-Dearborn.

c) The Director of Inclusion shall work to promote collaboration between University of

Michigan-Dearborn student organizations.

ARTICLE IV

SUCCESSION

Section 4.01 Executive Succession

a) In the event that the office of the President becomes vacant, the Vice President shall become

President.

b) In the event that the office of the Vice President becomes vacant, the President shall appointa Vice President from the Senate.

c) In the event that the office of the President and Vice President both become vacant

simultaneously, the Speaker of the Senate will act as President for the duration of the

President’s term. In the event that the office of the Speaker of the Senate becomes vacant, an

election shall be held within the Senate to elect a Speaker of the Senate from within their

ranks.



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d) In the event that the offices of President and Vice President both become vacant

simultaneously and the Speaker of the Senate should decline the position of President, an

election will be held among members of the Senate to elect a President from within their

ranks by plurality.

Section 4.02 Senate Succession (Bylaw)

a) In the event that a Senate seat becomes vacant after the election results are declared, and

before the next election is held, the Senate seat shall be filled by the next highest vote

receiver in the most recent election, provided that the candidate is still eligible to serve.

b) If the next highest vote receiver chooses not to serve on the General Assembly, then the order

of precedence will proceed towards the n--+9ext highest vote receiver, and so forth until all

Senate seats become occupied.

c) The order of precedence for the next highest vote-getters to fill vacated Senate seats will

presume in the fashion outlined in subsection (a) and (b) of this section until the first General

Assembly meeting held after the most recent election.

d) Following the calling to order of the first meeting after the most recent election, vacated

Senate positions will be filled following the guidelines laid out in Article II, Section 7.01,subsection (a).



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ARTICLE V

ACCOUNTABILITY

Section 5.01 Attendance

a) All Student Government members are required to attend their respective Executive Board,

University, and/or internal Student Government committee meetings.b) If any member receiving a total of (5) unexcused absences from General Assembly meetings,

Senate meetings, and office hours may be immediately removed from office without notice.

c) Given the majority consent of the Executive Board, the President may grant an excused

absence to any member for a General Assembly meeting. Given the majority consent of the

Executive Board, the Speaker of the Senate may grant an excused absence to any member for

a Senate meeting.

d) Any Student Government member is considered absent from a meeting if they are not in

attendance for 2/3 of that meeting.

e) General Assembly and Senate meeting shall count as (1) absence towards a members total

absences.

f) Any Student Government member may apply for a leave of absence on an as-need basis for a

period of time befitting the circumstance. A leave of absence may be granted by a majority

vote of the Executive Board.

Section 5.02 Excused Absences (Bylaw)

a) A UM-Dearborn Student Government member may request an excused absence for a General

Body or Senate meeting by sending a written request to the Secretary.

b) Executive Board members shall vote on the individual’s excused absence request at the

Executive Board meeting following the receipt of the request. The status of the absence is

considered pending until an official vote of the Executive Board is taken. A majority vote of

the Executive Board is required to approve the request.

c) It is the responsibility of the Secretary to inform the individual, in writing, of the decision of

the Executive Board within five (5) business days of the official vote. If the request is denied, a

reason for its denial must be included.

d) If a member wishes to overturn a ruling of the Executive Board, they may appeal it to the

Senate. A two-thirds (⅔) vote of the Senate is required.

Section 5.03 Leaves of Absence (Bylaw)

a) An individual on a leave of absence shall be subtracted from the total number of voting

senators.

b) Leaves of absence may not be requested during Fall and Winter semesters.

c) An individual on a leave of absence shall forego their right to vote on all UM-Dearborn

Student Government matters for the term of their leave.

d) A UM-Dearborn Student Government member may request a leave of absence by sending a

written request to the Secretary. The written request must include the reason for and

duration of the request.

e) Executive Board members shall vote on the individual’s leave of absence request at the

Executive Board meeting following the receipt of the request. The status of the leave is



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considered pending until an official vote of the Executive Board is taken. A majority vote of

the Executive Board is required to approve the request.

f) If a member wishes to overturn a ruling of the Executive Board, they may appeal it to the

Senate. A two-thirds (⅔) vote of the Senate is required.

g) An individual that is approved for three (3) or more consecutive excused absences during the

summer semester shall instead be placed on a leave of absence for the duration of theirrequest, if there are available leaves of absence.

h) A maximum of five (5) individuals may be on leaves of absence at any given time. Leaves of

absence are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

i) An individual may terminate their leave of absence at any time by notifying the Executive

Board in writing of their request.

Section 5.04 Committee Absences (Bylaw)

a) Internal committee meetings shall count as one-half (1/2) absence toward a member’s total

UM-Dearborn Student Government absences.

b) It is at the sole discretion of each internal committee chair to excuse internal committee

meeting absences.

Section 5.05 Dress Code

a) The dress code for all General Assembly meetings is to be professional at all times.

b) The wearing of sweatpants, sweatshirts, shorts, flip-flops or torn and ragged clothing is not

permitted by any Student Government member that will be in attendance at a General

Assembly meeting.

c) (Bylaw) The dress code for all Senate meetings shall be business casual. Jeans are permitted.

d) (Bylaw) The wearing of sweatpants, sweatshirts, shorts, flip-flops, torn, or ragged clothing is

not permitted at a Senate meeting.

e) Members that fail to abide by this rule will be asked to exit the meeting immediately.

Members that are asked to leave a meeting will be counted as absent and will automaticallyreceive (1) absence on their attendance record.

f) At the discretion of the chair, any member in violation of the dress code may remain

and fully participate at the meeting but will still receive an absence. The secretary must

notify the violator before the next meeting.

Section 5.06 Office Hours

a) Each Senator is required to hold a minimum of (2) office hours each week within the Student

Government office, or in an approved forum as approved by a majority of the Executive

Board.

b) Missed office hours shall count as a half (.5) absence towards a members total absences.

c) Missed office hours must be excused by the Speaker of the Senate prior to the absence andmust be made up within one week of the missed date or an absence will be assigned to that

member’s attendance record.

Section 5.07 Technology

a) The use of technology, other than that which is specifically being used for the purpose of

conducting a meeting, is not allowed during a General Assembly, Senate or committee

meeting. This includes, but is not limited to, cell phones, smart phones, and laptop computers.



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b) Members and visitors that fail to abide by this rule will be asked to exit the meeting

immediately at the discretion of the chair. Members that are asked to leave a meeting will be

counted as absent and will automatically receive (1) absence on their attendance record.

c) When the violation occurs the chair must immediately notify the member. The chair shall

decide whether or not the member may remain and fully participate.

d) Should the chair allow the violator to remain and fully participate at the meeting, they shall

instead receive (1) absence. The secretary must notify the violator before the next meeting.”

ARTICLE VI

PARLIAMENTARY PROCEDURE

Section 6.01 Robert’s Rules of Order

a) Student Government General Assembly and Senate meetings will be conducted according to

Parliamentary Procedure as described in the most current edition of Robert’s Rules of Order.

b) All newly elected senators must attend a mandatory workshop held by the Member at Large

to familiarize them with Parliamentary Procedure and the Student Government Constitution.

Section 6.02 General Assembly and Senate Meeting Structure (Bylaw)

a) New Registered Student Organizations seeking Senate approval are to present their

organization at General Assembly meetings, but the Senate may approve a Registered Student

Organization at both General Assembly and/or Senate meetings.

b) The chair should set a limit on the discussion time for each voting member impartially.

c) Meetings shall conclude no later than 9:00 p.m. Time extensions require majority approval.

Section 6.03 Committee Meetings (Bylaw)

a) Committee meetings should occur in the same area, so as to encourage collaboration

between members of different committees.

b) Committee meetings will be held for duration of one-half hour to an hour before the General

Assembly and/or Senate meetings, unless determined otherwise by committee chairs and the

President.

Section 6.04 Special Meetings (Bylaw)

a) Special meetings may only be called for and chaired by the President.

b) Special meetings require forty-eight hour prior notification to all members.

c) Any policy or motion voted on during a Special meeting is binding

Section 6.05 Spring and Summer Meetings (Bylaw)

a) After all newly elected members of Student Government have been sworn into office, the

newly elected President shall have the authority to call for any Spring/Summer meetings.

Section 6.06 University of Michigan Student Governments’ Council (Bylaw)

a) The University of Michigan-Dearborn Student Government shall be a full member of the

University of Michigan Student Governments' Council (UMSGC) defined as follows:

b) Purpose –

i. The purpose of the University of Michigan Student Governments’ Council shall be to

encourage and facilitate open communication between the Michigan Student



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Assembly at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, the Student Government at the

University of Michigan-Dearborn, and the Student Government at the University of

Michigan-Flint.

ii. When there is a setting where all three University of Michigan campuses are present,

the Student Governments’ Council shall strive to set collaborative goals and function

in the spirit of a common voice.c) Membership –

i. The University of Michigan Student Governments’ Council shall be comprised of the

elected or appointed student government members from each of the respective

University of Michigan campuses.

d) Meetings –

i. The University of Michigan Student Governments’ Council shall meet at least one time

per year during the fall semester by the end of October. All further communication

and updates are strongly encouraged between the Presidents, Executive Boards, and

any other appointed or elected members of each of the respective University of

Michigan Student Governments. Further meetings may be scheduled if deemed

necessary by each of the three Michigan campuses.e) Objectives –

i. The University of Michigan Student Governments’ Council shall have the following

objectives:

ii. Collaborate for at least one Tri-Campus event per year.

iii. Foster communication among all three University of Michigan Student Governments.

f) Rules of Order –

i. Roberts Rules of Order, Newly Revised shall serve as the parliamentary rules of order

for the UMSGC.

ARTICLE VIIINAUGURATION

Section 7.01 Inauguration Ceremony

a) There shall be an official inauguration ceremony in April during which all newly elected

members of Student Government take the oath of office. This ceremony, which may or may

not be a part of regular business, shall take place no later than 6 weeks after election polls are

closed.

b) At the commencement of the winter inauguration ceremony, the lame-duck president shall

take the floor of the meeting. They shall call forth the President- elect and administer the oath

of office. The new President shall then administer the oath to the Vice President, who shall in

turn administer it to the Senators- elect.



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ARTICLE VIII

ETHICS

Section 8.01 Ethics

a) No Student Government member may receive monetary compensation for vending, sales, or

services relative to Student Government unless it is approved by a majority of the Senate.b) Any Student Government member may be removed from office by impeachment for

ineffectiveness, neglect of duty, or malfeasance in office.

c) Student Government will grant no financial assistance of any form to support any partisan

political activity.

d) No member may serve on both the Executive Board and the Senate simultaneously.

e) All Student Government members will abide by the Student Code of Conduct at the University

of Michigan-Dearborn.

f) All instances of ethical misconduct shall be sent to the Rules and Ethics Committee for review

and report.

ARTICLE IX

THE JUDICIARY

Section 9.01 Structure

a) The Student Judiciary shall consist of five judges. Smaller courts can be made at the discretion

of the Senate.

b) The judges shall be appointed by the President of Student Government, with the advice of the

Vice Chancellor of Enrollment Management & Student Life. Once appointed, the potential

justice must have the consent of the Senate to become a member of the court.

c) The Chief Justice of the court will be chosen among the five members of the court as they see

fit. The Chief Justice will preside during hearings involving all members of the court.


a) Members of the Court must be a currently enrolled student at the University of

Michigan-Dearborn. Members of the Court must also maintain a cumulative grade point

average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher, and enrolled in at least (6) credits if they are an undergraduate

student or (5) credits if they are a graduate student.

b) The term of office for a member of the court lasts as long as they are a registered student at

the University of Michigan-Dearborn, or until they choose to resign.

c) Members of the Court cannot be simultaneously a member of either the executive or

legislative branches of Student Government.

d) A former President or Vice President of the Student Government may not be nominated to

the court for a period of one year after leaving office.



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Section 9.03 Jurisdiction

a) The Student Judiciary shall have jurisdiction over all conflicts of law and equity arising out of

this compiled code between the legislative and executive branches of the Student

Government.

b) The Student Judiciary will resolve all matters regarding Student Government election disputes

by adhering to the election guidelines and the compiled code.c) The Judiciary does not mediate individual student disputes. Any cases involving individual

student disputes must be referred to the Student Affairs Proceedings Advisor for conflict

resolution services. Any case regarding discrimination or harassment must be referred to the

Institutional Equity Officer. Any case regarding academic misconduct must be referred to the

appropriate standards committee for individual’s academic unit.

d) Members of the Student Judiciary will be allowed to participate and aid in the periodic

revision of the Student Code of Conduct.

e) Members of the court will form the pool of students to be chosen as full members of the

Non-Academic Hearing Board. Two members of the court will be a part of each individual case

heard by the board. The pool will be run on a rotation; two members chosen per case. If there

is a conflict of interest between a member of the court in a case which they are to hear, then

they shall excuse themselves or be removed from the case and be replaced by the next

member of the court on the rotation.

ARTICLE X

ADVISOR

Section 10.01 Duties of the Advisor

a) The Director of Student Activities shall appoint the Advisor for Student Government.

b) The Advisor shall serve as an ex-officio member of Student Government.

c) The Advisor shall advise the Executive Board and Senate on the policies of Student

Government.

d) The Advisor shall review all Student Government documents and related material.

e) The Advisor shall serve as a resource to the members of Student Government and provide

consultation on potential legislation.

f) The Advisor of Student Government shall serve as the Member at Large for the purpose of

internal conflict resolution in Student Government.

g) The advisor shall serve as a primary authorized signer on all financial activity within the

office of student engagement.



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ARTICLE XI

STANDING COMMITTEES

Section 11.01 Committee Structure

a) Any Executive Board member assigned to serve on a committee shall not chair that committee

nor have voting privileges within the committee.b) Members of the committee shall choose their own chair. If a consensus cannot be reached

then the Speaker of the Senate may appoint a member of the committee to be the chair.

Section 11.02 Appropriations Committee

a) The Appropriations Committee shall be comprised of six Senators and the Treasurer.

b) All requests for appropriations shall be presented to and approved by the Appropriations

Committee.

c) The Appropriations Committee shall discuss and vote on all requests for Student Government

funds. If the Appropriations Committee approves a request, it will then go to the Student

Government General Assembly Meeting for a simple majority approval. The Appropriations

Committee may send any appropriation to the Senate with the recommendation that it bedebated on the floor.

d) The Appropriations Committee shall meet within 48 hours prior to each Student Government

General Assembly Meeting.

e) If the Appropriations Committee does not approve a request for funds, the President may

bring the request to the Student Government General Assembly Meeting. The request must

be approved by a two-thirds vote of the Senate.

f) The Chair of the Appropriations Committee shall nominate members of the Stipend Review

Committee through a joint effort with the Chair of the Rules and Ethics Committee.

Section 11.03 Rules and Ethics Committee

a) The Rules and Ethics Committee shall consist of at least one member from each school.b) The Rules and Ethics Committee shall be responsible for interpreting Robert's Rules of Order

and Parliamentary Procedure with regard to the Student Government Constitution and its

By-laws.

c) All proposed amendments to the Student Government Constitution or its bylaws must be

presented to and approved by the Rules and Ethics Committee.

d) The Rules and Ethics Committee shall meet within 48 hours prior to each Student

Government General Assembly Meeting.

e) The Chair of the Rules and Ethics Committee shall select members of the Stipend Review

Committee through a joint effort with the Chair of the Appropriations Committee.

Section 11.04 Student and Academic Affairs Committeea) The Student and Academic Affairs Committee shall be authorized and responsible for the

oversight of academic and student life for all students.

b) The Student and Academic Affairs Committee shall make recommendations of student

appointments to the Faculty Senate, University, University campus, and college/school

advisory and governing board and committees.

c) The Student and Academic Affairs Committee shall lobby the Faculty Senate, University,

University campus, and college/school advisory and governing board and committees and



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administration for actions and policies that will benefit and improve the quality of academics

and student life at the University campus.

d) The Student and Academic Affairs Committee shall act to protect the rights of students as

scholars, students, citizens, and persons.

Section 11.05 Research and Development Committee

a) The Research and Development Committee shall design and construct surveys to be taken by

persons of the student body, which should essentially encompass student issues.

b) The Research and Development Committee shall collaborate and work with the Research and

Development office to ensure valid survey methods.

c) The Research and Development Committee shall construct feasible plans based on survey

results and then pitch their plans to the senate.

d) The Research and Development Committee shall meet within 48 hours prior to each Student

Government General Assembly and Senate Meeting.

Section 11.06 Public Relations Committee

a) The Public Relations Committee shall be responsible for the marketing and advertising of all

events and initiatives related to Student Government.

b) The Public Relations Committee shall, at their discretion, collaborate with other branches and

committees within Student Government for the purposes outlined in subsection (a).



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ARTICLE XII (Bylaw)

STUDENT ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN

Section 12.01 Student Association of Michigan (SAM) Council

a) The members of the SAM Council shall serve as representatives of the UM-Dearborn Student

Government at all Student Association of Michigan activities. b) Pending a majority vote of the Senate, the UM-Dearborn Student Government shall cover the

cost of Student Association of Michigan membership dues, to be paid at the first SAM

conference of the academic year.

Section 12.02 SAM Council Structure

a) The SAM Council shall consist of one (1) dedicated seat.

i. Board of Directors Delegate (BOD)

b) Members of the SAM Council may consist of any member of the UM-Dearborn Student

Government.

c) The BOD Delegate shall be appointed by the UM-Dearborn Student Government President,

and confirmed by a majority vote of the UM-Dearborn Student Government Senate. d) The BOD Delegate shall assign a sitting Student Government member to serve in their

capacity, in the event that the Delegate is unable to attend a SAM conference.

i. While attending a SAM conference, the assigned member has all of the rights and

responsibilities of the BOD Delegate.

e) Additional SAM Council seats shall be available to any UM-Dearborn student sitting on the

SAM Executive Board.

Section 12.03 SAM Council Member Duties

a) Members of the SAM Council are required to attend all scheduled SAM conferences and

conference calls.

i. Any missed conference equals one (1) unexcused absence per conference, and anymissed conference call equals one-half (.5) unexcused absence per conference call.

Absences accrued as a result of missed conferences or conference calls will count

against a member’s UM-Dearborn Student Government absence limit.

ii. A SAM Council member is considered to be absent from a SAM conference or

conference call if they are not in attendance for at least 2/3 of the meeting.

iii. Absences may be excused following the same procedure stated in the Student

Government Compiled Code.

b) SAM Council members must report SAM activities to the UM-Dearborn Student Government.

i. The BOD Delegate shall report all SAM activities at each UM-Dearborn Student

Government meeting.

Section 12.04 Term of Officea. The term of office for the BOD Delegate shall follow the term of office as enumerated in theBylaws of the Student Association of Michigan.

Section 12.05 Removal of SAM Council Members

a) The BOD Delegate may be removed from office for ineffectiveness, neglect of duty, or

malfeasance in office by a two-thirds vote of the UM-Dearborn Student Government Senate.

b) If a BOD Delegate is removed from office, the UM-Dearborn Student Government President

shall appoint a successor within ten (10) business days.



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Section 12.06 SAM Council Reimbursements

a) The UM-Dearborn Student Government is responsible for reimbursing SAM Council members

for the following expenses while partaking in SAM activities:

● Hotel

● Transportation

b) Receipts of all transactions made must be provided by each SAM Council member to theUM-Dearborn Student Government Treasurer before a reimbursement is disbursed.

ARTICLE XIII

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT PROCESS

Section 13.01 Amending the Constitution

a) All proposed amendments presented by the Rules and Ethics Committee must be approved by

a two-thirds majority of the Senate.

b) Amendments approved by the Senate must be placed on a referendum ballot. These

amendments must be approved by a majority of the votes cast by the student body in order

to be enacted.

Section 13.02 Amending the Bylaws

a) All proposed amendments to the Student Government bylaws must be presented to and

approved by the Rules and Ethics committee.

b) After approval by the Rules and Ethics committee, two-thirds majority in the Senate must

approve an amendment to the bylaws.


SG Constitution 1

Documents

Transcript of SG Constitution 1